I am near ordering parts to make my first computer build, specifically to make FTX run really good. Below are my proposed specs. Yes I know that Ivy Bridge is coming out in the next several weeks, but I would prefer to wait until it is proven technology and is truly cost effective for FSX.

 

I have a few questions:

 

Any advantage to getting to getting 16 GB RAM as compared to 8 MB?

Any advantage to getting a 3072 MB GTX 580, as compared to the 1536 MB?

If I overclock, any advantage of getting the I7 2700K as compared to the 2600K?

 

Also, any other comments you have on my specs would be appreciated.

 

Case: CM HAF 932 or Corsair Obsidian 650D ???

Power Supply: Corsair Professional Gold 850-Watt 80 Plus

Motherboard: ASUS LGA 1155 -P8Z68 DELUXE/GEN3

CPU: I7 2700K

Cooling Fan: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus

RAM: Corsair Vengeance Blue 16 GB DDR3

Storage: Crucial 256 GB SSD (for Windows 7 + FSX), WD Caviar Black 1 TB SATA III 7200

Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 580 1536 MB GDDR5

I don't think you really need a 580 for FSX. It's 95% CPU and 5% CPU I believe. Other than that, it seems like everything else is good. If you want to, you can check on Ivy Bridge and wait until it releases as it is scheduled for release on April 29, 2012.

I don't think you really need a 580 for FSX. It's 95% CPU and 5% CPU I believe. Other than that, it seems like everything else is good. If you want to, you can check on Ivy Bridge and wait until it releases as it is scheduled for release on April 29, 2012.

 

I know what you're trying to say but it's not really like that...

 

With upgraded FSX, addons, nvidia inspector settings, higher res monitor (aka any one made within the last few years) - and the 580 over the 570/560ti will show a difference....

I know what you're trying to say but it's not really like that...

 

With upgraded FSX, addons, nvidia inspector settings, higher res monitor (aka any one made within the last few years) - and the 580 over the 570/560ti will show a difference....

 

True

You're probably right for stock FSX... which is why initially everyone was saying you don't need a better video card (even me).... but as time as moved on, so has the need (want) for more AA and AF...

I don't think you really need a 580 for FSX. It's 95% CPU and 5% CPU I believe. Other than that, it seems like everything else is good. If you want to, you can check on Ivy Bridge and wait until it releases as it is scheduled for release on April 29, 2012.

 

With FSX, you MUST have a powerful GPU when running a SB CPU @ or above 4.5GHZ. These results are very apparent within the FSMark11 thread.

You're probably right for stock FSX... which is why initially everyone was saying you don't need a better video card (even me).... but as time as moved on, so has the need (want) for more AA and AF...

 

Then maybe we should all buy a GTX 685 and then we'll get the best out of FSX.

Maybe... I'm not really following the new cards... Ben's the guy to ask hehe

 

 

Then maybe we should all buy a GTX 685 and then we'll get the best out of FSX.

 

Unfortunately there is no GTX 685 card. Only rumors that the GK110 chip may be called the 685 and will be out in Sept/Oct.

 

But much like all the other Nvidia rumors on Kepler you never know what will actually happen. I think you will see Nv keep the GK110 for the 690 or 700 series card unless AMD ups their game.

I don't think you really need a 580 for FSX.

 

As Ryan said, 560ti -> 580 gives about 33% boost in some situations when using high levels of AA in the Inspector (example 8xS + 2xSGSS to remove almost all shimmering).

 

Then maybe we should all buy a GTX 685 and then we'll get the best out of FSX.

 

I doubt that still. There are some vital differences between 580 and 680 even that might prove to be lower performing in FSX. But that is right now all a speculation. Almost noone owns it.

Then maybe we should all buy a GTX 685 and then we'll get the best out of FSX.

Maybe... I'm not really following the new cards... Ben's the guy to ask hehe

 

The 680 seems to be 5-10% faster than the 580 in similar situations. I'd go for it if you have the money.

Great comments...much appreciated. Does anyone care to comment on the choice of the HAF 932 verses the Corsair 650D. Also, is there any advantage to getting a 3072 MB video card as compared to the 1536 MB? Thank You.

The 680 seems to be 5-10% faster than the 580 in similar situations. I'd go for it if you have the money.

 

Ben, the test I see is a geometrical one (FSXMark11), it is not an IQ one. We still need IQ test to confirm that the 680 is a better card. I'm awaiting a reply from one guy one that one...

Ben, the test I see is a geometrical one (FSXMark11), it is not an IQ one. We still need IQ test to confirm that the 680 is a better card. I'm awaiting a reply from one guy one that one...

 

I got your PM and will try and run the tests tonight.

 

I have noticed using the adaptive and frames locked at 30 works amazingly well. No drops from 30 except for FTX scenery in bad weather near KSEA. Really smooth.

 

I will run the test and let you know what I get.

I have noticed using the adaptive and frames locked at 30 works amazingly well.

 

I guess you are talking about the standard vsync at 1/2 refresh rate. Adaptive isn't working quite so well...