Aces High Bulletin Board

General Forums => Hardware and Software => Topic started by: Brooke on September 06, 2023, 08:01:11 PM

Title: $640 build that gives 60 fps with all maxxed settings
Post by: Brooke on September 06, 2023, 08:01:11 PM
In my period quest for Aces High bang for the buck, I just built the following for $640 (no monitor).

i3-12100f cpu, $93
gigabyte h610m motherboard, $90
thermaltake 700w psu, $50
16gb ddr4-3200, 8gbx2, $40
1tb wd nvme, $50
thermaltake s200 case, $90
logitech kb and mouse, $17
rx 6600 gpu, $210
------------------------
total = $640

I tested it with all settings and sliders maxxed out (turning on reflections, shadows, pilot mesh, etc.; environment map slider maxxed; all ranges maxxed).

I had a GTX 1060 gpu installed when I tested it, instead of the RX 6600.  The RX 6600 is 1.5x to 2x faster than the GTX 1060.  I still got 60 fps with everything maxxed out using the GTX 1060 -- except when I flew low over the town, in which case I got 40-50 fps.  I think the RX 6600 would get me back to 60 fps there.

I don't like reflections and shadows, so even with higher-end hardware, I turn off reflections, shadows, pilot mesh, and environment map slider.  The above is just to test performance of the setup.
Title: Re: $640 build that gives 60 fps with all maxxed settings
Post by: SIK1 on September 06, 2023, 09:07:43 PM
Pretty solid build for less than $650.

What resolution monitor did you test it on?

 :cheers:
Title: Re: $640 build that gives 60 fps with all maxxed settings
Post by: JimmyD3 on September 06, 2023, 10:05:53 PM
Good info there Brooke, looking to build new one this next year Lord willing.
Title: Re: $640 build that gives 60 fps with all maxxed settings
Post by: Brooke on September 07, 2023, 12:56:28 AM
Pretty solid build for less than $650.

What resolution monitor did you test it on?

 :cheers:

Just a usual 1080p monitor.
Title: Re: $640 build that gives 60 fps with all maxxed settings
Post by: SIK1 on September 07, 2023, 11:25:39 AM
Figured it was a 1080p from the performance you reported, just didn't want to assume.

 :cheers:
Title: Re: $640 build that gives 60 fps with all maxxed settings
Post by: Shuffler on September 07, 2023, 12:24:23 PM
That is far less than my ram cost. Well done. It really does not take much to run AHlll. Not as long as everything plays well together.
Title: Re: $640 build that gives 60 fps with all maxxed settings
Post by: Eagler on September 07, 2023, 12:30:28 PM
A crowded airfield might make that box studder

Nice minimum specs though

Eagler
Title: Re: $640 build that gives 60 fps with all maxxed settings
Post by: Brooke on September 07, 2023, 12:46:41 PM
A crowded airfield might make that box studder

Nice minimum specs though

Eagler

I think it would get 60 fps then, as long as environment map slider on none, no shadows, no reflections, no pilot mesh.

My current system used to have a GTX 1060 card (not as fast as the RX 6600), and I could get 60 fps while in furball over field, clouds, ack going off, etc., even with all the other sliders at max.

Most of the systems I put together for my kids, etc., for AH are less powerful than the above.  For them, I've used g6400 cpu and GT 1030 (!) graphics card.  They get nearly 60 fps on default settings with environment map slider on none, no shadows, no reflections, no pilot mesh.  That's a $470 system (not including monitor) I use as a starter system into AH.
Title: Re: $640 build that gives 60 fps with all maxxed settings
Post by: Morpheus on September 07, 2023, 03:33:27 PM
Nice! AND that box is cheap as dirt!

Now Maybe this is a horrible question but what is the make and model?
 :airplane:
Thank you!
Title: Re: $640 build that gives 60 fps with all maxxed settings
Post by: Dadtallica on September 07, 2023, 04:48:22 PM
I just recently upgraded my rig too and can now get 100 frame rates if I wanted but I play on a 55” 4K tv so I keep it at 60. Anything higher is not that great quality on the tv.

I remember being so excited that I could finally play with the settings maxed out only to discover I did not like shadows or reflections lol. I keep them off an everything else gets maxed out.
Title: Re: $640 build that gives 60 fps with all maxxed settings
Post by: SIK1 on September 07, 2023, 05:07:53 PM
I don't like reflections, shadows or pilot mesh. I also don't see any benefit to having environmental mapping on.

Morpheus it's a home built. If that's what your.

 :cheers:
Title: Re: $640 build that gives 60 fps with all maxxed settings
Post by: Brooke on September 07, 2023, 05:17:08 PM
Nice! AND that box is cheap as dirt!

Now Maybe this is a horrible question but what is the make and model?
 :airplane:
Thank you!

It's built out of parts bought on Amazon.

Here's the list with links, including manufacturer names:
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2H0MLNS4X97ED?ref_=wl_share

Note:  the above list doesn't include a monitor.  If I didn't have one, I'd get a $100-$120 or so one, 24" 1080p.  Also the above doesn't include price of Windows 11, as a lot of people already have a key for an old system.  Kinguin.net offers license keys for about $35.  OS can be installed using the Microsoft Media Creation Tool.
Title: Re: $640 build that gives 60 fps with all maxxed settings
Post by: Dadtallica on September 07, 2023, 07:49:56 PM
I don't like reflections, shadows or pilot mesh. I also don't see any benefit to having environmental mapping on.

Morpheus it's a home built. If that's what your.

 :cheers:

It fight the mapping was for when you wanted to record better videos?
Title: Re: $640 build that gives 60 fps with all maxxed settings
Post by: Brooke on September 15, 2023, 01:16:33 PM
It fight the mapping was for when you wanted to record better videos?

I've seen some vids recorded with the shadows and reflections on.  They look good.  I just prefer without, though, regardless of frame rate.

Here's an example of a vid with shadows and reflections on, from the excellent Anzio Scenario:
https://youtu.be/pIlw63EDsqc?t=190
Title: Re: $640 build that gives 60 fps with all maxxed settings
Post by: Brooke on December 19, 2023, 06:24:32 PM
I just tested this setup offline, and it does indeed give 60 fps there, with all settings and sliders maxxed out, with a 1080p monitor.

I just built one for Popsman (who flies in scenarios) and one for my wife (who does not).

Prices on Amazon were:

GPU, Radeon RX 6600, PowerColor Fighter, $200
CPU, i3-12100F, $93
PSU, Thermaltake Smart 700W, $60
MB, GIGABYTE H610M S2H V2 DDR4, $100
nVME, WD 1 TB Green, $57
RAM, Corsair VENGEANCE DDR4 16GB (2x8GB) 3200MHz, $41
CASE, Antec NX200 M, $50 <--- very nice case for the money
Extra 100 mm fan, ARCTIC P12 PWM, $7
KB + mouse, Logitech, $17
------------------
total = $625

Overall a quiet setup, too.  Case has no rattles.  Fans are quiet.
Title: Re: $640 build that gives 60 fps with all maxxed settings
Post by: hazmatt on December 19, 2023, 06:55:08 PM
Will that case hold the big GPUS? I can never tell from the photos.
Title: Re: $640 build that gives 60 fps with all maxxed settings
Post by: Brooke on December 19, 2023, 09:49:43 PM
Will that case hold the big GPUS? I can never tell from the photos.

It will hold a graphics card up to 275 mm (10.8 inches) long.
Title: Re: $640 build that gives 60 fps with all maxxed settings
Post by: hazmatt on December 19, 2023, 09:52:14 PM
I see. Thanks.

Does it have the space on the side for the power cords are will the need to be folded like an L to put the side of the case on? (some issues I've had myself)
Title: Re: $640 build that gives 60 fps with all maxxed settings
Post by: Brooke on December 19, 2023, 10:05:05 PM
It's got a normal amount of room on the side that is under the motherboard, where you route cables.  I didn't have any trouble routing the usual cables under there (motherboard power, cpu power, pci power, front panel cables).

Here's a guy talking about what he thought, with some pictures.

https://youtu.be/guuNbONpJoM?t=512