Micro Center Custom Build for FSX

[brucets 47]

There is a Micro Center about 20 miles from my house. Here's a list of parts I have selected from their website in the last couple days: Cooler Master HAF 932 Full Tower Case $160 ASUS P8Z68-V PRO $210 (will check out bundles with cpu) Intel® Core™ i5 -2500K $180 EVGA GeForce GTX 560 TI $260 Corsair CMPSU-750AX Professional Series Gold AX750 $210 Corsair Hydro Series H100 extreme performance liquid CPU cooler $140 Patriot's Viper Xtreme 8GB (2 x 4GB) PC3-12800 (1600MHz) at 8-9-8-24 timings $85 Samsung 22X DVD+R SATA DVD Burner with Lightscribe Technology $25 Micro Center SandForce SF-1222 64GB SSD Processor $90 (OS) WD 3000HLFS 300GB 10,000 RPM VelociRaptor $150 (FSX) WD Caviar Blue 250GB 7200rpm hard drive $40 (miscellaneous) Windows 7 Professional SP1 64-bit OEM (PC) $139 Build Fee $125 Total Parts & Build Fee $1,814 Keeping in mind I would like to future proof as much as possible(for Flight)-----My questions are: 1.) Is the 560TI really enough GPU, let's say for a 40" single monitor, or should I get the super clocked 580? 2.) The ram selected is the lowest latency they have--- is it adequate? I could buy Mushkin Redline 7-8-7-24 from New Egg and they said they will install it. 3.) Is everything compatible? Any weak spots? I try to read all these threads, but am really not very tech oriented. Thanks for any comments. Bruce

[NGX 1]

Everything looks fine. If you can, I'd go for a 570 or 580, especially with a 40". That 560Ti is going to bottleneck a bit. I'm interested to see how well the H100 does as I am looking at it for when I build eventually.

[cmeeks 0]

Not sure if you saw my post the other day, but Microcenter is running a special right now: $50 off any compatible motherboard when purchasing the i5-2500k. All said and done, your 2500k / P8Z68-V Pro combo will be $340. Here's a link to the special: http://www.microcent...nding_0826.html What really matters with a GPU is resolution, not screen size. But even with a single 1080P monitor, the 560 should work just fine. A 570 or 580 will certainly bring a few more FPS, but I'm just not sure if it's worth the extra money. A satisfying FSX experience is more about smoothness, not max FPS. I'm not sure if better GPUs bring that or not. It's certainly worth checking out in the GPU forum to see what other's experiences have been. Not that it's going to make much difference, but I would order the Mushkin memory from newegg. Regarding cases, did you consider the Corsair 650D before you selected the HAF 932?

[brucets 47]

Thanks for the responses! I read here the 560TI is quite a good card, and it made some waves when it first came out, but I do think I'll splurge for the 580. I've looked at Stephen's reports on the 580 and I think maybe I should go that route, even though the cost is almost double the 560TI. And yes smoothness is what it's about. I don't really pay all that much attention to FPS. I get stutters sometimes with rather high FPS. Right now I have a Hanns G 28" monitor at 1920x1200, but would like one of those that run 2500x1600. Yes, Corey I did read your post on the Micro Center bundles, and printed out the web page to take with me. I also got the H100 idea from one of your posts. Might have been the same one. No, I did not check the Corsair 650D --- but will make that change based on your recommendation. I think the 932 was an earlier recommendation by some others, including Stephen. Thanks much for the feed back! Think I'll go to the Micro Center store tomorrow! Bruce

[ryanbatcund 2,423]

The rig looks pretty good. The only thing I would change is the case (I'm also a 650d owner), and the RAM, something with lower timings. Like 7-8-7-24 DDR3 1600: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820226241 IF you really do want to run that 25xx res... I would seriously look into the GTX580.

[brucets 47]

Yes, have made those changes! Will order that ram only 2x4Gb! Thanks Ryan.

[ryanbatcund 2,423]

Yes, have made those changes! Will order that ram only 2x4Gb! Thanks Ryan.

Ugh I'm a noob I posted the triple channel kit... whoops! Yes, you're right get the dual chanel 8GB.

[cmeeks 0]

This is going to be a sweet build! Let me know how you like the H100. Don't let anybody convince you to buy other fans for it. The stock fans that come with it are supposed to be very good.

[cmeeks 0]

My final recommendation would be an SSD with the much faster SF-2200 controller. For example: Corsair Force 3 or OCZ Vertex 3.

[momoshakeel 0]

Hmm or if you dont want to dish out for a GTX 580 then you could try SLI witht eh 560's because you have a strong enough powersupply and your mobo supports it :)

[brucets 47]

Okay ram is ordered will go to Micro Center tomorrow! Corey, the faster ssd for the os--- will that do anything for FSX? FSX will be entirely on the Vrap.I think I'll stick with the 580 GPU though. FSX doesn't do sli so the 580 is the optimal choice, I believe. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820226201

[ryanbatcund 2,423]

Hmm or if you dont want to dish out for a GTX 580 then you could try SLI witht eh 560's because you have a strong enough powersupply and your mobo supports it :)

I wouldn't do that with FSX. If he plays other games yeah fine.

[HUSSAR 174]

Okay ram is ordered will go to Micro Center tomorrow! Corey, the faster ssd for the os--- will that do anything for FSX? FSX will be entirely on the Vrap.I think I'll stick with the 580 GPU though. FSX doesn't do sli so the 580 is the optimal choice, I believe. http://www.newegg.co...N82E16820226201

Have you considered using VRap for OS and FSX and then have the SSD as a cache? You would only need a 20 Gb SSD. With the new Asus boards you can use Intel Smart Response Technology which basically makes the VRap much faster. Just a thought.

[cmeeks 0]

Corey, the faster ssd for the os--- will that do anything for FSX? FSX will be entirely on the Vrap.

It will do nothing for FSX.

[brucets 47]

Robert, don't have a clue about using the ssd for cache, etc!! Way beyond my knowledge level, as is most of this. I do, however, share your interest in travel and good food!