7900X3D + 4070Ti + 5 Monitors MSFS2020 Performance Teaser

Hey MSFS2020 Community! It's been a while!
I just sold my 5900X + 3080 + B550 combo and upgraded to a 7900X3D + 4070Ti + B650 build. This upgrade from AM4 to AM5 also included a new Gen4 NVME SSD (I previously had Gen3) and a Windows 10 to 11 upgrade, so that means a fresh MSFS2020 install and having to completely reinstall all my add-ons. I plan to do more detailed performance testing at some point, but for now, here is a teaser of the base sim running with no add-ons, in 5 monitor mode with a single popped-out panel, without Air Manager running in the background.
Additionally, here is a "MSFS2020 New PC Porting Guide" reference document I started putting together and frequently update and add detail to, regarding how to port MSFS2020 over from AM4 Windows 10 to AM5 Windows 11. Creating this document will guide me and help me avoid "gotchas" next time I want to upgrade my Flight Sim PC... and hopefully it can guide you and help you avoid a few "gotchas" as well.
docs.google.co...
A few initial observations on the sim performance:
1. With the new rig, I'm FINALLY able to turn the settings all the way up to a "True" Ultra (LODs finally set to 200) and still get a playable frame rate while winding between photogrammetry buildings in NYC with heavy weather presets running. THIS IS WHAT I'VE BEEN DREAMING OF SINCE MSFS WAS RELEASED 4 YEARS AGO!!
2. DX12 seems to eke out about 5 FPS more than DX11, plus it enables the Frame Generation option for smoother visuals.
3. MSI Afterburn runs fine in DX11 mode (I can do a video on that at some point) but does not work in DX12 mode. In DX11 mode the Riva Tuner statistics display on just 1 of the MSFS displays, while in DX12 mode the statistics display on all 3 scenery monitors plus the popped-out G1000. This causes the MSFS FPS to artificially drop into the tens and it crashes the sim if you don't turn off the Riva Tuner Stats within a couple of seconds. All this to say, in DX11 mode with MSI Afterburn/Riva Statistics 'On' I was able to see that the 7900X3D in default mode tries to run MSFS on cores 13-24 (the non V-cache cores). Riva stats also showed me that my CPU temp is in the high 70s, but I have an AIO cooler on the way. I'm temporarily running on a $17 air cooler so I could get the PC all set up while I wait for shipping on the AIO.
4. By using Process Lasso to restrict MSFS to running on cores 1-12 (the 3D V-cache cores) (this process took all of 2 minutes to set up) MSFS gains an additional ~5 FPS in the 5 monitor config. The exact difference is tough to say as I quickly increased my LODs from 100 to 200 as soon as I saw the FPS doing so well. This test video, with the FPS you're seeing, includes the use of Process Lasso with MSFS running on the V-cache cores.
I think that's about it for my initial thoughts. When spec'ing out this build, I was super torn between the 7800X3D (The King of Gaming CPUs) vs the controversial 7900X3D. The two CPUs had a $20 price difference at the time of purchase. The 7950X3D (my ideal chip) was an extra $200... let's just say I demonstrated great restraint! I knew the 7800X3D would likely get me the best frame rate running MSFS in "vanilla mode", but I was afraid that while streaming with OBS running, 3 webcams running, head tracking enabled, Air Manager running, my Avare navigation app screencasting to OBS, and other add-ons running, I might be throwing more at the 7800s 8 cores than it could handle. I knew going with the 7900 meant I'd only be getting 6 3D v-cache cores as opposed to the 8 of the 7800 and 7950, but I figured MSFS could probably run on just 6 v-cache cores and having those extra 4 cores over the 7800 might help with all the background tasks that I would be running.
Unfortunately, I chose not to get them both and do a true comparison, so someone with a similar setup and a 7800X3D will have to chime in with their performance numbers.
I hope this info is helpful! I know it would have been helpful to me when I was spec'ing/shopping! Blue skies and tailwinds!
My Sim Rig:
docs.google.co...
Background Tasks Running:
Windows 11
Process Lasso - Keep all non-MSFS tasks on CCU1
Ryzen Master - Monitor CPU core utilization
MSI Afterburner - Hardware monitoring and GPU overclocking
Air Manager - Instrument Panel Software
Touchscreen Panels - USB touch processing
Pop Out Panel Manager - Automatically pops out MSFS glass panels onto touch panels
Mobiflight - Connector for more realistic glass panel behaviors and cockpit instruments
Xconn / SimConnect - Broadcasts MSFS GPS location to cell phone for use of cell phone Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) application "Avare" (limited to USA use only)
Open Track / Beam Eye Tracker
scrcpy
OBS
2 Webcams
Zoom
USB Peripherals
COMING SOON -
4 Webcams
Neofly
BeyondATC

[@fabiobertelli]

Your setup is incredible!
I used to get upset about getting 30 fps or less in New York and landing at KJFK, but now I understand how hard it is for the processor. I use a Ryzen 5600 + Rx 6700 XT for a single monitor at 1080p

[@mcorrive12]

Thank you! Yes, I've been chasing the perfect "minimalist home cockpit simulator setup" for years! But yes, it's a massive load on any PC. I finally have hardware that can handle the graphics set to Ultra! 💪
If it can handle it in NYC in rain conditions, it can handle it anywhere!

[@ThorntonWillie]

I just did a upgrade to the 7900x3d for the core count and for editing and gaming it works good. I went from the i5 11600k to this and love it.

[@kilawhaleproductions6792]

got a 5800XT 3D and 6800XT, I think my card is bottle necking in 1440p.

[@b6s4shelter]

interesting use case for 7900X3D. all these add-0on apps you plan for running on performance cores and game running on X3D cores is a good example of why this CPU is a good choice. My brother runs this CPU with 4090 in VR Quest 3 and He tried process lasso and Gamebar does just as good a job. Making sure you update Gamebar Xbox gaming service and store apps in general, the 7900X3D does a great job separating apps to the appropriate cores. the 7900X3D has more L2 cache than 7800X3D and faster cores. in theory if 6 cores does the job, it should be faster. Hardware unboxed recently reviewed it given the price drop and it didn't fair as well but they were single title no external add-ons like flight sim. Now you can stuff all those none Main Thread processes on the non 3D cores and should be solid experience.

[@mcorrive12]

100% on all points! I saw the recent Hardware Unboxed review and I watch a whole bunch of others before making the decision. I was seriously torn, but ultimately decided to go for the higher core count. So far so good! I'm continuing to install all of my add-ons, and get things tuned. More updates and performance testing videos coming in time. For now, just trying to balance getting the new Simulator PC set up with the limited free time I have!

[@denisave1236]

Nice Dog! ))

[@jeffjohnson5548]

Are you running the two smaller displays on the card as well?

[@mcorrive12]

The GPU, though it has 5 physical output ports, can only support 4 output feeds at a time. So for the monitors are run off the GPU. The 5th monitor is running off the CPU integrated graphics.
When I was running a similar setup on the AM4 platform, the 5900X3D did not have integrated graphics, so I had to use a USB to HDMI converter. You can find those on Amazon.
Do I haven't tested it, I would imagine the integrated graphics results in less of a performance hit to the CPU than if I were to go back to using a USB to HDMI converter.

[@mcorrive12]

If you're interested, I made a video back in 2021 where I walked through my entire setup. At some point in the next couple of months, I'll work on getting an update video out discussing the differences between the old and the new setups, and the lessons learned through the process of porting everything over from a discontinued motherboard chipset (upgraded from Ryzen AM4 to AM5).
ua-cam.com/video/S2-DDJcpn4I/v-deo.html

[@kilawhaleproductions6792]

You need to get Honeycomb Yoke and Throttle. 400% better

[@mcorrive12]

I have them already! I had the lower profile controls set up since I'm still configuring the sim and setting everything up.

[@kilawhaleproductions6792]

@@mcorrive12nice!

[@mcorrive12]

I also do most of my flying in the sim in center stick aircraft. So the Thrustmaster Stick (modded with the internal springs removed for a more realistic feel) and Logitech throttle are actually what I find myself using more often then the Honeycomb Alpha and Bravo. I do want to upgrade my pedals from the Logitech ones I have. I'm waiting for the Honeycomb Charlie to come out! I also turn on the butt kicker once in a while! Gotta love the flight Sim obsession! 😆

[@kilawhaleproductions6792]

@@mcorrive12 got a 5800XT 3D and 6800XT, I think my card is bottle necking in 1440p.