Building/buying a computer specifically for FSX

[Kt1578]

I am looking to build a PC just for FSX. I would like to run FSX on maxed out settings with AI, and lots of scenery addons, aircraft addons and weather addons, at a high FPS count and good graphics. I have heard that it is not recommended to buy a prebuilt one, but what about an XForce PC, or Digital Storm, or even one of Jetline Systems PC’s?

 

Below are some links to some PCs I was looking at. For the Jetliner Systems PCs, I was going to get the best option for each one even if it costs over $8000. I Doubt I will be getting a laptop, but I will list the good gaming ones I found anyway.

 

•http://jetlinesystems.com/product/gravity-mini-3/

•http://jetlinesystems.com/product/gravity-gtx/ -Side note : This seems like a great option with all the best stuff ticked

•http://jetlinesystems.com/product/gravity-gt2/

•http://jetlinesystems.com/product/gravity-gt1/

•https://xforcepc.com/english/gaming-pcs/overkill.html -Side note : I feel like this is the best one

•https://xforcepc.com/english/gaming-pcs/rackmount-html.html

•https://xforcepc.com/english/gaming-pcs/platinum-html.html

•https://xforcepc.com/english/gaming-pcs/titanium-html.html

•https://xforcepc.com/english/gaming-pcs/triple-budget.html

•https://xforcepc.com/english/gaming-pcs/budget-gaming.html

•https://xforcepc.com/english/flight-simulation/flight-simulation-computers/platinum-html.html

•https://xforcepc.com/english/flight-simulation/flight-simulation-computers/titanium-html.html

•https://xforcepc.com/english/flight-simulation/flight-simulation-computers/triple-budget.html

•https://xforcepc.com/english/flight-simulation/flight-simulation-computers/budget-gaming.html

•http://www.digitalstorm.com/aura.asp

•http://www.digitalstorm.com/bolt-x.asp?workstation=1

•https://www.digitalstorm.com/slade.asp?workstation=1

•https://www.digitalstorm.com/aventum-3.asp?workstation=1

•http://www.digitalstorm.com/slade.asp

•http://www.digitalstorm.com/velox.asp

•http://www.digitalstorm.com/bolt-x.asp

•http://www.digitalstorm.com/lumos.asp

•http://www.digitalstorm.com/vanquish-7.asp

 

These are the laptops

•http://www.digitalstorm.com/banshee.asp

•https://www2.razerzone.com/au-en/gaming-systems/razer-blade-pro

•https://www.acer.com/ac/en/US/content/predator-model/NH.Q1TAA.001

•http://m.dell.com/mt/www.dell.com/au/p/alienware-17-laptop/pd?fl=m&un_jtt_v_MPLP=yes&fl=m&un_jtt_redirect

 

An even better option if you have time, is to rank the above, rather than say what is best. If a PC like that is not recommended, then I have a list of components, and I’m wondering if I can build a really good PC with them. Tell me if something won’t work or if I am missing something please. Also, I have no budget. By the way, I just searched up components needed to build a computer to get this list, and took down the best(?) gaming ones I could find, so sorry if this list is completely wrong. I will also need LOTS of storage, considering the amount of addons I want to add.

 

•Intel Core i7 4790K (oveclocked to 4.6ghz) Quad Core

•DDR3 SDRAM (2133 MHz)

•Nvidia GTX 1080 TI

•Samsung 850 EVO Professional(SSD)

•Asus Z170 PRO GAMING Motherboard

•SSHD SEAGATE 2TB 3,5″ ST2000DX001 7200 64MB

•mSATA 500GB

•XFX 1000 Watt XTI Titanium Power Supply

•Corsair Hydro Series H115i Extreme Performance Liquid CPU Cooler

 

If I get one of the above PCs, I don’t care what build it is. If I am custom building it though, then I want to run Windows 10. For the case, I have no idea what to get, but considering how powerful a computer I want, I think I want a soundproof case so it isn’t too loud. With the case, I want it to have some cool colours like a red trim or blue trim, or even illuminated like in some of the above PCs. I am also guessing that I will need a hell lot of power(100 watts?) to make the PC work considering how powerful it is going to be and since I will be using many USB ports to plug in stuff for my sim and extras. Once I have finished deciding on all of my parts, I will need steps on how to build this thing because I am a complete noob at this stuff.

 

For my part list up there, I was wondering if you could lable what each part is(next to each component lable what the actual part is)? I know which are the graphics card and processor and motherboard, but I have no clue what the rest is.

 

Custom built or not, I need monitor recommendations, no larger than 40 inches, with amazing quality, curved or not, I don’t mind. 4K graphics is a must to get the best graphics. These are some of the monitors I am looking at.

 

•https://www.amazon.com/LG-Electronics-27UD88-W-LED-Lit-Monitor/dp/B01CDYB0QS/?tag=omnideals-20

•https://www.amazon.com/Samsung-S34E790C-34-Inch-Professional-Monitor/dp/B00Q7VCSGU/?tag=omnideals-20

•https://www.amazon.com/LG-Electronics-Ultrawide-34UC79G-B-LED-lit/dp/B01LW5CGIS/?tag=omnideals-20

•https://www.amazon.com/LG-Electronics-31MU97Z-B-31-0-Inch-Thunderbolt/dp/B00Y8H2SPG/?tag=omnideals-20

•https://www.amazon.com/LG-Electronics-34UM95-34-Inch-LED-Lit/dp/B00JR6GCZA/?tag=omnideals-20

•https://www.amazon.com/Dell-UltraSharp-34-Inch-LED-Lit-Monitor/dp/B00PXYRMPE/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=omnideals-20&linkId=146363a0aebd5c8d49e0a8f4607e2068

•https://www.amazon.com/LG-Electronics-27UD88-W-LED-Lit-Monitor/dp/B01CDYB0QS/?tag=omnideals-20

•https://www.amazon.com/LG-27UD68-P-27-Inch-Monitor-FreeSync/dp/B01CH9ZTI4/?tag=omnideals-20

•https://www.amazon.com/PB287Q-Monitor-3840X2160-Resolution-28-Inch/dp/B00KJGY3TO/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=omnideals-20&linkId=76d375b14fc8f0853e9de9b9247ef8ec

•https://www.amazon.com/Dell-Monitor-P2415Q-24-Inch-LED-Lit/dp/B00PC9HFNY//ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=omnideals-20&linkId=c9657429ea020e6418ab2d26c337c720

•https://www.amazon.com/Samsung-UHD-QHD-Monitor-U28E590D-28-Inch/dp/B00YD3DBOC/?tag=omnideals-20

 

Also, what keyboard and mouse do you guys recommend? Here are some gaming keyboards and gaming mouses that I am looking at. I do not want to spend too much on these though, preferably under $120. I prefer wireless for both. With the keyboard, I am looking for something smallish, so it is easy to fit on my desk since with my simulator I do not have much room. I do not care about lighting. I also want something that will last a very long time, so something made out of decent materials whether it is heavy or not it doesn’t matter. The mouse preferably needs to be cheap, like $30 or less. I want to achieve comfort out of it, so one perfectly shaped to fit the right hand. Also I don’t want a small or flat mouse.

 

Keyboards:

•https://www.editorskeys.com/products/flight-simulator-x-keyboard-backlit-pc

•http://www.corsair.com/en-us/strafe-mechanical-gaming-keyboard-cherry-mx-red

•https://shop.daskeyboard.com/products/division-zero-x40-pro-gaming-mechanical-keyboard

•https://www.logitechg.com/en-us/product/g610-orion-brown-keyboard

•https://www.razerzone.com/gaming-keyboards-keypads/razer-blackwidow-tournament-edition-chroma

•https://steelseries.com/gaming-keyboards/apex-m500

 

Mouse:

•https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Mazer-Wireless-Gaming-EMS601BKAA-NF/dp/B00DPC015E

•https://m.gearbest.com/mice-keyboards/pp_246811.html?currency=AUD&vip=2737707&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI9cHy74Wc2AIVyA0rCh1WoQTAEAQYASABEgLuP_D_BwE

•https://m.gearbest.com/mice-keyboards/pp_72357.html?currency=AUD&vip=2737707&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI9cHy74Wc2AIVyA0rCh1WoQTAEAQYByABEgI38PD_BwE

•https://m.ebay.com.au/itm/2-4-GHz-Wireless-Optical-Mouse-Mice-USB-2-0-Receiver-for-PC-Laptop-Black/162126971283?_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIM.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20161006002618%26meid%3D74e695773f0d471a8f8673a534b435fe%26pid%3D100694%26rk%3D6%26rkt%3D30%26sd%3D201677458871&_trksid=p2385738.c100694.m4598

•https://m.ebay.com.au/itm/2-4Ghz-Mini-Wireless-Optical-Gaming-Mouse-Office-Mice-USB-Receiver-For-PC-Laptop/132391706338?var=431728593792&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIM.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20161006002618%26meid%3D74e695773f0d471a8f8673a534b435fe%26pid%3D100694%26rk%3D3%26rkt%3D30%26sd%3D201677458871&_trksid=p2385738.c100694.m4598

•https://www.amazon.com/VicTsing-Advanced-Configuration-Ergonomic-Adjustable/dp/B07141GLCV

•https://www.prohavit.com/products/hv-ms672-mouse/

•https://www.evetech.co.za/redragon-m601-centrophorus-2000-dpi-gaming-mouse/best-deal/2059.aspx

 

The final two things I am looking at getting, custom built PC or not, is an external USB port hub, and an external USB DVD/CD drive. I will need the extra USB ports because I have many things that I need to plug in. The external drive will just make it easier and handier to access, and it can sit ontop of my desk that way. I don’t think it makes too much of a difference for which two products to get, because they all do exactly the same thing, no?

 

As I said earlier I do not have much room on my desk because of my simulator setup, so I am looking at either building my own keyboard tray or buying one.

 

This post is open to everyone, and please argue/have discussions about stuff, because I want to know what is best. Thanks in advance.

 

P.s I have no budget, so please don’t tell me about cheaper options UNLESS they are actually better than the other stuff.

[BigT-65]

WOW! I could use some of this information too. I was looking at i7 processors and there were so many different ones I wouldn't even begin to make a choice. I have an older i7 940 and would like to get a new one, I will also need a new motherboard to install it to.

[jorgen.s.andersen]

Best CPU for FSX: Intel i7 7700K (the K part is important), it runs at 4.2 GHz without overclocking.

 

For the RAM, get 16 GB of 3400 or 3200 MHz DDR4 RAM, but check the timings of the RAM with the motherboard manual.

 

Motherboard: Asus Z170-A is fine, and it will take the above CPU.

 

Jorgen

[W2DR]

And another for-what-it's-worth.....There are two things you have to remember about FSX...it's basically a single-thread application and it makes very little use of the GPU. That said, whatever you decide, buy the CPU rated at 4Ghz or above with the best single-thread performance and, I personally think, anything in a GPU for FSX over a GTX970 is a waste of money. Other than that just be sure you have at least 8GB of fast RAM, a 1000-1200W PSU, and adequate cooling based on the amount of OC used (I'm running a 4790K on air at 4.7Ghz and the temps are fine). Let us know what happens..........Doug

[BigT-65]

Jorgen, Thanks for your reply. I will look into those items you suggested. I was going to post this additional information on my current system.

I want to upgrade my computer to get better frame rates using add on aircraft and ORBX scenery (global, vector and OLC). Currently I have an older i7 940 processor and 12 GB of ram and I am using 3 monitors. I have all of my FSX and odd on programs and files on a 500 GB SSD. My graphics card is an Asus GTX 980 with 4GB memory. I am getting frame rates in the teens with blurries and a little stuttering. I was looking at the latest versions of i7 processors and found out that there are a lot to choose from. And i have no idea which one would be best for FSX and the type of planes and scenery I want to use. I am hoping that there are some hardware guys out there that can tell me what I need to be looking for in a processor and a mother board to put it in.

Thanks for your replies.

[jorgen.s.andersen]

The main and crucial thing to look for in a CPU is the clock rate, pure and simple. But I found that almost equally important is to keep your motherboard BIOS updated. For instance, when I got my Z170-A it had BIOS level 900, then I upgraded to the latest level, and the throughput increase was unbelievable.

 

But - a word of warning - you must know and understand exactly what you are doing in a BIOS upgrade, and if you get a power glitch during the upgrade, your motherboard will need at least a new BIOS, if the BIOS can be replaced.

 

My own graphics card at present is a GTX 960, which is fast enough for my one monitor, but, as I recently got P3D, I am thinking about a GTX 1080 TI.

 

Jorgen

[Rupert]

Jorgen, Thanks for your reply. I will look into those items you suggested. I was going to post this additional information on my current system.

I want to upgrade my computer to get better frame rates using add on aircraft and ORBX scenery (global, vector and OLC). Currently I have an older i7 940 processor and 12 GB of ram and I am using 3 monitors. I have all of my FSX and odd on programs and files on a 500 GB SSD. My graphics card is an Asus GTX 980 with 4GB memory. I am getting frame rates in the teens with blurries and a little stuttering. I was looking at the latest versions of i7 processors and found out that there are a lot to choose from. And i have no idea which one would be best for FSX and the type of planes and scenery I want to use. I am hoping that there are some hardware guys out there that can tell me what I need to be looking for in a processor and a mother board to put it in.

Thanks for your replies.

 

Re-Read Jorgen's answer. Two things to remember:

 

1. FSX and all its' clones were basically designed to run on a single core CPU. With years of improvements, including P3D and some other updates, additional cores are somewhat employed. But basically this is a one (1) core program. So the faster your core(s) run, the better your results.

 

2. Microsoft worked with Intel when they designed this program. Many, many people have found they get the best results using an Intel CPU. Like Jorgen, I recommend the i-7 7700K.

 

Having said all of that, be aware there is more than one supplier actively working on a 64 bit alternative to FSX. So if I were you, I'd enjoy FSX or P3D for now. But not spend a lot of money on add-on software such as scenery till I found out how well the 64bit software works. YOUR FSX, P3D ADD-ONS ALMOST CERTAINLY WORK WITH A 64 BIT SIM.

 

Rupert

[jorgen.s.andersen]

P3D v4 is a 64-bit sim, and that is what I have. I have found so far that a whole lot of FSX add-on stuff works just fine with it, and I am discovering more all the time.

 

What I am doing for scenery is that I just point P3D to the locations of the FSX scenery, and it will for the most part use it as is. Really nifty.

 

But it will take time to build the whole P3D installation, while maintaining the FSX installation. So I have enough on my plate for a couple of years, I guess.

 

Jorgen

[Rupert]

P3D v4 is a 64-bit sim, and that is what I have. I have found so far that a whole lot of FSX add-on stuff works just fine with it, and I am discovering more all the time.

 

What I am doing for scenery is that I just point P3D to the locations of the FSX scenery, and it will for the most part use it as is. Really nifty.

 

But it will take time to build the whole P3D installation, while maintaining the FSX installation. So I have enough on my plate for a couple of years, I guess.

 

Jorgen

 

 

Thanks Jorgen,

 

That's good to know! I was very disappointed in the old P3D. I never thought the scenery looked as good as the same scenery using FSX. You're the first person I've heard say the old scenery works with 64bit. Perhaps I'll give the V4 another look.;)

 

Rupert

[BigT-65]

Best CPU for FSX: Intel i7 7700K (the K part is important), it runs at 4.2 GHz without overclocking.

 

For the RAM, get 16 GB of 3400 or 3200 MHz DDR4 RAM, but check the timings of the RAM with the motherboard manual.

 

Motherboard: Asus Z170-A is fine, and it will take the above CPU.

 

Jorgen

 

In the I7 7700K, what does the K stand for? What is it's importance? Also I looked at the reviews for the Asus Z170-A, they looked a little scarry. I have used lots of Asus products and never had any problems but this mother board had 21% one stars. I usually don't put a lot of stock in one star reviews but this board had a lot of them.

[rick]

The K refers to chips that have their clock unlocked.

If you want to overclock, this is what you want!

 

Rick

[BigT-65]

The K refers to chips that have their clock unlocked.

If you want to overclock, this is what you want!

 

Rick

 

Thanks Rick

[napamule2]

You will find that those 'One Star' guys did something wrong and blamed the motherboard. Like use the wrong ram (mixed, etc). Did not connect the hard drive to proper jacks. Did not have a large enough power supply for the video card. Did not download and install the latest Chip Set drivers for the mother board. Etc, etc. They might even be jealous and users of other brands of motherboard and just want to put down the Asus brand. You might notice that those 'One Star' guys also do not know how to spell.

Chuck B

Napamule

[BigT-65]

I agree with you on the one star guys. As I said I don't usually put a lot of stock in them. But I do read a few. I was on Newegg looking at Asus Z170-A motherboards and they have one for $339.89. A little further down the page is a notice that there is a newer version, a Prime Z270-A for $159.99. Other than the "2" I don't really see much difference between the two. The Z170-A has a PCI slot and the Z270-A does not. I may be able to use that PCI slot. Upon a closer look I see several other differences. My main question is Will the updated less expensive board be as good a choice as the Z170-A?

[napamule2]

The Z270 can use Optane memory. But as to differences, go to YouTube and key 'z170 vs z270' to get an idea what is involved. Apparently the debate has been going on for a year. Stability is what you want with your rig setup and that starts and ends with the motherboard. Good luck.

Chuck B

Napamule

PS: I paid $1200 for my rig (see specs). Still kicks butt - locked at 30 fps. $1200!!! It's 'balanced'.

[il88pp]

For your own (more objective) look at those chipsets, type:

z170 chipset specs

and later do the same for the z270