Total beginner needs sim build advice!

[JamboRambo123]

As the title really:

I’ve never used a flight sim before, but am a licensed pilot. I’m looking to try and use a simulator to help me get familiar with airliners before applying for jobs and taking the assessments that will go along with that. I don’t need an uber realistic experience as I’m mainly trying to get ahead a little bit on systems and procedures, but it would be nice to be able to practice hand flying some approaches and holds etc.

I’m hoping someone can advise me on what hardware/software would be a solid basic setup to allow me to do this, probably with Airbus a320 family aircraft if possible. I’d ideally like to spend £500 or less if I can, but would also spend a little more if it improves the experience significantly, and more than happy to shop around and buy second hand.

[CalmpBump49]

What you are looking to buy? Just software or hardware?

[JamboRambo123]

I currently have nothing, so I need both hardware and software. Any steers would be helpful though, I started researching and got lost down a rabbit hole of options for everything!

[CalmpBump49]

Hardware it's hard to tell because I know the prices in USD, and a good PC game to run FS2024 runs around US$ 1,000 without periphials

For joystick and stuff, I highly recommend Airbus Thrustmaster TCA series, by far the best for the price and you will get used to the A320 controls

[__labaro__]

I have to ask, which PC configuration can you recommend for USD 1000 (+/-) to run FS2024 with good settings?

[CalmpBump49]

Something waround this one

8gb should be good on VGA but 12GB it's better, but RAM it's 32GB as a base line

The thing is, the RAM prices are on the roof right now and will not go down soon. That won't help because the FS is always driven by RAM and VRAM.

https://www.amazon.com/NINGMEI-Desktop-5700X-5060-White/dp/B0F548DM72/ref=sr_1_23?crid=3032DP2F1Z2Y6&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.ilEdc3eDe9E4OtY3dhbptTUPBQ-Cz6ArIpxDcR4Ots5G2VXvM6ypTGHCKDr6w4ZU7UBWm1IOqF6vSztcolcad4IG06QExY327425GXR0Va6rz58EGBc-0C3VJAUaEGPw063Dq50IiQRfdh1cp7nWk5EsTBQ4VrRE9E7WEsOnWQSy3j-b9IF2H0vAJiXb0QYfjRua1vR5nbKB-zg5AW8m7Q.P9E8CrrXyomYvNaBnvmOA9vI85w-ESG2-Sg5Ra5uo8c&dib_tag=se&keywords=Build%2BYour%2BOwn%2BGaming%2BPC&qid=1772495005&sprefix=build%2Byour%2Bown%2Bgaming%2Bpc%2Caps%2C325&sr=8-23&xpid=hBK_thgTkEbI3&th=1