I’d eventually like to build a new PC with a 7000 series x3d chip. Not sure if it makes sense to do that now or potentially just upgrade the GPU at this time.
Have a 5800x3d, RTX3080 and 32GB RAM
Would a 4080/4090 make sense now or wait until 2024 comes out to spec an entire new PC?
I use a web site to evaluate the combination of any given cpu and gpu:
Take it with a grain of salt as just one input data point in your decision but I’ve found it to be fairly accurate. With this calculator you can evaluate the 4080/4090 (or any other gpu) with your current cpu and any future cpu you’re considering. Of course, any gpu purchase now can be used in any new system down the road.
Wait. Unless you’re running at 4K, you’ll be CPU bottlenecked most of the time and will see minimal uplift with a 4080/4090. My 4090 is basically asleep while playing MSFS.
The 5800X3D is the 3rd best GPU for msfs so I won’t even bother upgrading it. Put that money into a new GPU.
Are you vram limited?
I took a look at this website and regrettably I really struggle to see any value in using it for decision making in an instance like this. It appears to be such a vague generalization in terms of application that I cannot see how you can infer anything of practical value regarding the performance in MSFS.
Yes, it is a generalization based upon whatever database they use but that is the point. No calculator (or person) is going to be precise in predicting cpu/gpu performance especially in MSFS 2020 given the wide variety of hardware and software differences in each PC system.
To evaluate performance of MSFS 2020 on a specific PC, a good way to start is with the FPS counter in developer mode. Not only will it show the FPS, but also the time it takes to generate each frame by your CPU (main thread) and GPU. This will tell you how well balanced the cpu/gpu are along with which one is your limiting factor. Given this info, it can help guide you through modifying various OS, gpu, cpu, & sim parameters or changing hardware components to dial in better performance (to a certain degree).
Essentially, estimating the cpu/gpu limiting factor for a wide variety of cpu/gpu’s is what this calculator does. For non-technical folks, one does not have to go through the nity grity of turning on dev mode to get the fps counter and interpret the numbers. As @ncbartschi said above, if the system is already cpu limited then adding a more powerful gpu is probably not going to improve overall performance. Therefore, it definitely would make sense to hold off on a new purchase.
Additionally, it would indicate how well an new cpu (7000 series x3d chip in this case) would work with these gpu’s (along with other gpu’s). As I said above, take it with a grain of salt as just one input data point in your decision but I’ve found it to be fairly accurate.
I have to say I agree with this. I have a 6800XT and it started really moving after changing my 3700XT to a 5800X3D. I didn’t know what this GPU was capable of until I got the 5800X3D.
All in all, I’d keep the 5800X3D and get a TOTL GPU. I also agree that a 4090 will not be a huge upgrade unless you’re playing at 4K, but i’d go for it anyway and consider it a long term investment. It should last you until nvidia releases 6xxxx series, which is far away. You can always go with AMD too, a 7900XTX should be also a good ivestment.
The 5800X3D should also last a long time if you have the rest at level (a good chipset, good ram, good mobo, good storage). Personally, I had the chance to go with a 3080 or a 6800XT. While I knew I’d miss a lot of technologies, in raw performance they were really close but the 6800XT assured no VRAM issues. These days, the 4090 is certainly a step ahead of the 7900XTX in terms of technologies at least. And my next investment will be a new GPU, unless the CPU gets deprecated for some reason, which doesn’t seem probable.
EDIT
@LittleJohnX730 I forgot to mention that, if you go with the 4090 route, you’ll have to take a clear look at the issues with the 12VHPWR connector, and you’ll mostly need to get a new case, or use the 3x8 connector adaptor to 12VHPWR connector. Many 90° or 180° adaptors are having issue (CableMod just issued a voluntary recall on all adapters). Latest der8auer video is a very good look into current issues with the connector. Sorry I missed to mention that.