LucShep

I have to agree with this. Yes there are prebuilds that present quite good specs and worth a look. But, so far, I haven't seen a single one that presents the most balanced selection of components, or careful assembly. Cutting costs is seen in a variety of things in a prebuild PC, here and there, always. Sometimes more obvious, sometimes less. From budget drives, and/or coolers, and/or motherboards, and/or RAM, and/or PSUs, and/or fans, and/or case, and small things like cable management are often done poorly. (I've even seen screw threads and heads stripping on some). And, heck, don't even get me on the mentioned proprietary custom designs on components (Dell/Alienware!).... Yes they usually are absolutely horrible, and it's just sad how customers get to be so limited by that (actually cut from future personal upgrades) after paying top dollar for it.

Are you sure? It is less noticeable with RTX4000 series GPUs than with RTX3000 series and older, but the slighly better framerate/frametime is still noticed on Nvidia 537.58 too. Did you do a clean installation or an express installation? When installing the Nvidia 537.58 drivers, make sure you do a "Custom" (not "Express") with checkbox ticked on the "Clean Installation" option. Even better if you'd clean traces of previous drivers with DDU, prior to its installation. Before doing it, please note that you'll lose all your driver settings and customized profiles. If that is important to you, then I'd absolutely recommend NV INspector - you can backup any and all custom Nvidia "3D Settings" profiles, besides all the possible tweaking.

There is no problem and, actually, no influence on GPU memory. It only lightly affects storage space in the drive where you have the OS (your NVME, SSD, HDD, whichever type of storage you use for it). The thing with this setting is that every single game tends to compile shaders in specific folders for the Nvidia shader cache.* The default set is size is 1GB, I think? (IIRC, and hasn't changed for many years). What happens is that, once these specific folders for the Nvidia shader cache get "full", it interferes with that compiling exercise. And given that most games today are far more complex than they were a decade (or more) ago, it does tend to get filled to 1GB much faster than before. ...and so, there we go with the dance of recompiling shaders during gaming, which causes long loadings and some stuttering/hanging while doing the job.... While this may be normal on the first time you run a game, it should not be so in its subsequent usage - but it does because the lack of space forces the recompiling again. Increasing it to 10GB will suffice to solve this issue (some even increase it to 100GB but that's way overkill). * PS: do not confuse this with the DCS shaders compiling (FXO, Metashaders) in user Saves folder, it is not related. - - - - - - - - As a separate (side) note, sometimes deleting this Nvidia shader cache may help with rendering issues, artifacts, and stuttering, etc (due to broken shaders). This is done in the following way: https://www.downloadsource.net/how-to-clear-nvidia-shader-cache-to-improve-game-performance-delete-nvidia-cache/n/23340/

@FLAKK88 and anyone interested: I know my post will sound as a generic response but, IMO, it's worth a try if nothing else is working... In my own experience, with mine and many other systems with Nvidia GPUs (older or newer), the Nvidia's driver 537.58 is still consistently the best, and by quite a margin. It can make a difference (for the better) with frametimes, increasing performance and reducing stuttering. I know it sounds strange how an older driver can be better but... that's just how it is. Regardless, and no matter what Nvidia GPU model or driver version, I strongly recommend installing only "Clean Version" drivers, instead of official Nvidia ones. These clean drivers differ in the removal all of the bloatware that you get with the official ones (which causes higher resources consuming with added unnecessary processes in background, affecting and interfering with performance). For the mentioned Nvidia 537.58 drivers, its "Clean Version" is found among other older ones in the following link: https://mega.nz/folder/dQRX3AQI#9RmtXT0cTw45RsWxTQgYiw If you insist in always using the very latest Nvidia driver version, then its newest "Clean Version" is (currently) found here: https://forums.guru3d.com/threads/rtx-560-70-exostenza-edition™.452356/ There's also the matter of Nvidia driver settings If you have the patience to try someone else's settings, I suggest trying same as mine: (click on image to enlarge it) Please pay attention to the following - my global settings may be different to yours. So, when you see "Use Global Setting" in my settings there, pay special attention to what appears inside parenthesis right after it (it's what it's set at in my Nvidia CP settings). Change accordingly. Also note, I've set Vertical Sync at "Fast" because it works best for me (but try it?). It should work good, but if it doesn't try ON or OFF instead. Once you finish with the changes, click "Apply" on the bottom. One important setting to change imediately in the NVIDIA Global Settings is the Shader Cache Size, to be set at 10GB (this is pretty much a "must do"). NOTE: If at some point you wish to revert again to default DCS profile settings, and start all over again (for whatever reason), then click "Restore". And you'll have a DCS profile clean sheet all over again. Play around with stuff.

@OzDeaDMeaT Perhaps try this: In your DCS save files (default is "C:\Users\'Your-User-Name'\Saved Games\DCS"), go to the Config folder. In there, and if it's not in there already, create an "autoexec.cfg" file (with notepad or similar app). Open the "autoexec.cfg" (with notepad or similar app) and paste this line in it: options.graphics.lights = {200, 80000}; Save and exit the "autoexec.cfg" file. Restart DCS and see how it goes... That is for all lights you see in game - aircraft lights, airfield lights, building lights and so on. The first number means the closest popup range for them, and the second number means the farthest popup range for them. I suspect that increasing that first number from "200" to "5000" should achieve what you're looking for. But adjust as you see fit (bigger value = bigger covered distance).

As others said, final budget is the most important thing before the discussion goes anywhere. Another aspect to consider is that, while hardware has improved, so did the VR headsets (newer higher end stuff around). Meaning, the newest (higher end) VR headsets also require far more "hardware horsepower" than before, and are expensive themselves. If your intention is to go head deep into DCS VR, then be prepared to have deep pockets for it all... DCS in VR is still a LOT more hardware intensive if compared to it on a 2d screen (even if 4K) with headtracking. For GPU, I'd say RTX 4070 Super 16GB is bare minimum, and ideally an RTX 4090 24GB, if you want a good VR experience. To match those, I'd say for CPU an i5 12600K or Ryzen 7600X is the minimum required (ideally i7 14700K or Ryzen 7800X3D). You also want to have the game installed on good NVME storage, and have 64GB(+) of fast and low latency RAM. I honestly lost hope of a "democratic" VR usage for DCS at this point. It's just too intensive for the average user, even if with a "decent system" (like myself), and requires too much sacrifice also in settings. My own solution for VR was to revert to an older DCS version (see sig) that is much lighter on resources, and so far so good.

This is false. I'm looking at both mods' content and I don't see any less textures in CGTC, on the contrary (even if excluding the LOW textures - which is not a small factor). They also sure don't look like lower quality to me. What I haven't done for CGTC is a separate "snowless winter / later autumn" optional, which is a nice alternative that Bartek left for those who dislike a (white) snowy winter. I mainly kept with the default ED theme for Caucasus seasons, goal was "Caucasus overhaul" after all. This is also false, in both accounts. I'm looking at both mods' content and I don't see any "brighter/darker" textures either. Actually, I'm surprised how close they are (not same, but closer than expected). What I definitely see is an implementation of Reshade with own settings in Bartek's that, yes, change vibrance, tones and shading - this influences immensely. CGTC is meant to be used with Gamma set at 2.0 (avoid less than 1.8 or more than 2.2). It is so because that specific value is usually the most balanced for both monitors and VR, for all terrains and atmosphere related shaders. (IIRC, used to be default in early 2.55 OB) CGTC has its own specifically tweaked palette and shading settings and files (which look different, and also darker than stock), so that such aspect isn't dependant on external applications (like Reshade, or SweetFX). The use of Reshade on top of it was not intended but, if you want to do it, that is up to you. I also don't see where the "superior" towns and buildings (Hardsplat) textures come from. They're the same. I'm looking at them one by one right now and they are the same ones seen in "stock Caucasus" that I prepared for ED (brought back and rebuilt from the older 1.5 ones for the release of 2.7 OB years back, still in stock content today). And are same ones that I still included (just tone readjusted) in CGTC. What is obvious is the different art style and techniques adopted by each different mod, for certain aspects, when placed in the game. Which has to do with personal preference and taste. And this is why mixxing both mods is a bad idea - things look mismatched in places then. To some extent, similar can be said for the usage of reshade (or none usage of it). All in all, it is definitely dependable on individual - given that the choice is there, use what you prefer. My question to @Art-J and @dlder now is: Are you sure you tried the latest version of CGTC (2.84) over stock Caucasus, not the older releases (before May of 2023) ?

Another great review, this time by @graywo1fg:

Oh noes... Jester now has the commands! *PANIC ENSUES* Seriously, that was an awesome review! Many thanks

Well, I did say "usually", not "always"...

Ditto.

^^ oh boy.... That MLID guy has been know to leak a lot of inaccurate info for the clicks but, pricing has been one of the things he usually gets right. With Nvidia all alone at the top, that's unfortunate for the consumer - prices on RTX 5000 series will still suck, unfortunately.

If it's related with CGTC please post in its forum thread (I'll do my best to help if it's in my power). This thread is for Barthek's CAUCASUS REDONE 2022 and should remain so.

Glad you enjoy it too, thanks for the feedback.

The objective is pretty much the same in either mod but, as I see it, CGTC goes a little further because, inclusively, it also covers "Low" textures besides the "High" textures. Therefore, the terrain retexture mod can be used by everybody, even those with older/slower GPUs, or for those struggling with VR requirements. CGTC modifies everything texture related to the terrain. From ground, mountain, rocks, to fields, trees, towns, airport terrain textures (and matching hangars), etc. It also modifies the gamma, palette and overall colors of Caucasus, through readjusted ingame files (there are no Reshades here). It just doesn't modify the water or buildings/houses, as I saw no need.

HP Reverb G1 Pro. Set through WMR + SteamVR (+ fpsVR), still very happy with it.

Ask yourself this question... Do you want a very familiar experience to what you have had with the RTX2070S, usage wise, but better and with a LOT more performance? If so, get the RTX4080S or the RTX 4070TiS. Do you feel like changing to something different, and no problems with quickly adapting to unfamiliar things? If so, the RX 7900XTX 24GB may be right for you. The 4080S and 4070TiS have GDDR6X, which is faster memory. But it has less of it as you may have noticed (16GB GDDR6X versus 24GB GDDR6 of the RX 7900XTX). They do have lower power consumption and also generally run cooler than the RX7900XTX, which is not a minor factor. All those three are really good GPUs, and any of the three will be awesome for DCS at 1440P or 4K single monitor. But if it's to use DCS in VR (or triple-screens), then the decision is easy - definitely go for the RTX4080S. In my personal opinion, the right choice is to get the best one that you can afford - will satisfy "more" imediately and also last longer. And that one in your list is the RTX4080S. As for the "why?", It'd be a repeat of a similar thread. That is, of course, if you can not wait. If you can wait a little longer, then wait for the RTX5070 and also its Ti variant, supposedly to come in first quarter of 2025. It should be (again supposedly) as good or better than the RTX4080S but at a lower price, and lower power consumption as well.

Yeah, in my experience it blocks every Windows update regardless. Here are alternative links for WUB: https://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/windows_update_blocker.html https://www.filehorse.com/download-windows-update-blocker/ https://www.softpedia.com/get/System/System-Miscellaneous/Windows-Update-Blocker.shtml

As said in another thread - If you wish to decline Win11 updates, it can be done with WUB (windows update blocker): https://www.sordum.org/9470/windows-update-blocker-v1-8/ Very easy to use (one button affair, enable/disable), and works with all Win OS, all the way back from XP to the current 11. PS: please note that blocking Win OS updates with WUB also blocks apps downloads/updates from the Windows store.

@pauldy Before quitting and go to such drastic methods on it... Please try following this tutorial (exactly, step by step) with a method for a Win10 reinstallation without loosing any programs, settings or drivers. The part that you want to follow starts at 6:43 and ends at 10:54 in this video ("The 'Last Resort' Repair Upgrade" section) Nothing else, before or after that, is of interest to you: It's like I'm saying, it reverts your Windows installation to default (so, like a fresh install) but without loosing anything at all. Everything will stay the same, apps, drivers, documents and whatnot. It takes about 20 mins to do the whole thing and, who knows, it may help you there. Meaning, at worse, you lose 20 mins of your time, and at least you'll know if it's Windows corrupted/borked files related or not. After that, if still does it, then yes... it's fair to suspect something else went wrong and some program, or even malware or virus(?) is running on the background. If so, try running SuperAntiSpyware Free, it scans for nasty stuff like malware, rootkits, spyware, trojans and etc, and that part too hopefully gets cleared.

If you wish to decline Win11 updates, it can be done with WUB (windows update blocker): https://www.sordum.org/9470/windows-update-blocker-v1-8/ Very easy to use (one button affair, enable/disable), and works with all Win OS, all the way back from XP to the current 11. PS: please note that blocking Win OS updates with WUB also blocks apps downloads/updates from the Windows store.

That's really odd, and I'm divided. On one side, for some reason it looks like games are running on Windowed Borderless, not "true" Fullscreen. For example, in your video, check how quickly you've Alt+Tab'ed from the game to desktop (and vice versa).... there should've been a bigger delay, like a pause, if on Fullscreen. What I mean is, it doesn't look to me like your game is running "true" Fullscreen. Makes me wonder what happens if you press "Alt + Enter" once in the game (any game)... On a different side, it looks like another app running on background is provoking that "sudden flash". Now, what is I don't know but, I suspect, it may be some kind of automatized process being triggered in the background, like a cleaner, or optimizer, or maybe antivirus? if you use CCLEANER, make sure in its options that "Smart Cleaning" is deactivated. if you use a specific AntiVirus, make sure that every game is added to its exceptions list.

What relatively cheap FFB stick devices were sold under the patents? AFAIK, only Microsoft (Sidewinder FFB 1 and 2) and Logitech (G940 and Wingman Strike Force 3D FFB) sold "cheap" FFB sticks, both under patent licenses. Of course it couldn't be the only factor. But, of course, it is a considerable contributing factor.

That's odd. Windows 10 or Windows 11? Just for a test, try disabling both Fullscreen optimizations and GameBar. Here's some step by step on how to do that, both in Win10 and Win11.... Disabling Fullscreen Optimizations: Right-click on the game’s desktop shortcut (or the .EXE file of the game or app) and click on Properties Select the Compatibility tab from the options available at the top Tick-mark the box that says “Disable fullscreen optimizations” and save this change by clicking on Apply > Ok - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - How to disable Game Bar on Windows 10 1. Open Windows Settings. To do so, open the Start menu and click the small "gear" icon, or press Windows+i on your keyboard. In Settings, click "Gaming." 2. Under "Game Bar" settings, click the switch beneath "Enable Game Bar" until it is turned off. Also, untick-mark the box that says “Allow your controller to open Game Bar". After that, close the Settings app. All is done, Game Bar is now disabled. If you try pressing Windows+G, nothing will pop up. Even if you press the Xbox button on an Xbox controller, nothing will happen. Game Bar has been fully disabled. PS: if you'd like to enable the Game Bar again later on, then reverse the process (switch on the toggle and box again). - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - How to disable Game Bar on Windows 11: 1. Press Windows + I keys together to open Settings. 2. Click on Gaming in the left pane. 3. Then, click on the Xbox Game Bar in the right pane, as shown. 4. Switch Off the toggle for Open Xbox Game Bar using this button on a controller option to disable Xbox Game Bar. 5. Next, click on Apps in the left pane and select the Apps & features option in the right pane. 6. Use the App list search bar to search for Xbox. 7. Click on the three-dotted icon for Xbox Game Bar. 8. Then, click on Advanced options, as depicted. 9. Click on the drop-down menu for Background apps permissions and select Never from this list. Hereon, Xbox Game Bar wouldn’t run in the background and consume system resources. 10. Scroll down and click on the Terminate button to Immediately terminate this app and its related processes.

I certainly won't disagree with the last paragraph (flight sim genre nose dived after 2002, until Covid). But those are certainly not just rumours. And what actual facts contradicting? Immersion was until recently the patent holder for nearly all things FFB, haptic and touch feedback (see here, and here as well). They're know to be quite strict and have sued quite the number of companies, if you look into that part of their history, including Sony in 2002, Apple in 2016 and Valve in 2023. When Immersion sued Microsoft in 2002, Microsoft settled by buying 10% of Immersion Corporation (which, I think, is why some of the patents has Microsoft listed as the patent holder). Of course the license fees exhist and deals can be struck - that's part of their business - but it doesn't mean such deals are frugal. The opposite is actually considered to be the truth, because even one of the big companies in the console market decided to not license - actually ditched the tech - for one of their most antecipated products (Sony did not feature touch-feedback technology in its pack-in controller for the PlayStation 3). Logitech had to license their G940 FFB stick when it released in 2009 ("I-FORCE™ Force Feedback Technology Licensed from Immersion Corporation"). But that's a huge multi-million company that could afford to risk it, and went for it (at the wrong time of flight-simming, should be said, and why it flopped). Thrustmasters, and Saitek (now property of Logitech), didn't go for it, and they certainly had the means and expertise. Perhaps conjuncture - too costly to develop and produce for a small market, and then the Immersion licensing fee on top made those a no go. How did that went for Brunner, VPForce and FFBeast I don't know, nor do you. But I can't believe (do you?) that a licensing deal with Immersion is so affordable that it wouldn't impact those smaller companies resources, or that it wouldn't impact on the final cost of already expensive boutique products, to sell on a niche market. Three of the important patents were listed as expired around 2021 (last time I went around this subject, that link was working), so I understand that both the acronym and the “haptic” simulation of software to an engine can be done without paying this company. Adding to that, the flight sim market has reemerged (exploded is more correct) around that time, and it's still growing. So, I don't think it's wrong or "rumour" to say that it's one less (considerable?) barrier to produce force feedback stick options, that are finally reappearing and probably will multiply in the coming years.