Pre-Built PC for DCS

Hi all,

I am looking to surprise my old man with a gaming pc to play flight simulators, mostly the newer DCS versions. He no longer has a pc and I can feel the desperation in the room everytime he watches a flight sim gameplay on youtube! :lol:

I would appreciate any help on this subject as I am unable to buy components and make a PC for him I am looking to buy a pre built PC. What sort of things should I be looking for component wise?

AMD or Intel CPU?

How powerful does the GPU need to be?

How much ram is required?

Any other important components to look out for?

If anyone knows of any good pre built PC's and could either PM me a link or post it here then that would be much appreciated. There is no need for a monitor, keyboard or mouse as other people will be gifting these!

Cost wise, ideally I don't want to pay any more that £1200 but I could be tempted to spend more if it made a big difference.

Thanks for any help,

Slow

I would start with the basic DCS requirements and move up from there based on your budget.

Minimum system requirements (LOW graphics settings): OS 64-bit Windows 7/8/10; DirectX11; CPU: Intel Core i3 at 2.8 GHz or AMD FX; RAM: 8 GB (16 GB for heavy missions); Free hard disk space: 60 GB; Discrete video card NVIDIA GeForce GTX 760 / AMD R9 280X or better; requires internet activation.

 

Recommended system requirements (HIGH graphics settings): OS 64-bit Windows 8/10; DirectX11; CPU: Core i5+ at 3+ GHz or AMD FX / Ryzen; RAM: 16 GB (32 GB for heavy missions); Free hard disk space: 120 GB on Solid State Drive (SSD); Discrete video card NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 / AMD Radeon RX VEGA 56 with 8GB VRAM or better; Joystick; requires internet activation.

 

Recommended VR systems requirements (VR graphics settings): OS 64-bit Windows 8/10; DirectX11; CPU: Core i5+ at 3+ GHz or AMD FX / Ryzen; RAM: 16 GB (32 GB for heavy missions); Free hard disk space: 120 GB on Solid State Drive (SSD); Discrete video card NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 / AMD Radeon RX VEGA 64 or better; Joystick; requires internet activation.

Take a look at this one and add a 500gb ssd. https://www.amazon.co.uk/ADMI-Gaming-PC-2400MHz-Masterbox/dp/B076BN65ZP/ref=sr_1_10?keywords=desktop+pc+gtx+1070&qid=1560282382&s=computers&sr=1-10

If you stay with FullHD, aka 1080p, then the above linked system from tintifaxl will suffice with his 500GB SSD add-on....and my tip to directly get it with 32GB RAM...it's more bullet proof that way.

YOu could also get an All-AMD system and hope for a FreeSync monitor as a gift. An AMD setup is likely less expensive with about the same performance needed for 1080p and 60fps.

Thanks for the replies so far. The computer linked above looks good, your saying to add a 500gb SSD I understand it makes games and the OS load quicker, does it help DCS run smoother?

I also seen this and was wondering if this is a better option or is the 1070 better than the 2060? https://www.pcspecialist.co.uk/view/FSX-1500-PC/

Thanks again!

You need an SSD, a HDD is a no-go for DCS in terms of fluent pixels, about the same applies for 32GB over 16GB if you fly certain modules, maps or missions, or all together. That's why I really recommend 32GB right away if you dont want to keep adding stuff and may get one or the other show stopper.

The 1070 should be better than a 2060, but I honestly have to guess, no real facts.

I do know that I have seen a machine for 1.250 British Pounds on that linked site that had a 8700k and a 2070GTX, that would be much better imho, add 16GB and add a SSD if the one that comes with it has less than 500GB ( if it even has one, I forgot ).

Again, SSD is a MUST, 16GB is nice, 32GB is playing it save but no must to begin with ( unless you aim for the Hornet or equally demanding modules, then, really get 32GB )

If you cant get 32GB right away, wait till it comes in, check the make and model of the 16GB built in and order a matching 2x8GB kit. Anywhere around 70-100€ iirc current prices.