LucShep

It depends what are your user needs/preferences, more than just budget (though of course value for money is important). The Nvidia RTX 5080 16GB is just too costly for what it is, IMO it makes no sense at current "real" prices on any of its versions. The AMD RX 7900XTX 24GB is indeed an interesting proposition because of the much bigger VRAM buffer (24GB). But then the performance is somewhat equivalent to the new RX 9070XT while being considerably more expensive than it, it also runs hotter (higher power consumption), plus it's limited to FSR3 (which is far lower quality), and when the newer RX9000 series are getting all the focus from AMD for driver updates now, it then makes it less appealing. Instead, I'd suggest getting an Nvidia RTX 5070Ti 16GB or an RTX 4080 Super 16GB, if you can get one priced up to $100 more than the AMD RX 9070XT 16GB. If the price difference gets bigger than that, then I'd entertain the idea of an RX 9070XT 16GB acquisition. Overall, for a 4K resolution screen, any of these three mentioned GPUs will satisfy. If you intend to use DLSS upscaler (and maybe also its Frame Generation) either Nvidia model will, of course, be the imediate choice. But, with the AMD RX 9070XT you can force FSR4 with similar result, through the drivers, on games that haven't adopted FSR4 - that is, if the game supports older version of FSR. And if it doesn't, and the game of your choice only supports DLSS, then there's also also Optiscaler to go around that if with AMD (see video demo here). If considering VR use later, then either Nvidia model will surely be a better choice. But that doesn't mean the new AMD RX 9070XT won't work "good enough" in VR (see here).

Really? ...So updates of Windows 10 are no longer breaking WMR ??

Nice one. Another happy Sennheiser user. PS: yep that's it. The audio crackles and gets wonky if the connector is not all way in and correctly put/secure (as per instructions, if confused). Once that's done, the skies open and the dark clouds are gone. PS2: if you ever need cables or ear-pads replacements, they're sold separately as well in Amazon.

Yeah, that is a good remark. The advantage of a CPU like that could be that you can alocate every "non-gaming" application to the "non-X3D" CCD, freeing the CCD with the 3D V-cache just for DCS. A bit like you can do with Intel CPUs with E-Cores, freeing the P-Cores for DCS.

300.00EUR is a huge difference between those Ryzen 9 chips It shouldn't be more than 150.00EUR between 9950X (~660€) and the new 9950X3D (~810€). You sure to be searching for best prices? But maybe it's the "novelty factor" of the 9950X3D inflating prices(?), and the 9950X appearing with discounts....

That's a 300$+ headset, way above the budget in OT. Sennheiser / EPOS has closed their "gaming" division (see here) and with significant discounted prices on those models for that reason. So, getting an E6PRO (either Open or Closed versions seem very good) that now goes for less than half the launch price (was 190$+ then) is a good decision, IMO.

If you're using the most recent (beta) release of OpenTrack then it could be it, people have considered it buggy (even the author alerts for it) https://github.com/opentrack/opentrack/releases I'd suggest to install version 2023.3.0, or 2023.2.0, or 2023.1.0, or even 2022.3.2 (further down in the page), see if it helps.

As I said, I always go for open back because, for me, I just prefer the wider soundstage that usually provides (personal preference) and the sound leaking doesn't bother me. But again, YMMV, some people need the sound isolation of closed-back (family sleeping next door while you're with loud audio, or if it's noisy outside during the day, etc). If you prefer closed back, then perhaps have a look to the Sennheiser EPOS H6PRO Closed (sold at Amazon, and it's at discount price now: LINK) https://youtu.be/smL5ZJhNNAE?t=250 (comparison of Sennheiser EPOS PC38X vs H6PRO Closed) https://youtu.be/elT2-DVmi1o?si=UBbZJA1lL9GijWwj (same author, re-review after a year of daily use) I now notice they also have the same headphone in open-back version, the Sennheiser EPOS H6PRO Open (also sold at Amazon, also at discount price now: LINK) Sennheiser makes great headphones (yes, I'm a fanboy) and it seems you can't go wrong with either one of these. I'd say just get what seems to suit your needs better. And remember, you can always adjust the bass/mids/treble if necessary (soundcard settings should have an equalizer, if not there are 3rd party apps).

BTW, I didn't even know Sennheiser made a gaming headset but, knowing that they never made a "bad" headphone, I suspect this might be a really good pick: Sennheiser Drop + EPOS PC38X Gaming Headset (sold at Amazon if more convenient: LINK)

As others have said, you should (definitely) not get all content at once. That's just crazy!! Get the one aircraft module that you've always admired/lusted the most, above all others, and build your "DCS pilot career" from there. You can even trial for a few days an aircraft module before buying it, then decide if it's worth it for you. Perhaps get a terrain/map that you feel matches your preference and/or that aircraft. Perhaps also get a campaign for it in the process, if the standard provided ones (or the free user made missions that you can download) are not enough. You have to understand that DCS World is better understood as a common base platform for all the aircraft modules, and that each (be it fixed-wing or rotary) can almost be considered as a separate game on itself. And then the various maps that you can add separately, to explore and fight on, can provide all kinds of different colors (figuratively, not literally) and scenarios for each module. Chuck's DCS guides are an absolute must (more so than ones shipped with each module, IMO), a valuable learning asset to anyone investing in a full-fidelity module of DCS. It'll take months until you become anywhere close to proficient and, even then, at times you'll probably feel as barely scratching the surface. You learn a lot, and that's also part of the rewarding "be patient" experience.... The "hoarding of content" really isn't, that's missing the point. Very often I feel as I tried to eat more than I can chew, I shouldn't have went with "yet another module" when I'm very, very far of being done with any that I already had. But, hey... I'm just human, and curiosity (and ED's periodic sales with discount!) sometimes takes the best of me! LOL

It does have an adapter, but it was badly designed with the onboard (motherboard) soundcards in mind (and it's absolute trash through onboard soundcard then, IMO). I'm not sure your Creative soundcard have the same spacing/positioning between mic/headphone outputs as this, so it might be tricky.... Better idea is to use these gaming headsets through USB on the back of motherboard, as they're intended.

HyperX Cloud II are a very safe purchase, still up there and better than the newer model replacing it (Cloud III), to me anyway. If you're looking for a gaming+surround headset, I don't think you can get better for around its price, honestly. And it even comes with two different sets of earpads (velour and pleather) to suit personal preference. Pretty robust too (Logitech's seemed fragile in comparison). EDIT: note that the HyperX Cloud II has its own built in USB "amp/soundcard", like the SteelSeries and the Logitech too, as usual with gaming+surround headsets. While you can plug it (the Logitech too) directly to your Creative soundcard headphone port, the Cloud II now has a single jack for both mic/sound (for PS/Xbox) and you lose the surround and the separate volume adjusters. Still... listening and feeling a Beyerdynamic DT990Pro headphone is something else. I've had three of them (their reliability isn't great), still my fav headphone below 200$. The Sennheiser HD-599/SE is a very close 2nd (for me) and what I've ended with, after lots of Sony, AKG, Samson, SuperLux, Koss, and Shure. But the Philips SHP9600 is just unbeatable for the price (at less than half of these two I mentioned), also a good and safe purchase if you're curious about this type of headphone ("semi-open", stereo, studio type) and don't want to spend too much. That is while it's still in stock, as Philips has discontinued it.

Yep, that's it. https://www.soundguys.com/open-back-vs-closed-back-headphones-12179/ Basically, how much isolation you're looking for. Both solutions can also sound a bit different and feel a little more/less hot in the ears (if you imagine the very same model in the two versions), so I can't say what is best for you. It's a matter of taste, preference and/or needs.

Frame Generation in unsupported games, and pratically with any GPU, can be achieved with 3rd party apps like Loseless Scalling. Notice that this isn't for VR, only for 2D (monitor, TV, etc). It's not a free app - it's sold on Steam - but, if you're into this, it's so cheap that (IMHO) is worth the purchase: https://store.steampowered.com/app/993090/Lossless_Scaling/ A couple of tutorials: Also, with Loseless Scalling you can now set Frame Generation as "Adaptive" instead of "Fixed" if you prefer (and another tutorial for this setting):

Yep! And TMSC also does chips not just for Nvidia, but also for CPUs and GPUs of AMD, and also Intel. Being the world's most valuable semiconductor company, producing for (pretty much) all major companies in the market, has some major drawbacks, especially for the end-user. Basically it's now like a bottleneck, they can't produce fast enough and cheap enough. And what can deliver highest margin once in the market is given priority over the rest (and gaming GPUs aren't it) by order of each manufacturer - the customers of TSMC. What we need right now is more manufacturing capacity, but alas.... Buildzoid recently posted a video about this:

hmmmmmm let me prophesize RTX6000 series for you...? RTX6090: MSRP 1999$ - street price 4500$ RTX6080: MSRP 1299$ - street price 2500$ RTX6070Ti: MSRP 1049$ - street price 1600$ RTX6070: MSRP 849$ - street price 1200$ "Impossible without AI..." The more you buy, the more you save"....

I really just prefer good old stereo studio biased "open" headphones, that can be tuned to taste if your DAC has an equalizer, or otherwise use EQ-APO app for PC. I'd recommend Beyerdynamic DT990Pro, or Sennheiser HD-599SE, or Philips SHP9600, with a separate mic similar to Modmic (this one is too expensive) or a cheap lapele mic. For gaming headsets with surround that can work for music listening, ones I tried and didn't find bad at all are the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro, Logitech G Pro X Wired Gaming and HyperX Cloud II.

Depends on what you're looking for... Gaming headset with 3D (5.1) surround? Audiophile stereo headphones with mic?

A new GPU upgrade must be one that is at least 40% faster than the one being replaced, otherwise it's too little of an improvement for the cost. So, to upgrade your GPU, you'd be looking at an Nvidia RTX4080/S 16GB or RTX5070Ti 16GB, or AMD RX9070XT 16GB. Those are currently very expensive (look at their prices). You're still fine at 1440P (2560x1440) with the RTX4070 12GB. Honestly, and as I said above, I'd just get the 32'' 1440P gaming monitor and enjoy it.

In case you missed it, this was posted on the VR section - RX9070XT running DCS in VR (Quest3):

OK, finally the first RX9070XT experience with VR related on video. Thanks for posting!

You don't mention budget, but at least we know a very important component for the monitor choice - the GPU you have (RTX4070). Regarding monitor resolution, I'd suggest to get a 32 inches monitor that is 1440P (2560x1440), and to avoid any that is 4K (3840x2160). Reason being, your RTX4070 is not meant for 4K resolutions, even if there is DLSS support in many games (including DCS) that may allow for some 4K gaming experience with it. The problem here is, at 4K resolution, the 12GB of VRAM on your RTX4070 will be exhausted much, much quicker, which is something you want to avoid. The 1440P resolution still provides great image at a 32 inches screen size, and will be much better handled there. Regarding screen refresh-rate, you'll notice 144Hz, 165Hz and 240hz will be the most common for gaming monitors of 32-inch size and 1440P resolution. Regardless, noone sees the benefits of maxxing such high refresh-rates with flight sims, as it's unnecessary for the genre of game and becomes harder to run. As with any gaming monitor these days, what you should do is enable VRR (Gsync) and lock the max framerate in game to something like 120FPS, then let the panel do the rest. The last thing is the panel type on a monitor. The different types are TN, VA, IPS and OLED (also subdivided into WOLED and QDOLED). TN is more focused on fast image on very high refresh panels, fast response times and motion handling, not so much image quality, so it's not a good choice for flight-sims (not recommended). VA is more focused on high contrast and vibrant colors, but at a cost of motion handling (ghosting) and poor view angles, which you may notice and dislike with flight-sims (not recommended). IPS is more focused on color accuracy, motion handling, response times and better view angles, at a cost of lower contrast, and generally a great choice for flight-sims (recommended). OLED are the best for image quality (true blacks, no backlight bleeding, no glowing or blooming) and instantaneous response times, but very expensive and risk of burn-in (recommended, with that caveat). There are so many monitors always coming out, at any time, that it's hard to trace what is best or not. But I'd definitely recommend any of the following, having tried them all (some more recently than others): Asus ROG Swift PG329Q --- 32'' 1440P (2560x1440) 165Hz / OC 175Hz - IPS https://rog.asus.com/monitors/32-to-34-inches/rog-swift-pg329q-model/ Asus TUF Gaming VG32AQL1A --- 32'' 1440P (2560x1440) 165Hz / OC 170Hz - IPS https://www.asus.com/displays-desktops/monitors/tuf-gaming/tuf-gaming-vg32aql1a/ LG 32GP850-B --- 32'' 1440P (2560x1440) 165Hz / OC 180Hz - IPS https://www.lg.com/us/monitors/lg-32gp850-b-gaming-monitor LG 32GP750-B --- 32'' 1440P (2560x1440) 165Hz - IPS https://www.lg.com/us/monitors/lg-32gp750-b-gaming-monitor Gigabyte M32Q --- 32'' 1440P (2560x1440) 165Hz / OC 170Hz - IPS https://www.gigabyte.com/Monitor/M32Q#kf Gigabyte GS32Q --- 32'' 1440P (2560x1440) 165Hz / OC 170Hz - IPS https://www.gigabyte.com/Monitor/GS32Q#kf I'd say you can't really go wrong with any of these IPS gaming monitors (all are good) and they're not too expensive.

Ah, you followed the one with the 3D-printable parts to secure the cable. Nicely done!! Now the only thing missing is to hope for someone to get a mod for the WMR issue with updated Windows 11/10 installations..... Then it'd last forever, but that's another kettle of fish.

Yes, I think we all would like to know how the RX9070/XT go with DCS in 2D 1440P/4K and also VR. And how it compares to Nvidia's counterparts. My guess is that very few people playing DCS managed to get a RX9070/XT and, of those, they probably won't be looking into these forums nor posting benchmarks. Now with prices shooting up (see videos below about it), I guess we'll have to wait a little longer for that...

You can only use Windows Mixed Reality (WMR) with Windows 11 if it's version 23H2 (or older), and you pause/block all updates. If you're on Windows 11 version 24H2, then you'd have to revert/downgrade, by using an Windows 11 ISO image for version 23H2 and reinstal it. (I know, it's complicated) WMR was working with Windows 10 latest version (22H2), until the latest KB5052077 update of 25th February 2025 (a non-security update) has broken it there as well. To avoid it, any WMR user should imediately pause/block updates of Windows 10. WMR will no longer work now if you're installing any and all updates on Windows 10, same crappy situation as was already on Windows 11. If you want to block updates, you can do it with the Windows policy editor, or with simple third party apps like WUB (blocks all updates) or InControl (blocks only non-security updates). Any of these two apps work with both Win10 and Win11.