So I've decided I'd like to build my first PC - I'm currently using an ASUS Laptop which I love. But I need more performance for FSX and all the video editing I do. I was or should I say I am still thinking about the option of getting a pre-built PC from one of these companies online because I'm scared of messing it up - on the other hand I think it'd be a good and fun learning experience building one myself.

 

My main questions are about the CPU, Motherboard & Graphics Card. I know Intel released the Ivy Processors this year; how are they with FSX compared to the Sandy Bridge? I'd likely look at overclocking it so I understand I'd need a better cooling fan for the CPU - rather than the standard one you get. I've heard great things about ASUS's Motherboard's; can anyone possibly suggest a good CPU & Motherboard match? For the Gfx I was thinking something like the Nvidia GTX660 to start out on?

 

Any help and guidance will be greatly appreciated.

 

Cheers! :-)

Luke,

 

I think a helpful piece of information here would be budget and just what kind of "power" you want in this future desktop build.

 

Dan

Luke,

 

I think a helpful piece of information here would be budget and just what kind of "power" you want in this future desktop build.

 

Dan

 

My apologies- I'm willing to spend between 800-1,000USD :-)

Well that budget might limit you a bit, bit I do have one suggestion for you. I got the CoolerMaster Hyper Evo 212 and it's a great budget fan. I have my 3770k up to 4.8 on just pure air, which is pretty good I think. I did get 3 additional Blademaster fans, one of them to attach to the Hyper Evo to go push pull, and the other two to compliment the two stock case fans. The Hyper Evo 212 was just under $30, and the additional fans were like $7 each or something.

Well that budget might limit you a bit, bit I do have one suggestion for you. I got the CoolerMaster Hyper Evo 212 and it's a great budget fan. I have my 3770k up to 4.8 on just pure air, which is pretty good I think. I did get 3 additional Blademaster fans, one of them to attach to the Hyper Evo to go push pull, and the other two to compliment the two stock case fans. The Hyper Evo 212 was just under $30, and the additional fans were like $7 each or something.

 

An Ivy on 4.8 air? :Shocked: :Shocked: Please, do share how you did this!

Well i think i m not the only one but.... i slowly raised my vcore and i got it stable at about 1.42v. I read in several places that the 3770k is very durable and can stand temps in the mid 90s. My temps avg in the mid 80s while flying, so ithink i,m ok, at least i have been for a few months. At any rate, my goal is not to maximize the lifetime of the chip. Id be happy if it lasted 2 years and then upgrade.

 

Oh and i have hyperthreading turned off. On it runs too hot......

So I've decided I'd like to build my first PC - I'm currently using an ASUS Laptop which I love. But I need more performance for FSX and all the video editing I do. I was or should I say I am still thinking about the option of getting a pre-built PC from one of these companies online because I'm scared of messing it up - on the other hand I think it'd be a good and fun learning experience building one myself.

 

My main questions are about the CPU, Motherboard & Graphics Card. I know Intel released the Ivy Processors this year; how are they with FSX compared to the Sandy Bridge? I'd likely look at overclocking it so I understand I'd need a better cooling fan for the CPU - rather than the standard one you get. I've heard great things about ASUS's Motherboard's; can anyone possibly suggest a good CPU & Motherboard match? For the Gfx I was thinking something like the Nvidia GTX660 to start out on?

 

Any help and guidance will be greatly appreciated.

 

Cheers! :-)

It's great too see that you want too build your own PC. It's definitely money too be saved here, and you are going too learn a lot about PC.

How much video editing are you doing? If it's something you will prioritize, I would recommend the i7 3770K. Otherwise, go for the i5 3570K. My recommendation are build upon you overclocking.

The i7 3770K supports hyperthreading, which the i5 3570K doesn't.

 

This is what I came up with:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

 

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($169.99 @ Microcenter)

CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus 76.8 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($23.99 @ SuperBiiz)

Motherboard: Asus P8Z77-M Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($122.99 @ Amazon)

Memory: Samsung 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($39.99 @ Newegg)

Storage: Seagate Barracuda 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($54.99 @ NCIX US)

Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 660 Ti 2GB Video Card ($287.55 @ Newegg)

Power Supply: Corsair Builder 600W 80 PLUS Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($51.98 @ Newegg)

Total: $751.48

(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)

 

You will need a case, OS and maybe an optical drive. I believe you can squeeze in an 3770K here also. But the system will be great for FSX and the upcoming PMDG 777. I'm sure that some other users here are able to shave off some more money out of the performance.

Luke,

 

Phadis came up with a perfect setup really. That list seems like it will get you the most bang for your buck. I built a very similar computer for my wife (I got an ROG Maximus Gene V) and we are very pleased with it. I also put a Thermaltake 750w modular PSU in it so the cost is higher. If you are going to be video editing I recommend doing as Phadis recommends and getting the 3770k.

 

Good luck!

From what I've read though, the Hyper Evo 212 is better than the Plus. I think for near the same price or a couple of bucks extra it's worth your while. Also why not go for some 2400 DDR3 memory? You can probably find some for $60-$65, and Ivy Bridge seems to really like fast RAM. It may not make a huge difference in the sim, but you can go to bed at night knowing you have the best......

If you didn't yet, might take a look at my guide, which also contains some quite detailed hardware suggestions, located here.

I'd like to thank you all for the input - I'll take it all and go do some more research :-)

 

Cheers,

Luke

It's great too...

..Good luck!

 

I came up with this:

 

Corsair 650D Case

Intel Core i7-3770K 3.5GHz

Asus P8Z77-V LX LGA Motherboard

EVGA GeForce 660 3GB GDDR5

Corsair DDR3 16GB (2x 8GB)

Sata 1TB 7200RPM

Corsair 600W Power Supply

Asus DVD Burner

Corsair H50 CPU Cooler

Win 7 64bit Home Premium

Total: $1,225

 

I figured I may as well go a little further and spend more now rather than later! I'm not not one hundred percent on the Graphics Card - maybe someone can confirm if that's the right move. I was looking at CyberPowerPC.com also since their prices hardly changed doing it myself since their warehouse is only an hour away; so I could easily go pick it up..

 

 

I figured I may as well go a little further and spend more now rather than later! I'm not not one hundred percent on the Graphics Card - maybe someone can confirm if that's the right move.

 

Spend the extra money for the 660Ti... In the long run, it is worth it.

Spend the extra money for the 660Ti... In the long run, it is worth it.

 

Alright; ta :-)

Yea assembling the parts feels like unpacking a birthday cake. Make sure the housing/power supply is standard layout to not run into problems.