For running simulation software, you tend to want to put more of your budget towards the CPU, rather than the GPU. This is because simulation software tends to be more CPU intensive. Choosing an i7 / i9 or a Ryzen 7 / Ryzen 9 is usually a good idea, though you can also use the higher end i5 / Ryzen 5 CPUs.

When it comes to memory, 16Gb is the recommended minimum, though we would recommend 32Gb as optimal for having the best experience.

As for graphics, the rendering in flight sims is still significant, and if you are wanting to play at higher resolutions, we would recommend going with the best graphics card for your budget, but at minimum, an RTX 3080. We use the newer generation of graphics cads in our flight simulator systems to ensure the best possible performance.

You can get started with Flight Simulators with just a well spec’d Flight Sim PC and a good monitor that has a high refresh rate, as well as a keyboard and mouse.

As you get further into your flight simulation journey, you may want to start looking at more specialist peripherals and accessories to give you a more immersive simulated experience. These peripherals run the range of simple, fairly inexpensive upgrades such as a joystick, right through to full flight cockpits that replicate the interior of commercial aeroplanes.

Some common accessories for Flight Sims include; a joystick and headset, a H.O.T.A.S. system (hands-on-throttle-and-stick, giving you more control than a standard joystick), a flight yoke system, which more accurately represents the controls of commercial jets, flight rudder pedals for immersive taxiing control, and a flight switch panel to give you the authentic pilots experience.