Guys,

 

I have recently installed FSX and PMDG737ngx in my (rather ancient) pc which I bought in 2005. At the time I thought it was quite a powerful machine, but I have found that it is not really up to running the software for the above. I have tried messing around with the various settings but I can't get much better than 7 to 15 fps. Not only that I seem to be having problems with FSX crashing occasionally, and the MCP not working correctly, Some of it might be me not doing things right I guess!

 

Anyway what I have now decided is that I want to buy a new machine, preferably from a supplier who understands what parameters are needed and can configure it to meet my budget which is in the region of £800 to £1000 (GBP). I don't really feel that I have the expertise (or the time) to build it myself, so I am looking for a machine that I can just plug in and go. I would really like to have some good airport scenery with a few service vehicles as well as a good quality image of the aircraft flight deck in virtual view.

 

I wonder if someone out there could offer some good advice about how best to go about this? I live in the South of England.

 

Thanks in advance

 

Dennis

Hi Dennis,

 

I live in north Somerset and had exactly the same dilemma. I'm reasonably savvy with a lot of things but when it comes to building a PC I didn't want the hassle. More to the point, I also wanted to have an overclocked rig, which I had done previously but this time simply didn't want the work (sorry to admit fellas!) Regarding overclocking, it's more or less essential these days if you want to get the best from running the latest addons, and let's admit, who doesn't. So don't in any way feel inferior because you simply want to buy a prebuilt PC, as there are many who will look down their noses at anyone who does so! For me, I want to fly, I'm not interested in building a computer, as long as I understand how it works and how to configure the software and so forth, I'm cool with that.

 

I actually bought my rig from Overclockers UK. It's a SB2500k overclocked from 3.3 to 4.6Ghz, with water cooling and runs with a GTX770 4Gb. She's a beauty, and touch wood, has been pretty stable since buying her 2 years ago. So as for advice, and I'm sure you'll receive plenty, I would suggest you source a pre-overclocked machine, that is really important if you want to get the most from FSX. You say your budget is 800-£1000 which isn't too bad, but if you could stretch it a little more then it's always worthwhile. If you intend to fly FSX then put your money into the CPU and overclocking, if for P3D, then try and get the best GPU you can afford, GTX770 or better. Don't scrimp on quality components, it's not worth it. Always go for branded components.

 

Use two separate drives, one for Windows 128Gb and then one for FSX. Depending on how many addons you have and how much you spend on your hobby, but for me personally I think it needs to be a minimum of 500Gb. Also, get yourself a good backup program such as Acronis, this is often overlooked and believe me, it will be one of the best investments you buy!

Take your pick:

 

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=FS-002-OG

 

http://www.aria.co.uk/Systems/Gaming+Range/Award-winning+Gaming+PCs/GLADIATOR+Gaming+i5-Sabre+GTX+760+4.40GHz+Overclocked+4690K+Pro+PC+?productId=56519

 

http://3xs.scan.co.uk/configurator/flight-simulator-pc-microsoft-fsx-intel-core-i5-nvidia-geforce

 

Personally, I would go with the last one

Guys,

 

I have recently installed FSX and PMDG737ngx in my (rather ancient) pc which I bought in 2005. At the time I thought it was quite a powerful machine, but I have found that it is not really up to running the software for the above. I have tried messing around with the various settings but I can't get much better than 7 to 15 fps. Not only that I seem to be having problems with FSX crashing occasionally, and the MCP not working correctly, Some of it might be me not doing things right I guess!

 

Anyway what I have now decided is that I want to buy a new machine, preferably from a supplier who understands what parameters are needed and can configure it to meet my budget which is in the region of £800 to £1000 (GBP). I don't really feel that I have the expertise (or the time) to build it myself, so I am looking for a machine that I can just plug in and go. I would really like to have some good airport scenery with a few service vehicles as well as a good quality image of the aircraft flight deck in virtual view.

 

I wonder if someone out there could offer some good advice about how best to go about this? I live in the South of England.

 

Thanks in advance

 

Dennis

Dennis, building a PC is so easy its all plug and play these days I built my current system in a day and that includes the time it took to paint the case and let it dry(about 5 hours) put it together, install the OS and install FSX and download and install P3dV2, The actual build took less than 2 hours.

Does anyone know where I can buy an overclocked system in Canada?

 

I agree that the hassle of doing it yourself and the uncertainty of not know if your doing it correctly is not worth the few bucks saved!

 

Jim

Hi Jim,

 

PC Pilot contains an advert for Jetline Systems who configure computers for fsX. They are made in USA and available only in USA and Canada. You could try their website www.JetlineSystems.com.

Their phone number is 1 888 695 3854,

 

Good luck!

 

Dennis

who configure computers for fsX

Anybody can configure for FSX, anybody who builds custom gaming system, everybody knows what FSX 'likes', you can read these forums and also get a solid idea what components will work better. Jetline Systems are expensive and their customization options limited, you can have a better machine for the same price ordering for example from CyberpowerPC.

The only reason not to build and OC your own rig is if like Howard, you really don't want the hassle and of course you can afford the extra cash to pay someone else to do it for you, but never because you are not clever enough.

 

You can't be any dumber than me and I have done it a few times. Building, OCing and setting up your own rig is both fun and financially rewarding. If the only reason you won't try it is fear of screwing up, I'll bet you are wrong.

 

Go for it!

Dennis

 

As Charlatan has recommended, I'd go with his last link, I go to their place often enough to buy hardware, and I've seen their systems. Additionally if you can get hold of, read the reviews they get in Custom PC. Alternatively, take a look at Wired2Fire who specifically make systems for Flight Sims, and Chillblast too. High spec'd systems.

Does anyone know where I can buy an overclocked system in Canada?

 

I agree that the hassle of doing it yourself and the uncertainty of not know if your doing it correctly is not worth the few bucks saved!

 

Jim

NCIX.com will build you a custom configuration

NCIX.com will build you a custom configuration

I've bought from them before, problem is they are reluctant to overclock.

 

Jim

I've bought from them before, problem is they are reluctant to overclock.

 

Jim

 

Why not have them build a 4790K system for you.. the 4790K is a factory overclocked 4770K CPU..

 

Performs great for FSX, coupled with a good motherboard, fast RAM, and a GTX770 or 780.

Why not have them build a 4790K system for you.. the 4790K is a factory overclocked 4770K CPU..

 

Performs great for FSX, coupled with a good motherboard, fast RAM, and a GTX770 or 780.

 

Definitely worth considering, I'm looking for the best rig money can buy overclocked to the limits so I can fly P3D. I'm waiting for the Haswell-E experiences to come in so I can deterimine if that's the way to go.

 

Thanks

Jim

I'm thinking about wired2fire, partly because they are not too far from where I live. Anybody had experience with them?

 

Dennis

Hi Dennis

 

Do not know if you subscribe to PC PIlot or not, but if you do, or if you contact them, they will send you a write-up comparative Test they did with other manufacturer's systems against the rig from Wired2Fire. Have not read any adverse reports about them, anywhere. So, if you are planning to outlay the kind of dosh you are quoting, maybe it'd worthwhile checking that PC Pilot issue of PM and I'll try and scan you that Test result