What specs would you recommend?

**Nickelbart_** · 09-16-2009, 05:35 PM

Hey there!

I'm playing FS9 on a single core 3.06 Ghz, 1GB RAM, GF Asus 7900GS (AA 4x AS 8x) with fairly good FPS, which are locked at twenty. Even with some FlyTampa scenery and PMDG 737 I enjoy flying a lot. Ofcourse I've cut down one some stuff, but I'm satisfied with the way things look and run.

However, I would love to have FS9 running to it's full and ultimate potential. For example: the heaviest add-on aicraft (PMDG like) and the demanding scenery add-on airports with some AI traffic. All with good FPS, and able to fly from the VC.

I'm not looking for the ultimate game-pc. I just want one that will run FS9 at it's best. I've did some research but I know to little about what hardware is needed to achieve this. I read that FS9 doesn't support multi-core processors for instance.

I'm planning on building a PC myself, but I don't have experience with this. Only with changing GPU's, adding RAM or a CD-drive.

What would you recommend?
Budget around 800-1300 USD/EUR

I think FSX with add-ons and such will be a bridge to far right?

Thanks in advance!

**ricardo_NY1** · 09-16-2009, 06:28 PM

I honestly do not think you'll need to spend more than $800 to run FS9 at its best. I put together a system this past Feb. for around $450 (I already had a case).......and while it may not be a powerhouse, I can lock it at 30fps with all settings on max in and around payware scenery at KSEA or KLGA with add-on aircraft and multiple cloud layers (My weather settings are also set at max except for draw distance) and I do not have stutters or frame drops. I've also got terrain, mesh and other stuff installed to improve appearance along with a hefty Project AI installation that is set to 100% traffic. AA and AS are both at 8x.

On the Gigabyte board I purchased, there is an

Intel Dual Core E7400 @2.8ghz CPU
2gig of Mushkin memory.
Asus 9600GT Videocard (FSX would probably make this card explode, but it moves FS9 along very well, and it's inexpensive)

The point is, and the reason I point out my specs are because there is nothing expensive or high powered. People looking to build an FSX rig wouldn't even consider those components. But I do tell you, they will run FS9 really well.

On another note, if you're already confident enough to install memory and video cards, you can build your own system. Just take everything one step at a time. The thing I honestly find the most complicated and burdensome is installing those little darn cables for the case power switch, Hard drive LED, reset switch, etc! I hate them and you will too! But it all gets done by looking at the manual and being careful. And in the end it is fun!

If you'd like more specifics on my parts, just let me know. I'm sure they are still available for sale on Newegg or elsewhere. I hoinestly do think that the 9600GT NVidia card is a good and inexpensive videocard to work with for FS9. And a Dual Core Intel in the 2.6 to 2.8ghz range should do the trick without spending a fortune. My CPU that I mention to you is doing a great job, and I haven't even overclocked it a little in any which way..........and I hear that one in particular overclocks well.

**kc10** · 09-17-2009, 03:46 AM

I read that FS9 doesn't support multi-core processors for instance.

Don't worry about that. Only a single core is used, however the architecture of the core 2 is such an immense improvement over the horrendous P4 that it is much faster even running single core. It's faster, runs cooler, uses lesspower, and they're excellent overclockers.

Anyway, specs......

mobo --- $90 to 115 --- any good socket 775 that supports core 2 duo and quad (for future upgrade if you want quad later) ddr3 support might be best too but ddr2 support is fine. The Asus P5Q series is pretty popular. Obviously get the model configured for your exact needs. Don't pay for features you don't need.

cpu ---- $ 160 --- E8500 or 8400

gpu ---- $100 --- 9800gt

ram ---- $75 to 95 --- 4GB kit ddr2-1066 (pc8500) you should be able to get 4GB kits for this price. OCZ, G Skill, Patriot, many performace brands in this price range. Get a 2GB kit if you have Windows XP x86.

PSU --- $75 to 90 --- OCZ are a great choice. Fair price too. Whatever brand you choose, look for NON modular cable systems.

That's between $450 and 600 max. These are US prices though. Components in the performance range of those listed above would eat FS9 for lunch.

The thing I honestly find the most complicated and burdensome is installing those little darn cables for the case power switch, Hard drive LED, reset switch, etc! I hate them and you will too!

So true!!!! I hate those.

I agree with everything you posted ricardo except I would highly recommend an 8800GTS 512mb over the 9600GT.

**Nickelbart_** · 09-17-2009, 08:14 AM

Thanks for the replies, they helped a lot!

Whoaaa, there's so much to choose. Altough I'm quiet handy with computers putting hardware together is something I've never done before. I have to make decisions, but al those hardware forums make it difficult to be sure about a system-set-up.

I've done some research and put together a concept system just to get an idea about the pricing of similar pc's. All kinds of questions come up. Is it better to buy a case with or without PSU? In my list I have them seperated. I hope you give some advice on how to improve this system. What is important when buying a case or motherboard? I need to make sure everything is compatible with eachother.

Motherboard:Asus P5Q PRO
� 105,93
GPU: Club3D Club 3D 9800GT Green Edition 512mb
� 90,59
Case: Cooler Master CM 690 Black
� 59,95
PSU:Corsair HX450W
� 58,50
Memory: G.Skill G.Skill F2-8500CL5D-4GBPK (2x 2GB)
� 68,91
Intel Core 2 Duo E8500
� 153.13
Hard Disk: Hitachi Deskstar 7K1000.B HDT721010SLA360, 1TB
� 62.90

Cost: � 600,91 or about 414 USD

**tommchowat** · 09-17-2009, 08:45 AM

Is 450W enough to power a 9800GT? When I originally bought my system I had a 500W for my 9800GTX+. Corsair are a good power brand though, I have a 650W supply from them.

I still run FS9 on my system. I've upgraded it since I got it though. When I first bought it, it was 2.8GHz stock, 2GB PC6400 RAM, a single 500GB HDD and a 512MB 9800GTX+. I seem to recall it did well with FS9. But after overclocking it, adding faster memory and a great video card it does amazing with FS9

FS9 will surprise you alot, depending on what you want to do. There are people who have P4 systems who are so proud that they can get over 100fps with FS9. Congratulations, it's not hard if you have no clouds, default scenery and a default C172. I guarantee that if you fly how I fly (which I think sounds like how you want to fly too..?) which is virtual cockpit of a complex panel plane, heavy addon clouds with Active Sky, online with Vatsim, Ultimate Terrain, Ground Environment, Flight Environment, FSPassengers, BA Virtual, massive addon airports like FS Dream Team's KORD... it would ruin a P4 system. However with me now, I can run all of this at 1920x1080 on a 32" TV, with 8xSQ AA and 16xAF at 32fps... doesn't get any better

**Nickelbart_** · 09-17-2009, 09:27 AM

Originally Posted by tommchowat

Is 450W enough to power a 9800GT? When I originally bought my system I had a 500W for my 9800GTX+. Corsair are a good power brand though, I have a 650W supply from them.

I still run FS9 on my system. I've upgraded it since I got it though. When I first bought it, it was 2.8GHz stock, 2GB PC6400 RAM, a single 500GB HDD and a 512MB 9800GTX+. I seem to recall it did well with FS9. But after overclocking it, adding faster memory and a great video card it does amazing with FS9

FS9 will surprise you alot, depending on what you want to do. There are people who have P4 systems who are so proud that they can get over 100fps with FS9. Congratulations, it's not hard if you have no clouds, default scenery and a default C172. I guarantee that if you fly how I fly (which I think sounds like how you want to fly too..?) which is virtual cockpit of a complex panel plane, heavy addon clouds with Active Sky, online with Vatsim, Ultimate Terrain, Ground Environment, Flight Environment, FSPassengers, BA Virtual, massive addon airports like FS Dream Team's KORD... it would ruin a P4 system. However with me now, I can run all of this at 1920x1080 on a 32" TV, with 8xSQ AA and 16xAF at 32fps... doesn't get any better

Thanks for your reply, Tom. I've seen some posts by you in the screenshot forum and I was really impressed. I'm aiming a 'little' under your level. That means heavy scenery add-ons, PMDG aircraft, Flight Environment, some AI traffic since I fly offline most of the time and ActiveSky all running smooth on a 19-21 Inch monitor. That will be about. I already thought 450W might be a bit on the low end, I'll make that 500-550 or something for starters.

I have no idea if a 9800GTX+ will make a difference compared to a 9800GT. Maybe somebody can fill me in on that. I also read that a CPU can bottleneck the GPU?

I won't be overclocking the CPU since I have no clues on how to do that.

If my concept system is able to meet my demands without much tweaking and pain I'll be more than happy. I look forward to your comments. Thanks again, and happy flying.

PS. I have no idea of which OS to use. On my P4 I have XP, should I wait for W7? I have no hassle in buying a new pc.

**tommchowat** · 09-17-2009, 10:50 AM

A 9800GTX+ is the same as a GTS250 - a little more powerful that a 9800GT but unless you're running a large monitor with lots of AA like me this won't make a difference, so the GT is fine for what you want.

Overclocking is easy once you know what you're doing, and I strongly advise that you try it once you get your system. If I can do it, then anyone can, and there are countless things to google and look up on these forums. FS is very CPU dependant, so if you can increase the speed, you should!

I think if you buy Vista now you will get a free upgrade to Windows 7. I would advise a 64 bit operating system so all of your RAM can be accessible, as 32 bit operating systems can only read about 3.5GB of it. I have had no bad experiences using FS9 on Windows 7 64 bit.

**Paxx** · 09-17-2009, 01:25 PM

You'll want a strong power supply because in all likelihood you will want to overclock it a little also. Corsairs are good but get a 600w one. Then unless you are planning on running three video cards you should be set.

**abrussell** · 09-17-2009, 02:10 PM

Ricardo
I've been running Fsx with all the add-on textures, weather, etc, for over a year with a 9600Gt card. Runs great. No explosions.
Bruce

**Nickelbart_** · 09-17-2009, 03:23 PM

I think I'll go for something like the set-up I posted earlier. Should I order a CPU cooler with it? I've never ordered a CPU chipset before so I don't know if a cooler will come with it. I do know that I have to upgrade it when I plan to overclock it.

Also, will E8500 CPU be enough for FS2004 or will a E8600 give better results? I don't plan on overclocking right away.

Last, does anyone have an advice on which case will be suitable?

With my current wishlist I will spend between €600-700. My budget does allow more, but if the gain in performance isn't significant and this system will run FS2004 perfectly I will go with it.

I was also wondering if a 22/24 inch screen will cause problems or that the 9800GT will handle it easily.

Thanks again!