Looking for new VR PC Build ( Tips needed )

[Quekel]

All, I'm looking to upgrade to a new PC soon and get a new VR set as well ( Meta Quest 3 ) is on my watchlist now ( Feel free to suggest another set ).

Budget wise I am around 4000 Euro's.
I was thinking about getting the 4080, as the 4090 is just to much extra as I would most likely upgrade to a 5080 in 2025 anyways...

For the processor I would like to go Intel ? i7 14700 vs i9 14900 ( performance is similar, just the i7 is like 200 euros cheaper ?

For the games I play, Its mostly all VR

Iracing
MSFS
DCS World
Assetto Corsa 
Assetto Corsa Competition
Automobilista 2
IL-2

Other needs are :

64GB DDR5
2 or 3 SSD drives
CPU cooler
Motherboard
PSU
Case ( don't really care about the looks ) just a good airflow.



 

[Keith Briscoe]

Just want to say I like your style/choice in pc gaming... combat Sims and racing sims!!

I just recently converted my 8020 racing sim (primarily ACC) to be used for dcs and il2.  I'm on 2080ti and i7 9700k.  Now I'm thinking about vr too. So, I'll be watching your thread closely.

My current pc was a custom build with NZXT. I expect I'll use them again when I'm ready. But I assume not cost effective for EU.

[LucShep]

On 1/2/2024 at 12:58 AM, Quekel said:

All, I'm looking to upgrade to a new PC soon and get a new VR set as well ( Meta Quest 3 ) is on my watchlist now ( Feel free to suggest another set ).

Budget wise I am around 4000 Euro's.
I was thinking about getting the 4080, as the 4090 is just to much extra as I would most likely upgrade to a 5080 in 2025 anyways...

For the processor I would like to go Intel ? i7 14700 vs i9 14900 ( performance is similar, just the i7 is like 200 euros cheaper ?

For the games I play, Its mostly all VR

Iracing
MSFS
DCS World
Assetto Corsa 
Assetto Corsa Competition
Automobilista 2
IL-2

Other needs are :

64GB DDR5
2 or 3 SSD drives
CPU cooler
Motherboard
PSU
Case ( don't really care about the looks ) just a good airflow.
 

CPU:  Intel i7 14700K
This is, IMO, currently the best purchase of the entire Intel CPU line-up. That said, the previous i7 13700K is a great alternative if this system is strictly for gaming (sims or any other genre) as it's cheaper. If compared to the i7 14700K, it lacks four E-cores and is only three percent slower in gaming (which is negligible - runs any sim/game just as good).
And no, you don't need the i9 14900K/13900K (the same eight P-Cores as the i7) for any current or soon to be released sim/game, VR or otherwise, for whatever GPU. If anyone says its miniscule increase in L3 cache and turbo-clock makes a difference, then I'm sorry to inform but it really doesn't. You just get more heat (even more) and pay dearly for it.

CPU Cooler:  a good 360 AIO 
For example, the Arctic Freezer II 360 (RGB or not). Great performance, pricing and quality/reliability. It may lack "bling" but its simplicity also makes it non-fussy to deal with. 
There are now 420 AIOs but they cost more, and not all cases allow for it. There's not a great deal of difference when gaming to 360 AIOs, unless if overclocking.

Motherboard:  a quality mid-range Z790 motherboard (250€ ~ 300€)
For example, the ASUS TUF GAMING Z790-PLUS WIFI.
Please note that for 14th gen Intel processors you need the latest BIOS update with most Z790 motherboards.
Do not feel tempted to waste your money on "ubber super dupper" mega hype bling-bling expensive model of any brand, you don't need it even if overclocking.

RAM:  64GB (2x 32GB) DDR5 6400 CL32 - this is currently the "best performance for the price" (64GB capacity) memory for an Intel 13th/14th gen sim/gaming rig.
For example, GSKILL variations of these, such as the GSKILL RipjawsS5 F5-6400J3239G32GX2-RS5K  and GSKILL Trident Z5 RGB F5-6400J3239G32GX2-TZ5RK.
Corsair and their Vengeance equivalents as well, available with RGB and without RGB.

STORAGE:  a good pair of 2TB NBVME Gen4 
For example, the Samsung 990 Pro (if with latest firmware in place!), Samsung 980 Pro, WD SN850X, Corsair MP600 Pro XT, these are all great NVMEs that are often recommended for the best reasons - high speed, very snappy and great reliabilty. From these mentioned, get the 2TB version you find at the cheapest price.
If you want to save a little on the second (and/or third) NVME just to install games, then the WD SN770 is an awesome "cheap" option. Yes, it's RAMless (so not the best choice if using as a single NVME for OS) but it's fast and ideal for such purpose. 
And no, for storage you don't need NVME Gen5 at all for any sort of gaming. NVME Gen4 vastly exceeds any heavy gaming demands and is more affordable too. 

PSU:  a quality 80+ Gold (or better) 1200W ATX3.0 PSU
For example, the Bequiet! Pure Power 12M 1200W and the Corsair RM1200X SHIFT.
 - The Bequiet Pure Power 12M 1200W is awesome for the price, a great example of good quality without having to pay a fortune.
 - The Corsair RM1200X SHIFT is good quality and its peculiar "shifted layout" can make for easier/faster building (or changes) due to much better access to the connections (which are put out at the side, instead of the back). It doesn't work with every ATX case (see reviews of this PSU) but it does work with most. 

CASE: this is more complicated to suggest, because it depends on personal tastes and desires.
For me, the best balance is found in the Lian Li Lancool III. Good build quality, layout and features, huge airflow, good looking and nice to work on, at a very reasonable price.
There's also the popular Lian Li Lancool 216, although it's a more basic case, it too has good build quality and layout, great airflow, also nice to work on, and is cheaper.
Any of these two have room to spare for even the biggest GPUs from Nvidia and AMD.

Lastly, for the GPU, between the RTX4080 16GB and RTX4090 24GB there is a big price difference, same for heat and power-consumption... advantage for RTX 4080 16GB. 
The RTX4080 16GB should be all you need, but the RTX4090 24GB may provide you that extra bit of performance (+20%) and VRAM (+50%) to keep you happier with VR, from day one and for a longer time.  ...it's up to you and your budget.

Edited January 4 by LucShep

[LucShep]

Before I forget, and since you are going for an Intel "K" 13th/14th gen based system, here's some small tidbits that may help...
Intel 13th and 14th gen "K" processors are supposed to be good up to 100ºC, but keeping it under 85ºC is ideal. Better be aware of the following:
 

1. Make sure that you peal out the sticker from the cooler's coldplate (the flat thing that actually touches the processor) before installing it.
   I know it sounds silly (looks too obvious) but it happens more often than you think!
   
   
    
2. Get the Thelmalright Anti-Bending Buckle for LGA1700 (available in most places, including Amazon, Newegg, etc). 
   Although not a necessity, it's a solution that is worth the time (and not complicated, watch the videos). The stock ILM in Z790 (and previous Z690) motherboards, unfortunately, doesn't ensure the best connection between the cooler's coldlplate and processor, and this thing solves that problem.
   You get better temperatures, as it should have been from the start.
   
   
    
3. Motherboard manufacturers often use an "enhancement" setting that they leave ON (on "Auto") by default, in the BIOS settings.
   In my opinion, this should always be set to OFF (as "Disabled"), because leaving it enabled actually brings more troubles than benefits.
   That specific setting is "MCE" (MultiCore Enhancement).
   
   What this setting does is remove Intel's safety limits and applies even more voltage, to enforce turbo-clock on all cores (hence why many call it an irresponsible cheat).
   As far as long-term goes, MCE won't overvolt anything to dangerous levels, but it does make the CPU operate with (even more) higher wattage and temperatures. 
   The thing of relevance here is, it provokes what it's not supposed to from factory.
   
   Just put that thing OFF (as "Disabled"), save and exit BIOS... and off you go.
   
   For example, in the case of ASUS it's usually seen there as "Asus MultiCore Enhancement".
   IIRC, on the TUF boards it's under "AI TWEAKER" tab, while on the ROG boards it's under the "EXTREME TWEAKER" tab (like image below).
   Different names but same thing. Regardless, it should look similar to this:
   
   

Edited January 2 by LucShep

[Bearskin]

I built a new machine last May, my mate followed suit with the same spec. I play, DCS, Il2, Elite Dangerous, RF2, ACC, AC, AMS2, F1 23, I have a Pico 4 and he has a G2.

MSI Z970 Tomahawk wi-fi DDR 5, 13700K, MSI 4080 gaming x trio, corsair vengeance 32 gig 5600 DDR 5 (make sure you get the intel or AMD set depending), Artic liquid freezer ll 240 RGB, (I put an extra 2 fans on from my old artic freezer). I went with the crucial P3 plus gen 4 2 TB and 500 GB NVMe as I already had a 1 TB Samsung SSD and still have a WD 1 Tb HDD for music and photos. 

The 13700K can give you 5.3 boost, but I turn off Intel turbo boost and keep it at 3.4 and the temp rarely gets above 50c, with turbo boost on the temp gets to high 70's low 80's depending on the game, but I am not keen on seeing temps like that even though it is within temp limit, maybe I am too old school. 

The only thing I dislike about the MSI board is when you update your Bios, you could lose your windows key as it thinks you have upgraded your hardware, so tie the windows key to your Microsoft account and that should fix it.

Edited January 2 by Bearskin

[Quekel]

@LucShep@Keith Briscoe @Bearskin

Thanks for the great feedback!

I'm try a PC builder and list what I find here, and as LucShep said, i'm just looking for a great rig to play VR simulators. And some CPU's could be priced for 200 Euro/Dollar more with the same performance, that is what I want to avoid.

[Quekel]

@LucShep @Keith Briscoe @Bearskin

Please take a look at attached image, this is what I have so far.
Costs are around 3000 Euro's

[LucShep]

That list seems good.
Just my opinion but, the Corsair 7000D Airflow case is one of those examples of really overpriced (at 270€) and oversized cases (full-tower instead of mid-tower, why?) that are more "vanity pieces" than anything else. Plenty other cases will do the same job just as good, for half the price.

Edited January 3 by LucShep

[Quekel]

@LucShep It says that when I pick a normal case it's to small due to the 4080

[SharpeXB]

Watch out if you think you’ll ever want a 4090, they’re gigantic
I have a Corsair 5000X case though and it fits fine. It would depend on what else is going in there I suppose. 

Edited January 3 by SharpeXB

[Quekel]

I would also like to have the case ready for a GPU upgrade indeed, the 2080 went from 265mm to, 3080 285mm to, 4080 310mm. The 5080 would continue to around 430/435mm.

[Keith Briscoe]

if you have space, larger case seems fine especially to allow upgrades as needed.

at the point you're at, I would def spend extra $400 to get 4090 if that's the difference and an available option.  With your budget and means from what I can presume, i would get the top GPU available.  But, perhaps you think 4080 then a 5080 is a better way to go.  We can only guess.  

Overall, you are making me jealous!!  Enjoy.

[Quekel]

The 4090 is currently +-650 Euro's more, I would rather hold out with a 4080.

Current build setup I saved now = 3978 Euro's  or 4148,94 US Dollars.
Still need to wait 2 months before receiving my bonus, but I'm excited allready!

With my current GTX1080, i7 4790K, 16GB DDR and Samsung Odyssey Plus this is a massive improvement.
Racing sims I can manage with 60hz ( tweaked graphics ), and DCS 60hz with reprojection enabled (30Hz)

With the Meta Quest 3 iam more then happy to cap it at 72Hz.
 

[LucShep]

On 1/3/2024 at 7:17 PM, Quekel said:

@LucShep It says that when I pick a normal case it's to small due to the 4080

  
That should definitely be reported to the website management of that partlist, because it's a silly error (and maybe not so inocent) that will end up forcing people to overspend on what they don't have to!

Pick any ATX case you like, go to its specific product website. There, the only two things you need to take attention is that it must explicit say in product specifications that:
 1) For the RADIATOR SUPPORT, that it allows for a 360 radiator (for your 360 AIO, ideally in horizontal at top, or alternatively in vertical at front - some will allow both!).
 2) For the GPU LENGTH CLEARANCE, that it allows GPUs up to 390mm (note, Zotac RTX4080 Trinity is 355mm long, add at least 35mm to that if mounting radiator at the front!).

As said previously when I posted suggestion of parts, the Lian Li Lancool III (~160€, very likely the best for that price) as well as the Lian Li Lancool 216 (~110€, and likely the best for that price) will allow room to spare for even the biggest GPUs on the market. EDIT: if interested, someone made a comparison video between these two cases.
There should also be competing models of other brands with enough space as well.

Edited January 8 by LucShep

[Quekel]

The 4080 Super is also coming in the next month with a 6% to 8% performance increase over the 4080

[LucShep]

2 hours ago, Quekel said:

The 4080 Super is also coming in the next month with a 6% to 8% performance increase over the 4080

Yep

RTX 40 Super incoming: https://videocardz.com/newz/nvidia-teases-new-geforce-cards-on-the-horizon-rtx-40-super-incoming

[Ala12Rv-Tundra]

is it me or prices skyrocketed? last time I checked was first week of December

[Brun]

Recommendation for a 1200W PSU seems wildly over the top.

In to addition the hardware in my sig, I have 2x M.2 SSDs, 3x SATA SSDs, water cooling pump, 8x 140mm fans, plus a whole load of USB devices powered directly from the PC.

All that running perfectly fine with a meagre Corsair HX850. It's plugged into the wall via a power meter and I've never seen it draw more than 650W. People suggest that power meters aren't sensitive enough to detect short spikes in demand, but I've not had a single issue that might have been power related.

[SharpeXB]

I don’t think it hurts to future-proof a little with the PSU. I had my last one for 10 years. Replacing it would be a giant pain and the price difference is minimal. The 4090 already needs 850w

[BitMaster]

vor 5 Stunden schrieb SharpeXB:

I don’t think it hurts to future-proof a little with the PSU. I had my last one for 10 years. Replacing it would be a giant pain and the price difference is minimal. The 4090 already needs 850w

+1

 8 years here, still trusting it.

Paid for itself

[Eaglewings]

The 4080 Super series has just been announced. It would be worth it if the open post can wait a few weeks to get higher performance 4080 Super at a lesser price compare to the 4080 that he has in shopping cart.

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