this build is getting more and more expensive haha

Well if it might save you a few quid maybe go for the 8GB RAM, I'm seriously considering 8GB for my i7-4790k build.

I could build with 8GB and then slap in another 8 at a later date

*I'm no expert* but the usual recommendation for overclocking a dual channel system is 2 sticks of RAM (even if you're not overclocking the memory), I believe that 4 sticks makes for a less stable system.

By the way, re DDR voltage and Haswell CPU's, when I look up compatible RAM for various Z97 M/Bs 1.65V is commonly compatible for DDR3 2133MHz modules. So although 1.5V is the nominal voltage for the Haswell memory controller, perhaps 1.5V to 1.65V is "safe" if the XMP profile includes that voltage parameter? It seems ridiculous for all these quality RAM modules to not be "recommended" by Intel for its high end processors on these MB/s!

So does anyone recommend anything OTHER than the 4790K?

 

I have one, as my machinewasbuilt about 6 months ago, but the bad oart for FSX is that at the time of building it I found a great deal on an R9 290 and that's what I got. It's an amazing card, but didn't know fsx prefers nvidia (I hadn't actually started looking at all fsx things actually). And then, still before starting to read on fsx, I went and got a second R9 290 to get even more power, asI also have a triple monitor setup, so changing cards now is a definite no-no...

 

Depending on if I can sell an older PC I have (not the one above) I might consider a new build, and that's why I ask about the processor. Regargind video cards, is the 970 the one to get now? It it equivalent to the 779 or what?I see 980 also but much more expensive.

 

Worst case if I *don't* spring for a new build, I will probably get another SSD for FSX as my textures as loading slowly, and soecially for photoscenery of which I bought a lot... I know I won't get to install all of it unless I spend serious $$ on a large drive (or several smaller ones) but at least have the main ones there and the ocassional swap.

 

Can someone comment on the other sims? I assume P3D coming from fsx also favour nvidia? What about X-Plane?

 

Thanks!!

I'm currently in the install phase of FSX, and purchased the 4790K as well as the Nvidia GTX 970 FTW. I have to say so far absolutely impressed with the solid performance I'm getting.

And to agree with Djang0, I went with two Sticks of Ram over four as I did also read that it makes for a much more stable system. 

Hey Monjardino I was wondering how your system is going after a few months:

Q1) What OC are you running?

Q2) Are you happy with your RAM choice?

Q3) What's performance like overall?

Q4) How many fans (and which models) did you install in the R4 case?

Q5) What's the airflow like with the R4 case?

Q6) Do you need to open the front door for airflow (or even remove it)?