A New Beginning

[Bobsk8]

6 minutes ago, Ratsirt said:

I've read a few unpromising reviews about CLX but would appreciate some encouraging info on them as I can get them sales tax free.

I have used their tech support several times, the first time it was because of a GPU problem that was crashing MSFS only, and they happily changed it for a better card, haven't had a CTD since and that was years ago. Since then I called them when I installed a bigger drive, and they walked me through what I had to do, and by this time the PC was 2 1/2 years old. They are the best tech support I have ever dealt with in a PC maker. 

[Huascar]

3 hours ago, Ratsirt said:

My first flight sim was Flight Simulator II in 1984 which I flew on a Commodore 64. I've had all the MSFSs since then up to FSX and then P3D. I took a two year hiatus and my nine-year old Cyberpower has crapped out. It's not worth putting money into at this point and I'm wanting to return to simming with MSFS 2024 and X-Plane 12 in mind.

In my research it appears MSFS 2024 is going to be the most demanding and if I'm set up for that, X-Plane should be a breeze. Correct me if I'm wrong. Three weeks of researching the net and forums has mushed my elder brain. For starters I'm looking at AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D for a CPU for the caching capabilities, and pairing that with an AMD Radeon 7900XT with 20GB of VRAM. Okay so far?

I'd like a minimum of 32 DDR5 RAM. Brand suggestions welcome. Since this box will be used solely for flight simming and no other games, How much storage would you suggest? I may also like to store backups of photos on a second HD/SSD.

Have you considered Alienware computers by Dell? They put together excellent computers and come with a five year warranty. I have owned two Alienware and never had any issues. However, they are not giving those away. You will pay a premium price. I still have an Alienware from 2011 and it works like a clock. 

MSFS 2024 is indeed the most demanding simulator ever created. I tried it for a day and it brought my Alienware to its knees.  If you are going to go for 2024, you will need a high end PC. The word budget computer and MSFS 2024 don’t go together.

I would agree with the comments made above, get an Nvidia graphics card, ideally the 4090.

Best of luck in your purchase!

 

[Av8ing1]

36 minutes ago, Ratsirt said:

Thanks to all for your input. It's time to lay this aside for now and prepare for new year's eve. However, due to your input I will reexamine my choice of GPUs. My error may be in thinking that with an AMD CPU I'd be better off with  an AMD GPU but it appears that is not the case. I'll get more time in the coming days to read through your gracious and appreciated offerings and tighten things up before ordering.

 

One more question, is building your own computer daunting or not so difficult? I've been in "wrenching" all my life and have pulled and replaced a few computer components but lack analytical skills for problems inside the box.

 

Thanks again and Happy New Year to all.

I like building up computers. Its fun planning out the parts lists and choosing exactly the components you want. Assembly is really fairly simple and there are a lot of guides out there. Its the software installation and troubleshooting that can be the most frustrating if things go wrong. I say go for it if you have any interest. You can enjoy picking exactly the case, the fans, the lighting, the CPU cooler,... its all custom and you built it. If you do explore this, I'd recommend pcpartpicker.com to help with picking compatible components. 

[Av8ing1]

36 minutes ago, Ratsirt said:

Thanks to all for your input. It's time to lay this aside for now and prepare for new year's eve. However, due to your input I will reexamine my choice of GPUs. My error may be in thinking that with an AMD CPU I'd be better off with  an AMD GPU but it appears that is not the case. I'll get more time in the coming days to read through your gracious and appreciated offerings and tighten things up before ordering.

 

One more question, is building your own computer daunting or not so difficult? I've been in "wrenching" all my life and have pulled and replaced a few computer components but lack analytical skills for problems inside the box.

 

Thanks again and Happy New Year to all.

I like building up computers. Its fun planning out the parts lists and choosing exactly the components you want. Assembly is really fairly simple and there are a lot of guides out there. Its the software installation and troubleshooting that can be the most frustrating if things go wrong. I say go for it if you have any interest. You can enjoy picking exactly the case, the fans, the lighting, the CPU cooler,... its all custom and you built it. If you do explore this, I'd recommend pcpartpicker.com to help with picking compatible components. 

[regis9]

Lots of good advice here, I’ll just add  to make sure your GPU has no less than 16GB VRAM for MSFS2024…so 4070 Super, 4080, 4090 if you go the Nvidia route.  It might get better over time, but right now MSFS24 is a very VRAM hungry program.

2024 runs better for me than 2020 generally, so I’m not sure I’d worry about it being the most demanding sim out there right now, but with the grade of computer you’re looking at you’ll have fun.

Be sure you have a solid internet connection, that can make a big difference too, although the Microsoft servers are a bigger piece of that.

Edited December 31, 2024 by regis9

[christb]

And you might want to consider 64 GB of RAM if running high settings with Many addons.

[davenicoll]

13 hours ago, rmeier said:

Have you also compared the pros and cons of an Xbox system for MSFS?

With an X Box it might be excellent today....

 

But as MSFS 2024 evolves you cannot update the hardware, with a PC you can swap out parts..

[Ratsirt]

Thoughts on this one?

 

https://www.amazon.com/Skytech-Vision-Gaming-Desktop-7800X3D/dp/B0DDDX41TM/ref=sr_1_4?crid=19LVDS7WORHNU&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.KVziFoQLEL34BQngrDELneb9rYKJPZ2BZwyI5qGrumdThxeh-cxLyyB17bGPCcZdy-dy19-QAhMaOJYJudqdVJi95Xx91BIgChvDTfhJKV9uPG8kbYBDklc902O2nHwwuZ03RBvPv7BWo4sRxOloA0HreVckovjMtefVEdQ7KaJLoa333576nbsIrKtLUny3TibnmJpPUqFkWLaOAgIEqD-uixkVQ3ZZo7fyUsD1qBTOxQOayDB05gNiXiWhGJCMCvKF-qNkFpCySa2rTNzgi6aIVRbme_G8PocRoS-86wDABUdpQ4-LATSqqLYisFBC7o-N-4oP2L7tME8hSpxduhle18d_NSJXlNMHvrV45w8.rcqkuUhRCLwr61eX4JjRK7jT7On0CkFfdNojSSfbYrs&dib_tag=se&keywords=gaming%2Bcomputers%2Bdesktops&qid=1735682942&refinements=p_36%3A190000-%2Cp_n_feature_four_browse-bin%3A18107802011%2Cp_n_operating_system_browse-bin%3A23724789011|23724790011%2Cp_n_feature_twenty-three_browse-bin%3A13580787011|13580788011%2Cp_n_feature_forty-six_browse-bin%3A5446812011|7817230011%2Cp_n_feature_eighteen_browse-bin%3A23703243011%2Cp_n_feature_browse-bin%3A23737627011%2Cp_n_feature_twenty_browse-bin%3A23572110011%2Cp_n_feature_twenty-nine_browse-bin%3A23447647011&rnid=2421879011&s=electronics&sprefix=gaming%2Bcomputers%2Celectronics%2C155&sr=1-4&th=1

 

Or this one (not a link). On this one the cost would be about the same as the above as there would be no sales tax or shipping.

Overview

CLX Set the "Lord of Chaos" is a gaming desktop PC and masterpiece of engineering, designed to obliterate expectations and redefine the boundaries of performance. At its core, a 360mm CLX Quench liquid-cooled AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D 8-Core processor reigns supreme, delivering raw uncompromised power that effortlessly conquers the most demanding games utilizing its 2nd Generation AMD 3D V-Cache Technology for an ultimate gaming performance boost. Pair that power with an NVIDIA 40-Series GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER 16GB GDDR6X graphics card, a visual powerhouse, and it will transform your gaming sessions into an immersive, breathtaking experience. With its super high amount of CUDA Cores, plus a huge leap in raw graphics horsepower from an ultra-efficient NVIDIA Ada Lovelace architecture that includes new streaming processors and 4th Gen Tensor Cores for AI-powered graphics to the game-changing technologies packed into the 4080 Super card, this CLX PC will deliver the lifelike virtual worlds and higher frame-rate gameplay you desire. With stunning detail, lifelike visuals, and smooth, fluid gameplay, every frame becomes a testament to the technological brilliance. To complement this extraordinary hardware, this CLX Set boasts an expansive 32GB of fast DDR5 5600MHz memory, ensuring seamless multitasking and rapid AAA game launches. The included 2TB NVMe M.2 SSD eliminates loading screen purgatory, propelling you directly into the heart of the action. High-speed 2.5 Gbps wired and Wi-Fi 7 networking options keep you connected to the world, whether you're dominating online multiplayer matches or streaming your gameplay to a global audience. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail and built with premium components, this high-performance CLX Set is more than just a PC; it's a statement of power, performance, and uncompromising quality. Join the Elite gaming family, get a CLX Set gaming PC with all the gaming power of the AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D processor today. Model: TGMSETRTU4B02BM.

• Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D 4.70GHz (5.20GHz Max. Turbo)
• Memory: 32GB DDR5 - 2 x 16GB (4 slots total, 256GB Max)
• Hard Drive: 2TB NVMe M.2 SSD
• Video Graphics: GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER 16GB GDDR6X
• Power Supply: 850 Watt

Edited January 1 by Ratsirt

[Ratsirt]

19 hours ago, christb said:

And you might want to consider 64 GB of RAM if running high settings with Many addons.

I was hoping no one would say that. I have no add-ons yet as I have no computer, input devices of 2024 yet.

[Ratsirt]

21 hours ago, regis9 said:

Lots of good advice here, I’ll just add  to make sure your GPU has no less than 16GB VRAM for MSFS2024…so 4070 Super, 4080, 4090 if you go the Nvidia route.  It might get better over time, but right now MSFS24 is a very VRAM hungry program.

2024 runs better for me than 2020 generally, so I’m not sure I’d worry about it being the most demanding sim out there right now, but with the grade of computer you’re looking at you’ll have fun.

Be sure you have a solid internet connection, that can make a big difference too, although the Microsoft servers are a bigger piece of that.

Thanks. At this point I think I'm opting for the 4080...I have to scrimp somewhere. 😉

[Ratsirt]

21 hours ago, Av8ing1 said:

I like building up computers. Its fun planning out the parts lists and choosing exactly the components you want. Assembly is really fairly simple and there are a lot of guides out there. Its the software installation and troubleshooting that can be the most frustrating if things go wrong. I say go for it if you have any interest. You can enjoy picking exactly the case, the fans, the lighting, the CPU cooler,... its all custom and you built it. If you do explore this, I'd recommend pcpartpicker.com to help with picking compatible components. 

Thanks for that. I'll check that out...hoping they have an accurate compatibility guide because otherwise I'd be lost.

[Ratsirt]

22 hours ago, Huascar said:

Have you considered Alienware computers by Dell? They put together excellent computers and come with a five year warranty. I have owned two Alienware and never had any issues. However, they are not giving those away. You will pay a premium price. I still have an Alienware from 2011 and it works like a clock. 

MSFS 2024 is indeed the most demanding simulator ever created. I tried it for a day and it brought my Alienware to its knees.  If you are going to go for 2024, you will need a high end PC. The word budget computer and MSFS 2024 don’t go together.

I would agree with the comments made above, get an Nvidia graphics card, ideally the 4090.

Best of luck in your purchase!

 

Thanks. I'll revisit Alienware as I'm already suffering from cost creep.

[Ratsirt]

22 hours ago, Bobsk8 said:

I have used their tech support several times, the first time it was because of a GPU problem that was crashing MSFS only, and they happily changed it for a better card, haven't had a CTD since and that was years ago. Since then I called them when I installed a bigger drive, and they walked me through what I had to do, and by this time the PC was 2 1/2 years old. They are the best tech support I have ever dealt with in a PC maker. 

Thanks...I now have one under consideration.

[Ratsirt]

On 1/1/2025 at 1:33 PM, Ratsirt said:

Thoughts on this one?

 

https://www.amazon.com/Skytech-Vision-Gaming-Desktop-7800X3D/dp/B0DDDX41TM/ref=sr_1_4?crid=19LVDS7WORHNU&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.KVziFoQLEL34BQngrDELneb9rYKJPZ2BZwyI5qGrumdThxeh-cxLyyB17bGPCcZdy-dy19-QAhMaOJYJudqdVJi95Xx91BIgChvDTfhJKV9uPG8kbYBDklc902O2nHwwuZ03RBvPv7BWo4sRxOloA0HreVckovjMtefVEdQ7KaJLoa333576nbsIrKtLUny3TibnmJpPUqFkWLaOAgIEqD-uixkVQ3ZZo7fyUsD1qBTOxQOayDB05gNiXiWhGJCMCvKF-qNkFpCySa2rTNzgi6aIVRbme_G8PocRoS-86wDABUdpQ4-LATSqqLYisFBC7o-N-4oP2L7tME8hSpxduhle18d_NSJXlNMHvrV45w8.rcqkuUhRCLwr61eX4JjRK7jT7On0CkFfdNojSSfbYrs&dib_tag=se&keywords=gaming%2Bcomputers%2Bdesktops&qid=1735682942&refinements=p_36%3A190000-%2Cp_n_feature_four_browse-bin%3A18107802011%2Cp_n_operating_system_browse-bin%3A23724789011|23724790011%2Cp_n_feature_twenty-three_browse-bin%3A13580787011|13580788011%2Cp_n_feature_forty-six_browse-bin%3A5446812011|7817230011%2Cp_n_feature_eighteen_browse-bin%3A23703243011%2Cp_n_feature_browse-bin%3A23737627011%2Cp_n_feature_twenty_browse-bin%3A23572110011%2Cp_n_feature_twenty-nine_browse-bin%3A23447647011&rnid=2421879011&s=electronics&sprefix=gaming%2Bcomputers%2Celectronics%2C155&sr=1-4&th=1

 

Or this one (not a link). On this one the cost would be about the same as the above as there would be no sales tax or shipping.

Overview

CLX Set the "Lord of Chaos" is a gaming desktop PC and masterpiece of engineering, designed to obliterate expectations and redefine the boundaries of performance. At its core, a 360mm CLX Quench liquid-cooled AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D 8-Core processor reigns supreme, delivering raw uncompromised power that effortlessly conquers the most demanding games utilizing its 2nd Generation AMD 3D V-Cache Technology for an ultimate gaming performance boost. Pair that power with an NVIDIA 40-Series GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER 16GB GDDR6X graphics card, a visual powerhouse, and it will transform your gaming sessions into an immersive, breathtaking experience. With its super high amount of CUDA Cores, plus a huge leap in raw graphics horsepower from an ultra-efficient NVIDIA Ada Lovelace architecture that includes new streaming processors and 4th Gen Tensor Cores for AI-powered graphics to the game-changing technologies packed into the 4080 Super card, this CLX PC will deliver the lifelike virtual worlds and higher frame-rate gameplay you desire. With stunning detail, lifelike visuals, and smooth, fluid gameplay, every frame becomes a testament to the technological brilliance. To complement this extraordinary hardware, this CLX Set boasts an expansive 32GB of fast DDR5 5600MHz memory, ensuring seamless multitasking and rapid AAA game launches. The included 2TB NVMe M.2 SSD eliminates loading screen purgatory, propelling you directly into the heart of the action. High-speed 2.5 Gbps wired and Wi-Fi 7 networking options keep you connected to the world, whether you're dominating online multiplayer matches or streaming your gameplay to a global audience. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail and built with premium components, this high-performance CLX Set is more than just a PC; it's a statement of power, performance, and uncompromising quality. Join the Elite gaming family, get a CLX Set gaming PC with all the gaming power of the AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D processor today. Model: TGMSETRTU4B02BM.

• Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D 4.70GHz (5.20GHz Max. Turbo)
• Memory: 32GB DDR5 - 2 x 16GB (4 slots total, 256GB Max)
• Hard Drive: 2TB NVMe M.2 SSD
• Video Graphics: GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER 16GB GDDR6X
• Power Supply: 850 Watt

Hmm...no takers on advice/recommendations on the above boxes?

[prolixindec]

The choice of CPU and GPU are excellent for MS2020, no red flags to my uneducated eyes, but "yellow" flags might be the motherboards; I don't see the specs or the brand identified. Same with the RAM and storage, is it branded or generic? Regarding the GPU, it says in the notes "brand may vary." This might not make a difference, but it can help sometimes to know. Curiously the amazon device says that there are only 2 USB ports. Maybe that means a cheap motherboard? Maybe it's an error? Mayne I'm not smart enough to understand the description? It might help to make sure the number of USB ports is to your liking. More critically, the video outputs--again, the amazon box says two, but that the number "could" vary, presumably with the brand of the GPU. This would be important if you are running more than one monitor.

The price of each is pretty good, which suggests to me the components are generic. But again, that doesn't necessarily mean they're inferior, just that they're presumably the cheapest. (I have a Dell that was built with generic parts and it performs well.)

 

 

Edited January 6 by prolixindec