Suggestions for flight simulator?

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Tinkerisk

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#2014416 11-May-2018 22:09

It arrived last Saturday in the postbox and I picked it up this morning. The fast RAM is here but unfortunately, the brand new SanDisk NVMe Gen2 SSD's aren't released yet as announced. They will be shipped after another 10 days. Their random r/w speed is to be expected (after first reviews and tests) clearly higher than Samsung's 960 EVO (but still slower than 960 PRO). Since I will use up to 2 NVMe M.2. SSD's only, there is no need for slower SATA devices of any kind. BTW: the new SanDisk SSDs are technically 100% the same like the brand new WD Black Gen2 SSDs. They just have other packaging and labels (BUT: carefully check price ;-).

It's my first and an amazing workstation NUC. Additionally I found a free Intel software master key inside the package which allows me to download several full genuine bundle of games/video processing apps for free. I will report what they actually are when I have the SSDs available to install the OS and the applications since I don't like to activate it in advance.

Since this CPU (HVK version only) is unlocked for overclocking I use (Intel certified) 3200 HyperX-RAM. The specs just mentioned 2400+ but when you plan to speed up later on, you'll need some margin. There are some recommendations for reasonable overclocking set-ups.

The box itself is quite heavy and it's very impressive what the engineers have packed into the NUC's case. The power supply delivers max. 11.8 Amp at 19.5 Volt (230W). I will use the NUC with 2x 1Gb/s link aggregation (LAG) to the main switch and to the NAS (which has 2x 1Gb/s as well).

That's all for the moment about my geek-machine. I'll be back.

- NET: FTTH & VDSL, OPNsense, 10G backbone, GWN APs
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- 3D: two 3D printers, 3D scanner, CNC router, laser cutter

Tinkerisk

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#2016602 16-May-2018 07:20

This is in the Starter package:

HTC VIVE
Magix Fastcut
Corel Painter
Warhammer Vermintide II
Oculus Rift
Redout Enhanced Edition
Sprint Vector
StarTrek Bridge Crew
World of Tanks - Bonus
Magix Youcast
Magix Movie Edit Pro Plus 2018

Coil

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#2016604 16-May-2018 07:39

Sooo, That NUC. How well does it actually game? The small thermal desing of it would make me not want to overclock it at all. How well does it cope with 100% load over time? Probably heat soaks quite bad as do most NUC's or laptops.
It seems to sit around the 1050Ti range, I run a laptop with a 1060 and a 7700HQ. Seems to play most games well.
Looks like a good device but I'd be hesitant buying a VR Kit for it. Might be good for VR Chat?

I saw this when it first came out and it looked pretty cool

Dairyxox

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#2016611 16-May-2018 07:56

I agree with Coil. Hades Canyon NUC looks like an amazing SFF machine.

However for VR and simulators I'd be looking at something larger so you can throw some serious hardware at it, and allow for more modular upgrading.

You really don't want to have thousands invested in a hobby and still only just meet the minimum requirements. There was another sim/VR user on here with only a GTX 1060 paired with a sub-optimal CPU, and he flicked it off after a week or two due to motion sickness. I'd wager that higher performing setup wouldn't have caused as much discomfort, and definitely provided a better experience. Less jaggies are always good.

Coil

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#2016617 16-May-2018 08:03

Dairyxox:

I agree with Coil. Hades Canyon NUC looks like an amazing SFF machine.

However for VR and simulators I'd be looking at something larger so you can throw some serious hardware at it, and allow for more modular upgrading.

You really don't want to have thousands invested in a hobby and still only just meet the minimum requirements. There was another sim/VR user on here with only a GTX 1060 paired with a sub-optimal CPU, and he flicked it off after a week or two due to motion sickness. I'd wager that higher performing setup wouldn't have caused as much discomfort, and definitely provided a better experience. Less jaggies are always good.

My little laptop when on 100% fans raised off the table can do VR with a HTC vive fine on Subnautica!
I think the Vega maybe a bit weak given the Nvidia gear is a lot more optimized to VR applications. I have never seen a Vega run VR before, Maybe the HBM could be what makes or breaks it.

Personally I agree with the cost effectiveness you are implying, In terms of SFF the Haydes Canyon is super cool but bang for buck you're better to go to PB Tech..

Cheers

Tinkerisk

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#2017129 16-May-2018 19:36

Hey Guys, this isn't a VR thread nor it is claimed to be the ultimative gaming computer. I use this NUC as the most compact workstation for 3D, engineering and CAD work on my desk, capable to have a few games on it. It's cooling system is much more quiet in comparison to it's predecessor. The only moving part in this PC is it's huge fans - no spinning rust. You will hardly find a unit with this performance/size ratio.

Compared to a Lenovo Thinkstation P320 tiny (which was intended to buy before), it's a lot cheaper and has more power and I/Os. Price is quite relative and I better don't tell what I paid for (less than the lower rated, regular HNK) since I learned you have to pay a lot more for IT stuff in NZ. The mentioned s/w above is an add-on for free. So what?

It's capable enough to handle any flight simulator mentioned before which is - btw - the subject of this thread.

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Tinkerisk

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#2017251 16-May-2018 23:40

For those interested but annoyed by the skull:

The skull on the top can be configured several way's as all the other LEDs. In my case it will stay totally black. It appears/changes colors only depending of the amount power drawn from the power supply. You can also link the drive activity (normal or inverted), LAN activity, WLAN activity or whatever to the LED and colour of your choice. It's just a gimmick to go with or not. .... Yes, and the CPU's passmark index is 10635 (without Tuning).

That's it for the unit - your can find plenty of reviews and tests of this NUC in the net. Next is to install the simulator(s) and to fly tests ...

Coil

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#2017300 17-May-2018 08:17

Tinkerisk:

Hey Guys, this isn't a VR thread nor it is claimed to be the ultimative gaming computer. I use this NUC as the most compact workstation for 3D, engineering and CAD work on my desk, capable to have a few games on it. It's cooling system is much more quiet in comparison to it's predecessor. The only moving part in this PC is it's huge fans - no spinning rust. You will hardly find a unit with this performance/size ratio.

Compared to a Lenovo Thinkstation P320 tiny (which was intended to buy before), it's a lot cheaper and has more power and I/Os. Price is quite relative and I better don't tell what I paid for (less than the lower rated, regular HNK) since I learned you have to pay a lot more for IT stuff in NZ. The mentioned s/w above is an add-on for free. So what?

It's capable enough to handle any flight simulator mentioned before which is - btw - the subject of this thread.

Seemed as though you were interested in VR given it was mentioned for flight sim at the start and you listed it came with VR software and labeled it as a beast :), Dairyxox and I just made general comments. Not directed to gun you down.

They have improved the cooling that is for sure, Have a look at the the throttling and temps under extended load below. I wouldn't go near overclocking this device. It already cooks at stock temps and under clocks itself, Not much to tune apart from applying liquid metal and seeing where it leaves you with. I am sure you know this already. Good device none the less, should have some fun with it!

Tinkerisk

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#2017336 17-May-2018 09:03

Got a 10~13% performance improvement by OC with a raytracing algorithm, 4.5GHz seems to be a way ... I don't like to demand the fans too much. Didn't touch the GPU timing. There's a freak who got it to 5GHz with a water cooling system.

Coil

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#2017342 17-May-2018 09:10

Tinkerisk:

Got a 10~13% performance improvement by OC with a raytracing algorithm, 4.5GHz seems to be a way ... I don't like to demand the fans too much. Didn't touch the GPU timing. There's a freak who got it to 5GHz with a water cooling system.

Sounds like a time bomb at those frequencies. Play it safe..
I'd just leave it stock, runs fine and as above it cooks at stock thermals.. I undervolt my 1060 so it runs cooler as well. Also when the PC isn't thermal throttling left right and centre gameplay is a LOT smoother.

Coil

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#2017638 17-May-2018 13:41

Another review just posted now. He has the HVK for the review sample.

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Tinkerisk

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#2018762 19-May-2018 06:35

I'll take care and I don't like to go to the edge with the timing - the system needs to be stable and reliable. No issues so far. The new SanDisk NVMe M.2 still isn't released and it seems it won't be until begin/mid of June. Buying the new EVO 970 instead isn't an option (slower). So I went with a 240GB M.2 2242 SATA SSD loaned from my "fast memory stick" (described in another thread) to play around. Their speed isn't too bad! Intel has done an excellent job with their drivers and documentation.

For some games, I have to register for STEAM (never done before). It seems to be a kind of "playstore for games" ...

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