$640 build that gives 60 fps with all maxxed settings

[Brooke]

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.

[SIK1]

Pretty solid build for less than $650.

What resolution monitor did you test it on?

 

[JimmyD3]

Good info there Brooke, looking to build new one this next year Lord willing.

[Brooke]

Pretty solid build for less than $650.

What resolution monitor did you test it on?

 

Just a usual 1080p monitor.

[SIK1]

Figured it was a 1080p from the performance you reported, just didn't want to assume.

 

[Shuffler]

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.

[Eagler]

A crowded airfield might make that box studder

Nice minimum specs though

Eagler

[Brooke]

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.

[Morpheus]

Nice! AND that box is cheap as dirt!

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

[Dadtallica]

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.

[SIK1]

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.

 

[Brooke]

Nice! AND that box is cheap as dirt!

Now Maybe this is a horrible question but what is the make and model?
 
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.

[Dadtallica]

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.

 

It fight the mapping was for when you wanted to record better videos?

[Brooke]

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

[Brooke]

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.