In need for help selecting a PC

Hi captains! :salute:

I want to switch from Xbox to PC, but I’m quite a noob when it comes to selecting a good built (let alone building one myself). Would this one be sufficient for 2020 & 2024 on ultra 4K with some large custom airports installed (like EHAM)? Want to select an upgrade to 64GB DDR5 RGB RAM (2x32GB) and an extra 2TB SSD.

As of now, the LOD in the Xbox version of 2024 is extremely poor plus I miss the aircraft, liveries, and other stuff we do not get on Xbox.

Thanks for helping a beginner out!

The 4070TiS will do 4k but you might want to think about 4080s or the 4090 if you can still get them or the 7900xtx or wait for the 50 series to launch if you want good frame rates at 4K ultra. Also I would maybe recommend an AMD cpu over the intel ATM.

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Thanks! I think I will wait for the 50 series to launch, not in a particular rush. Will also look at an AMD CPU!

Intel had issues with their high end desktop CPU’s and there was a replacement program. Issues should be solved now but their may still be some kicking about. Much as it pains me to say it, AMD is the better option atm.

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Thanks! Not going to risk the Intel then.

Don’t buy Intel, go for the 9800X3D or an X3D generation lower - 7800X3D is still a very good CPU. For reference what I have:

R9 7950X3D
4090 Strix
32GB DDR5-6000 but will upgrade to 64GB
X670E Aorus Master

With all on ultra and 4K I get average 80-90 FPS with Frame Generation.

I highly recommend to go for a X670E Mainboard. X870/X870E have no real benefits other than native USB 4.0 support. From what I read they even give some PCIe Lanes to the USB Controller which lowers the bandwith.

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Hi, please why over a B650 or B850 motherboard? Any benefit to gamers going with the X series? Thanks

It all depends on the budget - I watched some reviews by the german magazine “PC Games Hardware” and they more or less recommended to go for B650 or X670E instead of the new generation as the only benefit is the USB 4.0 ports.

Ok yes budget. I got that the X670E was more configured for content creation, therefore more expensive and nothing for gaming. Cheers!

I don’t think so - X670E gives you PCie 5.0 capability, which is necessary if you want to run 50XX cards with full bandwith.

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Ah ok, only for the new Nvidia cards, thanks.

I was just about to respond with that advice – if you’re in the market for a new PC, wait for the 50xx series cards and/or wait until they get released post Jan 30, as 4xxx cards will be ‘cheaper’.

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First step I would recommend is to ensure the case you select has adequate ventilation as high end systems can run very hot. I have Alienware R10 5900X with RTX3080, had do do cooling mods on both to be able to use MSFS2020. Do a lot of research before buying, wish I had done so. Good luck with your purchase!

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Hello,
I am in the same boat as the OP, as it pertains to Xbox and flight sim. I am a longtime Mac user, and my only recent experience with Windows machines is an older Falcon custom build that is about 10 years old, and while I still own it, it would not meet the requirements for flight sim. I would appreciate a recommendation for a prebuilt computer that can handle flight simulator—I am not interested in building my own—without struggling, and one that is somewhat future-proof, meaning, upgradable. Cost is less of a concern than function.
Thank you in advance,
Ron

@Fleiding @FloatingOrca844
Why did you choose Intel i9 14900K, especially considering Intel’s past issues and the uncertainty about whether they’ve fully resolved the voltage problems? Currently, Ryzen 7 9800X3D is the king of gaming - if it’s unavailable, its older sibling, Ryzen 7 7800X3D is still a great option.

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.

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

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Hi Ron, me too! I’m thinking of making the move from Series X to PC this year and have been following a few threads and only recently started asking questions as they come to me. Other than FS, I’m all Apple and the last time I built a PC for MSFS was over 20 years ago, so lots have changed. The last PC I bought pre-built was in 2008 and it is long since dead.

I hate to say it, but I think I might have to spend $2-3k to make a big enough difference from Series X. I see no point spending anything on a middling PC that is only slightly better than a Series X. Future proofing is a little tougher, as it seems that there is a move on from PCIE gen 4 to PCIE get 5 with the arrival of the new Nvidia cards, so my dilemma is to maybe get the best 2024 era PC vs spending more on a 2025 PC that is boss and future proof. Still more to learn!

Wow, amazing detailed post - thank you! You have given me a lot to think and research about.

Wasn’t specifically looking for an Intel, but it is the one I’m most familiar with.

Knowing myself, I’ll want to use VR in the future, so I’ll definitely look at the RTX 4090.

Getting an RTX 4090 is the issue now. NVidia in preparation for the 5000 series stopped all production of RTX 4090. A complete stop. They probably will start producing later, but for now, they want to force buyers into the 5000 series. So if you are truly looking explcitly for an RTX 4090, prices have gone through the roof because there is no more supply currently going through.

Definitely get an x3D. The 9800x3D is jut downright sick, especially for this sim.

I have the following, thought about the i9-14xxx but read some negative reviews.

Intel(R) Core™ i9-13900KF 3.00 GHz
RTX 4070TiS
64GB RAM
Crucial T705 1TB PCIe Gen5 NVMe M.2 SSD

Zero stutters