Upgrading hardware for MSFS 2020?
Upgrading hardware for MSFS 2020?
Recently I mainly play MSFS2020. I use my system with the specifications in my usual setup. Overall, the game runs well but experiences stuttering at lower altitudes and busy airports. At 1440p with High End preset (second highest, Ultra being the top), I get 50 to 70fps during high altitude flights with complex third-party airliners, while takeoffs and landings at busy airports result in low to high 30fps. It’s time to upgrade soon. My wish list includes a 13700k system with DDR5 and possibly the RTX4080 when it arrives. I’m not sure if I should upgrade the GPU first or tackle the processor, motherboard, RAM, and cooler next? The biggest boost in gaming performance I expect would come from upgrading the graphics card. However, for Microsoft Flight Simulator it might not be the case due to its heavy CPU requirements... What are your thoughts?
When reviewing your sig space, are these details matching your present setup?
i7-8700k @ 5.0Ghz Delidded | MSI Z370 Gaming Carbon Pro | MSI RTX 2080 | 32GB DDR4 3000 | Samsung EVO970 500GB M.2 | Cooling beQuiet Dark Rock Pro3 | PSU Corsair RM850x | Case: Corsair 400C | 27" 1440p 144hz G-SYNC Monitor
Sig space details may evolve, so we recommend adding this information directly in the thread to help others facing similar situations.
Regarding your PSU, it appears to be from a previous model. While you could proceed with the GPU, given the recent focus on RTX 4090 and the recurring PSU concerns, upgrading to a more robust PSU might be necessary. The card is still pending release, so a platform change could be a temporary solution. If I were you, I’d hold off until the RTX4080 arrives, then wait for reviews before making a decision.
The specifications on my signature match the current system. The PSU is under two years old. I initially considered a RTX3080 and ended up choosing the PSU for that model, but later decided against the RTX4090. I’m not planning to upgrade to a RTX4090 just yet—I think waiting until any minor launch issues are resolved would be better. I might upgrade the processor first, since Microsoft Flight Simulator is mainly CPU-intensive in airports and low-altitude areas where smooth FPS performance matters. GPU upgrades aren’t urgent at the moment.
You can consult Hardware Busters, gamers Nexus and other trusted reviewers (who avoid click bait for video content) to verify the importance of power requirements.
See: https://youtu.be/nZcyhcPVxUM?t=196
In previous times, cards advertised as power efficient began consuming more energy after driver updates.
I understand. But still. PCgameshardware conducted a power draw test for the new Raptor Lake processors. The i7-13700k never exceeded 225 watts in demanding tasks and stayed under 175 watts during games. The averages were significantly lower. Assuming 100 watts for other components, there would still be around 500 watts available for the graphics card before reaching the 850-watt mark. Depending on the third-party manufacturer of the cards, power consumption could range from 400 to 600 watts.
Yes, with a 13700k paired with an RTX4090, the 850-watt rating might be close, but with a 13700k and an RTX 4080 combo, the 850-watt PSU should suffice.
Watch this video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnRyyCsuHFQ