Simulator Hardware Hardware Rankings

How We Score Flight Simulator Hardware — Our Methodology

Learn how Simulator Hardware scores PCs, GPUs, and peripherals for MSFS 2024 and X-Plane 12 — our data-driven performance methodology explained.

Updated March 2, 2026

Our Scoring Methodology

At SimulatorHardware.com, we don't guess which hardware is better. We use a data-driven scoring system built on hardware specifications and community benchmark data.

Computer Hardware Formula

Desktop PCs, laptops, GPUs, and CPUs each receive a composite score from 0 to 100:

score = (cpuScore × cpuWeight) + (gpuScore × gpuWeight) + (vramScore × vramWeight) + (ramScore × ramWeight)

Simulator Weights

Different simulators stress your hardware differently. We calibrate weights per simulator:

  • Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024: 40% CPU / 45% GPU / 10% VRAM / 5% RAM — MSFS 2024 uses DirectX 12 and improved multi-threading, making it more GPU-dependent than its predecessor. VRAM matters — sub-12 GB can cause texture streaming stutters in dense areas.

  • X-Plane 12: 45% CPU / 55% GPU — X-Plane's physically-based rendering engine pushes the GPU hard, especially at high resolutions and with complex scenery. Single-core CPU speed still matters for flight dynamics.

Peripheral Hardware

Peripherals (yokes, rudder pedals, HOTAS, VR headsets, monitors, seats) use category-specific factor scoring. Each category has its own weighted factors — for example, rudder pedals are scored on pedal travel range, resistance adjustment, build quality, and compatibility. Weights for each category were determined by analysing the flight sim community's stated hardware priorities.

Tier System

  • Budget: Entry-level performance, typically 1080p Medium/High settings.
  • Mid-Range: The sweet spot for 1080p Ultra or 1440p High, and entry-level VR.
  • High-End: 1440p Ultra or 4K High; smooth VR at target frame rates.
  • Overkill: Exceeds typical needs; for maximum fidelity with no compromises.

Value Scoring

Alongside the raw score we calculate a value score: valueScore = score / (price / 1000). This identifies which products deliver the most performance per dollar.

Benchmark Data Policy

We do not own the hardware we review. All FPS values are sourced from community benchmarkers and hardware publications, with source name and date recorded on every product page. Where no direct benchmark exists, we compute a derived estimate using the formula above and label it clearly as "estimated".