Howdy all,

I'm looking for a new addon. Decided on PMDG for sure - not sure which one. I have the iFly NG as well as the NGX.. And average 15 frames in each. This is acceptable for me given my rig

 

2013 MacBook Pro

2.9 GhZ i7 Haswell (usually runs around 3.3 with Turbo)

8GB RAM

Intel HD 4000 GPU (not great, I know. But this is a work issued machine and I simply cannot afford $1500+ to build a new rig)

1TB SSD

My only reservation with the T7 is graphics. From what I've gathered it will probably work similar to the iFly. Any opinions?

I need something that will be a long-hauler (occasionally set-and-forget).

What say you all?

PMDG777 will be similar to the NGX.  Maybe try their MD-11 for better framerates.

But as far as usability..  I'm fine with my iFly framerates.  Would the T7 be bankably similar (worth the $80 gamble if it doesn't?)

Hate to buy something that expensive and have it fail on me.  I'm not huge on the MD's style of FMS either from reviews

As Mark said, the B777 is similar to the 737NGX as far as performance goes, it does run up VAS a little higher but not a problem for most.  Someone asked about the Intel HD4000 just yesterday and I had to be honest and advise that PMDG does not recommend on-board or CPU video but if the NGX is doing fine I think you can give it a try.  It's a beautiful long hauler, mine is enroute KLAX-YSSY on the DAL417 trip right now.

Thanks for the reply.

My main thing is that my primary aircraft is the iFly FSX or Aerosoft's Airbus. I do own the NGX, but it was a purposeful copy for review that is not currently installed. That being said, I average about 15 in both of those aircraft.

Thanks for the reply.

My main thing is that my primary aircraft is the iFly FSX or Aerosoft's Airbus. I do own the NGX, but it was a purposeful copy for review that is not currently installed. That being said, I average about 15 in both of those aircraft.

I fly the Aerosoft Airbus sims and framerates I get with them are very similar to PMDG sims. The main difference I see is the higher VAS usage of the more detailed PMDG sims. The 777 runs very well despite the increased systems complexity and graphical detail.

I use no addons. No wx, no scenery, no textures. Just WoAI packs. My focus is on simming not eyecandy. Think it'll be ok? From what I've heard VAS is most hit by textures and scenerys and photorealistic scenery.

 

 

From what I've heard VAS is most hit by textures and scenerys and photorealistic scenery.

 

Mostly photoreal stuff, so I turn off the locations that use this unless I'm going that way.  Scenery and textures not so much.  There is a good discussion and tips in the B777 Introduction document on VAS.

I use none of the above. Just aircraft

I've also heard good things about the MD/11. What would yall recommend between the two?

MD-11 or 777 both look comparable. Which would yall recommend?

I'd recommend both. If forced to choose:

 

The plus side for the MD-11 is the unique operating features of the aircraft compared to Boeing and Airbus design philosophies (though much closer to Airbus in terms of the FMS). On the downside the MD-11 is showing its age a bit graphically. It's still good but not up to the standards of the NGX and 777.

 

The 777 is as good as FSX gets graphically. It has some brilliant additional features, such as simulated datalink, and a realistic weather radar if you also use ActiveSky Next (though by the sound of it you probably don't). The 777 probably tips the scales in terms of being the latest PMDG technology. It gives you the capability to configure equipment options, ground servicing and aircraft loading "on the fly" via the FMC CDU. It's similar to the way Aerosoft use MCDU2 to control the simulation but goes much further.

 

If you like the functionality the Aerosoft Airbus gives you, you will love the PMDG 777.

Bottom line - will it run? I can run the AXE and the iFly at 15 fps. No addons besides the planes

Bottom line - will it run? I can run the AXE and the iFly at 15 fps. No addons besides the planes

If you can run the NGX you should be able to run the 777. As long as you are running 64 bit Windows and have at least 1GB of video memory.

64-bit yes. VRAM no. AFAIK the integrated GPUs don't have dedicated VRam

Get the 777 if you want more fps. It has newer code and for most people runs better than the MD-11. I have every PMDG aircraft but the T7, so don't take my word for it though. The 737 runs a bit better than the MD-11 and obviously looks better, but I like the Md-11's systems more. It's a bit older and is different from any other aircraft I've seen. So fps-wise (on MY PC at least):

777/737>J41(?)>MD-11>747

*Note that I haven't flown the J41 since I upgraded my system, so I really can't remember how it performs. And remember that everybody's system performs differently with different aircraft.

If you're willing to sacrifice some frames and are interested in some slightly older and more unique planes, get the MD-11. Plus, it just looks awesome  B)

 

Hope this helps and happy holidays! 

I think I've decided.. Yall just make my wallet tempt me. I'm gonna pull the trigger on the MD and the 777 in T-1hr. Cannot wait. From what I gather, all that may have to happen is the sliders being turned down a little bit for the 777. Fine with that as long as I can actually fly like it was intended. Thanks and I will post back with first impressions

I think I've decided.. Yall just make my wallet tempt me. I'm gonna pull the trigger on the MD and the 777 in T-1hr. Cannot wait. From what I gather, all that may have to happen is the sliders being turned down a little bit for the 777. Fine with that as long as I can actually fly like it was intended. Thanks and I will post back with first impressions