chicagorandy Posted September 21 Share Posted September 21 I am not "tech savvy" enough to wade through the bazillion store bought desktops, comparing their components' capabilities. I am aware that my current MSFS 2020 "Recommended" level PC doesn't seem to even meet the 'Minimums' for MSFS2024. Are there any $800 desktops out there that would meet the new 'Recommended' specs for MSFS2024? Or am I seeking Sasquatch riding a Unicorn holding a UFO? All suggestions welcome and appreciated. "Don't believe everything you see on the internet." - Abe Lincoln HP Pavilion Desktop i5-8400@2.8ghz, 16gb RAM, 1TB M.2 SSD, GTX1650 4GB, 300 MBPS internet, 31.5" curved monitor, Logitech yoke-throttle, Flt Vel trim wheel, TFRP rudder pedals, G/M IR headset, Extreme 3D Pro joystick, Wheel Stand Pro S Dlx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jgf Posted September 21 Share Posted September 21 I would be leery of a system in that price range that would run MSFS2024. My recommendation (and this from someone who at one time enjoyed building his own systems) is go to a couple of local shops and discuss a system that would run MSFS decently and reliably - not a state of the art system nor one that would be overly stressed - and get a written estimate of what components they would use, what they would charge to build it, and what warranty they would give on their work (the components will all have manufacturer warranties). Bring those here and get feedback from folks familiar with modern FS and systems, and work from there. I'm interested in where this goes (my estimate is $1500-$1800, without peripherals). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loki Posted September 21 Share Posted September 21 The ones below from Micro Center should handle MSFS 2024 well. Could look at bumping the RAM up to 32GB to better match the recommended specs, though that could be done later. https://www.microcenter.com/product/684622/lenovo-legion-t5-26ara8-gaming-pc https://www.microcenter.com/product/675053/asus-rog-strix-g15dk-mh764ti-gaming-pc Moving up to the $1,000-1,500 range would give you more options. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loki Posted September 21 Share Posted September 21 Something like the system below would get you well into the recommended system range. This one also has a second 1TB NVMe SSD for the sim itself. https://www.microcenter.com/site/content/custom-pc-builder.aspx?load=4d757679-deb2-4130-88fe-8403a48732ef Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chicagorandy Posted September 21 Author Share Posted September 21 2 hours ago, loki said: The ones below from Micro Center should handle MSFS 2024 well. Could look at bumping the RAM up to 32GB to better match the recommended specs, though that could be done later. https://www.microcenter.com/product/684622/lenovo-legion-t5-26ara8-gaming-pc https://www.microcenter.com/product/675053/asus-rog-strix-g15dk-mh764ti-gaming-pc Moving up to the $1,000-1,500 range would give you more options. Thanks for the tips - it turns out there's a MicroCenter store about 30 minutes from my house. I'll have to swing by if GamePass shows my system now won't work. "Don't believe everything you see on the internet." - Abe Lincoln HP Pavilion Desktop i5-8400@2.8ghz, 16gb RAM, 1TB M.2 SSD, GTX1650 4GB, 300 MBPS internet, 31.5" curved monitor, Logitech yoke-throttle, Flt Vel trim wheel, TFRP rudder pedals, G/M IR headset, Extreme 3D Pro joystick, Wheel Stand Pro S Dlx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loki Posted September 21 Share Posted September 21 You may want to wait until closer to the launch date, or maybe even after, to see reviews on how it does run on different hardware. And maybe catch some Black Friday deals. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chicagorandy Posted September 21 Author Share Posted September 21 30 minutes ago, loki said: You may want to wait until closer to the launch date, or maybe even after, to see reviews on how it does run on different hardware. And maybe catch some Black Friday deals. I plan on doing nothing until after it is released, and a free trial is available on GamePass which will show how my present PC handles it. 1 "Don't believe everything you see on the internet." - Abe Lincoln HP Pavilion Desktop i5-8400@2.8ghz, 16gb RAM, 1TB M.2 SSD, GTX1650 4GB, 300 MBPS internet, 31.5" curved monitor, Logitech yoke-throttle, Flt Vel trim wheel, TFRP rudder pedals, G/M IR headset, Extreme 3D Pro joystick, Wheel Stand Pro S Dlx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beroun Posted September 22 Share Posted September 22 Also eyeballing FS2024. This came from one of the u-tube videos ( caution bit of unnecessary blinding with science!) Peter Bendl ex. British Airways Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loki Posted September 23 Share Posted September 23 10 hours ago, beroun said: Also eyeballing FS2024. This came from one of the u-tube videos ( caution bit of unnecessary blinding with science!) Not sure how much stock I would put in that video. One point that the presenter apparently wasn't aware of is the new sim is more multi-threaded than 2020, so more cores may well have a larger effect on performance. However, until it is out we won't know for sure. Quote Moving the focus on the simulation aspect of the simulator, Sebastian stepped up to deliver new information about the improvements to the aerodynamics model. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 brings with it an evolution of the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) that was eventually added to the 2020 simulator. Airflow in the simulator is now multi-threaded, meaning all your cores will be utilised on your system. https://fselite.net/content/everything-we-learned-about-microsoft-flight-simulator-2024-at-the-global-preview-event/ 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chicagorandy Posted September 24 Author Share Posted September 24 On 9/21/2024 at 1:47 PM, loki said: The ones below from Micro Center should handle MSFS 2024 well. Could look at bumping the RAM up to 32GB to better match the recommended specs, though that could be done later. https://www.microcenter.com/product/684622/lenovo-legion-t5-26ara8-gaming-pc https://www.microcenter.com/product/675053/asus-rog-strix-g15dk-mh764ti-gaming-pc Moving up to the $1,000-1,500 range would give you more options. I'm liking the Lenovo - adding 16gb more RAM and swapping for 1 or 2 TB storage. "Don't believe everything you see on the internet." - Abe Lincoln HP Pavilion Desktop i5-8400@2.8ghz, 16gb RAM, 1TB M.2 SSD, GTX1650 4GB, 300 MBPS internet, 31.5" curved monitor, Logitech yoke-throttle, Flt Vel trim wheel, TFRP rudder pedals, G/M IR headset, Extreme 3D Pro joystick, Wheel Stand Pro S Dlx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loki Posted September 24 Share Posted September 24 1 hour ago, chicagorandy said: I'm liking the Lenovo - adding 16gb more RAM and swapping for 1 or 2 TB storage. Rather than swap the storage, I would add a 1 or 2 TB SSD as a dedicated drive for the sim. Would need to check the specs to see if it can take a second NVMe drive, though many PCs do these days. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jgf Posted September 24 Share Posted September 24 1 hour ago, loki said: Rather than swap the storage, I would add a 1 or 2 TB SSD Like "flat surface" in a shop, you can never have too much storage. My best friend coined the concept of "flat surface syndrome" - the amount of junk you have will increase in proportion to the amount of flat surface you have to store it. This concept applies to computers also. (Remember your first 1gig HD? "Man, I've got enough space for everything now" ... six months later you're eyeing a 4.2gig for a secondary drive.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chicagorandy Posted September 25 Author Share Posted September 25 On 9/21/2024 at 2:08 PM, loki said: Something like the system below would get you well into the recommended system range. This one also has a second 1TB NVMe SSD for the sim itself. https://www.microcenter.com/site/content/custom-pc-builder.aspx?load=4d757679-deb2-4130-88fe-8403a48732ef I'm trying to educate myself about the topic - why do so many pre-built and DIY builds use a Ryzen 5 CPU not the 'recommended' Ryzen 7? "Don't believe everything you see on the internet." - Abe Lincoln HP Pavilion Desktop i5-8400@2.8ghz, 16gb RAM, 1TB M.2 SSD, GTX1650 4GB, 300 MBPS internet, 31.5" curved monitor, Logitech yoke-throttle, Flt Vel trim wheel, TFRP rudder pedals, G/M IR headset, Extreme 3D Pro joystick, Wheel Stand Pro S Dlx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jgf Posted September 25 Share Posted September 25 8 minutes ago, chicagorandy said: why do so many pre-built and DIY builds use a Ryzen 5 "For example, the Ryzen 7 5800X has a TDP of 105W, while the Ryzen 5 5600X has a TDP of 65W. This means that the Ryzen 7 5800X will require a more powerful power supply and a better cooling system than the Ryzen 5 5600X. For example, the Ryzen 7 5800X has a suggested retail price of $449, while the Ryzen 5 5600X has a suggested retail price of $299." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loki Posted September 25 Share Posted September 25 14 minutes ago, chicagorandy said: I'm trying to educate myself about the topic - why do so many pre-built and DIY builds use a Ryzen 5 CPU not the 'recommended' Ryzen 7? Part of it is down to budget, however, you also need to pay attention to the generation of the CPU listed. The Ryzen 7 listed in the recommended specs is a 6 year old processor, whereas the Ryzen 5 7600X, for example, is a 2 year old model and around 60% faster then the Ryzen 7 2700X (depending on gaame). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chicagorandy Posted September 25 Author Share Posted September 25 33 minutes ago, loki said: Part of it is down to budget, however, you also need to pay attention to the generation of the CPU listed. The Ryzen 7 listed in the recommended specs is a 6 year old processor, whereas the Ryzen 5 7600X, for example, is a 2 year old model and around 60% faster then the Ryzen 7 2700X (depending on gaame). Sounds like some good folks 'in the tech know', and that ain't me-lol, should create an up-to-date and realistic shopping list for a "Recommended" level DIY build or store-bought desktop based on what is currently and commonly available. The Microsoft published chart it would seem is rather 'vague' and in some instances confusing. I have replaced many PC components over the decades and would have no problem assembling one if that saved $$. Don't want to over buy or under buy. "Don't believe everything you see on the internet." - Abe Lincoln HP Pavilion Desktop i5-8400@2.8ghz, 16gb RAM, 1TB M.2 SSD, GTX1650 4GB, 300 MBPS internet, 31.5" curved monitor, Logitech yoke-throttle, Flt Vel trim wheel, TFRP rudder pedals, G/M IR headset, Extreme 3D Pro joystick, Wheel Stand Pro S Dlx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loki Posted September 26 Share Posted September 26 It isn't easy keeping up with the changing computer hardware out there. Use the requirements listed as a baseline in terms of performance to get an idea of what is needed. The upshot with what they have provided is that 5-6 year old CPUs, at least, will still perform well for the new sim (a far better situation than previous sims, like FSX). Still need to wait for release to see exactly how well though. And once we do have a better idea, I'm sure there will be more detailed recommendations popping up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chicagorandy Posted September 26 Author Share Posted September 26 Once Thanksgiving is upon us, I am 'considering' the following for a Gaming Desktop build for MSFS2024- Feel free to point out where I may have gone astray in my selection(s). I have tried to achieve something reasonably balanced between CPU and GPU. From Amazon the total is $870 before any coupons. I will also be price comparing with MicroCenter, AMD Ryzen 7-5800X with cooler fan, AMD Radeon RX5700XT 8gb, MSI B550-A Pro motherboard, Segotep 750 watt power supply, 32gb DDR4 Ram, 1TB NVME m2 SSD, ATX mid-tower case, Windows 11 Home. "Don't believe everything you see on the internet." - Abe Lincoln HP Pavilion Desktop i5-8400@2.8ghz, 16gb RAM, 1TB M.2 SSD, GTX1650 4GB, 300 MBPS internet, 31.5" curved monitor, Logitech yoke-throttle, Flt Vel trim wheel, TFRP rudder pedals, G/M IR headset, Extreme 3D Pro joystick, Wheel Stand Pro S Dlx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loki Posted September 26 Share Posted September 26 Those are some good choices. Two areas to look into would be look at bumping up to a Ryzen 7 5800X3D CPU, and look for a video card with 12 or 16GB of VRAM. The Ryzen X3D CPUs have extra cache which made them very popular for gaming and simming. On the GPU side, while the recommended specs do say 8 GB of VRAM, I have a suspicion that that may still be on the low side with the increasing use of ray tracing, more detailed scenery and terrain, and the new sim using DX12. In both cases, as I've mentioned before, we will need to wait for the sims release to see for sure though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chicagorandy Posted September 26 Author Share Posted September 26 Hoping that come November there may well be some Black Friday type sales, No rush to buy for sure. My 'new' build will be: MSI B550A Pro motherboard, 64gb DDR4 RAM, 2TB 4.0 NVMe SSD, 1TB 3.0 NVMe SSD, AMD Ryzen 7-5700X3D & Cooling fan, Radeon RX6750XT 12gb, 850 watt 80 Plus Gold fully modular PSU, Montech AIR 903 Max mid-tower case, Windows 11. All critiques are welcome as always, this is a learning process for me. It is of course a juggling feat balancing the hardware demands of MSFS2024, CPU & GPU performance compatibility, and most importantly budget. Disclaimer - I am amending my build shopping list as I learn more about PC internal hardware. Upgraded the power supply for example, HOWEVER I AM understanding the nature of 'the next best thing' in PC gear - faster motherboard? Sure, now you just need a faster processor, AM 4 to AM5, then DDR5 memory instead of 4, while we're at it that deserves a better video card etc.etc.,etc WHY OH WHY wasn't I born rich instead of so good lookin'? 1 "Don't believe everything you see on the internet." - Abe Lincoln HP Pavilion Desktop i5-8400@2.8ghz, 16gb RAM, 1TB M.2 SSD, GTX1650 4GB, 300 MBPS internet, 31.5" curved monitor, Logitech yoke-throttle, Flt Vel trim wheel, TFRP rudder pedals, G/M IR headset, Extreme 3D Pro joystick, Wheel Stand Pro S Dlx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chicagorandy Posted September 30 Author Share Posted September 30 Update - My complete lack of buying willpower and patience got the better of me -lol. The parts are all on order and will be here Wednesday. I will post pics of the build and a full Amazon shopping list with links for anyone interested. "Don't believe everything you see on the internet." - Abe Lincoln HP Pavilion Desktop i5-8400@2.8ghz, 16gb RAM, 1TB M.2 SSD, GTX1650 4GB, 300 MBPS internet, 31.5" curved monitor, Logitech yoke-throttle, Flt Vel trim wheel, TFRP rudder pedals, G/M IR headset, Extreme 3D Pro joystick, Wheel Stand Pro S Dlx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loki Posted September 30 Share Posted September 30 That looks like it's going to be a good system. Keep us posted with how it runs both MSFS 2020 and 2024. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chicagorandy Posted September 30 Author Share Posted September 30 On 9/30/2024 at 1:29 PM, loki said: That looks like it's going to be a good system. Keep us posted with how it runs both MSFS 2020 and 2024. Indeed I shall, and thanks for the valuable suggestions on hardware. Now I'm a 75yr old kid at Christmas waiting for the Amazon Santa to arrive -LOL l I The 1TB NVMe 4.0 will be for the OS and most actvity, the 1TB NVMe 3.0 will house MSFS 2024 and 2024 and any other games. I also have a 2TB Western Digital 2.5" external USB 3.2 SSD hard drive to repurpose for non speed-critical files like documents, pictures and downloads. I will connect it thru an adapter cable to the socket on the motherboard and just velcro it to the inside of the case someplace convenient. 1 "Don't believe everything you see on the internet." - Abe Lincoln HP Pavilion Desktop i5-8400@2.8ghz, 16gb RAM, 1TB M.2 SSD, GTX1650 4GB, 300 MBPS internet, 31.5" curved monitor, Logitech yoke-throttle, Flt Vel trim wheel, TFRP rudder pedals, G/M IR headset, Extreme 3D Pro joystick, Wheel Stand Pro S Dlx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chicagorandy Posted October 3 Author Share Posted October 3 So..... everything arrived late this evening (too late to mess with the parts) ..... EXCEPT FOR THE CASE which UPS mysteriously failed to deliver as promised earlier. They are now saying delivery will be tomorrow by 8:00pm. Hope springs eternal. A case is kinda handy to have when you're looking to build a desktop PC... sigh Meanwhile, this morning I did the Flash BIOS of the motherboard, installed the CPU, Frozn Cooler, both 1TB NVMe SSDs and the 64GB RAM. "Don't believe everything you see on the internet." - Abe Lincoln HP Pavilion Desktop i5-8400@2.8ghz, 16gb RAM, 1TB M.2 SSD, GTX1650 4GB, 300 MBPS internet, 31.5" curved monitor, Logitech yoke-throttle, Flt Vel trim wheel, TFRP rudder pedals, G/M IR headset, Extreme 3D Pro joystick, Wheel Stand Pro S Dlx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chicagorandy Posted Friday at 07:25 PM Author Share Posted Friday at 07:25 PM Did a 'total dummassery' late last night connecting the cables and completely screwed up the USB C very multi pin socket on the motherboard. A lovely $110 mistake - new board arrives today. To quote John Wayne - "Life is hard... it's even harder when you're stupid". Suffice to say I shall tread LIGHTLY plugging that connection in next time. "Don't believe everything you see on the internet." - Abe Lincoln HP Pavilion Desktop i5-8400@2.8ghz, 16gb RAM, 1TB M.2 SSD, GTX1650 4GB, 300 MBPS internet, 31.5" curved monitor, Logitech yoke-throttle, Flt Vel trim wheel, TFRP rudder pedals, G/M IR headset, Extreme 3D Pro joystick, Wheel Stand Pro S Dlx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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