This one will probably be a long time work in progress though, as it will be build mainly to run the new Microsoft flight simulator which is due to be released sometime this year. The minimum, average and ideal specs have been released but I'm waiting until the sim is fully released just in case it requires a bit more power, but I wanted to start planning it out now. Here's my thread on the new sim: https://sigforum.com/eve/forums...0601935/m/3510059264

Here's what I have in mind.

Case: Thermaltake View 71
CPU: Intel I9-9900K
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Ti
RAM: 32GB
Power supply: 850w
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Liquid ML360R
HDD: 1TB SSD

One thing I'm stuck on is which motherboard to use, mainly because I don't know much about them. And I'm steering clear of a liquid cooling system mainly because I've heard horror stories and I have no experience building them. That and the case I picked runs pretty good temperatures with adequate fans.


Anyone have any input?

The only thing I would consider changing is the PSU. Unless you intend to expand that's a pretty big power supply for what you have there. I think you picked a liquid CPU cooler too.

Have you ever used this site to plug your parts into?
https://pcpartpicker.com/

It's a good tool to plug your parts in and it will find most incompatibility issues for you. You should still read the component compatibility list for whatever MOBO you get.

quote:

Originally posted by ryan81986:
One thing I'm stuck on is which motherboard to use, mainly because I don't know much about them.

You should look at motherboards based on the Z390 chipset.

Asus, Gigabyte, and MSI all produce good quality motherboards at a number of different price-points.

I tend to prefer Asus because I am familiar with their BIOS. You can look at their gaming motherboards based on the Z390 chipset HERE. If you want something less expensive the PRIME Z390-A might be a good choice.

When you are ready to purchase your CPU and motherboard you should check benchmarks and prices on the latest generation Intel CPU, the Core i9-10900K. If you go that route you will need a Z490-based board.

Good luck!

quote:

Originally posted by xantom:
I think you picked a liquid CPU cooler too.

Have you ever used this site to plug your parts into?

Liquid yes but self contained so I don't have to mess with pumps and other components.

Thanks for the link I'll check it out.

I agree with a couple of suggestions:

1. Larger PSU, I have had good luck with Seasonic. I would go with a 1000 PSU.

2. I do like the self contained liquid cooled CPU coolers. With a higher end CPU and GPU, getting the air moving is important. I would go with one of the larger Corsair units. Mine have been reliable.

3. Pay attention to your fans, have enough and plan air-flow in/out.

4. Your SSD (C Drive) is great but through experience, I would also look at a large conventional hard drive (D Drive) for data if you are going to use the computer for anything other than gaming.

5. I suggest buying more CPU than you think you need if you can afford it; also it helps future proof your computer (not having to upgrade for longer than typical).

I think the only thing bigger CPU wise right now is the i9 10th gen correct? And it seems to be out of stock everywhere currently. Although by the time I'm ready to build I'm guessing it'll be more available. I'm also hoping the RTX 3090 graphics card comes out by then to lower the pricing on the 2080tis.

I agree on the larger Seasonic power supply. I just put a Seasonic Prime 850 Titanium SSR-850TR 850W unit in my latest build.

For storage I went with a 2TB Samsung 970 EVO Plus NVMe M.2 SSD as my C drive (for OS, core programs, and games). For my D drive (data, image files, etc.) I went with a 6 TB Seagate Barracuda Pro.

quote:

Originally posted by ryan81986:
Case: Thermaltake View 71
CPU: Intel I9-9900K
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Ti
RAM: 32GB
Power supply: 850w
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Liquid ML360R
HDD: 1TB SSD

One thing I'm stuck on is which motherboard to use, mainly because I don't know much about them. And I'm steering clear of a liquid cooling system mainly because I've heard horror stories and I have no experience building them. That and the case I picked runs pretty good temperatures with adequate fans.


Anyone have any input?

Looks like some good components.

On motherboards, like what EZ_B said ~ the Z390.
Look at the motherboard compatability supported CPU's although most will support all the cpu's as a general statement.
The Z chipset allows for more features primarily especially overclocking (K CPU's).
On water cooling the "prepackaged water units" do work well and less hassle and expense of component setups although those pricey component units will out perform other coolers.
The leaking is all about the quality of the installation mostly.
Make sure the SSD is a M2 NVMe and NOT a standard SATA SSD.
Otherwise game on.

Just to be clear, the Z490 boards (LGA 1200) are not compatible with the Intel I9-9900K (LGA 1151).

Mega-Guide: All the Intel Z490 Motherboards for 10th Generation 'Comet Lake-S' CPUs

That machine will rock.

The graphics card is the most important part these days, and you picked a real humdinger!

If there's any chance you will need/want to run more than one graphics board to support the flight sim, be sure to check that the MBs you are considering support that.

I certainly don't want to pee in your Wheaties but isn't the latest Microsoft flight sim supposed to run on current Xbox One hardware?

Regardless, it sounds like you're future-proofing (as much as is humanly possible) your next rig. Let us know how it turns out!

quote:

Originally posted by BuckRogers2000:
I certainly don't want to pee in your Wheaties but isn't the latest Microsoft flight sim supposed to run on current Xbox One hardware?

Initial release will be PC based, future release will be on the Xbox platform.

Alright here's what I have picked out so far. Now I just need the sim to get released so I can finalize and start building.

https://pcpartpicker.com/list/T4FThg

quote:

Originally posted by ryan81986:
Alright here's what I have picked out so far. Now I just need the sim to get released so I can finalize and start building.

https://pcpartpicker.com/list/T4FThg

Two suggestions:

1) As smschultz suggested, go for an NVMe M.2 drive rather than standard SATA. The motherboard you have chosen will support two of them. Something like THIS or THIS. As 0658 suggested earlier, consider adding a conventional larger HDD for data files if you are going to use this computer for more than gaming. I move my Documents folder and all of my image files to my conventional Seagate HDD.

2) As stated before, Seasonic power supplies are hard to beat. When I built my system recently they were hard to find in stock. I just kept checking Newegg until one popped up in stock and ordered it before I really needed it. If you can't find a Seasonic Titanium-rated supply go for a Corsair AX Series unit. They are based on the Seasonic platform. Also consider going with an 850 W model to give you headroom for potential future expansion. Never skimp on your power supply. Check out THIS Seasonic review.

Alright I've updated it a little bit. I put a 1TB M.2 w/ an 8TB Seagate Barracuda and upgraded the PS to an 850w Seasonic.

I may wind up using it for editing photos w/ Adobe Lightroom but I haven't decided 100% yet, but it'll be good to have the extra storage if need be.

https://pcpartpicker.com/list/Zy7XQq


Also for the record here are the spec requirements from MS:

I'd spend the extra $20 and get the Western Digital Black Drive.

And, before you order that memory, make sure it's on Asus's QVL for that motherboard. LINK

Looks good, let's see some pics when you get it built!

I built my computers for decades and understand the draw to doing it yourself. I finally wised up and now purchase them from the semi-custom shops to avoid the troubleshooting and to get the warranty. I always hated the initial press of the power button only to find that something didn't work and then the troubleshooting and new parts process began. I like having everything tested and working when I receive it.

I like Velocity Micro, Puget Systems, Digital Storm, and Falcon Northwest. My last two have been Velocity Micro and been very happy with them.

Questions:

- do you plan to overclock your CPU or graphics card at all? If so, are you looking at a quick and easy boost, or a more in depth tune?

- how many monitors do you plan to use? I know some flight sim folks run more than one. Do you know the resolution and refresh rates you are trying to run the game at?

- any specific peripherals like a HOTAS or rudder pedals you plan to use? Just trying to get an idea how many USB ports you need.

- How much does a loud PC bother you?

In my opinion your motherboard needs depend greatly on if and how much you want to overclock. The power draw of a 9900k is...highly variable! I second the call to buy an NVMe M.2 drive, not a 2.5” SSD as a primary drive, although maybe you already did that. I didn’t check the most recent pc part picker link!

Lastly, I’m cautioning everyone against buying 2080ti’s right now. The RTX 3000 cards are almost here. Save the cash and buy a 2080 super for now, or wait for the 3000 series cards. It’s a bad time to pay top dollar for a 2080ti if you don’t need it immediately.

- Bret