New FSX rig - Need advice

[ZaPHoD 0]

FIrst post - I was drawn to this forum when looking at building a new PC, mainly for running FSX. The FSXMark11 and Pictures of our FSX Computers are both interesting and informative in this respect.So, for a while now I have been wanting to upgrade my old 2004 PC (AMD Athlon64 3700+ I think) to a new one, which should be able to provide a much improved experience with FSX.I had my mind set on the i7 2700k, but after reading this post which suggests that the 3930k runs circles around the 2700k, I am confused.So now I basically have 2 options regarding the core:Option1:CPU: i7-2700k (4 cores, socket 1155)Mobo: ASUS Maximus IV Extreme-ZRAM: no idea - please adviseOption2:CPU: i7-3930k (6 cores, socket 2011)Mobo: ASUS Rampage IV Extreme (BF3 ed.)RAM: not a clue - please adviseThe following hardware would apply to both socket types:GPU: eVGA GTX580 DS Superclocked (1.5Gb)HDD 1: OCZ Vertex 3 Max IOPS 120Gb (OS)HDD 2: OCZ Vertex 3 Max IOPS 120Gb (FSX, and other games)PSU: Corsair HX750Case: Fractal Design Define XL USB 3.0 Black PearlCooling (Air): Scythe Mugen 2 rev BOS: Windows 7 Ultimate x64 UKMonitor: For now, keep current 2x Samsung 223BW's for now (22"; 1680x1050).My budget is flexible within reason (which means additional expenses must be justifiable, if only to myself), and the budget is growing as time passes. I'll be blowing my Christmas bonus on this rig. Have the wife's blessing, so everything's aaaalright!With the 2700k, I'm currently at about €1859 (approx. $2425) (total, ex OS, ex Monitors).QUESTIONS:Regarding CPU: The 3930k would mean an cost increase of 50% (+€300/$390) on CPU + Mobo alone - is this worth it? Can the performance difference be quantified? (Does it perform at least 50% better?)Also, is the 2011 socket a 'keeper'? I'd like to be able to upgrade CPU and perhaps mem in one or two years, as prices drop. (Previously had a P4 socket 478, with RIMM memory -- all obsolete and no longer sold within 1 or 2 years... left me up the creek!)Regarding Motherboard: Are these good picks? Is the Z68 chipset better than the P67?Regarding RAM: With the 2700k, the Motherboard is capable of running 2133MHz DDR3, but most people seem to use CL7 1600MHz modules?Regarding GPU: I might add a 2nd of the same type for SLI in the future, when prices drop. Would this in SLI have a large positive effect on FSX? How about on First-Person Shooters?Regarding Monitor: In future, I might upgrade to 2x or 3x 1920x1080.Corey Meeks advises here to take the 2500k instead of the 2600k (the performance increase does not justify the added cost). Would this apply to the 2700k also?The games I play:Note I am not (yet) running any add-ons. Just stock FSX. I will probably install PMDG-B737 in due time though. (And MS Flight ofc).I also enjoy playing FPS (GTA IV finally, BF2, BF3, Call of Duty etc) and MMORPG's from time to time (EVE online mostly), in case this matters.Sorry for the long post. Thanks for reading (or for skipping ahead). Looking forward to your thoughts and ideas!- Martin

[alainneedle1 97]

For all games If you are playing at very high resolution or more than one monitor get the GTX 580 3GB.http://www.legitrevi...article/1802/1/ read the conclusion.Need a little more power.....http://www.techpower...hics-cards.htmlEDIT: get a bigger PSU.... http://www.guru3d.co...-supply-review/ Option 2 is better if you are getting HT games (not for FSX) exp" XP-10, crysis 2, I have Crysis 2 and I enable HT (4.4GHz with HT on) the game is just crazy good and the grafics are incredible on a 63" TV....

[Ben Cap 89]

Corsair AX850 watt will be better....1000W is absurd.... NOBODY needs 1000W.... Ridiculous waste of money for one

[VirginAus737 0]

Well some people do. If you were to add a second 580 with the 3930K, you might be on the borderline with 850W. Depends how much other stuff and overclocking you do.

[alainneedle1 97]

Corsair AX850 watt will be better....1000W is absurd.... NOBODY needs 1000W.... Ridiculous waste of money for one

Do your home work before telling other what not to buy...http://c1.neweggimages.com/BizIntell/tool/psucalc/index.html?cm_sp=Subcat58_PowerSupply_left-_-PowerSupplyFinder022610-_-http%3a%2f%2fpromotions.newegg.com%2fproductfinders%2fpowersupply.jpg

[Ben Cap 89]

Do your home work before telling other what not to buy...http://c1.neweggimag...powersupply.jpg

So you are telling me that some newegg.com link is accurate? I think not....http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7epu4oEQVR4A very well respected computer nerd/tech reviewer tested the wattage of a computer running a 980X and FOUR GTX 480's.The PC was pulling around 1100watts at PEAK. -- This is literally the most ridiculous system power draw that I have EVER seen. FOUR 480's.NOTE:This system could be run on a 900WATT PSU. The AC current out of the wall gets "converted" within the PSU so 1100ACwatts=900DCwatts PSUYou guys need to open your eyes. There is NO NEED for this poor guy to rip his wallet for a USLESS waste of money....So, summarizing what I said:I am tired of reading these forums and seeing people that are so wasteful about purchasing powersupplies that they think they need a THOUSAND freakin watts to run a system that would probably run on a 600-700 watt PSU PERFECTLY.-Those companies have successfully BRAINWASHED you all in to believing that you need to throw all of your hard earned cash at a usless peice of hardware that is such an overkill you couldn't possibly EVER use it all.Start arguing with facts before you throw a pointless link at me telling me "do my homework".Yeah... You turn for some homework

[alainneedle1 97]

So you are telling me that some newegg.com link is accurate? I think not....A very well respected computer nerd/tech reviewer

Yes, do your home work, the OP is asking about a GTX 580 and I showed him a GTX 580 classified.....read about the power consumption (bottom of the page) when this card was overclocked (439W) by Guru3D, now if you want to challenge their result be my guess and make sure you tell them about the very well respected nerd/tech reviewer....http://www.guru3d.co...ified-review/22By the way Guru3D used a 1200W PSU for their testing...http://www.guru3d.co...sified-review/9Start arguing with facts before you throw a pointless comments about a very well respected computer nerd/tech reviewer....

[Ben Cap 89]

Yes, do your home work, the OP is asking about a GTX 580 and I showed him a GTX 580 classified.....read about the power consumption (bottom of the page) when this card was overclocked (439W) by Guru3D, now if you want to challenge their result be my guess and make sure you tell them about the very well respected nerd/tech reviewer....http://www.guru3d.co...ified-review/22By the way Guru3D used a 1200W PSU for their testing...http://www.guru3d.co...sified-review/9

I am done fighting with you....

[alainneedle1 97]

No fight, nothing personal, just facts with relevant links so the OP can make an educated decision, did you not ask me to argue with facts?

[dazz 69]

when this card was overclocked (439W) by Guru3D, now if you want to challenge their result be my guess and make sure you tell them about the very well respected nerd/tech reviewer....

dude, that's total system power draw. They estimated the 580 itself draws 286W, the AX750 is more than enoughWe know you love overkill, but c'mon

[Ben Cap 89]

dude, that's total system power draw. They estimated the 580 itself draws 286W, the AX750 is more than enoughWe know you love overkill, but c'mon

THANK YOU!! :D

[alainneedle1 97]

dude, that's total system power draw. They estimated the 580 itself draws 286W, the AX750 is more than enoughWe know you love overkill, but c'mon

Dazz, I'm not saying that a 750W is not enough on a GTX 580 classified with the OP's rig running at default spec., start overclocking the i7-3930K the GTX 580 classified and add other stuff and we will see if the OP rig can keep a stable overclock at 4.8GHz on a 750W PSU

[Ben Cap 89]

Dazz, I'm not saying that a 750W is not enough on a GTX 580 classified with the OP's rig running at default spec., start overclocking the i7-3930K the GTX 580 classified and add other stuff and we will see if the OP rig can keep a stable overclock at 4.8GHz on a 750W PSU

I bet you it can- If that system with FOUR 480's was only drawing 850-900 watts AT PEAK. I STRONGLY doubt that anything that this guy will be doing will even come close...

[dazz 69]

Dazz, I'm not saying that a 750W is not enough on a GTX 580 classified with the OP's rig running at default spec., start overclocking the i7-3930K the GTX 580 classified and add other stuff and we will see if the OP rig can keep a stable overclock at 4.8GHz on a 750W PSU

Even with overclock, it's enough. If you plan on pushing both the CPU and GPU to it's absolute limits, 850W to be safe would be ok, but the OP never said he would be overclocking the GPUTo draw more than 700W you would need a massive GPU and GPU OC and have them both at 100%

[alainneedle1 97]

Even with overclock, it's enough. If you plan on pushing both the CPU and GPU to it's absolute limits, 850W to be safe would be ok, but the OP never said he would be overclocking the GPUTo draw more than 700W you would need a massive GPU and GPU OC and have them both at 100%

I understand that but who's not overclocking his rig for FSX? When overclocking you need to make sure you'll have enough room wattage wise cause you don't want to draw power from your PSU to close to it's limit to stay stable unless the OP is welling to play FSX with all sliders to the left, as we all know FSX WILL stress a system to it's limit if you don't want to see a slide show.Here, Evga requirements..... a minimum of 600W PSU for this card, so your system will work on 600W with this card but like I said start overclocking the CPU, GPU add some cooling fan and a sound cards and you'll need a lot more power, I would not be surprised to see the OP going SLI since he's playing other games....better be safe than sorry.http://www.evga.com/products/moreInfo.asp?pn=03G-P3-1595-AR&family=GeForce 500 Series Family&sw=