First time build

Hi everyone.

I’m looking to transfer from Xbox to pc for 2024 due to many reasons but the main being there’s more to offer on pc. Mainly my local airport still isn’t on Xbox but has been on pc for ages.

I’m looking into a 4080 super as the 4090 is way too much and was wondering if the Ryzen 7 7800x3d or Ryzen 9 7950x3d would better suite the 4080 as I’ve no idea about this stuff but from what I’ve read the 7800 is slightly better

Any advice highly appreciated

If you’re building a PC specifically for MSFS there’s something you need to know - this hobby isn’t cheap :smiley:

Below copy/paste my response from another thread which might help in choosing components for your PC.

Currently, the best CPU for gaming in terms of price-to-performance is the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D. It’s an outstanding CPU specifically for gaming, offering top-tier performance but it’s not recommended for multitasking or heavy workloads outside of gaming.
We shouldn’t forget the competitive Intel i9 14900K either, which is also excellent for gaming.
However, Intel is currently facing some issues with its microcode so at this time I wouldn’t recommend going with Intel.

Long story short, Intel has found that faulty processor microcode has been causing the processors to operate under excessive core voltages. CPU sends a signal to the motherboard indicating how much Vcore it needs at any given moment. Therefore, if there is an issue with the microcode CPU may request higher voltage. This issue was supposed to be fixed with the new microcode 0x129 along with BIOS updates.

That said, Intel will soon release new CPU which might be worth considering once they hit the market.

As for graphics cards there’s only one king: RTX 4090. This incredible card excels at 4K gaming and VR, ensuring smooth gameplay across the board, which I’m sure is what you’re aiming for, right? The only downside to this card is the price - a bit on the high side - but I can confidently say it’s worth every penny. If I had to choose a graphics card again I would go with the RTX 4090 Gaming OC from Gigabyte - an incredible card that I’ve been using for a year. I specifically chose Gigabyte because their GPUs don’t suffer from coil whine which is a major plus.
Additional advantage of this GPU is the inclusion of an anti-sag bracket in the package.

There’s also AMD line of graphics cards but unfortunately their driver issues make them less appealing so I wouldn’t recommend them.

When it comes to RAM (computer memory) it should be selected based on compatibility with the motherboard and CPU. Currently, DDR5 memory and motherboards supporting DDR5 are the standard. Memory modules are also divided into two categories: those dedicated for Intel with XMP profiles (XMP compatible) and those specifically for AMD with EXPO profiles (EXPO compatible).

There are also universal memory kits that support both XMP and EXPO profiles, with Corsair being an example of a manufacturer that produces these. On the other hand, companies like G.Skill produce memory specifically tailored for either Intel or AMD.
Of course there are exceptions. Some G.Skill memory modules are compatible with both XMP and EXPO profiles.
It’s worth mentioning that there is another classification of memory modules. For example, G.Skill produces A-die and M-die memory modules. The key difference between them is that A-die memory typically allows for better tweaking and overclocking compared to M-die.
This detail is crucial because certain timing values won’t work with M-die while they should be fine with A-die.

The power supply (PSU) is one of the most important, if not the most crucial components of a computer. You should never cut costs when it comes to the power supply, and it’s essential to always buy from reputable brands. It’s important to emphasize that cheap, no-name power supplies can damage or even destroy your computer’s components. As I mentioned, you should never compromise on the quality of the power supply.

On various forums you might come across recommendations suggesting that an 850W power supply is sufficient for high-end PC components, including the RTX 4090 - don’t trust those suggestions, please.
PSU should be chosen based on the components you buy now, but more importantly, with an eye on the future. A good, branded PSU should last you for years and it’s important to ensure it can handle future upgrades to your PC.
In the future, new PC components will likely require more wattage for proper functioning. Add to that multiple M.2 drives, SSDs and if you plan to overclock your GPU, CPU or memory an 850W PSU will not be enough. It’s better to go with a 1000W or 1300W power supply that is fully compatible with PCIe 5 and ATX 3.0 standards. Brands like Be Quiet, Corsair, MSI and Thermaltake produce such high-quality power supplies. Personally, I have the MSI MEG Ai1300P, which comes with a 10-year warranty and offers everything I need for both now and the future.

PC case - it’s crucial to choose a case that is spacious enough to accommodate large components such as 420 and 360mm water cooling radiators and heavy, oversized graphics cards.
It’s also important that the PC case can easily accommodate Extended ATX motherboards (E-ATX), which are larger than standard-sized motherboards.
Fan installation options are also important - the more installation points available, the better.
Consider ease of access and maintenance. Choose a case that allows for straightforward cleaning of components without needing to disassemble everything. PC cases like those from Be Quiet, particularly the Silent Base series starting from 802 are known for their ease of cleaning and maintenance.
For example, one feature I really like about the Be Quiet Silent Base 802 case is the removable top tray. This design allows you to install a water cooling radiator and easily clean it without needing to detach the radiator from PC case.

When choosing a monitor you need to consider whether you prioritize matrix speed (refresh rate and response time) or visual effects (color accuracy, HDR and overall image quality).
For a setup with the RTX 4090 and Microsoft Flight Simulator a 4K monitor with HDR and IPS or OLED matrix would be an excellent choice. This combination will enhance your experience and allow you to fully enjoy the immersive visual details of virtual flying.

As you might noticed I didn’t recommend a specific motherboard. The reason for this is that we’re currently waiting for the new AMD X3D series processors and the upcoming Intel CPUs. It’s best to choose the one that meets your needs and performs significantly better in gaming and multitasking benchmarks. Therefore, I advise waiting a bit longer before purchasing the motherboard, CPU and RAM.

If you don’t want to purchase the RTX 4090, you can go for the RTX 4080 instead.

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You should wait till 2024vis truly tested as more cores is better per Seb Wohl from Asobo latest q&a. 7800x3d is a winner but if 7950x3d money is in the table, and more cores wins, 7800x3d is 8 cores and depending on your long-term plans, 9950x3d or 9900x3d might offer advantages.

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Thanks for the detailed reply I’ll look into the 4090 but think it might be out the budget

You can also consider the RTX 4080 if the RTX 4090 is a bit too expensive for you. As I mentioned before, it’s worth waiting for the newer AMD and Intel CPUs - take your time, there’s no need to rush.

Yeah but waiting on newer is waiting forever I’m afraid.

Buy what there currently is available which suit your budget.
I have the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D and a MSI Ventus RTX 4080 Super 16 GB. Yes I would love to buy a RTX 4090 for better VR performance but there is more in this world than my hobby alone. I’m happy with current PC. I game in 1440p.

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I’ll keep an eye on stuff but think the 7800x3d will hold up enough to run 2024 it’s just between the 4080 and 4090.

Would you say the 4090 is miles above the 4080 or is there very little in it ? Is it worth the 700 more ?

I’ll be running 3 monitors probably at 4k well that’s my plan

I won’t be using vr as much as I’d love too I prefer a 3 screen 4k setup just the extra for the 4090 is a killer but if it really is night and day then maybe just maybe after a few months I could get that

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For 4K, three monitors and/or VR, the recommended gpu is the RTX 4090, as I assume you want to play smoothly, right?

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Everyone gets into situations of analysis paralysis. Look at it this way - if the 4080 doesn’t cut it for you, you’ll spending for the 4090, and kicking yourself for not doing that first. On the other hand, if you start off with the 4090 you know you’ll be happy. Go for the 4090 for the greater certainty.

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Dont let me be your Piñata but for a first time build I still recommend Intel.

I am honestly believe its more noob safe. AMD can be challenging. Of course its an option to enter at a high level but don’t be disappointed when things get difficult.

As for the difference, it will be imho more a matter of nuance.

Good luck, building PC can be as addictive as playing MSFS.

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Unfortunately, the issues with the microcode currently rule out Intel. If it weren’t for those problems, I would still have the i9 13900K as it is generally a good CPU.

I get what you mean but I have a computer tech friend who’s flight sim mad who will help me through it it’s just justifying cost with Christmas coming up. Might wait until the Amazon sale and see what pops up there

The intel i7-12700k is easy to find on sale, works with both ddr4 and ddr5 ram, and the ddr4 motherboards are also on sale.

Buy it now, and when the 19-14900k goes on sale at end of life, you’ll be able to buy it with the money you saved.

And get 5 years of warranty, so risk is predictable.

This may be of interest concerning Intel cpu’s.

Issues with Intel cpu’s continues.

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Like toonsoldier I’m also looking to upgrade to pc from xbox.
My budget is limited so i have currently settled on the following
Cpu ryzen 5 7600x
Gpu either rx7600xt or rx 7700xt
M/board msi pro b650_s
Cooler deepcool ak400 ( rock pro 5)
Ram 2x16gb kingstone fury beast
Storage kingston nv2
Case corsair 4000d
Psu rm750e

Will this all work together or have i made a total a_se of it
Any suggestions will be very welcome.

Depends really on A: Budget, and B: Goal for what the next 4+ years expectations is.

With FS as a primary game you can build something with longevity until you decide to add an element, such as VR or moving to 4K when you built a 1440 computer.

What is the intended future expectations of resolution and when you build this ‘PC’, what are your future wants/needs. If you’re just building something and using a 1440 monitor just because-‘now’ and want to add VR in two years is different if you want to build your basic home pit(of whatever stripe) and staying 1440 and your dream is to add a pop-out panel or something.

4K and VR are the two big budget pushing items that pretty much send you right to the top and you’ll end up wanting more in the near future. 1440 you can build quite the rig at a budget and be perfectly happy for years.

And for P/S, an 850 is more than fine in most cases for now, a 7800/4080 or 7900XTX have headroom(AMD currently is quite efficient), but ANY future changes using this build to upgrade to latest and greatest(or if going intel) go at least 1000W or if you intend to build a glam-box.

For 1440 expectations a 4070tis is a powerhouse GPU. 4K/VR currently it’s never ‘enough’.

ETA: for 1440, you could build a nice mid priced rig with a decent enough X3D processor, just a plain old 650 mobo, and stack up 64GB ram and 4TB hard drive(as those are rather cheap point-of-purchase add-ons) for expansion and things like a ram-drive and you can just pack it full of add-ons with a nice monitor, as 4k monitors is another ‘tier’. Build the box for a 5-year run and be done with it. $2K will get you a ton(if you even get there). 4K/VR is ‘what’s the best way to keep it under $3K?’ if you’re on a ‘budget’. If you can just plain swing $3K you’re probably going already interested in the next-gen hardware news. I’d bet those that go towards the high-end are still always seeing ‘disappointment’ in everything not being constantly ‘perfect’, especially when you try to endlessly push everything further. cough

ETA2: but probably wait until 2024 releases, I think many of us may have already bought too much trying to beat 2020’s code into submission. I’d rather 2024 works in a way were at 4K I can turn everything to 8/10ths and see endless fluidity rather than EVERYTHING MAKE MY EYES BLEED! The problem with 2020 code is the imbalance where you can run every texture and goodie(and still not hurt the GPU) but it still chokes constantly for other reasons.

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Many thanks phutyoo .1440 will be enough for me. I’m in my 70’s so i tend not to do too much forward planning. I take your point on beefing up ram and storage and will take your advice on that. My main concern is trying to decide on reasonably efficient cpu and gpu and getting the best i can . My total budget is around $2000.00 allbeit in uk money.

Hard to see what some of these things will do with 2024 reworked. We all know 7800X3D is 3D GAME KING-undisputed, but once it gets single thread or multi thread in applications it gets squashed by other CPU’s. MSFS has never really been a 100% 3D game like CoD. And if you run tubes with a bunch of secondary applications running in windows some processors like the 7900X gets interesting as a choice, where 1440 game performance is pretty good and running applications is much better than the 7800X3D. Then if you GA/Bush fly with most with fewer outside apps running it goes back to more of the gaming CPU benefits. It will really come down to how 2024 unloads some additional cores/threads. MSFS 2020 has never really unleashed any decent modern CPU yet. Same for running additional RAM and using it for secondary things such as a ram drive for rolling casche, which also has not been fully realized yet either. Tough call right now.

A 7900X may have plenty of horsepower for the 3D part and be able to run a ton of secondary applications with a mid-upper tier gpu at 1440. Could be a $400ish CPU with a $600ish GPU like a 7900GRE on a sub $200 mobo that can punch through the CPU loads like apps and traffic and later added additional features, rather than a 4K $600 CPU/$1200+GPU/$400 Mobo etc running 1440.