Asrock z-97 extreme 3 build

[tcvalley]

I am very confused. I am trying to build a system that will run Prepar3d V3 flight sim primarily. I am retired so cost is an issue. It seems that every MOBO I pick that has good ratings one place has terrible ratings another. In fact after reading the NewEgg reviews I am amazed anybody evens games.
So far using PCPartsPicker's ratings I have purchased a Core i5 4460 and an ASRock z97 Extreme 3 mobo. it arrived today and I am debating sending it back unopened. Here are the requirements per Lockheed Martin.
Your help is greatly appreciated
Thank you
Tom Valley

 

[imsqam]

I read your post with a little smile on my face. Truth is, never rely on sales website reviews for much, so many people that don't have the background make claims that just aren't true. Stick to the professional reviews for advice and if needed, look at the number of people who are happy with a product on the sales website with a grain of salt.

I think you are fine with this mobo, it is a tier 2B Mobo which probably far exceeds your needs. Not a stellar Mobo but no real concerns about build quality. The only reason I might return it is that a cheaper H97 Mobo would do you since you will not likely be doing any overclocking.

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-2383187/motherboard-tier-list-z97-chipset.html

 

[tcvalley]

I read your post with a little smile on my face. Truth is, never rely on sales website reviews for much, so many people that don't have the background make claims that just aren't true. Stick to the professional reviews for advice and if needed, look at the number of people who are happy with a product on the sales website with a grain of salt.

I think you are fine with this mobo, it is a tier 2B Mobo which probably far exceeds your needs. Not a stellar Mobo but no real concerns about build quality. The only reason I might return it is that a cheaper H97 Mobo would do you since you will not likely be doing any overclocking.

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-2383187/motherboard-tier-list-z97-chipset.html

Imsqam,

Thank you for your sage advice. I really like Tom's members tier lists. I wasn't aware of them until recently.
In your opinion should I go with a higher tier H97? seeing that I won't be OCing my CPU or should I go with an older CPU that is unlocked?
Thanks again for your advice
--Tom

 

[imsqam]

Just took a look, don't really see anything that is higher in the H97 chipset while maintaining the same price point. I would just stay with it. The i5 4460 is fine for what you are going to do.

Just make sure you get a decent GPU, those flight simulators can be pretty demanding on the GPU. I would be going with a GTX 970 4GB or an R9 380 4GB. And if you want to have some fun, check out these pedals, my son bought some for his Star Citizen game, they are quite nice.

http://mfg.simundza.com/products

 

[tcvalley]

Just took a look, don't really see anything that is higher in the H97 chipset while maintaining the same price point. I would just stay with it. The i5 4460 is fine for what you are going to do.

Just make sure you get a decent GPU, those flight simulators can be pretty demanding on the GPU. I would be going with a GTX 970 4GB or an R9 380 4GB. And if you want to have some fun, check out these pedals, my son bought some for his Star Citizen game, they are quite nice.

http://mfg.simundza.com/products

Imsquam,
I was planning on going with the R9. but cost will determine choice. Are you for the 'Green" or "Red" team?
Those are some awesome pedals. At the height of my flightsimming days I had a Saitek yoke/throttle quadrant with CH Pedals.
Thanks again.
Tom

 

[imsqam]

Neither really, it really is a matter of which software you are using. The driver optimization often means Nvidia works better here, AMD works better there. I find that NVidia tends to work better with DirectX applications and AMD with OpenGL applications. Quick checks seems to indicate that Prepar3d V3 is a DirectX application so I would lean towards th GTX. Unfortunately the 970 is more expensive than the 380 so that might be a consideration. You could look at a GTX 960 but make sure you get a 4GB version, the link below is an example.

https://pcpartpicker.com/part/evga-video-card-04gp43967kr