If you could build a cockpit from scratch...

[charlesml3]

Gang,

 

I've been flying one flight simulator or another since Microsoft's FS 1.0 and I've been into PC's since the original IBM PC so I do know my way around that stuff, but I'm fairly new to the multi-monitor, stick/throttle/rudder/sound setup. I'm pretty interested in building a cockpit out to fly the A-10C mostly.

 

So here's what I have in mind so far:

 

- Thrustmaster HOTAS Warthog Stick and Throttle.

- Saitek Pro Pedals

-Track IR 5

- Volair Sim Cockpit

 

I'll also be buying a new PC to drive this. I was looking at one of the gaming rigs over at Cyberpowerpc.com. One of the Core i7's on a Gigabyte Z77 MB. Questions:

 

- Is 8 GB of RAM enough? I was planning to run Windows 7 x64.

- I'm also planning three 24" or 27" monitors across the front. Do I need two video cards?

 

If anyone has specific recommendations for video card(s), motheboards, etc. I'd love to hear them.

 

Thanks a ton!

 

-Charles

[agrasyuk]

hi and welcome Charles.

 

8 gig is enough, but ram is dirt cheap and it would not hurt to go for more). i'm not a fan of pre-built PCs. for 3 monitors you will need a very good card, i would not go below gtx670 4gb for sure. that card can drive 4 monitors so one is enough for DCS application.

 

that sim cockpit looks interesting and will be sufficient if you not going to go for super realistic setup. i'm for one REALLY happy that i suppressed the urge and passed on the ohbuttoh (or however they type that) seat.

 

there are much more detailed discussions on components here

Edited February 7, 2013 by agrasyuk
goodness, i can't type...

[charlesml3]

Hey Anton,

 

Thanks so much for the info. Lots of view, you were the only one to reply.

 

I was confused by the video card because it says it supports 4 monitors, but it has two DVI, one HDMI and one something else. I couldn't understand if I could do two monitors via DVI and another via HDMI but it sounds like that's just fine.

 

I used to scratch build PC's but I just quit doing that a few years ago. I found the price differences to be very small. I'd rather just let someone else build it from specs these days.

 

I'm not going for super-realistic. Just good enough to make it fun and fairly easy. I figure 3 x 27-inch monitors should be pretty good.

 

Thanks again!

 

-Charles

[DeathInACan]

Hi Charles!

Just thought I would add my opinion here - As for RAM 8Gb is fine but considering you can pick up 16Gb kits for only $100 USD I think that you might as well get that. Just for gaming though you won't run out with 8Gb. I enjoy building my PCs from scratch but if you want to go pre-built that is ok too as long as you are sure the price difference is acceptable. As for motherboards, I have a general preference towards ASUS because those have always worked for me but considering that you are buying a fairly high end machine whatever you end up with should be a decent one. Its only the really low end motherboards that you best avoid. The Z77 chipset is the one to have for that CPU choice too.

 

Just a note about graphics cards, I am not entirely certain the current graphics engine works with multiple cards. I think the new map in development (nevada) which is using the new EDGE renderer might support multiple cards though. If anyone has any concrete facts on SLI/Crossfire in DCS feel free to jump in. Anyway, I would recommend getting a fairly powerful GPU like the GTX670 you have picked in case SLI isn't an option and also because extra graphics horsepower never goes to waste. :)

[ThePutzer]

AMD user; DCS World,in QuadFire (2 amd 6990's),only utilizes 20-30% of the 4 GPU cores!!! AMD Does not write drivers to support. And game not written for them either yet., it sounds like. In other posts it sounds like the Memory and Virtual memory on the card itself, are the main factors..Find a card with that in mind 4GB on vidcard if you can afford, or find 1 reasonably priced.. my 2cents worth of advice. ThePutzer

[metalnwood]

Hi. As suggested a fairly high end graphics card will do the trick. I dont know where the nvidia stuff stacks up but I use a amd 7970 with four screens and good success.

 

I would read about helios as well. If you are flying DCS products then the saitek stuff wont do much for you as they are not supported. The controllers are, i.e. stick, throttle, trim etc but the gauges will not work.

 

I know you didnt say you were getting that stuff but I thought I would point it out anyway :) Helios would give you all of that on a touchscreen but it may not mount too well on that rig which seems to be built around things like the saitek gear.

 

The only things I will point out about the Volair is that people usually complains about the monitor placement. Often they are further away that you would like and some of the better aspects of 3 screens are lost when they are not wrapping around you. I think it would be functional and fine if you didnt want to build something yourself though.

 

The other stuff looks good, especially the warthog and TIR, you will love them both.

 

Without building your own panels I think something like helios is the best peripheral addon other than your controls so look in to it and have a think if the Volair will cater well for a 4th monitor mounted between you and the 3 screens.