These Gaming PCs Meet or Exceed Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Requirements

With the Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 system requirements now public, some gamers find their machines inadequate. Dedicated flight sim enthusiasts often spend countless hours assembling the perfect setups. However, not all players have the time or knowledge to construct a custom build for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024.

Pre-built gaming PCs are an obvious solution when ill-equipped pilots are anxious for takeoff. Unfortunately, many systems aren’t prepared for the intense graphical processing required to render Earth in meticulous detail. When shopping for a gaming PC, a rig should meet these Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 requirements:

With a graphics card strongly dictating performance, other concerns like connectivity and upgradeability can narrow down the possibilities.

Game Rant’s Best Gaming PCs for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024

The Lenovo Legion Tower 7i is one of the easiest ways to avoid framerate turbulence in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. This configuration uses a 14th-gen Intel Core i9 CPU and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080 Super, so gamers can expect near-top-end performance. Other advantages, such as a well-ventilated and sleek mid-tower design, make the Legion Tower 7i the best-prebuilt PC for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024.

The slim Legion Tower 7i takes up surprisingly little space on a desktop for a high-end gaming PC. RGB effects are fairly minimal, but gamers can view a small number of lit components through a tempered glass left-side window. A rugged front mesh panel gives the desktop PC an industrial look while allowing sufficient airflow into the chassis. Exuding subtle styling, the Legion Tower 7i is a force in both gaming and productivity.

With a powerful CPU and GPU combination, the Legion Tower 7i exceeds the recommended Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 system requirements. How much difference 64 GB of RAM will make in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is debatable. Still, this PC’s 32 GB spec is the only thing keeping it from meeting the ideal requirements. Fortunately, the Legion Tower 7i uses standard parts, and it’s easy to find matching additional memory for upgrades. The RTX 4080 Super’s 16 GB of GDDR6X VRAM is sufficient to process the most detailed ground and sky textures.

The Legion Tower 7i suffers from a common prebuilt PC issue caused by bloatware like McAfee VirusScan. Also, despite having ample high-speed USB connectivity for the best HOTAS options, virtual pilots must access the back of the system for a USB-C port. Regardless, the Legion Tower 7i’s currently discounted price makes it the most affordable way to experience stable 4K performance.

Some gamers may argue that the Xbox Series X or S is the most affordable way to experience Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. Even so, PC users typically have a far greater selection of peripherals and third-party software to make simulation flying more realistic. The Skytech Nebula is a budget prebuilt gaming PC that’s a sensible alternative to consoles. With an NVIDIA RTX 4060, Buyers can expect excellent 1080p performance that eclipses the Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 minimum requirements.

The Skytech Nebula isn’t unusually large for a mid-tower case, but lower and mid-range parts often fit in more compact cases. Of course, the advantage is gamers have more room to work inside the chassis, and the Nebula doesn’t set up many roadblocks for upgrades. As is customary with budget prebuilts, buyers may encounter a mishmash of unbranded parts. The Nebula also comes loaded with four RGB case fans and lighting that trims its front panel, giving the PC a premium look.

DLSS 3 on the RTX 4060 should boost performance, even if achieving high framerates above 1080p is difficult. If buyers look to upgrade the Nebula in the future, they can add 16 GB of memory and meet the recommended requirements for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024.

System builders will struggle to assemble a budget PC build and save much money over the Skytech Nebula. Flight simulation has a reputation for being expensive, but this gaming PC provides an affordable gateway into the hobby.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 can quickly eat up desktop space with yokes, throttles, and instrument panels. The Asus ROG G22CH passes the minimum or recommended Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 system requirements. Gamers looking for an affordable rig will gravitate toward this configuration, which features an Intel Core i7-14700F CPU and NVIDIA RTX 4060 GPU.

Rather than the unconventional shapes of many small form factor PC cases, the ROG G22CH is essentially a downsized mid-tower. It’s noticeably smaller than the Lenovo Legion Tower 7i, with an even more subtle exterior. The ROG G22CH’s compact nature is more evident after peeking inside. Asus placed the motherboard and CPU on one side, with the RTX 4060 DUAL sitting opposite. While the case isn’t difficult to open, this unusual layout somewhat complicates upgrades.

The included RTX 4060 can handle games at 1080p effortlessly, but Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 may introduce challenges at 1440p. With a faster processor than the Skytech Nebula’s Intel Core i5-13400F, the ROG G22CH will not encounter any throttling. Several alternative models are available with more memory and up to RTX 4070 GPUs if pilots want to see the world in even more stunning detail.

The Asus ROG G22CH’s main drawbacks are slightly restricted upgrade options and audible fans. Still, buyers can avoid the frustrations of cable management in a small case by purchasing this compact and powerful gaming PC.

The iBUYPOWER Y40 is a step up from most budget prebuilts, mainly due to its eight-core AMD Ryzen 7 7700X processor. Even so, how the PC looks will draw the most attention when used by Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 content creators. Tempered glass wraps around the front and side of the case, providing a spectacular view of the components inside.

Included memory is an issue pilots face when shopping for a mid-range gaming PC suitable for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. Most options priced similarly to the iBUYPOWER Y40 only ship with 16 GB of RAM when the game specifies 32 GB for its recommended requirements. The Y40 is ready to handle the complexity of a flight sim, even if its RTX 4060 is a bit skimpy with 8 GB of VRAM.

iBUYPOWER’s system uses a variation of the HYTE Y40 ATX Mid-Tower case. Like the MSI MAG PANO 100L reviewed by Game Rant, the Y40 keeps parts inside the chassis visible from the front and left sides. The interior of the PC is wide open, thanks to a vertically mounted GPU and 240 mm liquid cooling radiator positioned to the right of the motherboard. Consequently, the case has high airflow potential, with the only disappointment that buyers must install the GPU themselves.

In Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, the iBUYPOWER Y40 may not dominate with 1440p performance. Still, it’s well prepared for enthusiasts who run software in the background while completing transatlantic flights.

There’s no avoiding the fact that seeing Planet Earth in its full glory is taxing on gaming PCs. The Corsair Vengeance i7500 checks off every box on its pre-flight checklist for flawless 4K gaming performance. To meet these high standards, it’s hard to argue with the choice of NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 and Intel Core i9-14900KF processor. The Corsair Vengeance i7500 looks as impressive as it performs, with a lighting configuration that flawlessly syncs with many RGB gaming keyboards and mice.

The Vengeance i7500 utilizes a large mid-tower case, but it’s not quite as wide as the chassis used by the MSI Infinite 14th. The triangular cutouts on the front panel encourage airflow into the case, aided by three 120 mm fans. A Corsair-branded 240 mm AIO liquid cooler ensures that the power-hungry 14th-generation Intel processor is kept at safe temperatures.

The Vengeance i7500’s RTX 4090 GPU is key to exceeding the ideal Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 system requirements. The latest version of Microsoft’s flight sim emphasizes more realistic-looking lighting, enhanced with improved ray tracing effects. This type of lighting takes a heavy toll on graphics cards, but the RTX 4090 is the safest bet to enjoy them at 4K resolutions.

A black exterior and dark-tinted tempered glass give the Vengeance i7500 a contemporary, luxurious appearance. However, the rig is also available in a lighter tone for fans of white PC cases. With either option, an impressive collection of RGB lighting looks stunning, and its iCue support makes it easy to sync with other components in a cockpit.

The Corsair Vengeance i7500 is one of the priciest prebuilts available. Nevertheless, its unmatched gaming performance and high-quality components justify the high cost.

Gamers need a beast of a gaming PC to realize the full potential of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. The MSI Infinite 14th utilizes predominantly MSI-branded components for a cohesive-looking premium build. With a 14th-generation Core i9 processor and NVIDIA RTX 4090, the Infinite easily passes the ideal Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 system requirements.

While the MSI Infinite 14th has an impressive configuration, its MEG Prospect 700RL case sets it apart. The case lacks the LED touch screen of the MEG Prospect 700R, which Game Rant reviewed, but it has the same tremendous build quality. Thick steel panels and noise-isolating foam further quiet the near-silent operation of the MSI MAG CoreLiquid C360 liquid cooler. The side panels on the MEG Prospect 700RL swing open, providing easy access to an easily upgradeable spacious chassis. However, gamers will need to devote significant room in their Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 cockpits to the bulky enclosure.

With Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 relying on streaming content as needed rather than downloading, internet connections will be tested. Ideally, pilots will take advantage of the wired 2.5 Gbps Ethernet connection, but the MSI Infinite 14th also ships with a Wi-Fi 7 adapter. If the game allows downloading textures and airports in advance, there is plenty of space on the included Gen 4 2TB M.2 NVMe.

Buyers can save money by customizing a build similar to the Infinite 14th when not limited to one brand of parts. Still, if you are determined to set Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 graphics at Ultra, the MSI Infinite 14th doesn’t disappoint.

Choosing a Gaming PC for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 models the world in unmatched detail, which introduces challenges when selecting a gaming PC. Virtual pilots need a prebuilt system with graphical processing to handle the incredible detail of aircraft, airports, and landmarks. To be as prepared as possible for these technical challenges, focus on these factors first:

Graphics Card

A gaming PC’s GPU will have the greatest effect on how smoothly graphics are rendered in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. A budget system with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060, like the Skytech Gaming Nebula, can provide stable framerates at 1080p. However, pilots will need top-end graphics cards to meet the demanding ideal Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 system requirements. The pricey Corsair Vengeance i7500 ships with the RTX 4090, producing sufficient horsepower and VRAM for 4K gameplay.

Memory

Gamers don’t necessarily need the best processor and graphics card to take to the skies in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. On the other hand, the game surprisingly asks for 32 GB of RAM for its recommended requirements and 64 GB of memory to meet its ideal requirements. With so many complex calculations happening during flights, background tasks only add to the strain on PCs. The 14th Gen MSI Infinite RS supplies buyers with 64 GB of fast DDR5 memory to avoid immersion-breaking framerate stutters.

Connectivity

Flight sim fans often connect numerous joysticks, throttles, pedals, and other gear to their PCs. USB hubs can ease connectivity burdens, but a gaming PC should ideally have plentiful and easy-to-access ports. Compact PCs like the 2024 Asus ROG G22CH are often more limited in how many high-speed USB 3.2 ports they offer. For more flexibility, a large mid-tower like the MSI Infinite RS has more room for connections. Also, the high-end PC includes WiFi 7, which is critical since Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 constantly streams cloud data.

Upgradeability

Buyers often opt for prebuilt gaming PCs to avoid the hassles of choosing and assembling parts. Still, needs typically change, and not all these systems are as easy to upgrade. Despite being relatively compact, the Lenovo Legion Tower 7i Gen 8 uses standard retail parts that are easy to swap. The Legion also makes it as simple as possible to add 32 GB of memory to meet the strictest Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 requirements. Larger cases, like the enclosure used by the iBUYPOWER Y40, have ample room to work in, further simplifying the upgrade process.

The Lenovo Legion Tower 7i Gen 8 balances performance and cost while allowing future customization. As the best prebuilt gaming PC for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, it meets the game’s challenging requirements at a reasonable price.

FAQ

Q: Why is a pre-built PC expensive?

One reason a pre-built PC may seem expensive is the cost and effort by companies to assemble and ship a system. Custom PC builders can often save money by finding discounted parts but may end up with a rig that uses many different brands of components. Also, pre-built PC distributors must make a profit after considering the cost of parts and labor.

Q: Can Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 run on a laptop?

A laptop is suitable if it meets the minimum, recommended, or ideal Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 requirements. However, most gamers prefer peripherals like joysticks and throttles to control aircraft accurately and realistically. Setups using these input devices aren’t practical away from a desktop.