Just a couple of thoughts.CPUI've been using an i5 for years and it's been working very well with both FSX & Prepar3d. Although P3d is a slightly different story, it's not all that much different, CPU wise, than FSX.
Neither of them can use all the extra threads/cores of an i7. So CPU speed is of more importance
On my last build I bought an i7 because, sooner or later Prepar3d will go to 64bit. FSX never will.
Then too, at some point I'd like to try a VR headset. I don't know, but I suspect, that an i7 will be better.
In your case, an i5 7th Gen 7600K (3.80 GHz) should work very well and save you a good chunk of money.
GPUFor similar reasons, an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti 4 GB, should give you very good results.
MemoryUnless you see some memory at a very good price, start off with 8 GB DDR4. Every Christmas you usually see very good sales on memory.
Last Christmas I bought an extra 16GB of memory at an exceptional price. And guess what. NO improvements on any program that I own.
Going from 8GB to 16GB may be different for you, but I'd still say wait for a good sale on the extra memory.
Hard DrivesI'll stick by my opinion that a 250 SSD for the OS, a one to two TB drive for programs, and a 250GB for FSX will give you the most bang per buck.
MotherboardFor FSX & P3d? Just about any "
gamming motherboard" should work out ok.
That would be different for those who want to play the newest games, maxed out. But I honestly don't think that we'd notice a few hundred milliseconds here or there.
Putting it all togetherEveryone of us would choose different components. Heck, we'd probably change our minds depending on the day of the week.
This system, with slight modifications, could work out for you -
CyberpowerPC Desktop Computer Gamer Xtreme S150T Intel Core i5 7th Gen 7600K (3.80 GHz) 8 GB DDR4 2 TB HDD NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Windows 10 Home 64-Bit $1,199.99USD.
I'm prejudiced against any OS called "Home Edition", so I'd get a "standard" version.
With the money you save, get a couple of Solid State Drives and use the HDD for programs.
Who knows, you might even be able to buy three monitors - AOC I2269VW-B 22" Ultra-Slim IPS LED Monitor with Ultra-Narrow Bezel (5ms) $99.99.
BTW - I've used lesser video cards, and the GeForce GTX 1050 Ti will be able to drive three monitors without any problems.
WARNING - This picture looks smaller than in real life! +
For what it's worth - Running three monitors with the above system you will probably only get about 60 FPS. Still, that may be more than you're getting now, and it should be a smooth 60 FPS.