Best GPU for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 (2026)
To run Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 well, aim for a graphics card at or above its recommended GPU. Below are our picks by resolution, chosen from real benchmark data — a budget option for smooth 1080p, a value pick for 1440p, and a high-end card for 4K.
Recommended graphics cards by resolution
| Resolution | Our pick | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1080p High | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 Best budget pick · 8GB · ~$349.00 |
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| 1440p High | AMD Radeon RX 6950 XT Best value pick · 16GB · ~$599.00 |
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| 1440p Ultra / 4K with upscaling | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 Best high-end pick · 32GB · ~$1999.00 |
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These picks target a smooth experience at each resolution. For native 4K at max settings — especially with ray tracing or path tracing — aim higher than the high-end pick and use DLSS/FSR upscaling, which can effectively move a card up a tier.
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Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 system requirements
| Component | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| GPU | Radeon RX 5700 or GeForce GTX 970 | Radeon RX 5700 XT or GeForce RTX 2080 |
| CPU | AMD Ryzen 5 2600X or Intel Core i7-6800K | AMD Ryzen 7 2700X or Intel Core i7-10700K |
| RAM | 16 GB | 32 GB |
Want to confirm a specific card? Test it against Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 with our free Can I Run It tool, estimate frames with the FPS Estimator, compare cards on the GPU tier list, or see the best CPU for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 to complete your build.
Frequently Asked Questions
What GPU do I need for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024?
For smooth 1080p, a NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080-class card meets the recommended bar. For 1440p, step up to around a AMD Radeon RX 6950 XT. For 4K, a NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 or better gives the most headroom. You can verify any card with our free Can I Run It checker.
Can I run Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 on a cheaper GPU?
Often yes, at lower settings or with upscaling (DLSS/FSR). Anything at or above the game's minimum GPU will launch it; the picks above target a smooth, recommended-level experience.
Do I need a new CPU too?
For most games the GPU matters most, but a badly paired CPU can bottleneck a strong card. Check the balance with our bottleneck calculator before buying.