why did you spend that much on a computer that runs FSX?
we spent 300-500(don't know anymore) on the computer,the rest is all freeware...
well,ok,i run it at 5-10 FPS but there isn't much visual difference between 8 and 30 fps IMHO...
Well, I'll readily admit that I'm more hard-nosed and aggressive than most folks, that being said...
In general, they just didn't have the "horsepower" to make a nice, smooth take off and landing (even with a trike). I'm a veteran of over 80 re/installs with FSX/Acceleration. I went through the first 3 computers when SP1 was being worked on (we didn't know that at the time). I had #4 when SP2 was being worked on (we didn't know that at the time either). I still couldn't take off and land a Skyhawk without studdering, freezing and crashing with #5. #6 is now my back up, it is real good, it is an i7 920, 12Gs and 1G vid card with limited cooling. Now I have an i7 985, 16Gs and 2G vid card with eight fans and intercooler. With this computer I can take off, "fly" and land a small twin engine without a problem - all smooth, all the time, no crashes because of over-heating, running out memory etc. Basically, no excuses.
On the program side: I bought FSX on the release date for $80. I also bought Acceleration on it's release date for $60. Then UTX US&CAN, GEX NA, FEX, MTX, Traffic X, AFX, Heli-Traffic 2009, IS2, were about $40 a pop, REX was $80. So that's about $420. Over time I have purchased about 25-30 payware aircraft at an average of $30 a pop (quick math, jeez) $800-$900. I'm sure I'm forgetting some stuff like a registered version of FSUIPC to run some hardware - oh yeah, hardware, I have some Saitek and GoFlight stuff too.
And yeah, I write and edit my own AI traffic plans which I use along with freeware packages, I use some freeware sceneries and overhaul some of my local airports too.... I'd say I have invested a little bit into FSX.
Oh, I almost forgot, I enjoy "flying" all of my aircraft while checking out the nice scenery too!