Hey guys/gals, I've been without a computer for a year and a half, but I am finally saving up money for a new PC. I have several PMDG planes purchased in the past, and plan on buying the NGX eventually, so I know I need a good computer. After following the forums for over a year and reading people's suggestions, I have come up with a PC configuration that I think may work. Here is the link for my configuration: http://cyberpowerpc.com/saved/1DF3GA(couldn't create clickable link, might have to copy/paste. Link only available for 7 days) My main concerns are:Cooling ( I plan to overclock to 4.5ghz or more if possible)Correct mother board and USB selectionsCase selection for future enhancements I have a general budget of $1000 USD, which I've already exceeded here, so I think I've done the best for my budget. Please give me your comments/suggestions!!! ~William Genovese~

If you need reassurrance you should really post in the Hardware forums where the experts live ! My comments are that with the RAM you don't know the CAS number (probably 9), where 7 would be better.The video card looks to me like the weak link in this computer and you should consider an upgrade. I would suggest GTX560 or higher but I am not the best to answer this question.Power supply of 800 is fine, but then 750 is also fine for this system.Water cooling is overkill, I think but I did not see other options.Finally, on the Z68 board you may be able to save some money and get the P67 - again I am not the expert on this. I think with some tweaking of the components you will get a better result at similar price. You need to hear from the regulars on the MOBO forum for the best advice. Mark.

If you need reassurrance you should really post in the Hardware forums where the experts live ! My comments are that with the RAM you don't know the CAS number (probably 9), where 7 would be better.The video card looks to me like the weak link in this computer and you should consider an upgrade. I would suggest GTX560 or higher but I am not the best to answer this question.Power supply of 800 is fine, but then 750 is also fine for this system.Water cooling is overkill, I think but I did not see other options.Finally, on the Z68 board you may be able to save some money and get the P67 - again I am not the expert on this. I think with some tweaking of the components you will get a better result at similar price. You need to hear from the regulars on the MOBO forum for the best advice. Mark.

Mark- what is a CAS number for RAM?

RAM timing speed. Lower number is generally thought to reduce stutters (although it will not eliminate them 100%). Mark.

Got it thanks

Sosu if you can build a PC yourself for that much money im sure if you order the parts and build it yourself you can get a bit more for the money .Look at my signature the first PC1 was just under 1000 and it runs fsx with no problems at all .

Sosu if you can build a PC yourself for that much money im sure if you order the parts and build it yourself you can get a bit more for the money .

I'm thinking he doesn't want to build himself, otherwise he probably would have! To the OP. Nice rig, nice price. You'll like it! I do suggest a second HDD for FSX to reside on. The WD Caviar Black is the way to go. Anyway, two HDD (not RAID) is for me, a must.

I'm thinking he doesn't want to build himself, otherwise he probably would have! To the OP. Nice rig, nice price. You'll like it! I do suggest a second HDD for FSX to reside on. The WD Caviar Black is the way to go. Anyway, two HDD (not RAID) is for me, a must.

Yeah, can't build one myself. I can understand for the most part how parts work together and technical specs, but I don't want to screw it up by putting it together. Why is two hdd better? This will be a flight sim pc primarily as I use xbox for other games. Also, what kind of upkeep is necessary with liquid cooling? Is it a pain to maintain? Also, I can't afford the new gtx570/580. But I remember a post by Tabs not too long ago where he says the 460 gives a good bang for your buck

The upkeep for self contained liquid cooling is next to nothing. Except for the monthly dusting (weekly in my OCD case) there's nothing to maintain. Obviously one should be vigilant to look out for things out of the ordinary (leaks) but these cooling solutions are pretty resilient. Keep the radiator clear of dust and you're set! Putting FSX on the second hard drive is a tip that has been handed down for the past decade. Very, very basically, having FSX on the second HDD frees up the seeker head from doing other OS task. This means less noise, and less chance of blurries. Also, keeping an FSX devoted HDD defragmented is much simpler to me.

The upkeep for self contained liquid cooling is next to nothing. Except for the monthly dusting (weekly in my OCD case) there's nothing to maintain. Obviously one should be vigilant to look out for things out of the ordinary (leaks) but these cooling solutions are pretty resilient. Keep the radiator clear of dust and you're set! Putting FSX on the second hard drive is a tip that has been handed down for the past decade. Very, very basically, having FSX on the second HDD frees up the seeker head from doing other OS task. This means less noise, and less chance of blurries. Also, keeping an FSX devoted HDD defragmented is much simpler to me.

Good to know! Thanks for your input guys! Feeling pretty confident

I'm thinking he doesn't want to build himself, otherwise he probably would have! To the OP. Nice rig, nice price. You'll like it! I do suggest a second HDD for FSX to reside on. The WD Caviar Black is the way to go. Anyway, two HDD (not RAID) is for me, a must.

I think if you just put it somewhere else it will be OK but a second HDD would be better.