How would you spend $250?

[Milo1272]

Hello all,

I plan to purchase several software products in the future months (REX when available, and maybe one of the FTX regions or a new plane or two), but I have an additional $250 USD to spend on hardware. I'm curious what you all think I should get first.

My system is 10 months old.

[expat]

If I had $250 to spare, I would fill the petrol tank of my car to the brim

Matt

[Wii]

Get a new graphics card, next might be the monitor, then trackir, then a new CPU maybe not in that exact order. Spread that out over the next 6 months and your good to go. But graphics card first. Go from an 8800GTX. Super cheap and works amazing with FSX from what I have heard. Maybe $150 on newegg or $120 recertified...I might get one haha!!

[jime59]

Hey Milo, I'm in the same boat as you. I have my eye on the 8800 Ultra for $199.00 at Tiger Direct but it would be somewhat a waste without the monitor to go with it, say a 22".
I currently use the 8800GT which is more than adequate for my lil 17" but that Ultra waters my mouth, If you know what I mean.

I read where it's a waste to have a "big" card that you can't use to full potential. Any comments anyone?

[Milo1272]

Hey Jime59, I'm sure tempted to get a big new card, but I wonder if I would be limiting it with my old and small monitor.

[jime59]

Then my suggestion would be to pick-up an 8800GT going for $125. It would be an improvement compared to what you currently have. Start saving for a 22" monitor beginning with the $125 you have remaining from your $250.
I love my 8800GT and am going with the monitor first. If the Ultra is still around later, maybe then I'll get it.

Good luck with whatever choice you make and please post what you end up with.

[Brett_Henderson]

If you're getting satisfactory performance out of that hardware, sit tight on it. Don't piece-meal upgrade... wait and do a TOTAL upgrade down the road....  because.......  if you're an avid simmer...  you MUST get a yoke and pedals.. it's a whole different simming experience.. you won't regret it..

[flavio]

i agree with brett.

also, when you really think about it, one of the most important things is the monitor. its your gateway into flight sim. its what links us to the simulator. the better and bigger it is, the more immersed you are, in my opinion. however, that is worthless if you dont have a pc that can support a ceritain monitor. still, 17 in is pretty small..

however, yoke throttles and especially rudders have completetly changed the way i sim. i cannot do it without those anymore, it just doesnt feel right, and i think they add the most realism for the money.

[JBaymore]

[quote]If you're getting satisfactory performance out of that hardware, sit tight on it. Don't piece-meal upgrade... wait and do a TOTAL upgrade down the road....

[jime59]

I totally agree about the yoke/rudder pedal set-up but I don't have the "luxury" of saving for one big upgrade. Being a Father of 4 boys does not allow for that so I upgrade when possible. I found a Hanns-G 22" marked-down $60 to $166 so I'm going to grab it while I can.
With the holidays right around the corner, it'll be next year before I can even think about the other things I want.

[Milo1272]

I appreciate the advice to pick up a yoke and a rudder, but I will probably invest in a monitor.

[homebrewer]

I just want a video set-up that can keep up with my right index finger...