After completing my first FSX dedicated PC build, I was revelling in the satisfaction of reaching FSX nirvana. That is until I watched a YouTube video of a 3-monitor FSX flight.  It became apparent that my 2-monitor setup is “surround-challenged”.

 

From my research, it appears that to move up to a 3-monitor “Surround” setup I need to:

• Add a 3^rd Dell U2412M monitor to match my existing pair
• Replace my GeForce GTX 560 Ti card

 

From what I’ve read, it looks like a GeForce GTX 680 (or perhaps GTX 670) is the way to go.  In particular, the ASUS GTX 680-DC2T-2GD5 caught my eye.  I believe this is what ASUS calls their DirectCU II TOP video card.  In addition to its hefty price, this triple-slot card has a hefty length (11.8”).  I’m not positive it will fit into my Rosewill Blackhawk ATX mid-tower case.  (Rosewill advised me max length is 11”, but I think I can re-configure the HDD cages so that it will fit.)

 

Is the GTX 680 the right way to go or would the GTX 670 work as well from a FSX stand point?  Also is a “stock” GTX 680/670 card a more prudent choice vs. the ASUS triple-slot TOP card given that this is pretty much a FSX dedicated PC?

 

I think I have a build that is well equipped to move on to the next level of realism with a 3-monitor surround setup (Asus Z77 Sabertooth motherboard w/ i5-3570k CPU).  I’m currently running at 4.2 GHz and if I ever figure out how to set the proper Vcore/VID/Offset values (I know, each CPU is different), I think I have enough cooling capacity to get 4.5-4.7 GHz.

 

Any recommendations or suggestions would be most welcome.

 

Larry

Hmmm..what about the newer 770 and 780 cards?

 

gb.

Thanks, gb.  I've added the new GTX 770 and GTX 780 to my candidate list.