New FSX Build

[wrf2e 1]

I am researching my options for a new PC for FSX and would like some input. I have some PC hardware knowledge but have been out of the loop for some time. I am weighing the options of buying a new PC off the shelf (Dell XPS 8500) or building my own system.

 

Here is what I have come up with for a possible DIY build.

 

Motherboard-ASUS P8z68-v LGA 1155 Intel Z68 HDMI SATA 6GB/s

Processor-Intel Corei7-3770K Ivy Bridge

Power Supply-Raidmax Hybrid 2 RX-730SS 730W

Video Card-Gigabyte GV-N560448-13I GeForce GTX 560 Ti

Memory-G.Skill 2x4GB DDR3 1600

HDD-Seagate 1TB 7200RPM SATA 6GB/s

CPU Cooling-Masscool 90mm

Case Cooling-Cooler Master 120mm (x2)

OS-Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit

 

This build brings me up to $1,000 before shipping. That is right at my max budget for this build and is about $150 more than the Dell. I think I have pretty much decided that the home built route is the way I want to go.

 

Do these specs look good to be able to run FSX and High/Ultra High with add-on aircraft and scenery. My current system only gets about 7fps on minimal settings so anything will be an improvement. I would like to see 25-30+ fps with my new machine

 

Thanks for any suggestions you can provide about what might not look up to par or where I may be able to cut back some.

[HUSSAR 272]

Looks pretty good, what case are you using? You may want to go with liquid cooling for the CPU and 2 fans may not be enough. Will you be OC'ing? Looks like a good build and you should be able to maintain 25-30 FPS with those specs, I am up there with loads of addons and have seen even smoother running with DX10 enabled although there is a trade-off with some graphical glitches which are being addressed by another AVSIMer.

 

I have more info on installing and setting up FSX and addons, PM me if you would like more info.

[wrf2e 1]

Thanks for the input.

 

I haven't decided on a case yet. It won't be anything flashy.

 

I probably won't overclock unless I'm not getting the results I am looking for. I am completely new to overclocking but assume that would most definitely require some more cooling power. I did choose the 3770k processor because it has the ability to be overclocked. Now that I am thinking about it I guess I need to make sure the motherboard supports overclocking

[Richard Sennett 2,499]

Had a Z68 went with the newer Z77 much better boards rock solid on the gigabyte side anyway go for a Z77 you wont be sorry, as for your hard drive do yourself a huge favor and get an SSD day and night performance you wont believe it, look into a I7-2700K also.

[HUSSAR 272]

Richard is right, I think the SSD's are a great idea. I have an SSD which I use as a cache, if you want to go that route then I suggest the Crucial Adrenaline line. If you are going with full SSD then you would be okay. Here is my setup:

 

Processor

Intel Core i7 2600K

Processor Speed

4.8 GHz (OC)

RAM

G. Skill Ripjaw 2X4Gb 1600 9-9-9-24 2N

Mother Board

ASUS P8Z68 Deluxe LGA1155

Hard Drives

WD Caviar Black 2Tb HD

[Guest do_denver2]

Definitely the z77 for that chip. They overclock extremely well together. That CPU cooler looks awfully skimpy though. Let me give you an excellent budget option... The Hyper EVO 212. It's $29.99, and I would get one extra blademaster 120mm fan for it (maybe $7) so you can run it in push pull. I would also recommend some quality thermal paste instead of the goo that comes with it, so another $8 there, but you really need some decent cooling for that 3770k that you're going to overclock and that little xtra money will be well worth it.

[Richard Sennett 2,499]

I have a Crucial Adrenaline Robert, Crucial Adrenaline collecting dust now lol - real SSD smokes it bought vertex 4 512mb things rocks, water cool that cpu corsair brand great for the money luv it.

[Guest do_denver2]

Oh and yes, the SSD is a luxury that's almost crucial. If you can't afford it with the initial build then make it the first thing you get when you have extra cash.

[wrf2e 1]

Thanks for all the great input!

 

Like I said, it's been a while since I've looked at computer hardware and much has changed. This is my first build so I really appreciate the advise.

 

I had suspected that cooling would be an issue.

 

As far as an SSD goes, that's probably not in the cards off the bat but definitely down the road.

 

The motherboard I was looking at is refurbished so the price is good but definitely looking at the Z77 boards now.

 

How about the graphics card? I know FSX is more of a CPU hog but just want to make sure I'm not creating a bottleneck with the rest of the hardware.

[Richard Sennett 2,499]

In your price range this would be a great card plus it is 3.0 pci slot capable and if you do get the Z77 they will be perfect for each other also this card has twice as much ram as the one above for only 20 dollars more go for it, didn't even know they made 3gig cards thought they were 2 and 4 gig anyway thats what I think should go for in your price range.

 

 

 

http://www.newegg.co...N82E16814130835

[PieEater 10]

The last thread that I posted this question on got lost in the big shakeup last weekend before anyone answered, so I'd like to ask it again.

 

Why do people reccommend a hyperthreaded i7 CPU (2700k / 3770k) for FSX over a non hyperthreaded one (2500k / 3570k)? I read a lot of posts reccomending people disable hyperthreading in BIOS because it makes the CPU run hotter and effects overclocking ability. I also read a lot of posts suggesting the use of an AffinityMask setting in FSX.cfg that effectively stops FSX from using hyperthreaded cores because these adversely effect FSX performance. My own testing backs up the theory that hyperthreaded cores are bad for FSX performance and this seems obvious due to the fact that the physical core has to donate some portion of it's processing power to the virtual core making it less efficient at running software designed to run on a single core like FSX. To me it doesn't make sense to spend extra money on a hperthreaded CPU when you're most likely going to disable it one way or the other. The best choice would appear to be a non hyperthreaded CPU that will offer exactly the same performance and overclocking potential but would cost a fair bit less alowing money to be spent on other components that would have a positive impact on performance i.e. a SSD. Or am I missing something?

 

For the OP - If you can I would reconsider not getting a SSD, it makes a huge difference in your overall computing experience, I would never go back to not having one.

[TheDanger 182]

More CPU cache on the i7 series which is reported to be beneficial for fsx

[IFR7700 228]

Chip - Yes

Motherboard - No, Z77 as mentioned, ASUS with the UEFI Bios

Power Supply - meh

Video Card - OK

Memory - OK, basic

HDD - Definitely NO, SSD is the only way to go. Single best upgrade for FSX IMO

CPU Cooler - Why would you want to cool your chip with a $10 cooler. Don't scrimp here. Corsair H series, the higher the better

 

Definitely forget the Dell

 

Good Luck

[Richard Sennett 2,499]

Dennis is spot on.

[Hubinwa 27]

Chip - Yes

Motherboard - No, Z77 as mentioned, ASUS with the UEFI Bios

Power Supply - meh

Video Card - OK

Memory - OK, basic

HDD - Definitely NO, SSD is the only way to go. Single best upgrade for FSX IMO

CPU Cooler - Why would you want to cool your chip with a $10 cooler. Don't scrimp here. Corsair H series, the higher the better

 

Definitely forget the Dell

 

Good Luck

 

+1 Just put in a SSD, huge improvement.