What PC to buy??

Thanks for the heads-up Flyboy. I did already know about both of those things – the crap thing is, my current computer just will not run RoF at any respectable setting, so i’ll wait until my new build to even bother downloading it.

As for freetrack, I tried it a couple of years ago, but my webcam was not up to scratch, despite several hours and types of light bulbs tested. Soon after trying the program, I found a little program called freeview which basically made my HAT switch work like a panning head view, such as in FS2004 etc, and you could customise it to exactly how you wanted it. I’m so used to that method now, i’m probably just as in touch with what’s going on around me, as the guy on my 6′ with a TiR. Saying that, an actual TiR still attracts me, and it’s one of those things I will get, one day.

Thanks for the thought though.

Flyboy. Please note. Quoting the entirety of the post you are replying to is not a forum-friendly action.. It wastes bandwidth and adds less than nothing to the readability of the thread. ‘Reply’ is the far better option.

Moggy
Moderator

As always, thanks for a great post..

I have to admit, I wish I never stopped flying Sims, as I feel so bloody out of date it just is not true!

I am starting to build a good picture of what I need to do once my PC build is complete and will get ready for a lot of downloading 🙂

Just thought I would mention….. And I am sure you already know all of this.

On my “travels” through various forums I have found out two things..

First is Rise of Flight ( from what I gather you had to pay to play this) is now free http://riseofflight.com/en

And Secondly, I cam across this alternative to to TRACK IR.. A “Do it yourself” head tracker http://www.free-track.net/english/

Like I said, You most probably know about this, but I thought I would share , just in case you did not..

The X52 hunting is still going on… I missed an X52 Pro for £80 🙁 On the other hand I do own an X45 (faulty) and found somebody that said they can fix it for £20 so that might be a cheaper option… I do want the X52 though!

Anyway, catch you later!

Ok, deep breath before I start…

IL2 is different to other sims, in that you can’t just add mod created planes, or mod created anything for that matter. However, these days, modifiying il2 can be done quite simply, by updating the game from the disc to the latest version (now 4.10.1) and THEN downloading:

– HSFX Mod Pack for il2 (V5.0) then also install the latest hotfix

and/or

– UP 3.01RC Mod Pack for il2

I say and/or, because you can install both, by installing HSFX5 then UP3 on top of that. You don’t have to choose. It’s worth getting both, despite the huge downloads, because it means you’re compatible with any online missions (And people literally run co-ops and dogfights in both versions, depending on who’s hosting). (The genius thing is, a switcher program is included, so you can easily go between HSFX, UP3 or stock il2). This may all seem a bit daunting, but there is still a huge, dedicated community to help if you need it when the time comes.

HSFX found here in these pages – http://www.242sqn.com/phpBB2/index.php

UP3 found here in these pages – http://ultrapack.il2war.com/index.php

The mod packs include realistic maps (example Channel front, The slot in various periods, Africe etc), the ability to fly previously AI only planes including hundreds of bombers and fighters (like B17’s, N1K1’s) planes made from scratch by modders (Halifax, Typhoon many more) and reworked/newly created effects. Also, many of the old cockpits have been given a makeover, as seen in my screenshots (which are low res screenshots, much more detail at high res in game). The list could go on and on. Of course, it’s all free!

Now that’s out of the wat, it’s hard to decide on the best community forums, but these are the ones I frequent, and all are worthy of your time.

Official Ubi forums for il2 1946 – http://forums.ubi.com/eve/forums/a/frm/f/23110283 (Not as busy as they once were, but a good, regular crowd, good people mostly). Lots to search through and read.

Official 1C forums for il2 1946/cliffs of dover etc – http://forum.1cpublishing.eu/forumdisplay.php (Lots of regulars and lurkers, good knowledge, but also quite a few immature pratts about. The big benefit is that is where the developers post now, NOT ubi.)

SimHQ – http://simhq.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/forum_summary.html (Great simming forums in general. Have a browse. There’s something for everyone. Really should be on all simmers bookmarks).

Mission4Today Resource – http://www.mission4today.com/index.php (Forums, but also a place to download skins for aircraft, missions and campaigns (in the thousands by now) and tools). Great resource.

And that’s it really for me. I’m sure there are others, but I really visit enough forums! :rolleyes:

LockOn is still very popular, but now in the guise of ‘Flaming Cliffs 2’ or ‘DCS A10 Warthog’. Both can be had quite cheap on Amazon etc, and are well worth it if you have the time/motivation to learn about modern avionics and systems.

Good luck finding a bargain X52, let me know how you get on!

Ok, deep breath before I start…

IL2 is different to other sims, in that you can’t just add mod created planes, or mod created anything for that matter. However, these days, modifiying il2 can be done quite simply, by updating the game from the disc to the latest version (now 4.10.1) and THEN downloading:

– HSFX Mod Pack for il2 (V5.0) then also install the latest hotfix

and/or

– UP 3.01RC Mod Pack for il2

I say and/or, because you can install both, by installing HSFX5 then UP3 on top of that. You don’t have to choose. It’s worth getting both, despite the huge downloads, because it means you’re compatible with any online missions (And people literally run co-ops and dogfights in both versions, depending on who’s hosting). (The genius thing is, a switcher program is included, so you can easily go between HSFX, UP3 or stock il2). This may all seem a bit daunting, but there is still a huge, dedicated community to help if you need it when the time comes.

HSFX found here in these pages – http://www.242sqn.com/phpBB2/index.php

UP3 found here in these pages – http://ultrapack.il2war.com/index.php

The mod packs include realistic maps (example Channel front, The slot in various periods, Africe etc), the ability to fly previously AI only planes including hundreds of bombers and fighters (like B17’s, N1K1’s) planes made from scratch by modders (Halifax, Typhoon many more) and reworked/newly created effects. Also, many of the old cockpits have been given a makeover, as seen in my screenshots (which are low res screenshots, much more detail at high res in game). The list could go on and on. Of course, it’s all free!

Now that’s out of the wat, it’s hard to decide on the best community forums, but these are the ones I frequent, and all are worthy of your time.

Official Ubi forums for il2 1946 – http://forums.ubi.com/eve/forums/a/frm/f/23110283 (Not as busy as they once were, but a good, regular crowd, good people mostly). Lots to search through and read.

Official 1C forums for il2 1946/cliffs of dover etc – http://forum.1cpublishing.eu/forumdisplay.php (Lots of regulars and lurkers, good knowledge, but also quite a few immature pratts about. The big benefit is that is where the developers post now, NOT ubi.)

SimHQ – http://simhq.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/forum_summary.html (Great simming forums in general. Have a browse. There’s something for everyone. Really should be on all simmers bookmarks).

Mission4Today Resource – http://www.mission4today.com/index.php (Forums, but also a place to download skins for aircraft, missions and campaigns (in the thousands by now) and tools). Great resource.

And that’s it really for me. I’m sure there are others, but I really visit enough forums! :rolleyes:

LockOn is still very popular, but now in the guise of ‘Flaming Cliffs 2’ or ‘DCS A10 Warthog’. Both can be had quite cheap on Amazon etc, and are well worth it if you have the time/motivation to learn about modern avionics and systems.

Good luck finding a bargain X52, let me know how you get on!

Hey Dan,

All I can say is WOW…. You can see the time and dedication that went into those movies!! Pretty soon I will be making some as well 🙂

I bought a copy of IL2 1946 today for £3… not bad going 🙂 (Thanks for the link)

What is the best IL2 community forum in your opinion? I want to start downloading some IL2 planes ect in preparation for when my PC is built 🙂

I cant believe how much IL2, and combat flight simms have developed.. When I was last really active in the flight sim world, IL2 was the hot topic and also Lock-on!!

I had a look at ebay again today and have seen a view X52`s that are ending in the next two days that currently have low bids on them.. Im going to have a go and see if I can get myself a bargain, if not I will order a new Thrustmaster 🙂

Catch you later.

I don’t have any videos of my own, though I have made a few, but never been happy enough to upload them – a few il2 videos I recommend fully are –

Come With Me by RC Kedic – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hwjr6-f0cYA

Spitfire/Mitchell by Maximum Bob – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-kPoOoVrfc

Ambush by Maximum Bob – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5mqcb6f2OqE

I Promise by MrVh69 (three lengthy parts, but simply stunning film making) – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QH107U-34Sg

I do have some of my own screenshot art, composed from il2.

They’re not especially good, compared to other il2 artists out there. The talent of the il2 community is astounding, in all aspects. You’ll see what I mean.

As for the joystick vs TiR question – if you’re intending to fly mainly il2, definitely you can do without an X52. Most commands can be mapped to a joystick with 8+ buttons, and other commands are rare enough that the keyboard will suffice after some learning time. So, i’d recommend getting the TiR over an expensive joystick. Situational awareness is everything in ww2 combat, and nothing will beat TIR for situational awareness. As I said, I use a Cyborg Evo, which is more than adequate in my eyes. Having said that, the new(ish) Thrustmaster T.Flight Hotas X looks excellent for the price, and i’m planning to get one next payday.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Thrustmaster-T-Flight-Hotas-X-PC-PS3-/280740780178?pt=UK_Computing_ComputerComponents_JoysticksJoypadsGamepads&hash=item415d745892

Let me know how you get on 😎

Thanks again for the great post!! I think that this will be read and used by many aspiring virtual aviators to come!

Believe me I cant wait for my “rig” to be up and running 🙂 Once completed & tested, I absolutely promise to come and join you for a “spin” in the virtual sky’s 🙂

As much as I love the X52, I am starting to think if I should not buy a more reasonably priced joystick so that I can through more money towards a TRACK IR?? Dont get me wrong, I would love an x52, but as I think most of my time will be spend flying IL2 I feel the functionality of the x52 will be overkill??!! I think having the ability to “look” round the sky will give me a better kill ratio 😉

I will register on the forums and do a bit more research on what joystick ect ect.. My budget pc is starting to get expensive lol… but well worth it!!

PS thanks for the pictures… I must say having looked at them and also a view videos on youtube, I am very impressed!! DO you have any vids??

Best Regards

Leon

I have to agree in that a better quality PSU is a wise investment, however, dabs value PSU’s have a good reputation, for someone looking to save money. They are guaranteed (although I doubt damage to other components is).

@Flyboy, that all looks good mate, everything ‘fits’. However, just to make you aware of the differences between OEM and retail versions of Windows, read the second post down here – http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-windows_install/how-exactly-does-windows-7-retail-vs-oem/fae7b2ab-c530-45e6-aeb3-cc55cf7b9231

Also take note of any warranty/returns info when buying off of ebay.

If and when you’re ready, this is an active and helpful message board for il2 1946. http://forums.ubi.com/eve/forums/a/frm/f/23110283 (You will get more views/replies to any posts in ‘The Blairgowrie’ section, aka the off topic section.

It is still the best ww2 sim out there, in my and most opinions. As you realise, Cliffs of Dover is very primitive and buggy, whereas il2 1946 covers all theaters, has extensive yet regulated mod packages to add flyable bombers and more maps (scratching the surface there) and a dedicated online community. To get involved in the online aspect, visit http://hyperfighter.sk/ and download hyperlobby latest version. Once installed, sign into the il2 1946 room and there will be many games to join. That’s also where you’ll find me and the rest of the ’46 community. Most people will be flying ’46 for a long time to come, because of its huge arena and reliability, compared to CoD. Another couple of sims i fly are RoF (Rise Of Flight) and FS9. Unfortunately, my old PC is not up to the latest A10, but i’m saving for a new build.

Well, hope that’s helped. At the moment i’m using a Saitek Cyborg Evo, although i really want either a CH fighter stick or X52. Christmas is on the horizon…saying that, the Cyborg has done well to last the way it has. It’s great for the price. Register at the forum i linked to and ask about which x52 to get, I read that some of them have fast-wearing pots. Definitely research before throwing money at one anyway!

P.S. When your new PC is built, I will hope to hear back from you, with links to videos of you flying A10, il2 etc! 😎

P.P.S. The only thing you’re missing there is a DVD RW drive or similar. But they are peanuts!

Finally, you may want to register here: http://www.buildyourown.org.uk/forums/ Can’t describe how much the place/people helped me when I tried my first build. Unbelievable great resource. There is also a build guide on their website: http://www.buildyourown.org.uk/pc-building/

It’s unbelievable that il2 1946 can be had for a penny plus delivery at Amazon – http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/offer-listing/B000KJRGTY/ref=sr_1_2_olp?ie=UTF8&qid=1316295496&sr=8-2&condition=used

Astonishing considering the final game has hundreds of planes, hundreds of maps, hundreds of campaigns/missions to download thanks to the community. It’s literally endless. Here are a couple of cockpit shots to wet your appetite, and really make you want it. These are the standards the modders are working at, the first is a B24 cockpit built from scratch:

il2fb 2011-09-17 03-15-40-79 by danjama, on Flickr

Tempest Mk V

il2fb 2011-09-12 03-05-35-54 by danjama, on Flickr

Fw190A-8

il2fb 2011-04-01 01-34-01-89 by danjama, on Flickr

Cheers for spotting that Pesho and for the good overview of what to look for in a PSU…. I have taken your advice and changed my chosen PSU to Corsair TX650W 650 Watt PSU ATX 🙂

I don’t like your choice for PSU. It’s better to add more money and buy 650W Corsair for 60 or 600W Thermaltake for 70. I know that that there is somewhat huge difference, but i will not build system based on poor PSU. And i am sure that this Best Value PSU cannot deliver 800W, it’s not even certified for 80%+ energy efficiency. Also there is only 3 SATA cables. In short, go with Corsair.

I don’t like your choice for PSU. It’s better to add more money and buy 650W Corsair for 60 or 600W Thermaltake for 70. I know that that there is somewhat huge difference, but i will not build system based on poor PSU. And i am sure that this Best Value PSU cannot deliver 800W, it’s not even certified for 80%+ energy efficiency. Also there is only 3 SATA cables. In short, go with Corsair.

I have to agree in that a better quality PSU is a wise investment, however, dabs value PSU’s have a good reputation, for someone looking to save money. They are guaranteed (although I doubt damage to other components is).

@Flyboy, that all looks good mate, everything ‘fits’. However, just to make you aware of the differences between OEM and retail versions of Windows, read the second post down here – http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_7-windows_install/how-exactly-does-windows-7-retail-vs-oem/fae7b2ab-c530-45e6-aeb3-cc55cf7b9231

Also take note of any warranty/returns info when buying off of ebay.

If and when you’re ready, this is an active and helpful message board for il2 1946. http://forums.ubi.com/eve/forums/a/frm/f/23110283 (You will get more views/replies to any posts in ‘The Blairgowrie’ section, aka the off topic section.

It is still the best ww2 sim out there, in my and most opinions. As you realise, Cliffs of Dover is very primitive and buggy, whereas il2 1946 covers all theaters, has extensive yet regulated mod packages to add flyable bombers and more maps (scratching the surface there) and a dedicated online community. To get involved in the online aspect, visit http://hyperfighter.sk/ and download hyperlobby latest version. Once installed, sign into the il2 1946 room and there will be many games to join. That’s also where you’ll find me and the rest of the ’46 community. Most people will be flying ’46 for a long time to come, because of its huge arena and reliability, compared to CoD. Another couple of sims i fly are RoF (Rise Of Flight) and FS9. Unfortunately, my old PC is not up to the latest A10, but i’m saving for a new build.

Well, hope that’s helped. At the moment i’m using a Saitek Cyborg Evo, although i really want either a CH fighter stick or X52. Christmas is on the horizon…saying that, the Cyborg has done well to last the way it has. It’s great for the price. Register at the forum i linked to and ask about which x52 to get, I read that some of them have fast-wearing pots. Definitely research before throwing money at one anyway!

P.S. When your new PC is built, I will hope to hear back from you, with links to videos of you flying A10, il2 etc! 😎

P.P.S. The only thing you’re missing there is a DVD RW drive or similar. But they are peanuts!

Finally, you may want to register here: http://www.buildyourown.org.uk/forums/ Can’t describe how much the place/people helped me when I tried my first build. Unbelievable great resource. There is also a build guide on their website: http://www.buildyourown.org.uk/pc-building/

It’s unbelievable that il2 1946 can be had for a penny plus delivery at Amazon – http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/offer-listing/B000KJRGTY/ref=sr_1_2_olp?ie=UTF8&qid=1316295496&sr=8-2&condition=used

Astonishing considering the final game has hundreds of planes, hundreds of maps, hundreds of campaigns/missions to download thanks to the community. It’s literally endless. Here are a couple of cockpit shots to wet your appetite, and really make you want it. These are the standards the modders are working at, the first is a B24 cockpit built from scratch:

il2fb 2011-09-17 03-15-40-79 by danjama, on Flickr

Tempest Mk V

il2fb 2011-09-12 03-05-35-54 by danjama, on Flickr

Fw190A-8

il2fb 2011-04-01 01-34-01-89 by danjama, on Flickr

800W! PSU” – 40 http://www.dabs.com/products/best-va…nity-793V.html

I don’t like your choice for PSU. It’s better to add more money and buy 650W Corsair for 60 or 600W Thermaltake for 70. I know that that there is somewhat huge difference, but i will not build system based on poor PSU. And i am sure that this Best Value PSU cannot deliver 800W, it’s not even certified for 80%+ energy efficiency. Also there is only 3 SATA cables. In short, go with Corsair.

Thank you so much for your post… 🙂 My pronlem is my lack of knowledge and not knowing what goes with what ect ect… I would have bought a motherboard that is not compatible with the CPU 😮

I went through your list and did a search on the internet and came up with this list (all based on your suggestion). It works out (inc win 7) to be £595.21

Below is the list.

Description
Intel Core i5 2500K 3.3Ghz 6MB i5-2500K – 157 – http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Intel-Core-i5-2500K-3-3Ghz-6MB-i5-2500K-LGA1155-Retail-/270786661858?pt=UK_Motherboards_CPUs&hash=item3f0c248de2#ht_2126wt_1139

Motherboard Asus P8P67 REV 3.0 LGA1155 Intel P67 DDR3 ATX – 99 http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Asus-P8P67-LE-REV3-Intel-P67-Socket-LGA1155-DDR3-ATX-Motherboard-/360393378275?pt=UK_Motherboards_CPUs&hash=item53e91e89e3#ht_4401wt_905

Corsair 8GB Vengeance CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9B 1600MHZ Memory – 46.25 http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Corsair-8GB-Vengeance-CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9B-1600MHZ-Memory-/150618433612?pt=UK_Computing_ComputerComponents_MemoryRAM_JN&hash=item23118ee84c#ht_1976wt_1037

Hitachi 3.5″ HARD DRIVE 1000GB/1TB SATA II 32MB – 37.99 http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-Hitachi-3-5-HARD-DRIVE-1000GB-1TB-SATA-II-32MB-/150661703536?pt=UK_Computing_HardDrives_RL&hash=item2314232770#ht_1898wt_1270

Sound Blaster X-Fi – 29.99 http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Creative-Sound-Blaster-X-Fi-Xtreme-Music-PC-Sound-Card-/390243123502?pt=UK_Computing_ComputerComponents_SoundCards&hash=item5adc4d812e#ht_1798wt_1037

Nvidia GTX 550 – 100 http://www.dabs.com/products/asus-ge…hdmi-7DQV.html

800W! PSU” – 40 http://www.dabs.com/products/best-va…nity-793V.html

Inwin Griffin Midi Tower Gaming Case” – 34.99 http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Inwin-Griffin-Midi-Tower-Gaming-Case-22cm-Fan-No-PSU-/120702935722?pt=UK_Computing_DesktopComponents_RL&hash=item1c1a74a2aa#ht_2033wt_1270

WINDOWS 7 HOME PREMIUM 64BIT – 49.99 http://www.bargain-megastore.co.uk/products/WINDOWS-7-HOME-PREMIUM-64BIT-OEM-SP1.html

Can you let me know what you think??

PS.. I use to fly IL2 and have never played 1l2 1946… I will be soon and will most definitely look you up!! I have been playing with the idea to get IL2 COD, but after seeing the reviews I might wit a bit.. I have to say it is a BIG disappointing 🙁

I was so looking forward to IL2 COD…

What joystick do you use? I have my eyes on the x52 pro and for x mas as a present to me….. Track IR 5 😀

I would definitely go for a i5 2500K based system. I think it’s easily buildable for 500 quid or thereabouts (tower only, maybe not software).

i5 2500k – £170 http://www.dabs.com/products/intel-core-i5-2500k-3-30ghz-lga1155-6mb-79Q8.html?q=i5%202500k

LGA1155 P67 motherboard – £110 http://www.dabs.com/products/asus-p8p67-rev-3-0-lga1155-intel-p67-ddr3-atx–b3-stepping–7DL9.html?q=p67

Corsair 2x4gb 1600mhz cl9 memory – £50 http://www.dabs.com/products/corsair-vengeance-8gb–2x4gb–ddr3-1600mhz-cl9-xmp-79V4.html

Sata 1gb HD £40 – http://www.dabs.com/products/samsung-1tb-spinpoint-f3-7200rpm-sata-3gb-s-32mb-65QC.html

PCI audigy 2 sound card or similar – £30 http://www.dabs.com/products/creative-audigy-se-7-1-pci-4R6Y.html?q=audigy%202

Nvidia GTX 550 – £100 http://www.dabs.com/products/asus-geforce-gtx-550-ti-910mhz-1gb-pci-express-hdmi-7DQV.html

xigmatek asgard case – £30 http://www.dabs.com/products/xigmatek-asgard-chassis-77R3.html

800W! PSU – £40 http://www.dabs.com/products/best-value-ezcool-ps-1000-800w-infinity-793V.html

That’s a £570 high end gaming system – i’m sure you could knock a bit of money off, depending on where you buy and exactly what you buy. You’ll also need a couple of extra fans possibly, and a dvd drive (dirt cheap) as well as Windows 7 Home edition minimum.

So, to sum up, I truly believe that you would be best off with a i5 2500k system, even if it means stretching slightly beyond your budget. Careful not to buy the i5 2500 (no K), it’s not overclockable (you may not want to overclock now, but this is one of the most OCable processors in computer history, and it will be nice to have the option).

If you want a low budget gaming PC, AMD would be the way to go, but avoid that x4 840 processor, the one you will want is the 955BE. If you do decide you want to go the budget route, post back, and i’ll be happy to help with that.

P.S. I fly il2 sturmovik 1946 online as danjama. Hope to see you in the virtual skies soon.

Edit to add – many components can be found cheaper on ebay, still with warranty as long as you’re cautious when buying. Seen a i5 2500k here for £155 http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Intel-Core-i5-2500K-3-3Ghz-6MB-i5-2500K-LGA1155-Retail-/270786661858?pt=UK_Motherboards_CPUs&hash=item3f0c248de2.

The little savings add up, and could buy you a copy of W7. A p8p67 motherboard for £85 here! http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Asus-1155-P8p67-Rev-3-0-Le-S-L-Motherboard-/120755690506?pt=UK_Motherboards_CPUs&hash=item1c1d999c0a

Hey Steve,

Yes, you are right. I just played with the configuration again and now the price has jumped to £735!!! Well out of my price range.. Well I could stretch that far but will not be able to buy my Saitek X52 Pro… 🙁

Thanks for your post though.. I have read some reviews from Overclockers and they all are extremely positive! What simms do you fly out of interest??

Hi flyboy583
i have a system from overclockers,the “Titan Spinosaur” Intel Core i5 2500K 3.30GHz @ 4.60GHz DDR3 Sandybridge System which almost the same as your system 3 but with a Geforce GTX 570 graphics card.As you i play mostly flight Sims and for that its the graphics card that makes the difference.
Beware the price from overclockers doesn’t include windows and if you include that something like a Geforce GTX 460 your looking at @£715 if you unselect the overclocking but then you have to add delivery.

As i said i have had my system since Easter and it is brilliant and have no problems recommending overclockers to anyone

I would definitely go for a i5 2500K based system. I think it’s easily buildable for 500 quid or thereabouts (tower only, maybe not software).

i5 2500k – £170 http://www.dabs.com/products/intel-core-i5-2500k-3-30ghz-lga1155-6mb-79Q8.html?q=i5%202500k

LGA1155 P67 motherboard – £110 http://www.dabs.com/products/asus-p8p67-rev-3-0-lga1155-intel-p67-ddr3-atx–b3-stepping–7DL9.html?q=p67

Corsair 2x4gb 1600mhz cl9 memory – £50 http://www.dabs.com/products/corsair-vengeance-8gb–2x4gb–ddr3-1600mhz-cl9-xmp-79V4.html

Sata 1gb HD £40 – http://www.dabs.com/products/samsung-1tb-spinpoint-f3-7200rpm-sata-3gb-s-32mb-65QC.html

PCI audigy 2 sound card or similar – £30 http://www.dabs.com/products/creative-audigy-se-7-1-pci-4R6Y.html?q=audigy%202

Nvidia GTX 550 – £100 http://www.dabs.com/products/asus-geforce-gtx-550-ti-910mhz-1gb-pci-express-hdmi-7DQV.html

xigmatek asgard case – £30 http://www.dabs.com/products/xigmatek-asgard-chassis-77R3.html

800W! PSU – £40 http://www.dabs.com/products/best-value-ezcool-ps-1000-800w-infinity-793V.html

That’s a £570 high end gaming system – i’m sure you could knock a bit of money off, depending on where you buy and exactly what you buy. You’ll also need a couple of extra fans possibly, and a dvd drive (dirt cheap) as well as Windows 7 Home edition minimum.

So, to sum up, I truly believe that you would be best off with a i5 2500k system, even if it means stretching slightly beyond your budget. Careful not to buy the i5 2500 (no K), it’s not overclockable (you may not want to overclock now, but this is one of the most OCable processors in computer history, and it will be nice to have the option).

If you want a low budget gaming PC, AMD would be the way to go, but avoid that x4 840 processor, the one you will want is the 955BE. If you do decide you want to go the budget route, post back, and i’ll be happy to help with that.

P.S. I fly il2 sturmovik 1946 online as danjama. Hope to see you in the virtual skies soon.

Edit to add – many components can be found cheaper on ebay, still with warranty as long as you’re cautious when buying. Seen a i5 2500k here for £155 http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Intel-Core-i5-2500K-3-3Ghz-6MB-i5-2500K-LGA1155-Retail-/270786661858?pt=UK_Motherboards_CPUs&hash=item3f0c248de2.

The little savings add up, and could buy you a copy of W7. A p8p67 motherboard for £85 here! http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Asus-1155-P8p67-Rev-3-0-Le-S-L-Motherboard-/120755690506?pt=UK_Motherboards_CPUs&hash=item1c1d999c0a

Hi flyboy583
i have a system from overclockers,the “Titan Spinosaur” Intel Core i5 2500K 3.30GHz @ 4.60GHz DDR3 Sandybridge System which almost the same as your system 3 but with a Geforce GTX 570 graphics card.As you i play mostly flight Sims and for that its the graphics card that makes the difference.
Beware the price from overclockers doesn’t include windows and if you include that something like a Geforce GTX 460 your looking at @£715 if you unselect the overclocking but then you have to add delivery.

As i said i have had my system since Easter and it is brilliant and have no problems recommending overclockers to anyone