I am using a dedicated computer to run fsx/acceleration (box), with ORBX and a number of saitek devices.

My current configuration is described below. I'll preface by noting that I am NOT particularly tech savvy, but am seeking advice on which component(s) would make the most sense to upgrade in order to realize improved fsx performance.

Thank you,
Brian

Windows 7

CPU: Intel i5-2500k 3.3 GHz

Motherboard: ASUS P8P67

Graphics Card: HIS Radeon HD6870

Memory: G.SKILL Ripjaws X 2x4GB

Power Supply: Corsair VX550

Disks: Samsung Spinpoint F3 500GB

Case: Lian-Li PCK-62

Monitor(s): 2 of: ASUS VH238H 23"

I would say an Nvidia card.

Thanks Joel,

 

Any advice on which model?

 

Brian

Also consider overclocking your CPU. For just the cost of a decent cooler you should easily get over 4GHz (maybe 4.5GHz) which would give you a significant performance boost. See http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/cpus/2011/01/07/how-to-overclock-the-intel-core-i5-2500k/1.

Thank you Vortex.  I had wondered about overclocking, but given my lack of tech knowledge, didn't know if it a practicable alternative.

 

Do you have any suggestions on what I should direct a service tech to do if I bring it into a shop for this?  I don't want to be taken for a ride,

 

Regards,

 

Brian

Thank you Vortex. I had wondered about overclocking, but given my lack of tech knowledge, didn't know if it a practicable alternative.

 

Do you have any suggestions on what I should direct a service tech to do if I bring it into a shop for this? I don't want to be taken for a ride,

 

Regards,

 

Brian

It's not too difficult to overclock yourself. In the link I posted there's a page specifically for your motherboard. It has automatic overclocking options built into the BIOS which, whilst they might not reach the full potential of your CPU, should give you a reasonable boost. If you have any problems you can always select the default settings in the BIOS to return to a normal, working setup. It's important to have a good cooler and to monitor the CPU temperature throughout.

 

If you decide not to try it yourself, I would make sure that your service tech is familiar with overclocking and you should be OK. Again, to be safe you should make sure you have (or he installs) a good cooler to keep the temps under control - anything that came with the CPU originally will almost certainly not do the job.

Thanks Joel,

 

Any advice on which model?

 

Brian

 

GTX 1060, (or 1050 depending on your budget)

Thank you Bert.

 

I'm not really proficient in tech, so I am wondering if you know of a suitable model/version 1060?  When I looked online, I found a wide array of models varying quite a bit in price, I assume based on brand, memory and speed -- but don't know which fit-out is best suited for fsx?

 

Brian

I should probably provide additional information on my setup.  It includes Orbx North America, Global FTX and Vector.  Also, the following Saitek devices:

 

Proflight yoke and throttle

 

Proflight cessna trim wheel

 

Proflight rudder pedals

 

Radios: (2 of)

 

Multi panel

 

Switch panel

 

Flight instrument panels (FIPs):  (8 of)

 

I don't know if this info matters, but I assume they place a demand on system resources.

 

Thanks,

 

Brian

Thank you Bert.

 

I'm not really proficient in tech, so I am wondering if you know of a suitable model/version 1060?  When I looked online, I found a wide array of models varying quite a bit in price, I assume based on brand, memory and speed -- but don't know which fit-out is best suited for fsx?

 

Brian

 

Pick a brand you like... EVGA, Asus, MSI are all good brands.

Not sure the specs matter that much.. sometimes you get a better price on

one than the other..

CPU: Intel i5-2500k 3.3 GHz

 

 

Overclock this to 4.6 ghz easily, that's why you bought a K series chip, isn't it ?

 

 

Graphics Card: HIS Radeon HD6870

 

 

 

Get rid of this and buy a good Nvidia card that fits your budget.

 

A question about a new 1060 card:  is the following sufficient, or is there a further benefit to increase it's memory and/or speed -- to what?

 

Description:  Bus Interface: PCIe 3.0 x16, Max Memory Size: 6144 MB, Core Clock(s): 1708 MHz, Memory Clock(s): 2002 MHz, Graphics API Support: DirectX 12.0 OpenGL 4.5 Max TDP: 120 W

 

Thanks,

 

Brian

For FSX, even the 3GB memory size version will be adequate.

Ok, I'm heading out tomorrow to get a 1060 graphics card.  Here in Canada, everything costs more (much) but I'm willing to spend it if there is a benefit to my setup.  Unless otherwise advised, I'll go with 3GB (versus 6GB) of memory, and 1,53/1,73 GHz (boost) clock.  Is there a benefit to faster?

 

I'll also be overclocking the i5 2500k to somewhere in the 4,x range (with a new cooler),

 

Thanks everyone,

 

Brian

I think you'll be happy with the result.. let us know the outcome!