Determine if you require all components or just the GPU.
Determine if you require all components or just the GPU.
I have a desktop PC I assembled around eight years ago, mainly for music production. It runs Cubase 11 Pro and Native Instruments smoothly, but I’m considering using it for MS Flight Simulator 2020. I’m unsure if upgrading the GPU alone will suffice or if it’s time to replace it entirely. Here are my current specifications:
- Motherboard: MOBO- ASUS P8Z77-V Pro
- CPU: Intel i7-3770k (not overclocked)
- RAM: G.Skill Trident 32GB DDR3-2400
- GPU: PS-Antec High Current HCG-750
- GPU2: AMD Radeon HD 5450
- Storage: Two Samsung SSDs, 860 EVO, 1TB each
- Case Cooler: CoolerMaster Storm Enforcer SGC-1000
- Cooling: Antec KUHLER H2O 620 Water Cooling System
My belief is that neither GPU meets even basic needs. I’m unfamiliar with video cards, but the RTX 2080 model exceeds $1000, which is quite steep. Would it be better to invest in a full rebuild or just replace the graphics card? If so, are there options between $400 and $800?
Additionally, I own a newer laptop, the Dell XPS 15-9560, which runs on:
- CPU: 2.5 GHz Intel Core i5-7300HQ (quad-core)
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 (4GB GDDR5)
- RAM: 16GB
- Storage: 1TB NVMe
I’m not sure if this setup could work for the flight simulator, but any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
I installed MSFS2020 on my old i7 7700k/1080 Ti system in August with the goal of using 4K ultra settings. It worked at around 20-30 fps, though with some noticeable spikes. The game is quite demanding on the hardware. You might manage with a lower resolution or settings, but I think a GPU upgrade is necessary at the very least, and ideally both CPU and GPU should be upgraded. I put in a lot of effort to build a powerful PC.
I loaded MSFS2020 on my old i7 7700k/1080 Ti system in August with the intention of 4K ultra settings and it was doable around 20-30 fps with lower spikes... but I wasn't happy with it. The sim is very demanding on hardware. You might be able to get by with your CPU on a lower resolution/settings but I would agree with you and say a GPU upgrade is in order at a minimum and preferably both CPU and GPU.
I went all out and built a ridiculous PC that does everything I do including MSFS2020 quite well. The timing was right... COVID had cancelled my 2020 vacations and I had the money to burn. There are less expensive routes to take though... either a partial upgrade or full rebuild like you said. Just depends on your budget. What sucks though is the market... GPUs are hard to get right now and so are AMD processors which is why I went Intel.
You will be quite happy with MSFS2020 when you have supporting hardware. It is without question one of the most beautiful sims I've ever seen on a PC.
They did an amazing job... even if the software does need to be optimized. The VR option that was added a few months back is incredible as well.
Thank you for your input. Justifying an $800 investment in a newer GPU might be possible, but constructing a cutting-edge PC solely for this simulation would be challenging. My monitors aren’t even 4K, which means once I upgrade them, the total cost could easily reach $4,000. I’m not sure I’m ready to commit right now, perhaps for later. I’m also curious if other flight simulators would work well on my system.
Not very experienced with the other Sims, but it seems you should be okay for XPlane 11. Based on the system requirements, upgrading your GPU should work if you can find one for around $800. Running MSFS2020 at 1080p should be fine. I’m checking eBay now for 1080 Ti cards under $800 (just barely). I’ve used that card for 4K MSFS2020 with a 7700k before, as mentioned in my first post. Released in 2017, it’s a bit slower for 4K now, but still great for 1080p. The original price was $699, which is what I paid. Keep an eye on it—you might find a good deal soon.
My suggestion would be to go with this option.
Another choice could be building a new PC with a CPU from a less recent generation, adding a GPU upgrade, a new motherboard, more RAM... I think you could get it for much less than $4000.
@Master Djoza
can prepare a parts list for you?
I’m considering upgrading one component at a time. If I enhance the GPU on my existing setup and use it at 1080p, I might be able to assemble a new PC within a year. Should I switch to an Xbox instead of a PC? Also, are current prices for all items unusually high? Have GPUs always been this expensive?
Can't represent the XBox well. My brother enjoys console gaming, but they don't suit my needs. I prefer systems that offer full functionality, which a PC provides.
Regarding prices... it's tough right now. The year 2020 was disappointing, and the shift to PC prices followed. GPU demand is at record levels, especially for AMD's top models, and resellers are capitalizing. The mining frenzy also influences GPU costs. It seems this trend began around 2017 and has fluctuated, but currently the market is the worst I've experienced. If you're after a GPU, you'll need to be ready to wait at a microcenter or keep an eye on stock alerts and be prepared to secure the item quickly.
My setup began in November with a special order for my GPU through a camping site and an Intel CPU since the best AMD chips were only available from resellers. I had to accept a $500 price tag for the 10900k, which is a good deal for me.
Navigating through the uploaded BMs indicates that your system, without a GPU, is sufficient for medium settings in 1080p. However, you'll need to increase the GPU if you want a truly enjoyable experience—this depends on personal preference.
Currently, the GPU market is quite challenging (and indeed difficult). You can't just grab a GPU on a whim anymore; it requires consistent effort and some luck.
If anyone believes they've encountered the top MS Flight Simulator 2020 version, take a look here.
With a total price tag of $20,000, it's pricier than certain aircraft. Still, what caught my attention was how affordable Nvidia was for including a 3090, compared to Travis' setup. The audio quality is also quite basic.
This $20,000 Microsoft Flight Simulator build costs more than some actual planes
Experience first-class anytime you wish.
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