Fair computer setup

Guys and Girls,

I have used my newest computer that I had built for Flight Sims for another purpose.

Looking at the computer requirements I was wondering what would be the best computer to enjoy DCS without any studders. What would a reasonable system consist of?

What is the minimum processor, memory, storage (drives, SSD's, M2,), motherboard specs,

video, and if you narrow down the case's ( mid-tower, full tower) and power supply to run DCS at a enjoyable pace. With 4k and VR as a requirement.

I have looked at used gaming computers, Ebay and Craigs List. New, used....In my area there are always at least 3000 listings for computers, parts and consoles.

As I was gazing at those I wondered what do you folks have that run DCS in a manner you are satisfied with?

I know everyone would like a super computer but a good solid computer that in your opinion would be adequate? I do not want to build another 4000.00 unit. But then again what does it take to run DCS without poor performance?

Laz :D

Lazduc,

there is no golden solution to your problem for various reasons, let me point them out:

No GPU available can run DCS at highest settings and 4k with good frames.

You can however run WQHD with full LOD and have 45-100fps.

This is with the fastest "reasonable" parts you can get as of now, overclocked and tuned. There is this 4 grand GPU from Nvidia but lets forget that, it's not an option for ordinary gamers.

CPU wise, there is the Intel's Core i7-8700k or AMD's Ryzen2-2700X.

Both have pro's and contra's. Intel is faster in single core, AMD is faster when all cores are taxed. Intel is a beast in cooling, AMD is way easier to handle..and cheaper.

The rest is standard:

- 1 or 2 x 500GB-1Tb NVMe SSD drive

- 750+ Watt Titanium PSU ( Seasonic or equivalent( ask DEMON !) )

- either AIO Watercooler or DIY Loop, or Air ( Noctua DH15 AM4 version )

- 32GB RAM ( I would definitely NOT buy 16GB for a new PC ).

If you buy AMD, get RAM 3200MHz or better, for Intel this is not that urgent or dramatic, but for AMD you REALLY need FAST RAM !!!

DCS will thread more, DCS will move to Vulkan API, more maps will come, more modules. DCS is changing fast and what makes sense today may be more or less inadequate by the end of the year.

With more threading arriving, IPC is less dramatic and more cores count more than brutal GHz on less cores.

I would buy this:

AMD 2700x

X470 Board

32GB QVL RAM 3200+

Nvidia 1080ti or 1180 ( when available )

1kW PSU Seasonic Prime Titanium ( in case Vulkan allows a 2nd GPU, you need JUICE ! )

I would watercool the whole damn thing with a DIY, but a Noctua Air cooler + a 3-fan GPU is fine too.

;)

The 8600K is cheaper. Hyper-threading is useless for gaming and Intel CPU is more efficient. 6 cores is enough for DCS, this guy has a 8700K at 4.9Ghz.

His CPU utilization is 20% for 12 cores, then 40% for 6.

That's not a super useful representation of performance. Unless you want to fly alone on a completely empty map. its easy to get good frames in that scenario. Load up a campaign and see what the frames looks like, with AI and static objects.

Ok, do it.

They reprogram on separate threads, that don't mean that you need more cores at this time, but furtunately it's going in that side. The goal is to desaturate the main core.

He's not alone. They use less then 3 cores with the 2.5 version, I don't think that will jump over 6 cores before your CPU will be obsolete: https://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=212160

Argue and criticize for a better knowledge.

An Asus Prime Z370-A or better. A Gigabytes Z370 AORUS Ultra Gaming or better.

More DIGI+VRM power phase design= More overclocking ability.

Asus Prime X470-PRO or better. Gigabytes X470 AORUS Ultra Gaming or better.