System Hardware: PC | MOBO | RAM | CPU | HDD | SSD | PSU etc

Hello everyone, I’m changing for new hardware for my new computer in FSX. I would like to hear your comments before I buy. Do not want to make mistakes. I know of his vast experience and knowledge. I’m thinking of buying a system board ASUS P8Z77-V, had the intention of purchasing a ASUS Maximus V EXTREME, but did not find any difference representing FSX improvement. Think it worth buying the V EXTREME? ($ 120 VR $ 380). I buy a fast memory 8GB G.Skill DDR3 PC3-21300 2666MHz TridentX. Will I be able to take this speed 2666MHz with 2700K or 3770K processor? The theme of the processor is one of the more doubts I have generated. I would think that the 3770K shou…

Hi, I feel that my graphics card is limiting my performance in FSX and other games I play. I'm not to sure if it is just my actual computer specs or just one component. My FSX specifications are at medium lowish for the most part and my .cfg is tweaked. My frames are alright for the most part, usually 20-30 with default scenery and 12fps with an addon airport. I make sure I have no background processes runnning but I just feel that I might not be getting the performance I could. I have been thinking of building my own computer, but if I could increase my performance, why build a new computer. Appreciate the help. -Mike My computer specs are; (prebuilt compute…

5 years on from buying my current system, its time for an upgrade this year. I have a budget of around £1000, and i can build the following system for round about £900: Intel® Core™i7 Quad Core Processor i7-3770K (3.5GHz) 8MB Cache ASUS® P8Z77-M: MICRO-ATX, USB 3.0, SATA 6GBs, ATI®CrossFireX 16GB SAMSUNG DUAL-DDR3 1600MHz (2 X 8GB) 2GB NVIDIA GEFORCE GTX 650 - DVI, mHDMI, VGA - 3D Vision Ready After tweaks to the CFG etc, would i be able to run FSX at a more stable setting (currently average 15-20FPS on a good day at UK2000 Manchester with the PMDG MD11)? Cheers

So I am at the point where this is my last decision for my next system. I went with an air cooler NH-D14 because I prefer a low noise solution. Have read a lot within the forums, but not seen to much real comparison/preference between the two and the potential for OC that leads to a recommendation. I would like to get to 4.7Ghz using this air cooler. This will be an FSX machine, so HT is not a requirement. Thanks in advance for any leads to published reviews, or links to elsewhere to help me make up my mind. Your advice is appreciated !!! I decided not to wait for Haswell, but may revisit this in a year after the review are out, along with a good know…

Seems like the early leaked results shown on Tom's Hardware (and discussed here previously) were correct. Memory read performance is down compared to Ivy Bridge, single and even multi threaded performance is within the margin of error, the only bright spots are memory write performance and integrated graphics performance which won't help out FSX users in the slightest. Very disappointing for a new architecture. Haswell's only saving grace may be its overclockability. Looks like we'll need about 5.5GHz out of these chips to consider them a worthwhile upgrade for Sandy Bridge and Ivy Bridge users already running near 5GHz. Xbitlabs article: http://www.xbitlabs.com…

Hi, I bought, via Amazon here in the UK, a motherboard package comprising Asus P8Z77 - V LX with an i7 3770k, 4GB of DDR3 RAM and an Arctic 13 cooler. This was supposedly o/ced to a max of 4.4GHz at full load using Intel's turbo mode but is actually hitting 4.55GHz. My son-in-law installed it in my Antec 300 case and having got it all set up it runs FSX brilliantly with good frame rates but more importantly smooth flying. I recently used the latest version of RealTemp to check the CPU temps and was horrified to see that one one core it had reached 100C with one other core in the 90s! I have e-mailed the supplier who is here in the UK and has a good record for supp…

Quick summary: 10-15% (2/2.5 to 5 fps) gain for 500mhz increase. Read on if you want details So normally I run what I guess you would call an "adaptive overclock". My i7-860 normally runs at 2.8Ghz. I have it set at 150x21 with speedstep and C-States on. This way it normally runs at 3.3Ghz (speedstep applies a 22 mult. when all cores in use instead of 21) and as cores go unused and are shut off it could reach 3.9Ghz on one core (not that it ever gets there). Typically if I'm in the KSEA area in FSX with the OrbX scenery there, cpu-z shows I'm running solid at 3.3Ghz and not really anything more. Typically I get 24-40fps flying between KSEA and downtown at abou…

My motherboard has an option to enable or disable the ACPI HPET table. Better to enable it or disable it? I never know what to do with this setting on motherboards. Obviously, the MOBO will still work if left at the default setting. The question is whether FSX will work better with a particular setting. (Win 7 64 Pro, Asrock Z77 OC Formula)

Hi Can anyone recommend a good full tower gaming case ? My chip is overclocked so I need something half decent, have around £100 to spend Thanks Paul

Hi all, Wondering if upgrading my i7 2600 3.4Ghz to a i7 3770K would be worth it. I've been doing some research, reading threads, and I wanted to focus on my CPU. My PC gets hammered pretty good with my sim setup. I'd upgrade the board (mine is generic) to an Ivy Bridge and upgrade the memory at the same time. I have a GTX560Ti 2 gig which I'd keep while the 670s keep coming down in price. What do you think?

So I heard a new processor is on the horizon, huh? I thought of a few questions along the morning. -- Why don't Intel and AMD just makes a good solid processor, like a native 5 or 6 Ghz, once and for all, instead of bring it in pieces by pieces every "couple of years?" -- Everytime I see an update from Nvidia drivers they say: "This will have a great improvement on this game and that game, and on that game....Why don't they make an improvement for FSX? -- And lastly (but not least), I've been asking myself this question for a long time: " Does the 'little' noise the case fans, or CPU fans make, does it really (I mean really), bother someone while their playing…

What do you guys think? Should I upgrade to Ivy Bridge now, or wait for the upcoming Ivy Bridge E refresh in a few months? Someone on the EVGA boards had suggested I wait for Ivy Bridge E. I'm assuming that's going to still be socket 1155. I'm currently running an i7-860 and FSX is doing ok with it but I'd really like some more CPU power for it. My i7-860 runs at 2.8ghz stock and I've had it on a mild OC using speedstep to 3.3ghz which will bump to 3.9 if the chip only goes down to 1 core. Typically I see it around 3.3-3.5ghz while FSX is running. I was thinking of doing the i5-3570K. I know I'm running an i7 right now with HT, but I don't know that I do e…

Presently have an ASUS P8Z68 Deluxe/Gen3 Motherboard My complete system configuration is listed below. My motherboard is no longer available from Newegg although I have found it by other sources. I am debating whether to replace this board with another of the same model, or upgrade to a newer model. Any recommendations for a newer model motherboard with equal provisions to my original would be appreciated. I guess I am partial to ASUS thanks to past experience over the years, but am open to anything that works well and is not a bear to set up. A little history: My Cosasir HX1000W Power Supply played out some time ago, I replaced it with a Thermnaltake Toug…

Guys, I've been having some problems with my current rig so I was thinking about replacing it and letting my son have a major gaming machine LOL. I have an Acer stock machine with: i7-2600 3.4 Ghz 8 Gig of RAM Some motherboard that came with it Upgraded the machine to an EVGA GeForce GTX 560Ti 2 gig ram Thinking of upgrading to: i7-3600 3.4 Ghz K processor (overclockable...which I've never done...or turboboost up to 3.9 Ghz) at least 8 Gig of RAM Ivy Bridge Motherboard Nvidia GT 660 (not sure who makes it) 2 Gig RAM...could get the Ti model. Is it worth it? Is there a nudge I could give it that would make it more worth it? Or maybe I could just keep my 570 and let…

Hi all Currently running with the Realtek audio off the back of my Asus P8Z77-V motherboard. Would I see much benefit going to a dedicated soundcard like the Asus Xonar in FSX? Many thanks JJ

For Computer Guys-I have an i7 3930k OC'ed to 4.5Ghz. Hex core, Hyperthreading disabled. I mainly use it for FSX, and FSX only really uses core 0 and 1. Would it be unstable if I disabled core 4 and 5, pushed core 2 and 3 back to say 3.8Ghz and superclocked core 0 and 1? Not sure how far I could OC the first two, but what do you think? Pete

I knocked my stick off desk, and now theres stuff ratteling around inside. Its an old grey base model, that I have to use a serial to usb converter for anyways. I digress, if your looking to upgrade to a yoke, and have one of these (USB Model / Pro Only ), and its in working condition, please let me know. Ima lil bummed out. Thanks in advance.

Hi, I have my 7 year old Seagate 320GB HD still running today with OS and FS9. My current partition is 45GB for Win7 x64 and the rest are pure storage including my FS9 and files. Since this hard drive is getting old already, I just don't want this drive go off soon. I have to prepare some new hard drive sooner. So right now I'm looking for a HDD with my targeted budget around PHP 5,900 (Around $143) and these will be the drive that I'm looking. Drive 1 (500GB WD Black WD5003AZEZ) for FSX/FS9 and other games. Priced at $75 Drive 2 (1TB WD Green WD10EARX) for dedicated storage. Priced at $67 My question is.. Should I make drive 1 dedicated only for FS9/F…

Hi, I have any older MB/CPU that does pretty good at the moment. It's an Intel E5400 clocked to 2.7 coupled with an ASUS MB (P5QL-pro). Also an Asus TX550-ti Vid card. (I like ASUS). 4Gig memory. I can get around upper 30s away from airport and 15 at some of the major ones. I have an Orbx scenery that also hits 15, sliders on mid point, no shadows. On a buget and looking at these: Intel Core i5-3570K Ivy Bridge 3.4GHz ASUS P8Z77-V LK LGA 1155 Intel Z77 I'll prob have to replace memory too. What do you think? Worth it? About $320 right now.

Hi Simmers, I currently have a Phenom II X6 1045T that cannot be overclocked because of my weak mobo. I want to upgrade this PC so it is dedicated to flight sim. Yes I know its best that i get a i5 or i7 K processor, but i simply cannot afford that due to shipping cost from America to here I live. So which should I get? Budget at absolute peak for CPU and Mobo is $210US AMD FX6300 + Mobo = $201US Intel i3 3220 + Mobo = $185 US Any opinions ????? I only want fsx to run PMDG's, REX, and GEX smoothly enough. I will NOT be using any payware airports or scenery and will be using WOAI traffic. I also dont plan maxing out the sliders. The only one that will be maxe…

Yes, yet another PC build topic. Last night my MB stopped recognizing the HDDs. Although it was OC'ed to 4.8, I never saw where the temps on the cpu or the board were getting close to be dangerous, but nontheless, it appears the time is now for a new build. I would like advice on the following: Processor: Right now I'm looking at a i7 3930k. I want a powerful, over clockable, processor that will stay relevant for games (aside from just FSX) for a few years. If the suggestion is to wait for Haswell, it'll be tough to go without FSX and other games for a month, but I guess I could do it. Also with Haswell, will there be compatibility issues with coolers and MBs?…

My older Seagate hard drive is starting to give out on me and I think it's time for an upgrade. Would anyone have any suggestions for a nice hard drive for FSX Win 7 64 bit? Thanks.

Hello everyone. I would really like to get into a 3 identical monitor set up ( possibly 24"s ) My question is this: Would it be best for me to take advantage of the multi-monitor outputs on my GTX650TI (1HDMI/2DVI + 1VGA) or to get one of those TripleHead2Go products? Advantages & Disadvantages? Thanks in advance !

Like a few others at the moment, I'm also going for the magic FSX tweak........new hardware! The only resource hungry stuff on this PC will be FSX, with a single screen and I'm kind of happy with what I'm about to order. These are the interesting bits and they've been checked for compatibilty using PCSpecialist, who will also be building this; Fractal Define R4 black pearl quiet mid-tower. Overclocked Intel® Core™i5-3570k Quad Core (3.40GHz @ max 4.60GHz) Asus® P8Z77-V: PCI-E 3.0 Ready, WIFI etc 8GB Kingston Hyperx Beast Dual-DDR3 2400MHz X.M.P (2 x 4GB KIT) 2GB Nvidia GEForce GTX 670 2 x 500GB WD Caviar Black WD5003AZEX (1 for FSX) Corsair 650W Enth…

Hi all! Currently my specs are a Core2Duo E7500 @2900 (stock), 4Gb DDR800, ATI HD5770 1Gb and I'm looking forward to this upgrade: (Memory will be 2x4, not 1x8 as shown) As for the graphics card, it will be upgraded in a few months, probably to a GTX660. Although, I'm still a bit apprehensive on choosing this i5 instead of a FX 8350. This is mainly because despite everyone talking great things about the Intel chips, I'm still to find a report proving the 3570k is powerful enough for FSX+addons, instead I read some posts here and there of 3570k owners reporting they have i.e. 15-20fps on heavy sceneries with low autogen, low AI traffic, etc... Here and h…