Basic - PC Hardware Requirements

PC Hardware
PC Hardware

9 PC Hardware items for your Flight Simulator You must Know about

F28 MSFS 2020

Ah, modern aircrafts – not just a fancy metal bird, but also a sophisticated computer on wings! They don’t just need fuel and a pilot, folks – they need top-notch hardware and software to operate smoothly. So does your System!! PC Hardware is crucial!

Be Careful

PC Hardware Components

Flight Simulator PC Hardware Requirements set by Developers (P3D as comparison)

  1. CPU: Octa Core @ 3.7 GHz + (e.g. Intel Core i7/i9)
  2. GPU: 8+ GB (e.g. NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080
  3. DDR: 4 GB
  4. Disk Space; 60 GB
  5. Internet Speed:  N/A
  1. CPU: Intel Core i3, i5, i7, or i9 CPU with 4 or more cores, or AMD Ryzen 3, 5, 7 or 9
  2. GPU: Video Card: a Vulkan 1.3-capable video card from NVIDIA or AMD with at least 2 GB VRAM
  3. DDR: 8 GB
  4. Disk Space; 25 GB
  5. Internet Speed:  N/A
  1. CPU: CPU: Intel i5-4460 | AMD Ryzen 3 1200
  2. GPU: NVIDIA GTX 770 | AMD Radeon RX 570, 2 GB VRAM
  3. DDR: 8 GB
  4. Disk Space; 150 GB
  5. Internet Speed:  5 Mbps
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Flight Simulator - Basic PC Hardware You Must Have

CPU

MY CPU:
AMD Ryzen 7800XRD 5.0 GHZ

To optimize the efficiency of your simulation program in densely populated urban areas, it is recommended that you upgrade your CPU to one with a clock speed of 5GHz or higher and a minimum of four cores. Two options that may be of interest are the Intel Core I7-10700K and the Ryzen 5 7600C. Both CPUs offer unique features and come with varying price points. By carefully considering your specific needs and budget, you can select the optimal CPU to enhance the performance of your simulation program. This is a crucial Hardware Component

MY GPU:
Nvidia G-Force 3080 GTX 12GB VRAM

If you plan on using the high-demanding Latin VFR KMIA scenery along with P3D, it is imperative that you prioritize acquiring a GPU with ample video memory. Based on previous experiences, we recommend a minimum 12GB VRAM card, like Nvidia’s 3080 model, to ensure reliable results. While AMD does have alternatives, further research on their performance is advised. Additionally, it is essential to consider clock speed when making your selection. It is worth noting that the latest 4000 series Nvidia GPU upgrade may not be worth the investment at this time. We hope this information assists you with making an informed decision. another crucial Hardware Component

My Board
ASUS PRIME B650 Plus AM5

This component has been used for six years and may now be outdated due to advances in technology. It will be replaced with an AM5 board during the next CPU upgrade, allowing for improvements such as PCI Gen5, DDR5 memory support, and USB4 connectivity. Upgrading will be done when it’s necessary and financially feasible, considering the costs of purchasing a CPU and DDR RAM modules.

My RAM:
32GB DDR 5

To run simulators and other software tools efficiently, a computer with at least 16GB or 32GB of RAM is needed. DDR4 technology is currently used, but may become obsolete soon if upgrading to an AM4 board, which requires DDR5 technology with higher clocking speeds up to 6000 MHz. A higher RAM capacity is beneficial for running multiple applications simultaneously, especially in picture and video editing.

My Drive:
Samsung 2TB SSD-NVME

Using separate SSD drives is highly recommended PC Hardware part for optimum performance and faster load times when running Flight Simulator Software. The major Sims like X-Plane 12, MSFS 2020 and P3D require large storage capacity, with ORBX library scenery requiring between 536GB and 616GB. Installing these Sims on a standard HHD may result in suboptimal load times. An SSD drive with fast Read/Write speeds above 3.500 MB/s is ideal. For more information, refer to the Sim’s help pages.

My Monitor:
Acer XV272U 144 MHz

The best way to set up your display system is to use a main monitor with a 144 MegaHertz frequency. Adding a second monitor that can run programs at the same time as the main monitor would be smart. If you want a non-portable setup, a 27 inch (or bigger) monitor is enough. To have the best view, you should get a high refresh rate of 144 MegaHertz. Whether or not you choose a curved monitor won’t affect how well the display system works.

My Controller.
Saitek Hotas X55 Rhino

Investing in a high-quality Flight Controller is an essential component to enhance your flying experience. It is highly recommended to consider purchasing a throttle and a Yoke (Flight Stick) equipped with several buttons, to enable you to allocate functions to your fingertips such as Landing gear, flaps, and trim. Without these essential features, navigating with a keyboard or a mouse would not provide the level of control and precision required for a seamless flying experience. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to invest in a reliable Flight Controller to ensure that you can operate your aircraft safely and efficiently, enhancing your overall flight simulation experience.

MY PSU: LC6650GP3 750 W

To avoid shutdowns or freezes, check that the power supply unit can deliver enough wattage to efficiently run the computer. Although the suggested PSU is 750W and the total estimated power consumption is around 350W for the GPU and 110W for the CPU, the current configuration is working fine. Still, take into account the power requirements of the GPU, CPU, and USB ports, including peripheral devices.

My Download Speed:
250 MB/s

Having a good internet connection is crucial for flight simulation games. These games require downloads of all necessary files, and without a fast internet connection like MSFS Premium Deluxe offers, it would take a long time to do so. In addition, MSFS also requires the Bing Maps/Scenery download, which is impossible to do without a high-speed internet connection. While offline play is available for some games, internet connectivity is still needed for updates and additional weather apps. In conclusion, installing MSFS2020 with only a 6MB internet connection is not practical.

Other Items you must watch

USB connectors are vital. I have 8 on mine a mixture of 4 USB 2.0 and 4 USB3.0.  Mouse, keyboard, 2 controllers, Headset, Backup drive and printer (o.k. you can run this one on Wi-Fi) occupy already 7 slots!  If I use my Oculus Rift, I have to disconnect something.  Talking about Headset.  I use a HyperX Cloud II.  I do not like speakers and the Fly Feeling is better.

Controllers - Flight stick-Yoke - Throttle Overview

PC Hardware
Hotas Controller
Airbus Controller
PC Hardware Controller
Boeing Controller

Just a quick Overview of some of the available Flight Controllers

Choose the right controllers for your aircraft based on specific needs. For example, Boeing or Airbus controllers are good for specific planes, while a generic option like Hotas works for mixed aircraft. Optimal performance is achieved by selecting the controllers that fit your flying needs.

Basic PC Hardware Conclusion

In order to maximize the efficiency of Flight Simulators, it is recommended to utilize hardware that meets or exceeds the recommended minimum requirements. However, introducing additional planes or airports may result in reduced performance, even with upgrades to select components. In order to achieve optimal performance, it is necessary to invest in the system as a whole. While it is unclear how well X-Box performs, a regular laptop equipped with suitable hardware should suffice. For further guidance on obtaining an optimal experience with Flight Simulators, it is advised to consult the Simulator Help Pages, which contain valuable information regarding the necessary system specifications and hardware.

How to build a PC

For Flight Simulator 

PC Hardware you will want to know about

MSFS 2024 Update – A few changes to what is best for MSFS 2020 

CPUs

  • AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D: Best for gaming in terms of price-to-performance.

  • Intel i9 14900K: Also excellent for gaming but currently facing microcode issues.

GPUs

  • NVIDIA RTX 4090: The top choice for 4K gaming and VR, despite its high price.

  • NVIDIA RTX 4080: A good alternative if the RTX 4090 is too expensive.

RAM

  • DDR5 Memory: The current standard, with options for both Intel (XMP profiles) and AMD (EXPO profiles).

  • G.Skill A-die vs. M-die: A-die allows for better tweaking and overclocking.

Power Supply (PSU)

  • 1000W or 1300W PSU: Recommended for future-proofing and handling high-end components.

  • Reputable Brands: Be Quiet, Corsair, MSI, and Thermaltake.

PC Case

  • Spacious and Easy to Maintain: Look for cases that can accommodate large components and offer easy cleaning, like the Be Quiet Silent Base 802.

Monitor

  • 4K with HDR and IPS or OLED Matrix: Ideal for an immersive experience with Microsoft Flight Simulator.

Motherboard

  • Wait for New Releases: Best to wait for the new AMD X3D series processors and upcoming Intel CPUs before making a decision.

 

2 Comments

  • Elmar Wegerle
    December 7, 2024 at 9:45 pm

    Any update on MSFS 2024 please

    Reply
    • admin
      December 11, 2024 at 3:31 pm

      I am working on it right now, but need more Info from the Community

      Reply

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