Proposed computer specs

[cowpatz]

Posted on AVSIM as well but I thought I'd post this here for a local view and recommendation.

Ok hopefully this is nailed this time.

OS: vista business 32 bit
Mobo: Asus P5Q3/Delux wifi
CPU: E8600
Vid: GTX280
Ram: 2 x 2GB Crucial DDR3 PC3-8500
Power: Antec Quattro 850W
SATA: 2 x Seagate Barracuda 500GB 32MB 7200 rpm

Concerning the RAM would 4 x 1GB Crucial Ballistix DDR3 PC3-10600 be better from a performance point of view?
Does DX10 warrant the move to Vista? I would prefer to stay with XP but I'll need Vista for DX10 with FSX.
Thanks for your scrutineering.
Steve

[HardCorePawn]

From what I have read/seen... the DX10 within FSX is not a compelling reason to upgrade to Vista... it has been termed a 'Preview'... and seems to be a bit buggy...

However a lot of other games are coming out that are DX10 only... so you may require it if you plan on doing other things.


As for the RAM, faster is always better... Also, as always, be aware that a 32bit OS will not give you access to all 4 gigs... I understand that Vista (and possibly the later versions of XP) will report the total size of memory installed, but is unable to utilise it all due to the inherent limitations in 32bit OSes...

[jastheace]

QUOTE (HardCorePawn @ Aug 23 2008, 10:04 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

From what I have read/seen... the DX10 within FSX is not a compelling reason to upgrade to Vista... it has been termed a 'Preview'... and seems to be a bit buggy...

However a lot of other games are coming out that are DX10 only... so you may require it if you plan on doing other things.


As for the RAM, faster is always better... Also, as always, be aware that a 32bit OS will not give you access to all 4 gigs... I understand that Vista (and possibly the later versions of XP) will report the total size of memory installed, but is unable to utilise it all due to the inherent limitations in 32bit OSes...

looks good specs there, from pratical standpoint, you will not gain much with directx 10, i noticed a frame rate hit and no real improvement overall, some reflections on the water were added, but it detracted from the realisim abit, i also had texture issues with some aircraft i have been revieiwing and lost the light "bulbs" aswell, stick to xp, but get a 64bit version if you can, as HCP mentioned. vista home preimum will report and use all 4gig (well it did on my machine before going back to XP) vista is also a resource hog too, it likes to use as much as it can!!!

[Anthony]

Your specs don't look too bad at all.
RAM, I can confirm that you will only see 3.5 GB or so of the 4 GB if you went for that much. Just the way 32 bit computing is, nothing much can be done really.
I did hear of some experimental thing that expands the memory addressing space or something, but it was buggy and not very good anyway.
I think if you've already got XP, then you should just stick with it. If you're going to buy a new copy/license anyway, then it's up to you.