Hey thanks ArchAngelCD,

Good idea, I'll head over to Dell and check out their systems.  I like your idea too, about building your own. If I go that route, I'm glad I can bring my questions here, I'm sure I'll have questions, thanks.  I guess I should start deciding which processor I want.  I'll do some research and come back with questions.

Thanks for all the good input and info.  I'll be reading the forums and learning all I can.

Taas

Thanks for the replies and helpful info.  

The model I'm looking at buying is the Compaq Presario SR1300NX.

The basic specs are:
Sempron 3000+ processor (Socket A, 512 mb L2 cache), 256 MB RAM, 60 Gig hard drive, CD-RW 48x32x48x.  One available AGP slot and two available PCI.

I realize now that I'll need more Ram and a good video card to really get the most from these two games/simulation apps.  The system is pretty good deal with rebates, though.  But for running FS and Nascar, it probably won't be cost effective to upgrade it.  
And from what I learned today, I can't changeout the processor either if I wanted to upgrade it later.  So, probably not worth getting afterall.  

Taas

Hi

I'd like to get some advice about a computer I'm thinking about getting.  I'm interested in buying a low-end Compaq computer that has an AMD Sempron 3000+ processor, Socket A.  Stock SDRAM, 256 MB.  I want to run all my basic apps and use it for Internet, but I'd also like to be able run Flight Simulator and Nascar as well.  I know it's just a basic computer, and I'll probably have to do some upgrading, but what kind of performance can I expect to get if I run these two programs?  Will this computer be able to run these two games with the computer's existing stock hardware, straight out of the box?  This is my first computer in 6 years and I haven't kept up with technology enough to know if this computer will work well or not.  Any advice and recommendations will be greatly appreciated.  Thanks.

Taas