Hello, so I want to start saving up to get a new computer that is able to run MSFS on medium settings but don't know what I can expect to spend for one. I run P3D v4 on my current setup but have to keep the settings at around medium to get decent FPS, and it doesn't meet the minimum requirements to run MSFS. I am starting a full time job soon so would like to get one prebuilt if possible. 

 

So can anyone give me some recommendations as to what I should get or where I can get it? Luckily I already have a TB SSD in my current computer that I can use to install Windows and the sim.

Also, I live in the US if that helps.

 

Thanks

Edited May 25, 20215 yr by jt233

Hi

MSFS can run on quite old spec computers (like mine) but there are several things that will really help, not all of which are about the PC itself. These are ideas to save money, and focus on top things to consider based on my experience, not a specific recommendation for a PC in the US. I am sure others will have other ideas too.

1. Respectable CPU (pref 4GHz +) but watch out when overclocking. MSFS is VERY sensitive to even the least of any hardware instabilities. Mine is an i5 4690k, stable overclocked in factory to 4.4GHz and is rock solid and sufficient.

2. Graphics card; You can get away OK with GTX1080 Ti (11Gb RAM) and that may save you money and work as well for DX12 apps such as your P3D v5. RTX2xx series are not that much better than 1080 ti and also have less GPU RAM.. New Graphics cards such as RTX3xxx series seem almost impossible to get at the moment (in UK at least).. and are improbably expensive costing as much as a moderate spec gaming PC.

3. Internet speed and stability. Critical for MSFS. Ideally 40Mbs +. Less than 20Mbs and your in-sim Bing data scenery steaming performance will suffer regardless of spec. Use a dual band router for WiFi if possible.
 

4. SSD. You say you have one, and 1Tb should be fine. SSDs vary a lot and many people get NVMe drives for MSFS. Many people now have a separate non-system drive for MSFS. Maybe worth considering.

Finally, most of community seems to have previously assumed INTEL PCs were better for Flight simming, but nowadays it may be worth considering  an AMD as their CPUs tend to be a bit less expensive if money is the main driver. AMD Ryzen 5xxx series also perform pretty well for MSFS.

Hope this helps. 
 

Ray