[SOLVED] Spec for upgradable system? (ok for basic Xplane11 now, but can upgrade for MSFS2020 later)

[callagga]

Any recommendations re spec for an upgradable PC so that I could:
a) lower cost initially - and can run Xplane 11 in an ok fashion (dial some settings down), then
b) once MSFS 2020 comes out upgrade it to get good performance.

I guess I’m perhaps asking is it possible to get something like an i5 CPU/motherboard now, then in say 9 months do something like:
a) increase RAM
b) go from basic graphics card upto an expensive one
c) upgrade from i5 to i7 perhaps (not sure of the equivalent in AMD)

If yes, any specific CPU and motherboard recommendations?

Another way of asking re $$ might be say a way to spend say around $1000 now, but later inject another $1000 or so to upgrade for MSFS2020? (just making up figures roughly hey)

 

[Wolfshadw]

You could spend $1000 right now and get a system the exceeds the recommended system requirements for MS Flight Sim 2020

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 Recommended Requirements

• CPU: Intel Core i7-7700K or AMD Ryzen 7 1700 or better
• CPU SPEED: Info
• RAM: 12 GB
• OS: Windows 10 64-bit
• VIDEO CARD: Radeon RX 470 or GeForce GTX 1070 or better
• PIXEL SHADER: 5.1
• VERTEX SHADER: 5.1
• DEDICATED VIDEO RAM: 4096 MB

I put the following build together. It should handle FS2020 without issues (and of couse XPlane 11).

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 3700X 3.6 GHz 8-Core Processor ($294.63 @ B&H)
Motherboard: MSI X570-A PRO ATX AM4 Motherboard ($139.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws V Series 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3200 Memory ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Blue 500 GB M.2-2280 Solid State Drive ($64.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda Compute 2 TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($53.98 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Asus Radeon RX 570 4 GB ROG STRIX Video Card ($144.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case ($70.04 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: SeaSonic FOCUS Plus Gold 650 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($104.99 @ B&H)
Total: $943.60
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2020-03-06 17:56 EST-0500

In nine months go ahead and just upgrade the graphics with a high-end card and you should be good to go.

-Wolf sends

 

[callagga]

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 3700X 3.6 GHz 8-Core Processor ($294.63 @ B&H)
Motherboard: MSI X570-A PRO ATX AM4 Motherboard ($139.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws V Series 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3200 Memory ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Blue 500 GB M.2-2280 Solid State Drive ($64.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda Compute 2 TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($53.98 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Asus Radeon RX 570 4 GB ROG STRIX Video Card ($144.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case ($70.04 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: SeaSonic FOCUS Plus Gold 650 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($104.99 @ B&H)
Total: $943.60
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2020-03-06 17:56 EST-0500

In nine months go ahead and just upgrade the graphics with a high-end card and you should be good to go.

-Wolf sends

thanks

• I wouldn't need to get a liquid CPU cooler?
• would 650W be enough (e.g. newer graphics card down the track), or is this something you can increase just to give more headroom?

 

[Wolfshadw]

I wouldn't need to get a liquid CPU cooler?

"Need to"? No. Nice to have? Sure! That could be a later upgrade.

would 650W be enough (e.g. newer graphics card down the track), or is this something you can increase just to give more headroom?

A quality 650 watt power supply like the one I suggested would be enough even with future upgrades in mind. Of course, you could go higher, but really, beyond 750 watts is not going to be needed unless graphic card manufacturers get really stupid in the future.

-Wolf sends