The old version of this page told you to buy an RTX 2080 Super and an i9-10900K. Every part on it is long gone from shelves, and the sim it was written for has a sequel. So we started over.
PC parts are expensive, and one wrong pick can cost you hundreds of dollars or leave you with parts that don't fit together. These three MSFS 2024 builds are here to make sure that doesn't happen.
Pick your build in 30 seconds. Start with your monitor, because it decides almost everything else.
- 1080p
The Starter
1080p screens and first-time builders
- Processor
- Ryzen 5 7600X3D
- Graphics
- RX 9060 XT 16GB
- Expect
- High settings at 1080p
Under $2,000
See the parts list for The Starter - 1440p Our pick
The Sweet Spot
1440p screens, airliners and busy hubs
- Processor
- Ryzen 7 9800X3D
- Graphics
- RX 9070 XT 16GB
- Expect
- Ultra settings at 1440p
$2,500 to $2,800
See the parts list for The Sweet Spot - 4K / VR
The Heavy
4K, triple screens and VR headsets
- Processor
- Ryzen 7 9850X3D
- Graphics
- RTX 5080 16GB
- Expect
- 4K ultra with DLSS on
$4,300 to $4,600
See the parts list for The Heavy
Already own a decent PC? You may only need one new part. Check here first. New to PC parts? Every term on this page is explained in our plain-English glossary.
Every part in each list fits together
We checked each list for the things that trip up first-time builders: processor socket, memory type, power supply wattage, graphics card length, and cooler and memory clearance inside the case. We don't own a hardware lab and haven't benchmarked these machines ourselves. Performance claims come from published, independent benchmark testing and Microsoft's official requirements.
Compare the Three Builds
Swipe sideways to see all 3 builds →
| Starter | Our pick Sweet Spot | Heavy | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | 1080p screens and first-time builders | 1440p screens, airliners and busy hubs | 4K, triple screens and VR headsets |
| What to expect | High settings at 1080p | Ultra settings at 1440p | 4K ultra with DLSS on |
| Processor | Ryzen 5 7600X3D | Ryzen 7 9800X3D | Ryzen 7 9850X3D |
| Graphics card | RX 9060 XT 16GB | RX 9070 XT 16GB | RTX 5080 16GB |
| Memory | 32GB | 32GB | 64GB |
| Storage | 2TB | 2TB | 4TB |
| Budget | Under $2,000 | $2,500 to $2,800 | $4,300 to $4,600 |
| Room to upgrade | Lots (AM5 socket) | Lots (AM5 socket) | Already near the top |
"What to expect" is based on independent MSFS 2024 tests of graphics cards in the same class, flying over open terrain. Dense cities and huge airports are harder on any PC, so expect to drop a setting or two there.
Not sure what your monitor is? On Windows, right-click the desktop, choose Display settings, and look at Display resolution. 1920 × 1080 is 1080p, 2560 × 1440 is 1440p, and 3840 × 2160 is 4K.
Torn between two builds? Pick the cheaper one and put the difference into controls. A good yoke or stick changes the sim more than a few extra frames do.
The Starter: Best 1080p PC Build for MSFS 2024
For 1080p monitors, first-time builders and simmers moving off a laptop or Xbox. Expect smooth flying on high settings; cards in this class fall a little short of 60 fps on ultra in independent tests.
The Starter (1080p): parts list
- 1080p
- Under $2,000
- High settings at 1080p
| Part | Our pick | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Processor (CPU) The brain. Runs the flight model, weather and AI traffic. | AMD Ryzen 5 7600X3D Beats Intel's old i9 flagship in gaming tests. No cooler in the box. | Check price |
| CPU cooler Keeps the processor cool and quiet. | Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE Cheap, quiet, and handles this chip easily. | Check price |
| Motherboard Connects every part. Wi-Fi built in. | MSI B650 Gaming Plus WiFi Has a Flash BIOS button, handy if it needs an update. | Check price |
| Memory (RAM) Short-term workspace for scenery and aircraft. | G.Skill Flare X5 32GB (2×16GB) DDR5-6000 Low-profile (33mm), so it fits under the cooler. | Check price |
| Graphics card (GPU) Draws everything you see on screen. | ASRock Radeon RX 9060 XT Challenger 16GB Get the 16GB model, not the 8GB. | Check price |
| Storage (SSD) Holds Windows, the sim and your add-ons. | Crucial P310 2TB NVMe Fast enough for scenery streaming, without paying extra. | Check price |
| Power supply (PSU) Feeds power to everything. | Corsair RM750e (ATX 3.1) Plenty of headroom; AMD asks for 450W minimum. | Check price |
| Case Holds it all. Four fans included. | Lian Li Lancool 207 Compact, but fits every part here with room to spare. | Check price |
Buy it if
You want MSFS 2024 to look good and run smoothly at 1080p, with an easy path to upgrade later.
Skip it if
You already own a 1440p or 4K monitor. You'll want more graphics power.
Links go to Amazon, where you'll see today's price. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no cost to you.
Why we chose these parts
- Ryzen 5 7600X3D: the bargain of this whole guide. In independent gaming tests (which include MSFS 2024), this six-core chip beats Intel's former flagship, the Core i9-14900K, for much less money. Amazon stock comes and goes, so grab it when you see it.
- RX 9060 XT 16GB: Nvidia's RTX 5060 Ti 16GB is only about 9% faster in benchmark averages, but it costs around 50% more right now. At 1080p, that money is better spent elsewhere.
- 32GB of memory: Microsoft recommends 32GB, and 16GB is the bare minimum for a sim that streams the planet. Buy one two-stick kit now. Adding a second kit later is a gamble with DDR5.
- Upgrade path: AMD has committed to the AM5 socket through 2027 and beyond, with next-generation chips expected to fit. In a couple of years you can drop in a faster processor and keep everything else.
The Sweet Spot: Best 1440p PC Build for MSFS 2024
For 1440p monitors, study-level airliners, busy hubs and photogrammetry cities. Expect ultra settings: in independent tests, cards well below this one already pass 60 fps at 1440p ultra.
The Sweet Spot (1440p): parts list
- 1440p
- $2,500 to $2,800
- Ultra settings at 1440p
| Part | Our pick | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Processor (CPU) The brain. Runs the flight model, weather and AI traffic. | AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Out of stock? The 9850X3D drops straight in. No cooler in the box. | Check price |
| CPU cooler Keeps the processor cool and quiet. | Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE Cheap, quiet, and handles this chip easily. | Check price |
| Motherboard Connects every part. Wi-Fi 7 and fast networking. | MSI MAG B850 Tomahawk MAX WiFi Ready for X3D chips out of the box. | Check price |
| Memory (RAM) Short-term workspace for scenery and aircraft. | G.Skill Flare X5 32GB (2×16GB) DDR5-6000 Low-profile (33mm), so it fits under the cooler. | Check price |
| Graphics card (GPU) Draws everything you see on screen. | XFX Swift Radeon RX 9070 XT 16GB Matches cards that cost a few hundred dollars more. | Check price |
| Storage (SSD) Holds Windows, the sim and your add-ons. | Samsung 990 Pro 2TB NVMe A proven, reliable drive. | Check price |
| Power supply (PSU) Feeds power to everything. | Corsair RM850x (ATX 3.1) AMD asks for 750W or more with this card. | Check price |
| Case Holds it all. Five fans included. | Lian Li Lancool 217 Big airflow keeps the fans quiet on long flights. | Check price |
Buy it if
You want the best balance of looks, smoothness and price. It's the build we'd buy ourselves.
Skip it if
You fly on a 1080p screen (the Starter does the job) or in VR (go Heavy).
Links go to Amazon, where you'll see today's price. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no cost to you.
Why we chose these parts
- Ryzen 7 9800X3D: the newer 9850X3D is only about 3% quicker in independent tests and costs more. The 9800X3D is the smart buy.
- RX 9070 XT: the easiest call in this guide. In benchmark averages it matches Nvidia's RTX 5070 Ti, which costs a few hundred dollars more. It's also about 21% faster than the plain RTX 5070, which currently costs more. One independent MSFS 2024 test found AMD cards beating similarly priced Nvidia cards at every tier.
- B850 Tomahawk MAX: solid power delivery for an X3D chip, Wi-Fi 7, and spare slots for a second SSD when your add-on habit gets out of hand. Pricier boards don't add frames.
- Lancool 217: five fans, including two big 170mm intakes up front. Better airflow means quieter fans on a four-hour long-haul.
The one trade-off with AMD is upscaling. Here's what that means before you buy.
The Heavy: Best 4K and VR PC Build for MSFS 2024
For 4K monitors, triple screens and VR headsets. Expect 4K ultra with DLSS turned on: native 4K ultra at 60 fps is out of reach for all but the very top cards in independent tests, and DLSS closes that gap. In VR, expect to tune settings; it's the hardest way to run this sim on any PC.
The Heavy (4K and VR): parts list
- 4K / VR
- $4,300 to $4,600
- 4K ultra with DLSS on
| Part | Our pick | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Processor (CPU) The brain. Runs the flight model, weather and AI traffic. | AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D The fastest gaming chip in independent tests right now. | Check price |
| CPU cooler Liquid cooler. Quiet even on long flights. | Arctic Liquid Freezer III Pro 360 Mount it on the case's top or front. Both leave room for the GPU. | Check price |
| Motherboard Connects every part. Wi-Fi 7 built in. | Gigabyte B850 Aorus Elite WiFi7 Can update its BIOS from a USB stick, no CPU needed. | Check price |
| Memory (RAM) Short-term workspace for scenery and aircraft. | G.Skill Flare X5 64GB (2×32GB) DDR5-6000 Tight budget? Start with the 32GB kit and upgrade later. | Check price |
| Graphics card (GPU) Draws everything you see on screen. | Gigabyte GeForce RTX 5080 Gaming OC 16GB DLSS 4.5 and frame generation keep 4K and VR smooth. | Check price |
| Storage (SSD) Room for a big add-on and scenery library. | WD Black SN850X 4TB NVMe Space for years of aircraft and airports. | Check price |
| Power supply (PSU) Feeds power to everything, with headroom. | Corsair RM1000x (ATX 3.1) Nvidia asks for 850W; this leaves room to spare. | Check price |
| Case Holds it all. Walnut front, roomy inside. | Fractal Design North XL The XL fits this long GPU and the 360mm radiator together. | Check price |
Buy it if
You fly in VR, at 4K or across three monitors and want the smoothest experience without going silly.
Skip it if
You fly on one 1080p or 1440p screen. You'd be paying for power you can't see.
Links go to Amazon, where you'll see today's price. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no cost to you.
Why we chose these parts
- Ryzen 7 9850X3D: the fastest gaming processor in independent tests. At this budget the small premium over the 9800X3D is worth it, because VR leans hard on the processor.
- RTX 5080, not RTX 5090: the 5090 is about 43% faster at 4K, but it sells for several times the 5080's price right now. The 5080 beats the RX 9070 XT by about 17% at 4K, and the bigger win is software: MSFS 2024 supports DLSS 4 Multi Frame Generation, and Sim Update 6 (August 2026) added DLSS 4.5.
- 64GB of memory: Microsoft's "ideal" spec, with headroom for dense cities, add-on airports and a browser full of charts. It's also the priciest line here. If it stings, start with 32GB.
- North XL, not the regular North: the standard North can't fit this 340mm graphics card alongside a 360mm radiator. The XL can, with room to spare.
- B850, not X870E: a pricier X870E board adds USB4 and extra storage lanes. It doesn't add frames.
Choosing a headset for this build? See our MSFS VR headset rankings.
Swaps Worth Considering
Prefer Nvidia, want a processor in between, or need Intel? These drop straight into the builds above. One catch: the Intel chip needs an Intel (LGA 1851) motherboard instead of the AMD boards listed.
Swaps worth considering: parts list
| Part | Our pick | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Nvidia GPU for the Starter A little faster than the RX 9060 XT, but costs far more. | ASUS Dual GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16GB | Check price |
| Nvidia GPU for the Sweet Spot Same speed as the RX 9070 XT, plus DLSS. Costs a few hundred more. | ASUS Prime GeForce RTX 5070 Ti 16GB OC | Check price |
| In-between CPU Faster than the 7600X3D, cheaper than the 9800X3D. | AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D | Check price |
| Intel CPU Great for streaming and editing too. Needs an Intel board. | Intel Core Ultra 7 270K Plus | Check price |
Links go to Amazon, where you'll see today's price. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no cost to you.
AMD or Nvidia for MSFS 2024?
Quick answer: AMD for 1080p and 1440p. Nvidia for 4K and VR.
- Why AMD: far more performance for your money right now. At 1080p and 1440p the sim is often waiting on the processor anyway, so a pricier graphics card buys you less than you'd expect.
- Why Nvidia: smoother frames at high resolutions. DLSS 4.5 and Multi Frame Generation are built into the sim.
- The AMD catch: AMD's newer FSR 4 upscaler was tested for Sim Update 6 but pulled before release because of a bug, so the sim still officially offers AMD owners the older FSR 3. Microsoft says a fix is coming in a future update. Meanwhile, many Radeon pilots use a free community tool called OptiScaler to get FSR 4 working.
Already Have a PC? Upgrade or Build New
You might only need one new part. First, find out what you have: press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager, then click Performance. The CPU entry shows your processor's name, and the GPU entry shows your graphics card and its "dedicated GPU memory" (that's VRAM).
| What Task Manager shows | What to do |
|---|---|
| Graphics card with 8GB or less of dedicated memory | Upgrade the graphics card first. See the best graphics cards for MSFS. |
| Ryzen 3000 or older, or Intel 11th gen or older | It's holding the sim back. A new processor needs a new motherboard and memory too, so a full build usually makes more sense. |
| Ryzen 5000 processor (AM4 board) | The Ryzen 7 5800X3D is the best drop-in upgrade for your board. |
| Ryzen 7000 or 9000 processor (AM5 board) | Drop in a 9800X3D and keep everything else. See the best processors for MSFS. |
| Intel 12th to 14th gen or Core Ultra | Your processor is fine for now. Spend on the graphics card first if it has 8GB or less. |
| 16GB of memory | Move to a 32GB kit. Check whether your board takes DDR4 or DDR5 first. |
MSFS 2024 System Requirements
Here's Microsoft's official spec sheet:
| Minimum | Recommended | Ideal | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | Ryzen 5 2600X / Core i7-6800K | Ryzen 7 2700X / Core i7-10700K | Ryzen 9 7900X / Core i7-14700K |
| Graphics card | RX 5700 / GTX 970 | RX 5700 XT / RTX 2080 | RX 7900 XT / RTX 4080 |
| VRAM | 4 GB | 8 GB | 12 GB |
| Memory | 16 GB | 32 GB | 64 GB |
| Internet | 10 Mbps | 50 Mbps | 100 Mbps |
| Storage | 50 GB | 50 GB | 50 GB |
Three things the official sheet doesn't tell you:
- The processor matters more than you'd think. In independent MSFS 2024 testing, even a Ryzen 7 9800X3D topped out around 100 fps at 1080p ultra, no matter how powerful the graphics card. A big chunk of the sim's work runs through one main thread, and the extra cache on X3D chips helps exactly that.
- 8GB graphics cards struggle. In the same testing, 8GB cards were fine at 1080p, lost ground at 1440p, and fell into a stuttering mess at 4K. Every build here uses a 16GB card.
- 50 GB is not your real storage number. The install is small because the sim streams the world as you fly. Add aircraft, airports and the scenery cache, and it grows fast. Plan on 2TB (here's the math).
7 Mistakes That Cost First-Time Builders Money
- Buying an 8GB graphics card. It's the most common regret with this sim. Get 16GB.
- Forgetting the CPU cooler. None of the X3D processors here include one.
- Not turning on EXPO. New memory runs slower than its rated speed until you switch on EXPO in the BIOS. It's one setting, and it's free performance.
- Plugging the monitor into the motherboard. Use the ports on the graphics card. Otherwise you're not using the card at all.
- Buying one stick of memory. Always buy a matched two-stick kit. One stick runs at half the bandwidth.
- Paying a reseller's markup. Check "Ships from" and "Sold by" on Amazon. Third-party sellers sometimes list the same part for far more, and some listings are pricey bundles.
- Panicking at a black screen. A motherboard from older stock may need a BIOS update before it recognizes the newest processors. Every board here can update from a USB stick without a processor installed, so check the manual before you return anything.
What Else You'll Need
- Windows 11. A new build needs a license. It isn't in the parts lists.
- The sim itself. MSFS 2024 is included with PC Game Pass. If you already bought it on Xbox, Xbox Play Anywhere means it's yours on PC at no extra cost.
- Controls. Budget for a flight stick or yoke, and rudder pedals later. Flying with a mouse gets old fast.
- A monitor or headset that matches your build (see the comparison above).
- Internet. Microsoft recommends 50 Mbps for streaming scenery. Every motherboard here has Wi-Fi built in, but a cable is steadier if your router is close.
- An evening. Watch a full build video for your case before you start. Everyone forgets a cable the first time.
Why PC Parts Cost So Much Right Now (and How to Save)
AI data centers are buying up the world's memory chips, and home builders are paying for it:
- Memory has been hit hardest. A 32GB kit that cost under $100 in mid-2025 now sells for more than $400.
- Nvidia graphics cards sell well above launch prices. The RTX 5070 launched at $549 and now regularly goes for over $800.
- SSDs cost roughly three times their lowest prices.
AMD's Radeon cards use a more plentiful type of memory, so their prices have held up much better. That's why AMD shows up in two of our three builds.
Three ways to spend less:
- Shop the spec, not the brand. Matching DDR5-6000 kits can be over $100 apart on the same day. Buy the cheapest 2×16GB DDR5-6000 kit you can find. CL30 is slightly quicker than CL36 if the price is close. If you're using the air cooler from these lists, pick a kit under 42mm tall.
- Don't overbuy the SSD. A Gen 4 NVMe drive like the ones listed is plenty. Pricier Gen 5 drives make no difference while the sim streams scenery.
- Keep your old DDR4 platform. DDR4 memory costs less than half as much as DDR5 right now. If you already own an AM4 board and DDR4, a Ryzen 7 5800X3D upgrade gets you a lot of the way for far less. It's slower than every chip above, and AM4 is a dead end, so don't buy into it new.
PC Parts in Plain English
Tap any term for a 20-second explanation.
Processor (CPU)
The brain of the PC. In MSFS 2024 it runs the flight model, live weather, AI traffic and the scenery streaming. When the sim stutters on approach into a big airport, it's usually waiting on the CPU.
What does "X3D" mean?
AMD's X3D chips carry a large extra block of cache, a pool of super-fast memory right on the processor. Flight sims love it, which is why every build here uses one.
Graphics card (GPU)
Draws everything you see. A faster card lets you raise the resolution and visual settings. It's usually the most expensive part of the build.
VRAM
The graphics card's own memory, where it keeps textures and scenery. Run out of it and the sim stutters badly. For MSFS 2024 in 2026, get a card with 16GB.
Memory (RAM), DDR5-6000 and CL30
The PC's short-term workspace. MSFS 2024 uses a lot of it. "DDR5" is the type, "6000" is the speed, and "CL30" is how quickly it responds (lower is better). Always buy a matched kit of two sticks.
EXPO
A one-click setting in the BIOS that makes your memory run at the speed printed on the box. Without it, DDR5 runs slower. Turn it on after your first boot.
Upscaling and frame generation (DLSS, FSR)
Tricks that let the graphics card draw a smaller image and sharpen it up, or add extra AI-made frames in between. The result is a smoother sim for free. Nvidia's version is DLSS, AMD's is FSR.
Motherboard, socket and AM5
The big board everything plugs into. Its socket has to match your processor. All the AMD boards here use AM5, which AMD plans to keep supporting with new chips for years.
BIOS
The motherboard's built-in settings menu, opened by pressing Delete as the PC starts. You'll visit it once to turn on EXPO, and maybe to install an update.
SSD (NVMe)
Your storage drive. An NVMe SSD looks like a stick of gum and plugs straight into the motherboard. It loads the sim and scenery far faster than an old hard drive.
Power supply (PSU)
Turns wall power into what the parts need. Don't cheap out here. A good one runs quiet and protects everything else.
Don't Want to Build?
Totally fair. Building is fun, but it isn't for everyone. With parts this expensive, it's worth pricing a prebuilt against these lists before you commit. See our prebuilt desktop rankings for MSFS.
Blue skies, and may your frame times be flat.