LucShep

Yes, it works a treat! Thank you More people should know about this, and have a go at it as it may help. Following these parameters of Kegetys, I uploaded a mod to the ED user files base: https://www.digitalcombatsimulator.com/en/files/3329503/

Well, in that case it's pretty clear that you only have one option, really. You already have the veredict - get the RTX4070Ti 12GB. I'm looking into Newegg.ca and see plenty under $1300,00 CAD (and "open-box" ones <$1000,00 CAD) ---> https://www.newegg.ca/p/pl?d=RTX+4070TI&Order=1 Don't get anybody wrong here, it's pretty much guaranteed that any model version of the RTX4070Ti 12GB will perform absolutely awesome at 1440P. Likely blow your socks off, coming from an RTX2060 Super 8GB... What we've been trying to warn you about is the imponderables, due to the unoptimized nature of DCS, and that GPU's own limitations (as good as it is). The fact that DCS is so utterly unoptimized, hasn't got any better lately (worse, actually) even with so many complaining for so long now, and it may become more demanding. Also, today you're on a 1440P 27'' monitor, that'll be perfect with the RTX4070Ti 12GB. But you can't know when or if you'll want a 4K monitor (32'' or 43'') or to get into VR. As to say, it'll be absolutely fine today, but you may start to see limitations from that RTX4070Ti at some point in the future (4 years in service expected, as you've said).

Where? ...its short(ish) memory capacity and small bus size, with the horrible price tag. The RTX3090 may be older, eat more watts and run hotter, but it has double the VRAM (24GB vs 12GB) which is GDDR6X (=pretty expensive) and also double the memory bus size (384-bit vs 192-bit) when compared to the RTX4070Ti. More VRAM is very important. For example, F-14A/B launching from carrier and then over Syria, high details at 4K resolution, 14GB+ VRAM can be seen used (not allocated, used). Bigger memory bus size is also important, because it's the rate at which data can be read from or stored, like a maximum theoretical bandwidth (like more lanes dedicated for traffic, the greater the flow). It's important with higher resolutions and bigger data (such as the many enormous textures of DCS). So, those are very important aspects for higher resolutions (4K and VR) and makes the RTX3090 the stronger product of the two, also for longer term, even if it only supports up to DLSS 2.x (RTX4070Ti supports newest DLSS 3.x). As said on some other thread, DCS doesn't support DLSS anyway and, when it does, it's not like version 2.x isn't good enough... so the DLSS part is a moot point here. Yes, brand new from the store, both GPUs are absolutely horrible value. But you may get an RTX3090 used (2nd hand) in mint condition these days for nearly half of the (outrageous) prices that they try to sell them new. None of that is happening with used RTX4070Ti (or at least AFAIK). All of which makes the RTX3090 appealing, even if it's been over two years after its launch. One just needs to accept that the global market is effed up these days, and recognize there's much better value in the used market. If one can not, and manages to accept (and pay for) the horrible prices of brand new GPUs, then yeah.... go for it! ...every single high-end GPU is horribly priced anyway.

2000$ for a kickass PC gaming system... here's a good selection of parts according to myself (long read ahead). I'll list links for NEWEGG, merely as example. The coolers sold there have price inflated for some reason, better get it from AMAZON instead. Of course, feel free to take reference of models and their codes/numbers, search around and buy them wherever you prefer (and yes, perhaps also consider refurbished items of these parts, it's far less expensive): CPU (Processor): $273.90 - - - INTEL i5 13600KF 13th Gen Raptor Lake 14-Core (6P+8E) LGA 1700 https://www.newegg.com/intel-core-i5-13600kf-core-i5-13th-gen/p/N82E16819118417?Description=INTEL I5 13600KF&cm_re=INTEL_I5 13600KF-_-19-118-417-_-Product&quicklink=true ...or as a cheaper alternative... $205.19 - - - INTEL i5 12600KF 12th Gen Alder Lake 10-Core (6P+4E) LGA 1700 https://www.newegg.com/intel-core-i5-12600kf-core-i5-12th-gen/p/N82E16819118349?Description=12600KF&cm_re=12600KF-_-19-118-349-_-Product&quicklink=true CPU cooler: ...if air cooler (and not overclocking).... $39.90 - - - Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 (LGA 1700 compatible) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09S35X72H/ref=twister_B0B17SLHP3?_encoding=UTF8&th=1 ...or... $42.90 - - - Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE (LGA 1700 compatible) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09LGY38L4/ref=twister_B0B17SLHP3?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 ...or if overclocking and need a AIO Liquid Cooler: 109.99 - - - ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 280 - CPU AIO (LGA 1700 compatible) https://www.amazon.com/ARCTIC-Liquid-Freezer-All-One/dp/B07WP6M7P7/ref=sr_1_6?crid=3NUP118JU49WQ&keywords=arctic+cooler+freezer+2+280&qid=1677266314&sprefix=arctic+cooler+freezer+2+280%2Caps%2C144&sr=8-6 ...or... 129.99 - - - ARCTIC Liquid Freezer II 360 - CPU AIO (LGA 1700 compatible) https://www.amazon.com/ARCTIC-Liquid-Freezer-All-One/dp/B07WNJCVNW/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1S2FK6I8L8RTR&keywords=arctic+cooler+freezer+2+360&qid=1677266452&sprefix=arctic+cooler+freezer+2+360%2Caps%2C149&sr=8-2 Motherboard: ..if prefering a DDR4 motherboard (of course, choose DDR4 memory accordingly if so) $224.99 - - - MSI PRO Z790-A WIFI DDR4 LGA 1700 https://www.newegg.com/p/N82E16813144570?Item=9SIBBSFJKJ1282&Description=MSI Z790&cm_re=MSI_Z790-_-13-144-570-_-Product ...or if prefering a DDR5 motherboard (of course, choose DDR5 memory accordingly if so) $259.99 - - - MSI PRO Z790-A WIFI DDR5 LGA 1700 https://www.newegg.com/p/N82E16813144569?Item=N82E16813144569&Description=MSI Z790&cm_re=MSI_Z790-_-13-144-569-_-Product RAM (memory): ...if prefering DDR4 memory (of course, choose a DDR4 motherboard accordingly if so) $179.99 - - - Kingston FURY Beast RGB 64GB (2x32GB) DDR4 3600MHz CL18 (18-20-20-40) - KF436C18BBAK2/64 https://www.amazon.com/Kingston-FURY-3600MHz-KF436C18BBAK2-64/dp/B097HPT64T/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=KF436C18BBAK2%2F64&qid=1677273064&sr=8-2 ...or if prefering DDR5 memory (of course, choose a DDR5 motherboard accordingly if so) $259.99 - - -G.SKILL Ripjaws S5 Series 64GB (2 x 32GB) DDR5 5600MHz CL28 (28-34-34-89) - F5-5600J2834F32GX2-RS5K https://www.newegg.com/g-skill-64gb/p/N82E16820374403?Description=64GB ddr5 5600&cm_re=64GB_ddr5 5600-_-20-374-403-_-Product Storage: $145.58 - - - SAMSUNG 980 PRO M.2 2280 2TB PCIe Gen 4.0 https://www.newegg.com/samsung-2tb-980-pro/p/N82E16820147796?Description=SAMSUNG 980PRO 2TB&cm_re=SAMSUNG_980PRO 2TB-_-20-147-796-_-Product&quicklink=true ...or as a cheaper alternative... $119.99 - - - Western Digital WD_BLACK SN770 M.2 2280 2TB PCIe Gen4 https://www.newegg.com/western-digital-2tb-sn770/p/N82E16820250218?Description=WD SN770 2TB&cm_re=WD_SN770 2TB-_-20-250-218-_-Product GPU (graphics card): ...if prefering the ideal option (most recommended, faster and newest, good even for 1440P and 4K, but yes it's expensive)... $799.99 - - - ASUS TUF Gaming NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070Ti (12GB GDDR6X, PCIe 4.0, HDMI 2.1a, DisplayPort 1.4a) https://www.newegg.com/asus-geforce-rtx-4070-ti-tuf-rtx4070ti-12g-gaming/p/N82E16814126607?Description=4070ti&cm_re=4070ti-_-14-126-607-_-Product&quicklink=true ...or if prefering the minimum recommended option (far cheaper and awesome at 1080P, but older and much slower if compared to the one above)... $479.99 - - - ASUS TUF Gaming NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060Ti OC Edition (8GB GDDR6X, PCIe 4.0, HDMI 2.1a, DisplayPort 1.4a) https://www.newegg.com/asus-geforce-rtx-3060-ti-tuf-rtx3060ti-o8gd6x-gaming/p/N82E16814126620?Description=RTX3060ti&cm_re=RTX3060ti-_-14-126-620-_-Product PSU (Power Supply Unit): $134.90 - - - be quiet! PURE POWER 12 M 850W 80+ Gold, Full Modular, ATX 3.0 compliant, PCIe 5.0 compatible https://www.newegg.com/be-quiet-pure-power-850w-850-w/p/1HU-004H-000S2?quicklink=true ...or as equivalent alternative... $139.54 - - - MSI - MPG A850GF PCIE5 850W 80+ Gold, Full Modular, ATX 3.0 compliant, PCIe 5.0 compatible https://www.newegg.com/msi-mpg-a850gf-850w/p/N82E16817701009?Description=MSI 850 PCIE 5.0&cm_re=MSI_850 PCIE 5.0-_-17-701-009-_-Product&quicklink=true PC case (ATX) : $99.99 - - - LIAN LI LANCOOL 216 X Black Steel / Tempered Glass ATX Case (2x160MM FRONT FANS AND 1x140MM REAR FAN INCLUDED) https://www.newegg.com/p/2AM-000Z-000A7?Item=2AM-000Z-000A7&Description=lian li mesh&cm_re=lian_li mesh-_-2AM-000Z-000A7-_-Product&quicklink=true ...or as another alternative... $109.99 - - - LIAN LI LANCOOL II MESH C PERFORMANCE Black Steel / Tempered Glass ATX Case (Type C, 2x140MM FRONT FANS AND 1x120MM REAR FAN INCLUDED) https://www.newegg.com/black-lian-li-lancool-ii-performance-atx-mid-tower/p/2AM-000Z-00086?Description=lian li mesh&cm_re=lian_li mesh-_-2AM-000Z-00086-_-Product&quicklink=true Operating System (O.S.): $31.68 --- WINDOWS 11 PRO x64 (SERIAL KEY TO LEGALLY REGISTER YOUR OS) https://www.gvgmall.com/software-cdkey/microsoft-windows-11-pro-oem-cd-key-global.html You'll need to install an operating system on your new computer, Windows 11 x64 (= 64 bit) is recommended with these systems. I prefer the "Pro" version, as the serial key price of it is usually just a few dollars more than the regular "Home" version (that one is also available in that website if prefered). Before the process of building a PC, you should take care of this. To prepare your Windows installation get a USB pen (a flash drive) with at least 8GB of space (note, it'll be formated). Then create the bootable USB pen of Windows 11 (which you'll use to create a fresh installation of Windows on the new PC) with Media Creation Tools, from Microsoft. There are many written and video tutorials on the internet if you look for it (one HERE, for example). At some point a key will be asked to register your Windows, you insert that serial key you bought... Next.... Done. I think there's enough parts there for you to consider.... those are all in my opinion, of course. Worst scenario (with most expensive parts from that list) is about $2150 total.

If you intend to use DCS framerate matched to your monitor's maximum refresh (144 FPS), then sorry to inform but that may not happen within this decade! LOL Maybe use VRR (G-Sync or FreeSync) with FPS limited to 60, or even 80 if it runs that good. That'll keep framerate far stable and smoother, far less flutuations (if any). In regards to the RTX4070Ti vs RTX3090, both seem to perform similar overall, but there are very significant differences, which can sway preferences towards one or the other. The RTX4070Ti is newer, is much lighter on wattage feed demands (doesn't draw as much power), runs cooler and has the newest DLSS 3.x feature. The RTX3090 is older, eats more watts and runs hotter, but it has double the VRAM (24GB vs 12GB) and double the memory bus bandwidth (384-bit vs 192-bit), which are important aspects for 4K and also VR, and IMO makes it still a better choice for the longer term, even if DLSS 3.x is not supported, only up to DLSS 2.x. Note that DCS doesn't even feature DLSS, which kind of makes the whole feature version a moot point. I'd definitely recommend a used RTX3090 if DCS is your primary hobbie and you're limited to that kind of budget for a GPU (~750€), though remember to use it undervolted (performs even better, while running cooler and consuming less wattage), and with a good quality ≥850W PSU for the least (1000W prefered). Regarding the "buying used", yes scams and lemons exhist, also with GPUs, but it's one in over a thousand. I'd recommend EBAY for 2nd hand GPUs (see the seller's reputation and enquire him/her, always!), because of their "money back guarantee" feature, which can also be reinforced by paying with Paypal (excelent customer support). AMAZON has also used GPUs, their policies applying to those as well (AFAIK). Also, manufacturer warranties on used GPUs still remain, from two to five years from manufacturing date (so long it hasn't been modded), depending on model and user register.

Among so many other ones on Youtube, here are a couple video tutorial guides on Afterburner+Rivatuner, to get in-game OSD with various data:

That's is odd. Hardware seems great, including PSU. A few things to check before going any further: - is that Windows 11, and a fresh installation of OS? For 13th gen Intel, fresh installation of Win11 is prefered (especially because of E-cores and P-cores management). - is XMP already loaded on that RAM kit? Make sure that RAM speed and latency intended (fast!) settings are being used by design. Load the XMP memory profile on the BIOS settings (refer to the motherboard manual if in doubt), save BIOS settings, and reboot. - Nvidia drivers with the RTX3000 series, perhaps you went for the latest? In my experience newest drivers are not really most performance with RTX3000 GPUs. The 511.79 (March 2022) and 516.94 (August 2022) being the best I've tested. I also recommend trying Nvidia "clean" drivers (RTX versions for your RTX3080Ti), because there's no resource-hog features, such as GF Experience, telemetry and other invasive stuff that the official ones have. - PSU cables (PCI-e) onto the GPU power slots, are they separate into the individual slots as intended? Avoid "pig tail"ing the PSU cables, as it can overload the power feed on the cable from the PSU, or power limit the GPU. - are those benchmarks being done with V-Sync turned OFF ? Sometimes V-Sync is ON without noticing and it's capping FPS, pulling down benchmark results.

No idea where you're located, but you may have Amazon able to ship to your country. If not, search around in online or physical PC hardware stores in your location. Good 64GB RAM kits for AM5, I suggest searching for either of these two: GSKILL F5-6000J3238G32GX2-TZ5N (DDR5-6000 CL32-38-38-96 1.40V) - https://www.gskill.com/product/165/393/1665020484/F5-6000J3238G32GX2-TZ5N GSKILL F5-6000J3238G32GX2-TZ5NR (DDR5-6000 CL32-38-38-96 1.40V) - https://www.gskill.com/product/165/390/1665020956/F5-6000J3238G32GX2-TZ5NR If those are not available anywhere, then yeah, you may have to locate alternatives, likely to be ones with slower speed and/or timings. If you have to decide between slightly slower 64GB or fast 32GB, then IMO I'd go for the former (more capacity), as speed/latency can't help you once the RAM capacity limits are reached in-game (applies to online busy servers mostly, which can and will take over 32GB of RAM).

They're going down in price and will slowly continue so, because people aren't buying them (too expensive for a 12GB 192-bit mem bus GPU) unlike what Nvidia expected. Regardless, it'll be a stellar GPU for 1440P as you intend it, so go for it if you can afford it. Or wait a bit more, prices are expected to be better within next couple of months.

Unless that brand new RTX3070 8GB (or 3070Ti 8GB) is at a good discounted price (like $750 CAD or whereabouts), you'd be wise to pass it up and grab the RTX3080 10GB or 12GB, as it's considerably faster and what I'd consider "the minimum ideal" for DCS right now. My case, for example. I had an RX5700XT 8GB, which is on par with an RTX2070 8GB (similar to your RTX2060 Super). It became nearly unusable with DCS, while still okay for other sims/games I use. I've upgraded to an RTX3060Ti 8GB (within RTX3070 stock performance after undervolting), I gained about 25% performance - not bad at all, but in time disapointment became evident considering the salty price, even knowing it was to be an interim upgrade. It was really good (even at 4K) while DCS 2.56 was around, but it was constantly choking once DCS 2.7 and its later OB updates were out (and can only imagine now with the even heavier DCS 2.8). Then upgraded to an RTX3090 24GB (about 10% faster than an RTX3080 10GB), at stock clocks/voltages it was imediately 50% (+/-) faster than the RTX3060Ti with most sims/games I use, including DCS. It increased a bit even more, after undervolting (another 5%+ gained, and something that anyone should consider doing to their own GPU). That's a tremendous (really huge) gain in performance, a propper upgrade, far more than even I expected after so many months watching benchmarks and reviews. If I knew better, I wouldn't have had the RTX3060Ti in the first place. BTW, the RTX3090 was bought used (700,00 €ur = $1000 CAD). Take that for what you will, but I think it should be in your mind (and anyone else's) if you want to invest on a new GPU, and intending to keep it for the next 4 years. Getting a "okay" GPU, just because it's a bit more affordable, isn't really a good investiment if in just two major updates of DCS it isn't going to cut it anymore... So, get the very best you can get for your budget. Used (2nd hand), if need be. Concern with miners and tricksters messing the used market is there but, right now, a 2nd hand GPU (mint condition) for 2/3 to 1/2 of the brand new price is the way to go, IMO.

Have a look mate, maybe it can help:

That happens for some reasons, and memory leak issues could well be one of them. But one of the reasons is certainly the absurd size and format of textures, which are humongous. It's 4K (4096 pixels x 4096 pixels) on pretty much everything, skins of aircraft, missiles, bombs, trucks, tanks, and... I really mean everything. Sometimes even 8K (8192x8192 pixels). And it's not just in Diffuse, but also in Specular and Bump maps (contrary to what is seen for most games, which usually are half and even quarter size). Now most textures are also 32-bit, and DXT5 DDS file formats used on textures with no transparencies at all (could have been DXT1 and 8-bit, multiple times smaller and no difference visually in-game to 99% of users). Too many textures now surpass 22MB each (there's hundreds , if not thousands of them), and a number of them actually surpass 100MB (again, that's for each texture file). Multiply that to the number of objects, terrain and etc (which are always growing in number for each new or upgrade model, and new module, filling your game installation), how it affects VRAM and the huge files loading on and off (and on RAM, from the drive as well), and yeah.... That's why 64GB of RAM has been prefered for a while. It somewhat disguises the problem. Add all that, and now there's also one reason to why the game takes longer to load the scenary. Huge game instalation size with gazillions of big files loading... Then the exaggerated "Preload Radius" settings (makes no sense to use it over 50000) that some ramp up to the max unknowingly, and it gets even worse for RAM. DCS eats VRAM from GPUs very easily (FWIW, at 4K screen resolution, I see over 10GB all the time, and over 15GB quite often - used, not allocated). Most people don't have GPUs with more than 10GB, so once the game has no more VRAM to eat, it's the RAM that gets used next (which is much, much slower as well). And then 32GB of RAM get to be fully used, then the pagefile (which needs to be 32GB+ because of this) is the next victim, and that one is even slower (even if that's on a good NVME drive). I have 64GB of RAM for a long time now and, while it helped a lot, the occasional stuttering issues only really seemed to stop when I also got an RTX3090 (24GB of VRAM). It shouldn't be this necessary. BTW, about the F-14 Tomcat... IMHO, these are really mandatory for the F-14B: HB F-14B External Texture Optimization - Part 1 and also HB F-14B External Texture Optimization - Part 2 And for VR Users probably this one as well: F-14 VR Ultimate Xperience (F14VUX) Unfortunately, these can not be used online on servers with "pure textures" enabled. Still, the F-14 Tomcat at least had users doing optimizations freely on their own, to assist a problem regarding performance related to file sizes. But on most modules (and non-usable aircraft and vehicles) that probably will never happen, and issues will always occur. As long as texture artists get so inlove with their own work, that they completely forget about the issues that overkill detail and consequent bigger file size does create, we'll all have these problems, regardless of hardware - it's just far more or less pronounced, depending of it.

OK, good then. Hold on tight, this will be veeeery loooong... I hope not to disapoint, but the best list for a full system with quality components that I can present is....... £1320,28 I'm really sorry if it surpasses a little the budget goal you have, but this is justifiable, IMHO. Next, I'm going to list parts for a full system considering your budget, and I'll explain/justify each part along the way, for the "why the specific choice of each part". I'll also list links for AMAZON.UK, merely as example and because they currently have a big stock with very competitive prices for these parts. Of course, feel free to take reference of models and their codes/numbers, buy them wherever you prefer: CPU (Processor): £203.99 --- Intel Core13th Gen i5-13400F Desktop Processor 10 Core (6 P-Core + 4 E-Core), 20 MB Cache, up to 4.6 GHz, LGA1700 https://www.amazon.co.uk/Intel-Core13th-i5-13400F-Desktop-Processor/dp/B0BN61LYFB/ref=sr_1_1?crid=36VCWER02C1PC&keywords=13400F&qid=1676654885&sprefix=13400f%2Caps%2C95&sr=8-1 This is the current "budget" mid-range gaming champion, better/faster in both Single and Multi Threading than the closest direct competitor, the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X (it's closer to the AMD Ryzen 7 5700X). Intel is also far less fussy with memory (and latency as well) than AMD, so it'll also allow you to go for a RAM kit with slightly more relaxed timings (lower prices on these) with no performance worries. Also, this particular processor (and the respective motherboard below) is not meant for overclocking (it's "locked"), which is ideal in your case as a beginner. This makes it more affordable, no money wasted on what you won't use nor miss. NOTE: careful when installing the CPU in the motherboard, be gentle and careful (to not damage the pins in the motherboard, where the processor sits in) - quick tutorial HERE. CPU cooler: £24.90 --- Thermalright Burst Assassin 120 (BA120), 6 Heat Pipes, TL-C12C PWM Quiet Fan CPU Cooler With S-FDB Bearing, LGA1700 compatible https://www.amazon.co.uk/Thermalright-Assassin-Heatpipes-technology-TL-C12C/dp/B0B8Z9ZDMV/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=thermalright%2Bassassin%2Bspirit%2B120&qid=1676655426&refinements=p_36%3A428445031&rnid=428432031&s=computers&sprefix=thermalright%2Bassasin%2Caps%2C91&sr=1-1&th=1 The Intel i5 13400F processor is not really a hot temperature chip but, still, a good cooler is always a necessity when pushing it with demanding tasks. This particular CPU cooler, while being very affordable, will more than surpass any demanding requirements for this system, and likely the very best for that low price. And is easy to install. Motherboard: £173.99 --- MSI PRO B760-P WIFI DDR4 https://www.amazon.co.uk/MSI-PRO-B760-P-WIFI-DDR4/dp/B0BJW1G7VN/ref=sr_1_2?crid=F140M56R3DEZ&keywords=MSI+PRO+B760+D4+motherboard&qid=1676654857&s=computers&sprefix=msi+pro+b760+d4+motherboard%2Ccomputers%2C75&sr=1-2 Seeing the chosen processor above (Intel i5 13400F), the B760 motherboards are an imediate choice. The best budget B760 (ATX) motherboard to get is the MSI PRO B760-P. The DDR4 version I list here is less expensive than the DDR5 version (as is DDR4 memory in comparison to DDR5, which I'll list next below), and is a better choice for this system to fit your budget. RAM (memory): £89.47 --- Kingston FURY Renegade 32 GB (2x 16 GB) DDR4 3600 CL16 - KF436C16RB1K2/32 https://www.amazon.co.uk/Kingston-Renegade-32-Desktop-KF436C16RB1K2/dp/B097RJSVGX/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3O69JKDQNY6W7&keywords=Kingston+FURY+Renegade+32+GB+(2+x+16+GB)+3600+MHz+DDR4+CL16+KF436C16RB1K2%2F32&qid=1676677693&s=computers&sprefix=kingston+fury+renegade+32+gb+2+x+16+gb+3600+mhz+ddr4+cl16+kf436c16rb1k2%2F32%2Ccomputers%2C148&sr=1-1 Please remember to get into the BIOS and make sure the XMP profile for this memory is selected. If it's not, then manually select it, then save settings to BIOS, and reboot. Otherwise you won't get the desired RAM kit full speed (note, this is normal procedure for any RAM kit) - refer to the motherboard's manual, in the BIOS section. I got to say, it's a crying shame your budget didn't extend further, say, another £100 more, as a 64GB kit (for even more memory capacity) of similar DDR4 spec of RAM would instead be chosen (like this one). Anyway, respecting the budget target, that's a good 32GB capacity DDR4 memory kit (Kingston Fury Renegade) at 3600 Mhz speed with 16-20-20-40 timings at 1.35V. This is plenty fast and a good match with the i5 13400F. Storage: €140.15 --- WD_BLACK 2TB SN770 M.2 2280 PCIe Gen4 NVMe Gaming SSD https://www.amazon.co.uk/WD_BLACK-SN770-2280-Gaming-speed/dp/B09QV5KJHV/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=sn+770+2tb&qid=1676677024&s=computers&sr=1-4 I've selected this 2TB Dram-less NVME SSD because this one is very fast (both reads and writes) for system and games in same drive, plus it's very reliable, while being affordable. There isn't any better for the price. 2TB was chosen because it's plenty big storage size for both the system (Windows) and DCS, and your archives (and other games) for quite a while, which is something a single 1TB can not provide for long. GPU (graphics card): £479.99 --- MSI GeForce RTX 3060 Ti GAMING X 8G LHR https://www.amazon.co.uk/MSI-GeForce-Graphics-1770MHz-DisplayPort/dp/B096SLMXK9/ref=sr_1_6?crid=32ZT5Q7WQ058A&keywords=rtx%2B3060ti&qid=1676671137&s=computers&sprefix=rtx%2B3060ti%2Ccomputers%2C83&sr=1-6&th=1 Probably the most important component (and most expensive!) in any gaming system, and the Nvidia RTX3060Ti is the best GPU that can fit in your budget. You're running a monitor with 1920x1080 screen resolution, and this GPU will be absolutely fantastic for that, more so with this system. There are AMD equivalents to it such as the RX 6700XT 12GB, which can be found slightly cheaper, but I didn't recommend it because DCS is very Nvidia biased. This specific Nvidia RTX3060Ti model of MSI that I've selected is the best dual-fan model of 3060Ti available in the market (AFAIK), matching plenty triple-fan models that it competes with (which are more expensive and not particularly worth it in comparison, IMO). PSU (Power Supply Unit): £89.95 --- EVGA Supernova 650 G6 Power Supply, 80+ Gold, 650W, Fully Modular https://www.amazon.co.uk/Supernova-Power-Supply-Modular-Tester/dp/B093Q9K1RC/ref=sr_1_3?crid=31B3R55Z3ILTE&keywords=650W+GOLD&qid=1676673365&sprefix=650w+gol%2Caps%2C100&sr=8-3 This particular PSU model of EVGA is the best Seasonic-made 650W PSU on the market, ironically not sold by Seasonic themselves. Better built than even Seasonic's own Focus GX, even matching (and beating) more expensive competition like the Corsair RM/RMx, and is 80+Gold standard. The 650W capacity surpasses what this system needs and that is ideal, leaving plenty safe margin. Computer ATX Case: £79.99 --- Fractal Design Meshify C - 2x Fans included - USB3.0 – Tinted Tempered Glass – Black https://www.amazon.co.uk/FRACTAL-FD-CA-MESH-C-BKO-TGL-Airflow-Compact-Tempered/dp/B074DQVB97/ref=sr_1_21?crid=27YYWVCN6C1L9&keywords=FRACTAL%2BATX%2BCASE&qid=1676658073&s=computers&sprefix=fractal%2Batx%2Bcase%2Ccomputers%2C79&sr=1-21&th=1 There may be more affordable PC cases (ultra low budget), even ones with many (crappy) flashy fans included, but 99% of them are pure trash and should be avoided. In the end, it was between this Fractal Meshify-C and the NZXT H5 Flow (also very good), the two best PC ATX cases under £90, in my opinion. This one is slightly cheaper (£80) and allows more added fans in comparison. It already comes with one fan in the front (for cool air in) and one in the back (for hot air out). It's very well built, good quality and air flow, space, and room for cable management. NOTE: careful with the tempered glass side cover, as always with any case with such part (as most are)... it's glass, it can break... PC case fans (x2): £11.98 --- 2x ARCTIC P12 (120 mm Case Fan, Max Fan Speed 1800 RPM, Black) https://www.amazon.co.uk/Arctic-P12-Pressure-optimised-120-Case/dp/B07GB16RK7?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1&psc=1 Please note that the Fractal Meshify-C comes with two fans, but it can take two more in the front (for bigger air in) and also two more on top (for bigger air out). I strongly recommend to install two more in the front, separately and in addition. Therefore, I'm listing a model (Arctic P12) that is inexpensive but very effective - get two of them, install them in the case correctly, plug them in the motherboard, off you go. NOTE: if confused about the correct orientation for a fan, the "fully open" side (no fence over the blades) is the one sucking in the air. Operating System (O.S.): £25.87 --- WINDOWS 11 PRO X64 (SERIAL KEY TO LEGALLY REGISTER YOUR OS) https://uk.gvgmall.com/software-cdkey/microsoft-windows-11-pro-oem-cd-key-global.html You'll need to install an operating system on your new computer, Windows 11 x64 (= 64 bit) is recommended with these systems. I prefer the "Pro" version, as the serial key price of it is usually just £2 more than the regular "Home" version (that one is also available in that website if prefered). Before the process of building a PC, you should take care of this. To prepare your Windows installation get a USB pen (a flash drive) with at least 8GB of space (note, it'll be formated). Then create the bootable USB pen of Windows 11 (which you'll use to create a fresh installation of Windows on the new PC) with Media Creation Tools, from Microsoft. There are many written and video tutorials on the internet if you look for it (one HERE, for example). At some point a key will be asked to register your Windows, you insert that serial key you bought... Next.... Done. And there it is. This is, I think, the very best you can squeeze within that budget objective. Again, I'm sorry if it slightly surpasses your budget, but it's close enough. I'm utterly confident it'll do fine, as I recently assisted for an identical system of a friend with whom I usually fly with in DCS (and uses 1920x1080 screen resolution).

It depends on how much you're willing to spend on the GPU (= video card) and how long you intend to keep it. It also depends on how you feel about buying used products (far better deals, IMHO), or if it really needs to be a brand new product (safer, but you pay a lot more for it). You want to upgrade from an RTX2060 Super 8GB and have a 750W PSU.... in my similar experience, anything less than an RTX3080 10GB will feel like a "meh" upgrade. There are AMD equivalents to it, like the RX 6800XT 16GB, which may be found cheaper. But I don't recommend it for DCS (the game is very Nvidia biased, plus the transition to AMD drivers can be a bit fussy for those coming from Nvidia, like you are). I sound like a broken record everytime a similar post to yours comes up in these forums but, as of today, used graphics cards (specifically RTX 3080 10GB or 12GB, and RTX3090 24GB) is where the value is at, IMHO. Because the "brand new tax" in the current insane GPU market for higher-end products is absolutely horrible. I see you're located in Canada, so I'll use CAD currency to make a point... RTX3080 10GB brand new = $1.300 CAD (+/-) RTX3080 10GB used (2nd hand) = $800 CAD (+/-) You see, the main problem is the GPU market is in a pitiful state, and I do not think a brand new RTX3080 10 or 12 GB is worth the price that they still go for. Therefore, I recommend a used RTX3080 10GB or 12GB on Ebay and etc. Plenty at "buy it now" also with "or make an offer" (always better if you can negotiate). If you decide to go that route, be patient and look for those from trusted sellers and at the right price (always enquire them), they're there for sure. If you see a good deal and need an opinion, feel free to drop me a message.

Two aspects and questions required so that we can assist you better: Not being an experienced builder is the first barrier that will hurt your options, if on a restricted budget. It's far better and cheaper to buy all the parts separately (and from different sources), and then mount the parts yourself (something you're not ready yet to do). Do you know anyone (friend, family member, or PC shop of your choice) who can assist you by mounting the parts from a list that we give you, to build a PC gaming tower from the ground up? You mention you already have a monitor. What is the screen resolution and refresh-rate of that monitor? (for example: 2560x1440 144Hz) If not sure on that, please check the brand and model of that monitor.

Have to say, 80€ for a CH HOTAS combo, both with upgraded electronics plus hall sensors, and shipping in EU included... that's a very good deal! I used to rock one of these. Even if the stick doesn't have a twist function for rudder, that's an excelent HOTAS right there for a beginner or someone returning to the hobby (or looking for a cheap backup). Anyone looking into a sub-100€ HOTAS, should definitely take a chance here - I have done deals with Vincent in the past and can vouch for him.

128GB of RAM, that's quite a lot! What frequency/latency is that RAM? ...price will vary accordingly. The i7 8086K was a special (high bin) edition of the i7 8700K (6c/12t) and was the best consumer CPU in its time (late 2017 to mid 2018), awesome for OC'ing. The Asus Maximus X Formula was also an excelent motherboard (also awesome for OC'ing), same for the Thermaltake Riing 360 AIO. Corsair Graphite 760T even if completely out of fashion these days, it was a very good (and expensive) case and will do fine. The problem, as you suspect, is that you're selling a top of the line spec system base of some 5 years ago. It has still plenty of life usage in it and pretty good performance for sure, but yeah... any latest mid-range system can now easily match it. If sold separately, the parts are worth more, but it'll probably take longer. Unfortunately, if selling as a package with all the parts together, price will have to fit below prices of latest mid-range systems. It's all open to speculation, but for a "package with all the parts together" sale I'd say around 800€: >170€ for the I7 8086K processor (but is worth a LOT more for collectionists). >150€ for the Asus Maximus X Formula motherboard. ~100€ for the Thermaltake Riing 360 AIO >100€ for the Corsair Graphite 760T case. 300€ to 600€ for the RAM, depending on the specs of that DDR4 128GB kit. Then there's the shipping prices... it's not going to be cheap considering total weight and size, if selling and sending it altogether. You don't mention if the GPU is going to be sold but, FYI, a used RTX3080Ti alone (in mint condition) is still worth ≥650€. Maybe consider a base starting price for bidding on Ebay, with a "Make a direct offer" option along with the auction? If you do so, announce it to your fellow DCS forum members, posting the link for it in the "For Sale" section here.

Yep, Bitmaster has a point. In my opinion, 650W and an RTX3080 may work ok in principle if you undervolt the RTX3080. Doing that, you'll reduce its voltage/wattage requirements substancially, as well as temperatures, and all without noticing performance loss. Running the stock (high!) voltages to ensure factory boost clocks, I think it'll be very tight with 650W and risk long term reliability, so definitely undervolt it. It's something that is recommended for any high range GPU, really, so worth doing anyway regardless of PSU in the system.

Right now a great option for a kit of DDR5 64GB is probably this one (black or white, your pick): https://www.gskill.com/product/165/374/1665644504/F5-6400J3239G32GX2-TZ5RK https://www.gskill.com/product/165/374/1665644571/F5-6400J3239G32GX2-TZ5RS With Intel 12th and 13th gen you can use it as is (XMP ready) or try to overclock it (6800 CL32 and faster is possible, but then 6400 CL32 is already plenty fast). With AMD 7000 series (AM5) it can also be used but needs to be downclocked to 6000 CL30, by manually adjust timings (and CL28 may also be possible, I suspect). This particular kit is Hynix M-die (as are the higher binned 6000 CL30 kits) which means it's the good stuff, and costs around $380. From there on things get really expensive - enter the law of diminishing returns. Better than this is Hynix A-die (usually 7600Mhz CL34 and better) but then that goes for double the price(!), and 64GB kits for that speed/latency are rare as hen's teeth. These ultra expensive kits for Intel 12th/13th gen are simply not worth the price, not at the moment, and not for simulation games such as DCS.

Absolutely. Anything over 85% is pushing the GPU, thermally and performance wise (not to mention electricity cost as it ramps wattage up!). Aim at 75% ~ 85%, and set your game settings for that GPU usage percentage. That way, you also have margin for a framerate hit in certain unplanned situations (explosions, low altitude over forests and towns, etc).

As much as I like the RTX3060Ti 8GB (I had one for a while), it isn't a Quest2 VR capable GPU for DCS. You really want an RTX3080 10GB or better. With your system and Quest2 VR, an RTX3080 will boost immensely your DCS experience, great stop-gap upgrade that'll do the trick, until you can plan a total system upgrade. You'll notice that it's still very hard to get a brand new RTX3080 10 or 12 GB below the £700 mark (the insanity of the GPU market) and for that price I don't think it's worth it. So, get a used RTX3080 (10GB or 12GB) currently going for around £420 (probably less if you can negotiate or go into bidding auctions) on Ebay and etc. Be patient and look for those from trusted sellers and at the right price, they're there for sure. You don't mention what PSU you have. 750W+ is recomended for the RTX3080 so, if you decide to get one, make sure you have a good PSU for it.

Hmmmm... This is going to be long bare with me... Intel 12th gen is 2021. There is a newer generation after that, released in 4th quarter 2022 and it's faster - Intel 13th gen ("Raptor Lake") and respective Z790 motherboards. You want an Intel system and, in my opinion and as of today, a good one for DCS and gaming in general would be something like this: CPU (Processor): Intel 13th gen "Raptor Lake", either the i5 13600K or the i7 13700K. Also note that either of these two Intel CPUs also exhist in "KF" versions - only difference here is no onboard graphics, and that makes them slightly less expensive. There isn't much difference (if any) for DCS and gaming in general. So it's hard to justify going for anything higher than the i5 13600K, if that's the only use case. But if it's meant to be used for many years and especially if you're frequently streaming, or doing heavy workloads, VMs, etc, then yeah the i7 13700K is totally justifiable. CPU cooler: Very important for Intel 13th gen "K" processors - make very sure that whatever you get is a newer version with LGA 1700 compatibility, no matter the brand/model. A few personal recommendations: If you prefer air cooling (best value choice, and if not overclocking) - Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 (ARGB or non-ARGB). If you prefer liquid cooling (better choice if overclocking)- Arctic Liquid Freezer II 280 or 360 (ARGB or non-ARGB). Motherboard: I see you're a fan of ASUS motherboards, but they haven't been the most stable (BIOS issues and mem instability with XMP have occured) with 12th and 13th gen Intel. I'm a sucker for MSI (they still are the most consistent in quality, and great compatibility), so I'd recommend the MSI MAG Z790 TOMAHAWK WIFI DDR5. RAM: DDR5 6400 CL32 is the sweet spot for Intel 13th gen, and 64GB total memory size is the most recommended for DCS. There aren't many of such kits around, but the ones available are great (Hynix M die, good stuff) and usually cost around $370. I'd recommend this kit: G.SKILL Trident Z5 RGB 64GB DDR5 6400 CL32 - F5-6400J3239G32GX2-TZ5RK Besides in black, it's also available in white (the "S" final word in the part n. determines that), your pick. Storage: NVMe gen4, either 1TB (minimum) or 2TB (ideal). If your preference is for Samsung, then the 980Pro is excelent indeed, but avoid the newer Samsung 990 models (RMAs gallore!). An alternative is the Corsair MP600 Force series if you find the 1TB and 2TB models at discounted prices - fast and durable, no difference in DCS or any other games. Avoid any cheaper model that is Dram-less, even if low prices are tempting (only exception is the WD Black SN770, it's great considering price), especially if you're going to use Windows and DCS in the same drive. GPU (graphics card): Nvidia for sure, which one will depend mostly on the screen(s) resolution you're using (or if using VR). You chose the RTX 4080 16GB - that's excelent, right now the 2nd fastest available in the market. Any RTX4080 model is good, go for whichever is most affordable. However, if you're intending to keep a GPU for four years or more, and/or a VR junkie and not caring about expense, then get the very best - RTX 4090 24GB. PSU (Power Supply Unit): ≥ 1000W top rated model from renowned manufacturer, "80+Gold" (minimum) or "80+ Platinum" (preferable), and better if newest ATX 3.0 spec (though not mandatory). You've chosen a Corsair RM1000e and that's a good choice for a i5 13600K (or i7 13700K) and RTX4080 16GB system. There are some excelent alternatives to it that are newer ATX3.0 specification, such as the Bequiet! Pure Power 12M 1000W and the MSI MPG A1000G PCIE5. That said, if going for a far pricier i7 13700K and RTX4090 24GB system, and even if these mentioned PSUs work quite OK there, perhaps to consider a good 1200W or 1300W PSU wouldn't be a bad move (slight overkill but sure to last reliably, even be used on a following system). Computer ATX Case: Best build quality and airflow for lowest price, I don't think there's any better than the Lian Li LANCOOL III.

We're talking +20% gaming performance improvement in general (about the same in DCS, I suspect) but well over 45% in multithreaded workloads - this is where it'll excel. That's the good news. Now the bad news.... The i9 13900K runs very, very hot when pushed, so that means that, on top of the motherboard and etc, you may also have to consider even better cooling. You can, of course, consider Z790 D4 motherboards, in case you wish to re-use your current DDR4 RAM from that system, saving a bit in the upgrade process. The thing is, when all is said and done, we're talking close to, if not beyond, $1000 (doing quick math, $590+ for the processor, $290+ for the motherboard, $170+ for the 360AIO cooler).... all done for "brute force problem disguising", for a simulator/game with real and specific optimization issues (multicore + vulkan can't come quick enough!). So, the TLDR: yes it will make a difference (especially with that RTX4090) but not enough to justify the investment, IMHO.

Certainly looks like a PSU related issue, not really something caused by fans (which is odd IMO).