re: PC Discussion - Gaming, Performance and Enthusiasts

probably reuse the ram even though its 1333. May be able to reuse the case. Would get a new motherboard, cpu, and a dedicated gpu. Don't know how big of a psu came with that thing, but it would probably be prudent to get a reliable one like a seasonic.

The hdd can be reused. I wouldn't reuse the ram because the things I was reading say that you don't want to go cheap on the ram for fsx.

eta: I will have a build later today when I have more time

PCPartPicker part list: LINK
Price breakdown by merchant: LINK /
Benchmarks: LINK /

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($199.99 @ Microcenter)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock Z87 Pro3 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($99.99 @ Microcenter)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($64.80 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($94.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 760 2GB Video Card ($249.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 w/Window (Black Pearl) ATX Mid Tower Case ($74.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 600W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($63.98 @ Newegg)
Total: $878.72

A few notes:
1. It was highly recommended on OCN that you overclock your cpu.
2. If you gave a microcenter near you it will be cheaper.
3. Load FSX on that ssd and put everything else on that storage drive you already have.
4. The early benchmarks on that gpu are good. I couldn't find substantial information but some individuals on OCN did say that FSX works better with nvidia.
5. I don't know everything, debate away!

I have a couple of questions.

- Any reason why not to go with a I7 CPU? Is it not needed?
- Is there a difference between the 8GB that I currently have with my PC now and the one you listed above?
- Are there any parts that you would recommend upgrading to that will provide better performance with minimal additional cost? I know better quality parts are coming out daily and don't want to be too far behind the times from the start.

Thanks for the help once again. Like I said, I have very minimal knowledge with PC parts.

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1) he should not try to OC with that build. Haswell runs hot and the evo will not provide adequate cooling if you give it a decent OC. in addition, the Pro 3 series boards dont OC well (ive got a z77 version). Its a great feature board for a standard build, not an OC though.

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The evo will get him to 4.0 at least, maybe a couple of bumps higher but it all depends on the chip. Will help to downclock the L3 cache and keep the volts stock with a negative offset. I recommend not using the stock paste it comes with, though. I've used the evo with the 3770k in customer builds, and I was able to achieve a 4.5Ghz OC at a Prime95 temperature that I was comfortable turning over to a novice. Haswell is Ivy + 10 degrees.

I agree on the pro series. Spend another $20 and get the extreme3. Overclocking will be a little easier. He can leave most everything on auto and only worry about the Ring/Uncore/Cache or whatever its called on that particular board, as well as core.

Read somewhere that Nvidia performs better with FSX.

You can't put together a generic gaming build for optimal FSX experience when there are budget constraints. FSX behaves and utilizes hardware a little differently than your average game. But if you build an FSX machine, it will also be a capable gaming machine.

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i must have missed the FSX part. intel + nvidia build then, its a strange duck to do a build for.

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That's the reason I went with the 760. I didn't realize the pro 3 was not for overclocking. This is the extreme 3 we are referring too.
I read that good memory is important but how important I do not know. You could use the memory you already have and see how things go. Then if you want a little boost it may be worth upgrading.

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I keep getting no signal from my monitor.

I reinserted the video card multiple times, as well as the HDMI.

Tried 3 different monitors, with no avail.

Any other ideas what is going on?

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1) are you plugging the video into the video card or into the onboard ports on the motherboard (sorry i have to ask that but you never know. ive seen dumber mistakes before)
2) does the board/chip have on board graphics? if so try using that for video.
3) does the board have a different pci x16 slot? put the card in there and try again
4) do you have another video card to try out (any cheap one will do)

1. Into the Video Card
2. No
3. Yes, trying that now
4. No

Tried DVI

I think I am going to buy all new. If it is better quality then I don't want to cheap out on it so I will go with the new RAM.

So are we sticking with your original build or should I go with the extreme 3 motherboard?

Also, if I wanted to bump the RAM to 16 GB would it be compatible to where I can just get 2 8GB? If these two changes can be made could you update the PCPartPicker to make sure I get the correct ones? I don't want to buy something that isn't compatible. Thanks.