I was going to get a used 4090 in 2025, but after the launch of the 5080 they have gone up in price, not down. I think I’ll pass for now. But then I was thinking that maybe I can spend less than half of what a 4090 costs and improve everything else about my PC. My PC was a pre built system, and uses the A620M AM5 chipset. I’m not saying it’s bad, but I do feel this AMD system is less stable than my previous i9 system. Would an X670 motherboard make any difference? ChatGPT claims it has better USB controllers (I fly in VR with a Pimax Crystal), and better memory handling than the A620. I’m sure it does, but would that translate to better stability and or performance in MSFS (2020)? My copy of Windows is an OEM and if I swap the motherboard I’ll probably need to get another digital key for that as well. So I’d rather not if the gain is purely theoretical.
I can’t offer any help with regard to the differences between AMD motherboards, and I’m not sure I would trust anything that ChatGPT says either!
The Crystal plugs directly into your GPU, so as long as the card and the PSU are up to the job, it’s hard to imagine that changing the mobo would make a significant difference. I’m sure others will chime in with experience though.
As I understand it, you bought your copy of Windows when you bought the PC, so the licence is yours. It will be installed on your SSD, so were you to swap that SSD into a new motherboard, then Windows should carry across.
Just to be sure, I would suggest that you locate and note down your Windows product key. This licence will be linked to your userID / Microsoft account, so if you do make the changes suggested it should be recognised automatically. If that doesn’t work immediately, with the product key you can reactivate your copy of Windows in the upgraded PC, with no need to buy another copy.
Mostly correct. Except the Cystal plugs not only into the DP port on my GPU, but also to two different USB ports, one USB 3 and one USB 2 and the headset draws a lot of power over those ports, which is why it comes with a powered hub, but mine broke. I’ve been running a separate USB C cable to the headset from a power brick in addition to the two USB cables. And I also do not trust ChatGPT, but it is a starting point, and the X series of motherboards are more expensive than the A of B, and there must be a reason for it. But whether that reason matters in my case is the question.