I have just updated my profile. Tomorrow, I pick my New Build, in the direction of up. This computer's primary purpose is to run the 3 flight simulators so I can evaluate all of them before I make my decision which of the new one's I fully support with add-ons and scenery's. This little exercise is already expensive so I want to get some advice regarding the hdd configuration and maybe save a bit of money along the way. My original intent was to run a completely dedicated WD Black 500Gig SATA Drive for each sim and controlled from the SSD. Is this the best configuration do you think?

 

Also, Overclocking. I am very new to this. Expect me to be asking lots of questions.

 

I suspect I have made a terrible mistake, though. Allowing the Store to decide on the case. It's a CoolerMaster Cosmos 2. I just had a look at its specs and empty it is 48.5 pounds and seriously huge, with it . 344 x 704 x 664 mm / 13.5 x 27.7 x 26.1 inch

 

Youtube videos have a few reviews. All of them glowing except everyone commented on its dimensions. Bigness doesn't describe it actually. You'd think the darn thing would come on casters.

 

Jon

I run FSX on a SSD... it's got it's own dedicated SSD.  The reason for this... speed of scenery loading/access for the sim.  It makes a huge difference.

Well,where to begin. Depending on add on payware aircraft,scenery, utility programs etc, 500 gb might be overkill. SSD's are much more affordable than even a year ago. My Fsx file tops out at just over 100 gigs and that's with a ton of add ons. Fsx should be installed on its own dedicated hard drive in a file created by yourself, not the program/files/x86 path suggested by the installer. Quicker load times, no defragging requirement, and the ability to fill up an SSD to 90% capacity without any performance loss is reason enough IMO to opt for one over an HDD.

 

As for overclocking and the case, A large case is an advantage if overclocking on air because it provides for better airflow which a compact case might not provide. I have the Cooler Master HAF LAN test box and I love it. in general, overclocking is far less daunting than in previous years. There are many guides all over the net that can help in this regard. Overclocking involves more than just a capable CPU. When selecting your other components, your motherboard, memory, CPU cooling, and PSU choices are all important. Word Not Allowed's Fsx hardware and tweaking guide is invaluable and far more detailed than what I can get into in this post. Good luck!

I run FSX on a SSD... it's got it's own dedicated SSD.  The reason for this... speed of scenery loading/access for the sim.  It makes a huge difference.

 

 

Well,where to begin. Depending on add on payware aircraft,scenery, utility programs etc, 500 gb might be overkill. SSD's are much more affordable than even a year ago. My Fsx file tops out at just over 100 gigs and that's with a ton of add ons. Fsx should be installed on its own dedicated hard drive in a file created by yourself, not the program/files/x86 path suggested by the installer. Quicker load times, no defragging requirement, and the ability to fill up an SSD to 90% capacity without any performance loss is reason enough IMO to opt for one over an HDD.

 

As for overclocking and the case, A large case is an advantage if overclocking on air because it provides for better airflow which a compact case might not provide. I have the Cooler Master HAF LAN test box and I love it. in general, overclocking is far less daunting than in previous years. There are many guides all over the net that can help in this regard. Overclocking involves more than just a capable CPU. When selecting your other components, your motherboard, memory, CPU cooling, and PSU choices are all important. Word Not Allowed's Fsx hardware and tweaking guide is invaluable and far more detailed than what I can get into in this post. Good luck!

Yes, I'm very familiar with Word Not Allowed's Guide. I have used it extensively. No one should be without it. I read so many different reports both for and against SSD's as an accessed drive. Yours has obviously been a pleasant experience but I just can't afford a 250gb SSD for each of them. There will be a time when I'll switch when they're within reach.

 

SEagate used to have a little app that you could run so as to change the capacity of a 1 terrabyte drive to transfer rates approaching and exceeding veloceraptors for a fraction of the cost. The app sized the drive to the user's choice but 300gig recommended. Thus the 300gig was placed on the outer band of the disc. The bit that goes fastest under the read head. I'm going to investigate this further, too. The journey begins.

 

Jon

your current system specs look impressive. Microcenter has a 250gb Samsung (non pro) edition for $189. I run my OS on a small 128gb Samsung 840 series and my Fsx on the  256gb one. Just food for thought just in case you haven't priced them lately. Regards

your current system specs look impressive. Microcenter has a 250gb Samsung (non pro) edition for $189. I run my OS on a small 128gb Samsung 840 series and my Fsx on the  256gb one. Just food for thought just in case you haven't priced them lately. Regards

It seems to me 250gig is the preferred size. I hope the system can absolutely crank. It missed out on getting a Titan but I lost my nerve. I'm in Australia so I'm not sure where you reside. Microcenter: will they deliver to Australia? More and more online sites are zoned where I come from. That big Camera Store in New York. They will no longer ship here. (insert curse of choice). Having said that, the store that built it is becoming a much slicker outfit and the customer service is amazing. From order to test to ready in 2 days. It's full of young people, many from Asia who have done countless builds. Anyway, I look forward to a good experience. That's after I build a stand for it to raise it to eye level (with casters) No way it can fit on the desk and it's not standing on a bare floor. The enclosure is meant as a piece of furniture, comfortable in any decor. Sort of replacing the radiogram. Something present in every household before TV. I'd love to see how it would handle 3D movies and using my 47' HD TV as the main monitor. Ooh the possibilities.

 

Jon

It seems to me 250gig is the preferred size. I hope the system can absolutely crank. It missed out on getting a Titan but I lost my nerve. I'm in Australia so I'm not sure where you reside. Microcenter: will they deliver to Australia? More and more online sites are zoned where I come from. That big Camera Store in New York. They will no longer ship here. (insert curse of choice). Having said that, the store that built it is becoming a much slicker outfit and the customer service is amazing. From order to test to ready in 2 days. It's full of young people, many from Asia who have done countless builds. Anyway, I look forward to a good experience. That's after I build a stand for it to raise it to eye level (with casters) No way it can fit on the desk and it's not standing on a bare floor.

 

Jon

 

Jon

OOPS! My mistake for not noticing your location. Sorry. Not sure how much PC hardware prices differ between the USA and Australia. Regards

I moved heaven and earth and picked it up. It's very big and very heavy but in the nicest possible way. The rig weighs in around 55-60 lbs but nearly 50 of that is the case.. I have it on a stand with casters now and it's the perfect solution. I'm not having any trouble getting to love this case. I'm getting set up at the moment and it's a long process. I'm off now to beg for a current PMDG 737 NGX key. I got bumped when I tried to run it.

 

Jon