PC Gamers - Flight Sim Specific - questions

[wolfpackjeeper]

Ok, I am in Navigator/WSO training right now. It has been strongly suggested to me by a few instructors and from a few people who have already graduated the program to invest in a good flight SIM where I can load the local area. I have been looking at X-Plane and an pretty impressed so far. It looks like I can load up a pretty good copy of the T-6, use all its proper instruments and fly all the local routs. With MS laying off the whole flight sim crowd this looks like my only option, but a pretty damn good one.

The-problem, I need a new computer to run this. I got on newegg and started shopping around. I found this guy, and while the first review is bad the rest look good and the system looks great for the price.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883229100
I will need to pick up a monitor somwhere, but no big deal there, I will probably get 2 and set it up better.

For a joystick, it really does not matter, I will probably get the most convienant one. I need the system to practice all the brain work(navigation, fuel usage, vor work, approaches and departures, ect) not the monkey skills (flying).

as a plus, my wife just started classes again, so if I throw a copy of office on there I can justify this with her too. I do not play warcraft, or doom, or Myst, so not huge biggie there. I just want to set this up for my current training, and to keep in practice as I work towards my PPL.

Questions:
1) Does the computer look good to run the sim/upgrade later?
2) Do you use x-plane? How do you like it?
3) Is there a better option for the computer setup in this price range? Unless it comes with a monitor, the system needs to stay under $700.
4)...?

[pikey77]

I'm a pilot and I use Microsoft Flight Sim to run some approaches and stuff when I'm getting prepped to do checkrides and I've used it to help prepare for a job interviews and plane checkouts.

It does well with visual navigation and the approaches were all really great. The graphics dont have to be good to simulate flying in the clouds.

Xplane is supposed to be pretty realistic but since you dont need the flying practice I think it might be overkill for you. I've only played with it a few times though.

Plus it saves you from having to drop a grand on a new computer setup.


For a joystick I've always got one with the throttle and twist(rudders) the throttle will really make things easier for you on the approaches and the rudder is nice to have on precision approaches as well.


Thanks for you service!

I lost my AF pilot slot 2 years ago because of some med crap. If you need any advice or opinions on your civi flight training feel free to pm me.

[AIbandit]

Hi wolf pack, I suggest getting a PC with a geforce 9800gtx or newer (for direct X10). Find the games minimum specs and aim above that the bare minimum will get you non realistic chop. You might look into building yourself its extremely easy everything pretty much plugs into each other like lego's the most critical part being pasting the processor but theres plenty of guides out there... It's easier then people make it out to be. this will save you alot of $$.
Get on new eggs mailing list and when they have a good deal on a bare bones jump on it!

When it comes to upgrade ability of PC's Its limitless as long as you get a normal ATX case (not a mini tower or other lame stuff)

As for the joystick there isnt much selection out there but Logitechs freedom 2.4 is the best.
the Microsoft joystick has issues with the rudder controls breaking after a couple months.

[hubs97xj]

Logitech's Freedom is anything but the best. CH Products makes good gear, but it's expensive. But, at the lower price points, you're pretty much going to have to get either Logitech or Saitek. I would avoid wireless either.

[AIbandit]

Sorry let me rephrase If you dont want to dump a ton of money on somthing that looks fancy but is pointless. Saitek is crap... Wireless isnt bad suggest you get rechargable batteries if you plan on playing alot.

[bigalpha]

What kind of specs does your computer have now? Might be cheaper just to upgrade RAM+Vid Card.

[wolfpackjeeper]

A new computer is pretty necessary. I have been running the same laptop for about 2.5-3 years now. It is a mid-grade emachines laptop. 1gb ram, AMD Sempron Processor. It is just getting old, I used it through college and it goes on a lot of trips so it is starting to fall apart.

I will need the graphics to practice form flights, low level routes, and visual nav routes. Plus they are about the same price. I built my own machine my freshman year of college, so I already have a case, but it will need everything. I don't even think I would reuse the drives.

Been shopping around on Newegg and I still will. I am hoping to build it well enough to use it as a media machine and output it to the stereo and TV.

[bigalpha]

Ah gotcha. I bet that graphics card is built-in to the motherboard, too.

Keep an eye on CL too, I've found some killer deals on there.

Obviously, along with vid card and lots of RAM, you'll want some fat HDDs for the media machine part. I'm running a 320GB HDD in my Macbook and it plays music+vids to my PS3 (>30GB music and >30 GB vids).

[wolfpackjeeper]

If I build it myself it will get a terabyte of HD one way or another.

I pulled out my old tower a little while ago, and I will probably need to just replace everything but the case fan. The motherboard is IDE, and it is not worth trying to find IDE based components anymore.

I guess one option to keep the cost down for now would be to build it up to run Ubuntu/mythbuntu like my laptop, x-plane is actually designed for that, it would save me from having to deal with or pay for any version of windows.