$6000??

I'm sure this question has been asked before, but here goes!!!
I see gaming computers on ebay and different places for $6000, and while some of you guys can afford that kind of system, I can't. What would a middle of the road system consist of. Right now I have a HP laptop that I use, but if I turn the grafics up a little, the picture gets jerky. I am new at sims, and I know very little about computer systems. Thanks for any input.
Backwoods

This is mine.
It can run FSX full out and should be much cheaper now than I was 9 months ago.
If you build it, cheaper still.

http://flyawaysimulation.com/postt35696.html

you can build a system that is a half step below bleeding edge yourself for half of that.


Just research building your own computer, there are several resources out there and it's really not as hard as it sounds. Mostly it consists of picking out components and assembling them... Though it's a good idea to post your intended build on a good forum (such as overclock.net) and ask for advice before you start ordering parts.

Newegg is your friend

Oh and stay away from alienware. They're like macs... pretty, but stupidly expensive for the performance you get.

Just get yourself a good o'l Alienware Area-51, customized to the max.
I paid 4700 for mine, but I will tell you it's the best money I ever spent.

When you can spend MUCH less for the same performance.

Traches has given you the best advice here, build your own, it's much cheaper and they tend to be more reliable.

What RM said.