Buyer's guide · Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024
Best Graphics Card for Microsoft Flight Simulator (2024 & 2020)
Short answer
For most simmers: the ASUS Prime RX 9070 XT OC, 16 GB and ready for 4K, 49-inch super ultrawides and any VR headset. Want NVIDIA's DLSS in MSFS 2024: the ASUS Prime RTX 5070 Ti OC, about as fast for more money. For triple screens or the most headroom: the MSI RTX 5080 Ventus 3X OC. Tighter budget: the ASUS Dual RX 9060 XT 16GB, for 1080p screens.
This page contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Our three picks
-
Best value · for most simmers
ASUS Prime RX 9070 XT OC
- $600–900
- Best for 4K & VR
The best score for the money among cards ready for 1440p and up: 16 GB of memory and ready for 4K, 49-inch super ultrawides and any VR headset.
MSFS 2024 score: 76.0/100
-
Best overall
MSI RTX 5080 Ventus 3X OC
- Over $1,300
- Best for Triple 1440p & VR
The fastest card here, with 16 GB of memory: ready for 4K, three 1440p screens and any VR headset.
MSFS 2024 score: 81.6/100
-
Best budget
ASUS Dual RX 9060 XT 16GB
- Under $600
- Best for 1080p
The least expensive card here that meets our 1080p bar, with 16 GB of memory. Read its trade-offs below.
MSFS 2024 score: 52.0/100
All 6 graphics cards side by side
| Graphics card | Graphics chip | Memory | Rating | Microsoft's ideal | Best for | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 MSI RTX 5080 Ventus 3X OC Best overall · Over $1,300 | RTX 5080 NVIDIA | 16 GB | 77 of 100 | Ideal Microsoft's GPU | Triple 1440p & VR | 81.6 | Check price |
| RTX 5070 Ti NVIDIA | 16 GB | 70 of 100 | Ideal Microsoft's GPU | 4K & VR | 76.0 | Check price | |
| 3 ASUS Prime RX 9070 XT OC Best value · $600–900 | RX 9070 XT AMD | 16 GB | 70 of 100 | Ideal Microsoft's GPU | 4K & VR | 76.0 | Check price |
| 4 ASUS Prime RTX 5070 OC $600–900 | RTX 5070 NVIDIA | 12 GB | 58 of 100 | Below Ideal Microsoft's GPU | Ultrawide & VR | 62.4 | Check price |
| 5 ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB OC $600–900 | RTX 5060 Ti 16GB NVIDIA | 16 GB | 44 of 100 | Below Ideal Microsoft's GPU | 1080p | 55.2 | Check price |
| 6 ASUS Dual RX 9060 XT 16GB Best budget · Under $600 | RX 9060 XT 16GB AMD | 16 GB | 40 of 100 | Below Ideal Microsoft's GPU | 1080p | 52.0 | Check price |
Find your graphics card in 3 questions
Question 1 of 3
The 6 best graphics cards for MSFS 2024, ranked
- #1 Best overall
MSI RTX 5080 Ventus 3X OC
- Over $1,300
- 16 GB
- NVIDIA · DLSS
81.6 /100 MSFS 2024 scoreBest for: 4K, three 1440p screens and any VR headset
Microsoft's MSFS 2024 spec
- GPUIdeal
- VRAMIdeal
The MSI RTX 5080 Ventus 3X OC suits flying at 4K, across three 1440p screens or in any VR headset, with 16 GB of graphics memory for dense scenery. The next step up in price mainly buys more graphics memory, while the CPU you pair it with still decides how smooth a busy airport feels.
Strengths and trade-offs
Strengths
- Carries a 4K approach into a big hub with live weather and full AI traffic, and has the same headroom spare for three 1440p screens or a VR headset instead of just one monitor.
- 16 GB of graphics memory hits the Ideal level in Microsoft's own spec, so a photogrammetry city like New York keeps its high-resolution textures loaded instead of hitching while they reload — plenty of cards around this money still give you less.
- Native DLSS support in MSFS 2024 plus Ideal-level graphics memory means you can keep adding scenery packs, or move from a Quest 3-class headset to something sharper, without the card falling behind next season.
Trade-offs
- VR over a photogrammetry city is where it works hardest, because the headset draws the whole scene twice — expect to pull cloud quality and render scaling back for a smooth low approach into somewhere like Tokyo.
- You get the Ideal amount of graphics memory, not more, and extra graphics memory is exactly what a high-resolution headset with maxed textures wants; the next step up in price adds that.
- #2
ASUS Prime RTX 5070 Ti OC
- $900–1,300
- 16 GB
- NVIDIA · DLSS
76.0 /100 MSFS 2024 scoreBest for: 4K, 49-inch super ultrawides and any VR headset
Microsoft's MSFS 2024 spec
- GPUIdeal
- VRAMIdeal
The ASUS Prime RTX 5070 Ti OC suits 4K, 49-inch super ultrawides and any VR headset in MSFS 2024, helped by 16 GB of graphics memory for dense photogrammetry cities. Spending more mainly buys headroom for maxed-out 4K; spending less usually means settling for less graphics memory.
Watch out for
- The listing asks for a 750 W power supply with a 16-pin 12V-2x6 connector, and the card is 306 mm long. Check both against your PC before you buy.
Strengths and trade-offs
Strengths
- Enough graphics grunt for 4K or a 49-inch super ultrawide: a dusk approach into a photogrammetry city with live weather stays composed, especially with DLSS set to Quality.
- 16 GB of graphics memory (VRAM) hits Microsoft's Ideal level, so high-resolution textures at a busy hub keep loading cleanly — many cards costing similar money still ship with less memory and force the texture slider down first.
- Air cooling in a card built to fit small-form-factor cases means a compact sim rig can still fly VR and 4K, and meeting the Ideal graphics spec leaves room for future scenery add-ons without an immediate upgrade.
Trade-offs
- In VR with a high-resolution headset over a photogrammetry city, you will be trimming settings — rendering two eyes over dense buildings is where this card works hardest.
- The next step up in price buys more graphics grunt for maxed-out 4K with everything on Ultra, and this card still asks for a 750 W power supply with a 16-pin 12V-2x6 connector plus 306 mm of case length, which smaller builds in this bracket often cannot give it.
- #3 Best value
ASUS Prime RX 9070 XT OC
- $600–900
- 16 GB
- AMD · FSR
76.0 /100 MSFS 2024 scoreBest for: 4K, 49-inch super ultrawides and any VR headset
Microsoft's MSFS 2024 spec
- GPUIdeal
- VRAMIdeal
The ASUS Prime RX 9070 XT OC suits 4K, 49-inch super ultrawides and any VR headset, with 16 GB of graphics memory to hold photogrammetry city textures. The trade-off is upscaling: Radeon cards use FSR 3 in MSFS 2024, while the next step up in price buys more raw headroom.
Watch out for
- In MSFS 2024, Radeon cards use FSR 3: AMD's newer FSR 4 was pulled from Sim Update 6 (August 2026), while GeForce RTX cards get DLSS 4.5 by default.
Strengths and trade-offs
Strengths
- The Radeon RX 9070 XT has the graphics muscle for 4K and 49-inch super ultrawide panels, so a heavy airliner approach into a dense, photo-scanned city stays presentable without dropping everything to Medium.
- 16 GB of graphics memory (VRAM) matches the Ideal level in Microsoft's own spec, and plenty of cards asking similar money still ship 12 GB — that extra headroom is what keeps high-resolution ground textures loading cleanly on short final into a big hub.
- It is VR ready and uses a standard air-cooled card in a normal case-friendly shape, so it slots into an older mid-tower you are upgrading, and adding a headset later will not immediately force another graphics card purchase.
Trade-offs
- VR over a photogrammetry city is still the hardest thing you can ask of it, because the headset draws the scene twice — expect to pull cloud quality and render scaling down there, and at busy hub airports in 4K.
- In MSFS 2024 Radeon cards fall back to FSR 3 after FSR 4 was pulled from Sim Update 6, so upscaled scenery looks a little softer than what some alternatives at the same money produce, and the next step up in price buys raw headroom rather than better upscaling.
- #4
ASUS Prime RTX 5070 OC
- $600–900
- 12 GB
- NVIDIA · DLSS
62.4 /100 MSFS 2024 scoreBest for: 1440p, 34-inch ultrawides and Quest-class VR
Microsoft's MSFS 2024 spec
- GPUBelow Ideal
- VRAMIdeal
The ASUS Prime RTX 5070 OC suits 1440p, 34-inch ultrawides and Quest-class VR in MSFS 2024, with 12 GB of graphics memory matching Microsoft's ideal. Step up only if you fly 4K, triple screens or a high-resolution headset, where 16 GB of graphics memory helps.
Watch out for
- 12 GB of graphics memory meets Microsoft's ideal for MSFS 2024, but 4K, 49-inch ultrawides, triple screens and high-res VR headsets want 16 GB.
- The RX 9070 XT usually costs about the same and rates 21% higher in independent tests.
Strengths and trade-offs
Strengths
- At 1440p or on a 34-inch ultrawide, the RTX 5070 with DLSS switched on keeps a rainy approach into a big hub readable, with live weather and clouds still turned up.
- 12 GB of graphics memory meets Microsoft's ideal figure for MSFS 2024, so high-resolution ground textures over a photogrammetry city load without the stutter you get on same-money cards that ship with less memory.
- Air cooling and a standard card form factor mean no pump or radiator to plan around, so it drops into an older mid-tower you are upgrading and stays quiet on a long transatlantic leg.
Trade-offs
- The graphics chip sits below Microsoft's ideal level for MSFS 2024, so 4K with dense photogrammetry, triple screens or a high-resolution headset will push you into heavier upscaling and lower cloud quality.
- 12 GB is enough today but not generous — rival cards sold for similar money test faster in independent benchmarks, and the next step up in price buys 16 GB of graphics memory for 4K and big ultrawides.
- #5
ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB OC
- $600–900
- 16 GB
- NVIDIA · DLSS
55.2 /100 MSFS 2024 scoreBest for: 1080p screens
Microsoft's MSFS 2024 spec
- GPUBelow Ideal
- VRAMIdeal
The ASUS Dual RTX 5060 Ti 16GB OC suits 1080p screens in MSFS 2024, where its 16 GB of graphics memory keeps photogrammetry city textures loaded. Spending more buys a card that holds 1440p; this one asks you to lean on DLSS when scenery gets dense.
Watch out for
- Rates below our 1440p bar in independent tests, so treat it as a 1080p card for MSFS 2024, even with 16 GB of memory.
- The RX 9070 XT usually costs about the same and rates 59% higher in independent tests.
Strengths and trade-offs
Strengths
- At 1080p on High settings it has enough graphics speed for a visual approach into a busy hub with live weather and AI traffic running, which is the moment MSFS 2024 leans hardest on the card.
- Many cards sold around the same money still ship 8 GB of graphics memory; the 16 GB here lets a photogrammetry city load its full texture detail instead of swapping textures in and out mid-approach.
- That 16 GB matches Microsoft's Ideal graphics memory figure for MSFS 2024, so when you add heavier scenery packs and a study-level airliner later, memory won't be the thing forcing you down to low textures.
Trade-offs
- Push it to 1440p Ultra, or fly low over a photogrammetry city into a dense airport, and the graphics chip is the part that gives out first — you'll be running DLSS and trimming cloud quality to keep it smooth.
- Rival cards sold for similar money offer clearly more graphics speed with the same 16 GB, and the next step up in price is what actually turns this into a comfortable 1440p and VR machine.
- #6 Best budget
ASUS Dual RX 9060 XT 16GB
- Under $600
- 16 GB
- AMD · FSR
52.0 /100 MSFS 2024 scoreBest for: 1080p screens
Microsoft's MSFS 2024 spec
- GPUBelow Ideal
- VRAMIdeal
The ASUS Dual RX 9060 XT 16GB suits 1080p screens in MSFS 2024, with 16 GB of graphics memory holding high textures over photogrammetry cities. It sits below the 1440p bar, so the next step up in price is what buys 1440p or VR headroom.
Watch out for
- Rates below our 1440p bar in independent tests, so treat it as a 1080p card for MSFS 2024, even with 16 GB of memory.
- In MSFS 2024, Radeon cards use FSR 3: AMD's newer FSR 4 was pulled from Sim Update 6 (August 2026), while GeForce RTX cards get DLSS 4.5 by default.
Strengths and trade-offs
Strengths
- At 1080p it keeps a rainy airliner arrival into a dense city airport playable, with FSR 3 upscaling built into MSFS 2024 to take some load off the card.
- The compact dual-fan air cooler drops into an older mid-tower without new case fans or radiator space, which matters when you're upgrading an ageing PC rather than building fresh.
- 16 GB of graphics memory matches the Ideal level in Microsoft's own spec, so texture resolution can stay high over photogrammetry cities — several alternatives for the money ship with less memory and start swapping textures at the same scenery.
Trade-offs
- A packed hub airport at 1440p with full AI traffic is past what this GPU handles comfortably, and VR over photogrammetry cities needs settings well down.
- In MSFS 2024, Radeon cards are limited to FSR 3 after FSR 4 was pulled from Sim Update 6, while GeForce RTX cards get DLSS 4.5 by default — the next step up in price buys both more GPU speed and the newer upscaler.
Match the rest of your setup
Your screen decides how much card you need, and a new card often means a new monitor. These rankings cover the rest; our PC builds guide shows a whole build around each card.
What matters in a graphics card for Microsoft Flight Simulator
Three things decide how a card handles MSFS 2024, in this order:
- Your screen. The card has to draw every pixel, every frame. A 4K screen has 2.25 times the pixels of a 1440p one, and three 1440p screens have three times as many. So start from what you fly on, then pick the card. The chart below shows where each card lands against our bar for each setup.
- Graphics memory (VRAM). This is where MSFS 2024 hurts first. When the scenery, clouds and aircraft textures don't fit in the card's memory, the sim warns you that resource usage exceeds GPU memory capacity, and it stutters. Microsoft's ideal spec asks for 12 GB. In published MSFS 2024 tests, 8 GB cards were fine at 1080p but fell behind from 1440p up. For 4K, a 49-inch ultrawide, triple screens or a high-resolution VR headset, get 16 GB.
- Raw speed. Our rating is how fast each card ran in independent tests at 1440p Ultra, as a percentage of the fastest card. Faster cards hold higher settings in photogrammetry cities and keep VR smooth.
One more thing: the processor. At busy airports with lots of traffic, MSFS leans on the CPU, and in published tests even the fastest cards waited on the processor at 1080p. A new card won't fix a slow processor; our processor rankings cover that side.
- NVIDIA (DLSS)
- AMD (FSR)
Microsoft's official requirements for MSFS 2024 and 2020
Here's what Microsoft asks for. Each card's spec check in the ranking compares it with the Ideal column: an RTX 4080 or RX 7900 XT and 12 GB of graphics memory.
| Part | Minimum | Recommended | Ideal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | AMD Ryzen 5 2600X or Intel Core i7-6800K | AMD Ryzen 7 2700X or Intel Core i7-10700K | AMD Ryzen 9 7900X or Intel Core i7-14700K |
| Graphics card | AMD Radeon RX 5700 or NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 | AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT or NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 | AMD Radeon RX 7900 XT or NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 |
| Graphics memory | 4 GB | 8 GB | 12 GB |
| RAM | 16 GB | 32 GB | 64 GB |
| Storage | 50 GB | 50 GB | 50 GB |
| Internet | 10 Mbps | 50 Mbps | 100 Mbps |
Every card on this page beats Microsoft's recommended graphics card. Only cards at the RTX 4080 / RX 7900 XT level reach its ideal one, and the ideal 12 GB of memory is a floor, not a target, once you go past 1440p.
| Part | Minimum | Recommended | Ideal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | AMD Ryzen 3 1200 or Intel Core i5-4460 | AMD Ryzen 5 1500X or Intel Core i5-8400 | AMD Ryzen 7 2700X or Intel Core i7-9800X |
| Graphics card | AMD Radeon RX 570 or NVIDIA GeForce GTX 770 | AMD Radeon RX 590 or NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 | AMD Radeon VII or NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 |
| Graphics memory | 2 GB | 4 GB | 8 GB |
| RAM | 8 GB | 16 GB | 32 GB |
| Storage | 150 GB | 150 GB | 150 GB |
| Internet | 5 Mbps | 20 Mbps | 50 Mbps |
MSFS 2020 asks for much less, so a card that suits your screen in MSFS 2024 handles MSFS 2020 easily.
Source: Microsoft's published system requirements for each sim, checked October 8, 2026.
NVIDIA or AMD for MSFS 2024?
On raw speed per dollar, AMD wins right now. The Radeon RX 9070 XT matches the GeForce RTX 5070 Ti in independent 1440p tests and usually costs a lot less. That's why it's our pick for most simmers.
On software, NVIDIA has the edge in MSFS 2024 today. Sim Update 6 (August 2026) made DLSS 4.5 the sim's default upscaler on GeForce RTX cards and added frame generation that adapts to the scene, with RTX 50-series cards getting the most out of it. AMD's newer FSR 4 was pulled from that update before release, so Radeon cards use FSR 3 for now. FSR 3 works, and it has its own frame generation, but it's a step behind on image quality.
So: if you want the most card for your money, buy the RX 9070 XT. If you want the smoothest MSFS 2024 today and don't mind paying more, the RTX 5070 Ti is the NVIDIA card at the same speed.
How much graphics memory does MSFS 2024 need?
- 8 GB: fine for 1080p. Above that, published MSFS 2024 tests show 8 GB cards falling behind, and you'll see the GPU memory warning in dense scenery. That's why there are no 8 GB cards on this list.
- 12 GB: Microsoft's ideal amount, and enough for 1440p and 34-inch ultrawides.
- 16 GB: what we'd buy for 4K, 49-inch ultrawides, triple screens or a high-resolution VR headset. Every card here except the RTX 5070 has it.
If the warning shows up on the card you already own, lower texture resolution first: it's the setting most tied to graphics memory.
Cards to skip in 2026
- 8 GB cards (RTX 5060, RTX 5060 Ti 8GB, RX 9060 XT 8GB): cheap, but they run out of memory in MSFS 2024 above 1080p. If your budget is tight, the RX 9060 XT 16GB costs a little more and doesn't have that problem.
- The RTX 5060 Ti 16GB at today's prices: a decent 1080p card, but during the 2026 memory shortage it sells for about what an RX 9070 XT costs, and the 9070 XT is far faster. It's on this list so you can see that side by side.
- The RTX 5090: Amazon itself isn't selling it, and resellers ask for about as much as a complete PC on our desktop ranking. An RTX 5080 or RTX 5070 Ti already handles 4K with DLSS and high-res VR.
Should you buy now or wait?
Graphics card prices climbed through 2026 because AI data centers bought up memory, and NVIDIA's RTX 50 Super refresh has been put on hold. Nothing points to prices dropping soon, so waiting for new hardware is more likely to cost you than save you.
The one date worth waiting for is a sale: Black Friday (November 27, 2026) and Cyber Monday are usually the year's best prices, and the deals show up on the same Amazon listings the buttons here link to.
Upgrading an older PC? Check three things first: your power supply's wattage and connectors (each listing states what the card needs), the card's length against your case, and your processor. Our PC builds guide shows parts that fit together.
Graphics cards for VR flight simming
VR is the hardest job you can give a card: it draws two high-resolution views at once, and a stutter you'd shrug off on a monitor feels bad in a headset.
- Quest 3, Quest 3S or PS VR2: an RTX 5070-class card with 12 GB is our bar.
- High-resolution headsets (Pimax Crystal, Bigscreen Beyond and similar): an RTX 5070 Ti, RX 9070 XT or RTX 5080 with 16 GB.
Quest owners should check Meta's list of supported cards before buying: the RX 9060 XT isn't on it. Our VR graphics card guide goes headset by headset.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best graphics card for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024?
For most simmers: the ASUS Prime RX 9070 XT OC, 16 GB and ready for 4K, 49-inch super ultrawides and any VR headset. Want NVIDIA's DLSS in MSFS 2024: the ASUS Prime RTX 5070 Ti OC, about as fast for more money. For triple screens or the most headroom: the MSI RTX 5080 Ventus 3X OC. Tighter budget: the ASUS Dual RX 9060 XT 16GB, for 1080p screens.
How much should I spend on a graphics card for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024?
For a 1080p screen, the ASUS Dual RX 9060 XT 16GB usually costs under $600. For 1440p, ultrawides, 4K and high-res VR, the least expensive card here that meets our bar is the ASUS Prime RX 9070 XT OC, which usually costs between $600 and $900. Graphics card prices moved a lot in 2026, so check today's price with each Amazon button.
Which of these cards meet Microsoft's ideal spec for MSFS 2024?
The MSI RTX 5080 Ventus 3X OC, ASUS Prime RTX 5070 Ti OC and ASUS Prime RX 9070 XT OC meet Microsoft's ideal graphics card for MSFS 2024 (an RTX 4080 or RX 7900 XT). Microsoft's ideal spec also asks for 12 GB of graphics memory, which every card here has.
Is MSFS 2024 more CPU or GPU heavy?
Both, at different times. The processor carries traffic, weather and scenery streaming, so it limits you at busy airports, and at 1080p even the fastest cards wait on it. The graphics card takes over at higher resolutions, on ultrawide and triple screens, and in VR. If you fly at 1440p or above, the card usually matters more.
Is 8 GB of VRAM enough for MSFS 2024?
For 1080p, yes. From 1440p up, published MSFS 2024 tests show 8 GB cards falling behind, and you'll see the sim's GPU memory warning in dense scenery. Microsoft's ideal spec asks for 12 GB; we'd buy 16 GB for 4K, big ultrawides or VR.
What does "resource usage exceeds GPU memory capacity" mean in MSFS 2024?
The sim is telling you your settings need more graphics memory than your card has. Lower texture resolution first, then reduce other high settings until the warning stops. If you see it often at your screen's resolution, your card has too little memory for that screen; the how much graphics memory section above has our guide.
Do I need an RTX 5090 for flight simulation?
No. It's the fastest card, but Amazon itself isn't selling it and resellers ask about as much as a complete gaming PC. An RTX 5080 or RTX 5070 Ti handles 4K with DLSS and high-resolution VR, and in MSFS the processor matters as much as the card.
Is the RTX 5060 Ti 16GB good for MSFS 2024?
It's a 1080p card: its 16 GB of memory is plenty, but it rates below our 1440p bar. At 2026 prices it usually costs about the same as the RX 9070 XT, which is far faster, so we'd only buy it if it drops in price or you need NVIDIA in a small case.
Will a new graphics card fit my PC?
Check three things on the listing: the power supply it asks for (wattage and connector type), the card's length against your case, and how many slots it takes. The RTX 5070 Ti here, for example, asks for a 750 W power supply with a 16-pin connector. Our PC builds guide has parts that fit together.
Which graphics card is best for X-Plane 12?
The same cards work well. X-Plane 12 runs on Vulkan and leans harder on the graphics card than MSFS does, so a faster card pays off sooner. See the graphics cards ranked for X-Plane 12.
Own any of these?
Rate it in one tap. We research the specs; owners know how the gear holds up.
More hardware rankings
Further reading
- The Best Flight Simulators in 2026, RankedThe 8 best flight simulators of 2026, ranked: MSFS 2024, X-Plane 12, DCS World and the best free sims, with what each costs, runs on and needs.
- The Best Graphics Card for VR in 2026 (Quest 3, PS VR2, Pimax)The best graphics card for VR in 2026, by headset: Quest 3, PS VR2 and Pimax. Five picks, how much memory VR needs, and which cards to skip.
- Best PC Builds for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 (October 2026)Three complete MSFS 2024 PC builds for 1080p, 1440p and 4K/VR. Every part is checked to fit together and explained for first-time builders.
- How We Research and Score Flight Simulator HardwareHow Simulator Hardware scores PCs, GPUs, CPUs and peripherals for MSFS 2024 and X-Plane 12: the formulas, weights and price bands, and what we don't do.
- Types of VR Headsets for Flight Sims: Which One Should You Buy?Standalone, PC-tethered or PS VR2? The types of VR headsets explained for MSFS 2024 and X-Plane 12, the PC you need, and the right headset for your budget.
- X-Plane 12 vs Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024: Which Should You Buy?X-Plane 12 vs Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 (and 2020): flight model, scenery, VR, PC needs and price compared, with a quick quiz to pick yours.
How we rank
Score formula
GPU performance rating × 80% + VRAM capacity × 20%. Graphics ratings come from independent benchmark rankings (1440p Ultra, as a percentage of the fastest card), memory from each listing. We don't test hardware ourselves; scores compare products rather than predict a frame rate. Full methodology · How we research
Best for and the spec check
"Best for" follows our guideline bars for each screen setup and VR, set from published MSFS 2024 tests and Microsoft's spec, and scaled by the number of pixels between 1440p and 4K (see the table). The spec check compares each card with Microsoft's ideal graphics card and the memory each tier asks for.
What we list
Only graphics cards Amazon itself sold when we last checked. Price bands use each one's regular price, so a short sale doesn't move it between bands; the Check price buttons show today's price.
What changed
- Rebuilt as a full buyer's guide with six current cards that Amazon sells itself, from the RX 9060 XT 16GB to the RTX 5080. Ratings now come from independent benchmark rankings. New: a card finder, a check of every card against Microsoft's MSFS 2024 spec, what each card is best for, and plain answers on graphics memory, NVIDIA or AMD, and what to skip.










Comments
Flying with one of these graphics cards, or still deciding? Ask a question, share your setup or leave a tip. It helps the next simmer choose.
That didn't send. Check your connection and try again.