First PC Build for Flight Sim

User Support Hub Hardware & Peripherals
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Hello,

I’ve been trying to build a budget PC that can run MSFS and Fenix A320 and/or PMDG 737 in somewhat reasonable settings without crashing.
When I was younger, I used to try to fly on FSX, but I didn’t know much about computers (was just 15 years old). My computer wasn’t really good, so I had lots of CTDs. It was very difficult to complete a flight. Now I think I finally have the money to change it (college student here, still a bit short on budget…) and a bit more knowledge about computers.
My main goal now is to run the flightsim with those planes with somewhat good scenery without crashing and with as good as possible FPS. I’ll be running it on a 1080p resolution.
Is this build good enough for that?

AMD Ryzen 7 5700X3D
MSI RTX 3060 Ventus 3X 12G OC GeForce RTX 3060
Gigabyte B550 AORUS ELITE AX V2 ATX AM4 Motherboard
32 or 64GB RAM (DDR4, 3200MHz)
2 1TB SSDs (one for OS and the other for MSFS).

If not, what changes would you make to it without going over a $1000 budget? I would accept used parts as well, if that’s not too risky.

Thanks in advance!

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If I might ask, what power supply are you looking at? Thanks. --Redeye

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No need for 64GB RAM. Shift that money over to an upgraded power supply. Perhaps you already have a good power supply, in which case I’d spend it to upgrade to a 5800X3D.

You can save a little more by getting a single 2TB drive, rather than 2 x 1TB.
This one is rated as a solid budget buy.

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If you live in a city within the U.S. that has a Micro Center computer store you can get open box items at a good discount. You have to go in store to buy these components however they are only items returned within the stores 30 day normal return period so nothing that has been run in a crypto farm for the past year.

I’ve done this with motherboards, video cards and other items with good luck so it has been well worth it. You can inspect any open box item before purchase just to ensure it looks ok and I’m sure a store salesperson will be more than happy to provide his feedback also.

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I was looking at a Super Flower LEGION GX PRO 750W, 80 Plus Gold. Do you think it’s a good one?

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I live in Brazil, a family member is in the US right now and come bring a component or another. But I don’t feel comfortable asking them to go to the store. It would have to be from ebay, which probably makes it riskier

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Thanks. I read somewhere that MSFS benefits from being on a different drive than OS. Is that so? Or is the difference minimal?

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Hello :slight_smile:

PC parts are more expensive in Brazil, and there is less choice of components than in the US, but I love your country, it’s fabulous!

Your choice of components for a budget build is very smart.

Sometimes there are online promotions available on places like Amazon US, for example recently I saw 5800X3D discounted at 172USD for a little while, so depending on when your family members are traveling back, you may want to keep an eye on such deals.

You can buy the components yourself on places like Amazon US, and have them shipped to them so they don’t have to go to a store.

On the components themselves, here are some suggestions:

https://pcpartpicker.com/list/3jGNmD

The part list above keeps your choice of 5700X3D, changes the MB to a heavily discounted high end board, has 32GB RAM, replaces the GPU with an A770 with 16GB VRAM, includes a quality PSU with enough juice and features to accommodate future upgrades, as well as a 2TB NVME.
Total is within budget: 997.25 at this moment, but prices vary over time.

Below is another parts list, built around the 7800X3D AM5 CPU for comparison purposes. I chose a budget motherboard that has good features and reviews. Total is around 7% over budget at 1071USD but it’s a much more powerful alternative:

https://pcpartpicker.com/list/xwqQbL

Of course, both lists can be tweaked for budget/brand preferences.

AMD is expected to announce its new line of Ryzen 9000 CPUs in early june, that’s just three weeks from now. It may translate into lower prices for the above components around that time.

Welcome to the MSFS forums!

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Super Flower is an OEM manufacturer with a solid reputation. 750W should be fine. The only negative is that it’s a semi-modular design, meaning some of the power cables are hard-wired. Should not be a problem, though.

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I like the choice of the Arc 770. 16GB VRAM is good to have. And that looks like a good 2TB selection.

I personally would save money with a cheaper B550 motherboard, like OP’s original choice, or this MSI MPG B550 GAMING CARBON WIFI ATX AM4…

I have an inexpensive MSI B550, and it’s been rock solid with my 5800X3D and DDR4-3600/CL14 setup. High-quality VRM’s (very important) led me to it.
I did have to buy a WiFi 6 PCI card for it. WiFi 6 is very important. OP’s Gigabyte, and the MSI model I linked to have that built in.

Your AsRock Taichi has solid VRM’s as well. I just don’t see the point in spending for B570 with the AMD 5000X3D-series CPU.

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Also, OP… I didn’t see your case listed. Make sure it has sufficient cooling (at least two front fans and one rear fan, and make sure all the parts you choose will fit.

Understand that the 5700X3D (and 5800X3D) do not include coolers, so you’ll need to buy one. I love my $40.00 Thermalright Peerless Assasin 120. But it’s a fairly large dual-fan CPU cooler. It fits in my case just fine, and the design allows it to just barely clear the top of my RAM modules with one of the fans moved slightly off-center.

Part dimensions are something to be aware of.

I was down for two weeks recently after I failed to properly measure things for a case modification.

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Many years ago I hired a consultant to help me spec my FSX computer. He said he was a former MS employee and recommended that FSX be installed on the C drive. I never had a problem with the PC. I’ve followed the same advice with MSFS and had only a few little problems and no CTD’s. I really like my system which is all AMD (3800X with a 5700xt (by gigabyte), 2tb SSD and only a 650 watt power supply (neither the 3800x or the 5700XT are power hogs. This has served me well.

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I went with two M.2 drives (512MB and 2TB) when I built mine. If I was building it today I’d buy a single 4TB drive (more space is better!)
2TB is fine if you don’t plan to add a bunch of 3rd party mods, like I have.

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I agree with this if you’re going to have a lot of add on scenery or planes. My system is pretty sparse on additions. In fact, 1tb did great until our grandson loaded DCS. Still worked but there was sparse overhead so I upgraded to the 2tb drive.

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I think you meant X570. Normally I would not spec a high end MB for a budget config.

In this case I found the X570 Taichi for 212 dollars. I remember seeing it at above 500 Euros not so long ago, so it is sold at an attractive price at the moment.

I would say it is at a price point similar to that of many mid range boards.
In fact, today on Amazon your suggested board, which is fine, is more expensive (229$) than the X570 Taichi.
His original choice is at 124$, so 90$ less, and it is a good budget option as well.
Just thought to show the Taichi as a alternative, given its superior design, overclocking potential and extensive features are at a heavy discount. :slight_smile:
But you’re right, there are some fine B550 boards that can be used as well.

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I must have been looking at a different motherboard price when I posted that. You’re right, it’s about the same as your Taichi board.

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Thank you! Is the A770 substantially better than the RTX3060? The prices in Brazil are a bit different, I found the A770 more expensive than the RTX3060. But if it is really worth it, I’ll buy it in the US and ask my family member to bring it

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Yes, I’ve been keeping that in mind. I did not list the case because it is a Brazilian brand, but it seems to have enough cooling. It has 4 fans, three in the front and one in the back. There’s also space to add two more on top, if necessary. I had a look at the cooler (COUGAR FORZA 135 DUAL FAN) and it seems to fit well, with 15mm left, so I think that at least this part is solved. Thanks!

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Thank you! I’ll surely keep it in mind. A 4 TB SSD would be a dream, but I think that it would go over my budget. I’ll settle for just one 2 TB SSD for now and I’ll keep it in mind as a possible upgrade in the future

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I also found this RTX 3070 within budget Refurbished: GIGABYTE GeForce RTX 3070 EAGLE OC 8GB Video Card, GV-N3070EAGLE OC-8GD - Newegg.com. Would it be better than the A770?
I could also try to really make an effort and go for this RTX4070 Open Box: GIGABYTE WINDFORCE GeForce RTX 4070 Video Card GV-N4070WF3OC-12GD - Newegg.com. Would it be worth it?