Gaming PC for VR

[SCG_Redcloud111]

Hey, guys and gals. I plan to build a PC for VR, primarily for IL2. I am interested in your advice on components. I do want an overclockable i7 and a 1080ti (MSI). Are there any other considerations like RAM speed or SSD type? Cooling solutions, etc? I added questions in parentheses.

 

Here is a list from a local shop who will do the building. This is what they recommended after I sent the request.

 

·         CPU - intel i7-8700K (I realize no gigahertz is mentioned in the quote. Does that matter?)

·         MB - MSI Z370 GAMING PRO CARBON AC WITH BLUETOOTH AND WIFI (is this appropriate for a VR solution?)

·         GPU - MSI GTX1080TI GAMING X (this has good reviews, right?)

·         RAM - CORSAIR 16GB 3200MHz RGB PRO  (fast enough?)

·         SSD- TRANCEND 512 GB SSD SSD230S

(right type?)

·         HD - 1 TB WD HDD BLUE

·         CASE - TORTOX MAGNUS

·         PSU - CORSAIR CX750 (strong enough for over clocking?)

·         COOLER - MA610 COOLERMASTER AIR (coolenough for cover clocking?)

Thanks!

[ironk79]

Your list looks good. In essence, there is no hardware overkill in VR combined with simulations like BOS, DCS, Assetto Corsa and so on.

I recently upgrated, also went for a "cheap" 1080ti instead of a 2080/2080ti since the diffenence in pricing isnt worth the performance difference.

[VuIture]

Agreed looks like a good specs. 

 

Only thing I would do different is go with the i7-8086k and dont oc it.  Just let it auto boost as needed and get a liquid cooler.  

 

Also just FYI you dont need the Carbon AC for VR, the normal z370 Carbon will work.  Unless you want the added wifi/bluetooth regardless. 

[Alonzo]

IL-2 likes CPU frequency and low latency memory access. It doesn't care about core count (or at least, 6 cores is enough). I would do this:

• Go for the highest clocking CPU you can. That might actually be an 8600k (non-hyper threaded) with a 280mm liquid cooler and a good motherboard for overclocking. I have an 8086k but I run it with hyper threading turned off, effectively turning it into a higher binned 8600k. Having said that, the 8086k is pretty much guaranteed to run all cores at 5ghz, I'm not sure if an 8600k will always do that. Or, you can wait a couple of months until the Intel 9000-series chips come out, because those will clock even higher. If you're feeling really crazy you can get a delidded CPU from Silicon Lottery or even delid yourself (not something I'm going to do on a $500 CPU...)
• Get the absolute fastest RAM you can afford. I have 3200mhz RAM and I overclock it to 3466 and I can measure the difference in IL2 in VR. I'm not really up on RAM prices but I would definitely be looking for high frequency low-latency RAM. Look at the CAS timings when purchasing. I have 3200mhz CAS-16 which is pretty mediocre -- try for 3600mhz CAS 14 or better.
• For the motherboard, ensure it has good VRM power delivery in order to achieve better overclocking for your CPU. The board you linked has 8+2 phase power delivery and one review said it was alright for overclocking, but that's not really a ringing endorsement! You might be able to find a board with 10 phase power delivery. This review site has all the Z370 boards sorted by manufacturer (need to click through multiple pages) and it tells you the ones with 10 (or more) phase power: https://wccftech.com/intel-z370-motherboard-roundup-asus-msi-asrock-aorus-gigabyte/
• GPU you have selected is great, I'm jealous.
• PSU is fine.
• CPU cooler isn't that great. Gamers Nexus actually know how to test these things, here's a recent roundup they did: https://www.gamersnexus.net/hwreviews/3344-corsair-h100i-pro-review-vs-h100i-v2-clc-280-more

3 hours ago, JV44_Megla said:

Only thing I would do different is go with the i7-8086k and dont oc it.  Just let it auto boost as needed and get a liquid cooler.

 

100% agree with your advice on the liquid cooler, but I think if someone has gone to the expense of getting an 8086k they should absolutely overclock it. If you check the performance benchmarking thread you can see the improvements I made tweaking my 8086k (even from a starting point of 5.0ghz all-cores). With IL2 in VR you really want to have every ounce of CPU grunt available to help iron out any stuttering.

 

More detail here: 

 

[SCG_Redcloud111]

Guys, thanks for all the responses. So far, I am going back to them with a request on a price for the 8086k that auto boosts and an appropriate mother board. I will also ask for speedier RAM. I think they went with cheaper versions here. And I'll ask for a liquid cooling solution.

[dburne]

4 minutes ago, redcloud111 said:

Guys, thanks for all the responses. So far, I am going back to them with a request on a price for the 8086k that auto boosts and an appropriate mother board. I will also ask for speedier RAM. I think they went with cheaper versions here. And I'll ask for a liquid cooling solution.

 

Wise choices.

[SCG_Redcloud111]

Alonzo. I am not proficient in computer building, much less actual over clocking. My time is hugely limited, so I hope to build a PC that is solid from the get go and then try not to get shot down as I stare at the cockpit and enjoy the scenery. Anyway, I was hoping the combination MSI motherboard and GPU would work well together. I will have to research VRM power delivery. No idea what that is enough to even ask a proper question about it.

 

Thanks, though

[VuIture]

16 hours ago, Alonzo said:

IL-2 likes CPU frequency and low latency memory access. It doesn't care about core count (or at least, 6 cores is enough). I would do this:

• Go for the highest clocking CPU you can. That might actually be an 8600k (non-hyper threaded) with a 280mm liquid cooler and a good motherboard for overclocking. I have an 8086k but I run it with hyper threading turned off, effectively turning it into a higher binned 8600k. Having said that, the 8086k is pretty much guaranteed to run all cores at 5ghz, I'm not sure if an 8600k will always do that. Or, you can wait a couple of months until the Intel 9000-series chips come out, because those will clock even higher. If you're feeling really crazy you can get a delidded CPU from Silicon Lottery or even delid yourself (not something I'm going to do on a $500 CPU...)
• Get the absolute fastest RAM you can afford. I have 3200mhz RAM and I overclock it to 3466 and I can measure the difference in IL2 in VR. I'm not really up on RAM prices but I would definitely be looking for high frequency low-latency RAM. Look at the CAS timings when purchasing. I have 3200mhz CAS-16 which is pretty mediocre -- try for 3600mhz CAS 14 or better.
• For the motherboard, ensure it has good VRM power delivery in order to achieve better overclocking for your CPU. The board you linked has 8+2 phase power delivery and one review said it was alright for overclocking, but that's not really a ringing endorsement! You might be able to find a board with 10 phase power delivery. This review site has all the Z370 boards sorted by manufacturer (need to click through multiple pages) and it tells you the ones with 10 (or more) phase power: https://wccftech.com/intel-z370-motherboard-roundup-asus-msi-asrock-aorus-gigabyte/
• GPU you have selected is great, I'm jealous.
• PSU is fine.
• CPU cooler isn't that great. Gamers Nexus actually know how to test these things, here's a recent roundup they did: https://www.gamersnexus.net/hwreviews/3344-corsair-h100i-pro-review-vs-h100i-v2-clc-280-more

 

100% agree with your advice on the liquid cooler, but I think if someone has gone to the expense of getting an 8086k they should absolutely overclock it. If you check the performance benchmarking thread you can see the improvements I made tweaking my 8086k (even from a starting point of 5.0ghz all-cores). With IL2 in VR you really want to have every ounce of CPU grunt available to help iron out any stuttering.

 

More detail here: 

 

 

Alonzo I completely agree with you.  I do overclock my 8086 and for the exact reasons you and chili have pointed out with your benchmarking. At 4.8 my set up flawless with no stutters 90fps 99% of the time in the most demanding situations.  I do have all my settings bottomed out with the exception of clouds on med. and some start.confg tweaks. Any higher on the presets and I would be looking for that extra .2ghz etc like you mentioned.

 

Personally I wouldnt trust a shop to set my overclock.  Also for what ever reason got the impression redcloud wasnt interested in having to fine tune his rig.

[chiliwili69]

On 9/27/2018 at 9:04 AM, redcloud111 said:

CORSAIR CX750

 

Yes, that a valid PSU. It has 62 amps for the 12V output. They should be OK for your 1080Ti peak demand.

https://forum.il2sturmovik.com/topic/37892-starting-the-research-on-a-new-pc-build-for-vr/?do=findComment&comment=639836

 

I had problems with my old 750W PSU:

https://forum.il2sturmovik.com/topic/37669-gpu-and-power/?do=findComment&comment=636966

 

19 hours ago, Alonzo said:

or at least, 6 cores is enough

 

In fact, 4 cores is enough for IL-2 VR. The problem is that all new i7 or i5 CPUs go with at least 6 cores.

I agree 100% with all your recommendations, but I will wait for 9 series CPUs which will arrive in October, all of them have soldered thermal interface, so no need for delid.

I am also thinking to upgrade Mobo+CPU and the i5-9600K is my favourite.

[OrLoK]

just hopping in to say "Never scrimp to save a little cash by buying a cheapo PSU" buy a decent recognised brand with a decent warranty.

 

you don't want a 20 quid one shorting and taking most of your system with it.

 

my goto is EVGA.

 

ymmv.

[Alonzo]

On 9/27/2018 at 7:35 AM, redcloud111 said:

Alonzo. I am not proficient in computer building, much less actual over clocking. My time is hugely limited, so I hope to build a PC that is solid from the get go and then try not to get shot down as I stare at the cockpit and enjoy the scenery. Anyway, I was hoping the combination MSI motherboard and GPU would work well together. I will have to research VRM power delivery. No idea what that is enough to even ask a proper question about it.

 

I think the motherboard you specified will be fine, don't worry.

 

You'll have fun in VR with that rig and I think it will perform decently. I'm just very aware that IL-2 is a CPU-hungry simulator, and that can eat into VR performance. There's a tweaking thread elsewhere that details our adventures in trying to hit a constant 90 fps, and it's pretty difficult. Oculus Rift can help a bit because it has a 45 fps "ASW" mode that smooths things out. If you're happy with that mode the rig you specified will be 100% fine, lovely eye candy and an enjoyable experience.

[SCG_Redcloud111]

Thanks guys.Yes, Megla. Not able to put the time in for over clocking (wife, kids, career). Barely any time to fly. Anyway, the idea of the 8086's auto boost property seems appealing.

 

Orlok, I was under the impression the PSU listed is acceptable.

 

Alonzo, thanks, so far with the 8086, speedier ram, and water cooled, I think I am feeling confident about it.

[-332FG-Gordon200]

Here are a few suggestions if you are still shopping for components.

 

You'll need additional USB3 ports - https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA1DS0D18076

CPU - https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819117932

RAM (note the cooler) -  https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233978

I like ASRock mobo with built-in wifi/bluetooth and SLI - https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157790

Liquid cooler - https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA4RE7Z15173&cm_re=corsair_h105-_-35-181-060-_-Product

[SCG_Redcloud111]

Gordon, thanks for those links! I live overseas, so shipping is an issue. That's why I am going with the shop. Their prices aren't much more than Neweggs, actually. I'll ask about the ram cooler. Didn't know they had that. Does the integrated bluetooth and wireless cause any problems?

[chiliwili69]

2 hours ago, redcloud111 said:

far with the 8086

 

Yeah, if you don´t want to enter with OC then the 8086K is definitely the one to go. You have 5.0Ghz with just the Turbo. So, it is guaranteed.

 And, if one day you want to push it a little bit more you can do OC. Nowadays it is very simple, you don´t need to be an overclocker guru.

About 1.5 year ago I thought OC was just only for gurus, but it is not. If you follow some basic rules you can be a proficient overclocker in just 4 hours:

 

Ahh, and don´t forget to include a couple of good and silent of fans in the front and one in the back if they don´t came with the PC case. So there is a good ventilation of the interior (for RAM, for GPU, for VRMs, etc)

[SCG_Redcloud111]

Thanks. Will check the case. I think they have a few options there.

[SCG_Redcloud111]

Thanks, guys, just made the purchase. I had to go with the 8700 because I would have had to ship the 8086 overseas. Because of time constraints, it was best to have the computer built now. I also upped the PSU to an 850 and went with the 4000mhz RAM. The case has a solid fan in the back and a grill on top. They said you can attach two fans up there if need be.

 

From what I’ve read, it is easy to go into BIOS and set a single core to 47 to overclock it to 4.7ghz. I really have no idea what to do it beyond that. I don’t have the time right now to figure out how to go higher. From what I’ve read, going beyond 4.7 will require patience and testing. If you have any suggestions on a simple, time-minimal, yet some-what effective overclocking approach beyond what I just mentioned, I would appreciate any tips. Again, I am not looking to go to deep with it at this point. If the 4.7 method works for IL2 I’ll be happy with it.

 

Also, at some point I may play around with Afterburner for the GPU and RAM, but as of now I am content to see what is what.

 

Thansk for all the help!

[SCG_Redcloud111]

I watched the technician get the CPU up to 4.89. I am happy with that. I really don't want to have to mess with it, so he figured this would be a safe level. I hope that will be sufficient for IL2 BOS.

[chiliwili69]

4.9GHz is a good freq for IL-2. Ask the technician what is the Vcore voltage he applied and annotate that.

If one day you are curious to go beyond you only need the MSI Command Center free application (I believe it works in others Motherboards) and a couple of basic rules to be learnt in ten minutes. Then you can spend just one full day to determine your maximum overclocking. But this is only done once in your PC life.

Basically do that:

https://forum.il2sturmovik.com/topic/29881-overclocking-a-4790k-for-better-bos-performance/?do=findComment&comment=526461

 

 

[SCG_Redcloud111]

Ok, will do. He is very amenable and will probably be eager to tell me. I’ll post it.

 

1.33 for the Vcore voltage. 

Edited October 2, 2018 by redcloud111
Added info

[Alonzo]

That's a nice overclock and a nice chip! Have fun in-game!

[SCG_Redcloud111]

Thanks!