New PC Build for MSFS - (Few) Compromises

[surfingmb12]

First off, delete if not appropriate for general discussion please.

 

Goal: A zero (read: few) compromises PC for MSFS at 4k on an Apple Studio display (I know the 60hz limitation, and will buy a monitor if I have to but prefer ASD for general rig cleanliness as I use a Mac for work).

 

I'd like the community's input on the best way to get this build accomplished. I've never built a PC myself but I'm pretty handy so I'd go for it. However, if the group thinks I'm better using a big system integrator or a local shop, I'm happy to go that route too. 

 

Parts Preference: Ryzen 9 9950X3d + RTX 5090

 

Look, I know that these may be overkill, but I'd really like to max my performance. I would like to avoid custom water-cooling if I'm building myself, so probably going of AIO on CPU and GPU (like the MSI Suprim). Happy with custom cooing if a shop can do it too. 

 

In total, I want this build to look super sleek and understated, and I'd like to prioritize performance over price, but I don't want to be too silly. I've attached a sample build using PC part picker and am generally comfortable with the $7k USD price tag, but would be quite happy to lower it if possible without too much compromise.

 

If anyone wants to embark on this task in the Los Angeles area with me, let me know!

 

Thanks in advance.

[podkall]

46 minutes ago, surfingmb12 said:

Parts Preference: Ryzen 9 9950X3d + RTX 5090

Overkill CPU, and maybe even slight overkill GPU, unless the use case goes beyond MSFS.

 

• Also overkill storage if your only use-case is gaming or something slightly heavier even

 

47 minutes ago, surfingmb12 said:

Look, I know that these may be overkill, but I'd really like to max my performance. I would like to avoid custom water-cooling if I'm building myself, so probably going of AIO on CPU and GPU (like the MSI Suprim). Happy with custom cooing if a shop can do it too. 

You can go air cooled, on a 8 core high-end gaming CPU. 

 

48 minutes ago, surfingmb12 said:

In total, I want this build to look super sleek and understated, and I'd like to prioritize performance over price, but I don't want to be too silly. I've attached a sample build using PC part picker and am generally comfortable with the $7k USD price tag, but would be quite happy to lower it if possible without too much compromise.

So aesthetics aren't concern and basic looks with functionality is enough?

 

There's definitely room to shave off, even hundreds of $.

 

Depending on whether the parts you chose intend specific use-case, or if they're just chosen based on "high price = quality" strategy.

 

49 minutes ago, surfingmb12 said:

If anyone wants to embark on this task in the Los Angeles area with me, let me know!

That's too US for someone EU like me.

 

49 minutes ago, surfingmb12 said:

PC part picker

 

Something like this, can stay cutting edge in just-gaming environment while significantly lowering price:

 

PCPartPicker Part List: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/cCkBt3

CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D 4.7 GHz 8-Core Processor  ($472.02 @ Amazon) 
CPU Cooler: *Thermalright Frozen Prism 70.4 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler  ($56.89 @ Amazon) 
Motherboard: *MSI PRO X870E-P WIFI ATX AM5 Motherboard  ($269.99 @ Amazon) 
Memory: *G.Skill Flare X5 96 GB (2 x 48 GB) DDR5-6000 CL30 Memory  ($299.99 @ Newegg) 
Storage: *Samsung 990 Pro 4 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive  ($299.99 @ Abt) 
Video Card: *Asus TUF GAMING GeForce RTX 5090 32 GB Video Card  ($2759.99 @ Amazon) 
Case: *Fractal Design Meshify 2 ATX Mid Tower Case  ($149.99 @ B&H) 
Power Supply: *Thermaltake Toughpower GF3 TT Premium 1200 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply  ($159.99 @ Newegg) 
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 11 Home Retail - Download 64-bit  ($138.99 @ Newegg) 
Total: $4607.84
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
*Lowest price parts chosen from parametric criteria
Generated by PCPartPicker 2025-06-24 02:14 EDT-0400

[Millios]

2 notes, 1 for looks 1 for actual reasons

1) the white ram kit would throw off the look imho and going black would make it look better

2)Lose the AIO on the GPU. It wont offer anything extra that justifies the price and you make the GPU last less compared to air cooled variants + its cheaper

Other than that I 100% agree with @podkall on their notes as well

 

[brob]

6 hours ago, surfingmb12 said:

First off, delete if not appropriate for general discussion please.

 

Goal: A zero (read: few) compromises PC for MSFS at 4k on an Apple Studio display (I know the 60hz limitation, and will buy a monitor if I have to but prefer ASD for general rig cleanliness as I use a Mac for work).

 

I'd like the community's input on the best way to get this build accomplished. I've never built a PC myself but I'm pretty handy so I'd go for it. However, if the group thinks I'm better using a big system integrator or a local shop, I'm happy to go that route too. 

 

Parts Preference: Ryzen 9 9950X3d + RTX 5090

 

Look, I know that these may be overkill, but I'd really like to max my performance. I would like to avoid custom water-cooling if I'm building myself, so probably going of AIO on CPU and GPU (like the MSI Suprim). Happy with custom cooing if a shop can do it too. 

 

In total, I want this build to look super sleek and understated, and I'd like to prioritize performance over price, but I don't want to be too silly. I've attached a sample build using PC part picker and am generally comfortable with the $7k USD price tag, but would be quite happy to lower it if possible without too much compromise.

 

If anyone wants to embark on this task in the Los Angeles area with me, let me know!

 

Thanks in advance.

 

The Arctic Liquid Freezer III Pro offers better performance.

 

The Samsung 9100 Pro offers better performance at a lower cost.

 

The non-liquid Suprim RTX 5090 can run quieter than the liquid version.

 

There is no need for a 1600W PSU.

 

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D 4.3 GHz 16-Core Processor  ($699.00 @ Newegg) 
CPU Cooler: ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III Pro 360 77 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler  ($84.99 @ Amazon) 
Motherboard: Asus ProArt X870E-CREATOR WIFI ATX AM5 Motherboard  ($533.99 @ Amazon) 
Memory: G.Skill Trident Z5 Neo RGB 96 GB (2 x 48 GB) DDR5-6000 CL28 Memory  ($424.99 @ Newegg) 
Storage: Samsung 9100 PRO 4 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 5.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive  ($449.99 @ Abt) 
Video Card: MSI SUPRIM SOC GeForce RTX 5090 32 GB Video Card  ($3212.98 @ Newegg) 
Case: Fractal Design North XL ATX Full Tower Case  ($179.99 @ Amazon) 
Power Supply: NZXT C1200 (2024) 1200 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply  ($199.99 @ Amazon) 
Total: $5785.92
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2025-06-24 07:26 EDT-0400

[Why_Me]

7 hours ago, surfingmb12 said:

First off, delete if not appropriate for general discussion please.

 

Goal: A zero (read: few) compromises PC for MSFS at 4k on an Apple Studio display (I know the 60hz limitation, and will buy a monitor if I have to but prefer ASD for general rig cleanliness as I use a Mac for work).

 

I'd like the community's input on the best way to get this build accomplished. I've never built a PC myself but I'm pretty handy so I'd go for it. However, if the group thinks I'm better using a big system integrator or a local shop, I'm happy to go that route too. 

 

Parts Preference: Ryzen 9 9950X3d + RTX 5090

 

Look, I know that these may be overkill, but I'd really like to max my performance. I would like to avoid custom water-cooling if I'm building myself, so probably going of AIO on CPU and GPU (like the MSI Suprim). Happy with custom cooing if a shop can do it too. 

 

In total, I want this build to look super sleek and understated, and I'd like to prioritize performance over price, but I don't want to be too silly. I've attached a sample build using PC part picker and am generally comfortable with the $7k USD price tag, but would be quite happy to lower it if possible without too much compromise.

 

If anyone wants to embark on this task in the Los Angeles area with me, let me know!

 

Thanks in advance.

You want DDR5-6000 CL30 seeing how these AM5 cpu's hit a ceiling at 6000MHz. 2x32GB for less latency. Here's a case with better airflow, SSD's w/DRAM cache and less expensive yet top of the line AIO.

 

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: *AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D 4.3 GHz 16-Core Processor  ($699.00 @ Newegg) 
CPU Cooler: *ARCTIC Liquid Freezer III Pro 360 77 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler  ($84.99 @ Amazon) 
Motherboard: *Asus ProArt X870E-CREATOR WIFI ATX AM5 Motherboard  ($533.99 @ Amazon) 
Memory: *G.Skill Flare X5 64 GB (2 x 32 GB) DDR5-6000 CL30 Memory  ($189.99 @ Newegg) 
Storage: *MSI SPATIUM M480 PRO 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive  ($134.99 @ Newegg) 
Storage: *MSI SPATIUM M480 PRO 4 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive  ($279.99 @ Newegg) 
Video Card: *Asus TUF GAMING GeForce RTX 5090 32 GB Video Card  ($2759.99 @ Amazon) 
Case: *Antec FLUX PRO ATX Full Tower Case  ($169.99 @ Newegg) 
Power Supply: *MSI MPG A1250GS PCIE5 1250 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply  ($245.99 @ Best Buy) 
Operating System: *Microsoft Windows 11 Home Retail - USB 64-bit  ($138.99 @ Newegg) 
Total: $5237.91
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
*Lowest price parts chosen from parametric criteria
Generated by PCPartPicker 2025-06-24 03:50 EDT-0400 

 

https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/liquid-cooling/arctic-liquid-freezer-iii-pro-review   

 

https://www.arctic.de/us/Liquid-Freezer-III-Pro-360/ACFRE00180A

 

https://www.msi.com/Storage/SPATIUM-M480-PRO-PCIe-4.0-NVMe-M.2

 

https://www.gskill.com/product/165/396/1691400033/F5-6000J3040G32GX2-FX5

 

https://www.asus.com/us/motherboards-components/graphics-cards/tuf-gaming/tuf-rtx5090-32g-gaming/techspec/ 

Recommended PSU: 1000W

 

https://www.msi.com/Power-Supply/MPG-A1250GS-PCIE5 

 

https://www.antec.com/product/case/flux-pro 

 

 

 

 

[venomtail]

9950X3D won't be a benefit, might even be slower than a 9800X3D due to Window's CPU scheduling and it's inability to distinguish cores with extra 3D cache and normal cores.

 

I've gone with a case that comes with all the fans and nice additions, rest filled in with BeQuiet! brand cooling. I have it, I'd buy again. The 1000D is outdated and replaced by a lot better cases now.

 

I think RAM is overkill, 6000MHz is the softcap for Ryzen and Ryzen really benefits from lower cache so I've gone CL28.

 

GPU models can't stray too far away from the performance tier NVIDIA sets, so all 5090 will be within an error of each other. I'd just get the cheaper one and the non water cooled ones will last longer due to less parts to break.

 

To my memory this motherboard was one of the cheapest one that had no compromises to M.2 lane sharing.

 

Fast boot with 4TB mass media drive for all games etc.

 

I'd buy OS separate, looks for deals, sales and bundles. They won't appear on PCPP:

 

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D 4.7 GHz 8-Core Processor  ($472.02 @ Amazon) 
CPU Cooler: be quiet! Silent Loop 3 78.4 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler  ($158.99 @ Amazon) 
Motherboard: Gigabyte B850 AORUS ELITE WIFI7 ATX AM5 Motherboard  ($226.12 @ Amazon) 
Memory: G.Skill Trident Z5 Neo RGB 64 GB (2 x 32 GB) DDR5-6000 CL28 Memory  ($249.99 @ Amazon) 
Storage: Gigabyte AORUS Gen5 14000 1 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 5.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive  ($169.99 @ Amazon) 
Storage: Acer Predator GM7000 4 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive  ($249.99 @ Amazon) 
Video Card: Asus TUF GAMING GeForce RTX 5090 32 GB Video Card  ($2759.99 @ Amazon) 
Case: Asus ProArt PA602 ATX Mid Tower Case  ($275.99 @ Amazon) 
Power Supply: be quiet! Power Zone 2 1000 W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply  ($199.99 @ Newegg) 
Total: $4763.07
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2025-06-24 10:27 EDT-0400

[podkall]

19 minutes ago, venomtail said:

I think RAM is overkill, 6000MHz is the softcap for Ryzen and Ryzen really benefits from lower cache so I've gone CL28.

Unless you don't mind spending few more $, CL28 isn't noticeably better than CL30 if you have x3D CPU.

 

 

[KidKid]

12 hours ago, surfingmb12 said:

First off, delete if not appropriate for general discussion please.

 

Goal: A zero (read: few) compromises PC for MSFS at 4k on an Apple Studio display (I know the 60hz limitation, and will buy a monitor if I have to but prefer ASD for general rig cleanliness as I use a Mac for work).

 

I'd like the community's input on the best way to get this build accomplished. I've never built a PC myself but I'm pretty handy so I'd go for it. However, if the group thinks I'm better using a big system integrator or a local shop, I'm happy to go that route too. 

 

Parts Preference: Ryzen 9 9950X3d + RTX 5090

 

Look, I know that these may be overkill, but I'd really like to max my performance. I would like to avoid custom water-cooling if I'm building myself, so probably going of AIO on CPU and GPU (like the MSI Suprim). Happy with custom cooing if a shop can do it too. 

 

In total, I want this build to look super sleek and understated, and I'd like to prioritize performance over price, but I don't want to be too silly. I've attached a sample build using PC part picker and am generally comfortable with the $7k USD price tag, but would be quite happy to lower it if possible without too much compromise.

 

If anyone wants to embark on this task in the Los Angeles area with me, let me know!

 

Thanks in advance.

Get a Ryzen 7 9800X3D if you're gaming. Get less RAM if you only game too, with CL30 latency. Overkill case and SSD and motherboard and cooler. Overkill and overpriced everything!