DCS Multiplayer Server Build

[BEASTO]

I'm thinking of building a server for DCS multiplayer. I've rented my own Arma 3 server in the past and have built all my own PC's, but I've never built a server at all. Perhaps what I have spec'd will be overkill. I'm looking to accomplish around 25-30 player slots before experiencing any noticeable performance issues— but realistically I'll probably cap server slots at 20-25 to maintain performance headroom. Any info or personal experience accounts would be greatly appreciated, especially if I might be neglecting a better and cheaper build that will work instead.

 

Here are the components I am considering:

 

MOBO: ASUS Z10PE-D16 WS (LGA 2011-v3) Intel C612 PCH

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813132416

 

CPU: Intel Xeon E5-2660 V4 2.0 GHz

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819117634

 

RAM: Crucial 4x16 DDR4

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA2F83MX9675

 

PSU: Athena 850W

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817104126

[Johnny_Rico]

Mobo is overkill

CPU is not fast enough

[BEASTO]

You say "faster", does that mean I would want a higher clock, a better overall benchmark, or a comparable clock with more cores? Could I just go with an i9-7960X (w/ CPU Benchmark 26,346) or go with a different Xeon such as the E5-2699 v4, 2.2 GHz (w/ CPU Benchmark 23,362)? I know I would have to go Xeon to use ECC RAM, I am assuming this would be vital for a server.

Xeon 2699: https://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu.php?cpu=Intel+Xeon+E5-2699+v4+%40+2.20GHz&id=2753

 

I agree my linked mobo is overkill now that I am looking through its extra or redundant features. I'll probably finalize on the cheapest X99 with 4 or 8 slot memory and appropriate clock limits for my RAM, but I'll have to hunt a bit.

Edited November 10, 2017 by BEASTO
link

[Johnny_Rico]

I would look at a faster CPU

DCS is single threaded, faster single core CPU speed is more important than more cores

 

tho benchmarks are for an 11 core CPU with HT, DCS will only ever use 1 of those if you are hosting a dcs server

[BEASTO]

Ah, ok. Thanks.

[Demon_]

The power supply is too big (850w) and crap (Tier 5 - NOT RECOMMENDED. Replace ASAP if you have one).

https://outervision.com/power-supply-calculator

Edited November 10, 2017 by Demon_

[BitMaster]

All of the above +1 !

 

maybe this: Asus Workstation Z270 or Z370 board, 7700k or 8700k, 32GB DDR4 3200, nvme drive and a 450-500W PSU of premium quality.

 

since its a game server you can skip all those "server must have" features like EEC, Dual PSU and Raid Controllers for drives but exchange that for more MHz at even less cost.

 

If money is an issue, you could even get a new i5.

 

 

I would personally buy a Ryzen with 4GHz/32-3200/Nvme

[BEASTO]

The power supply is too big (850w) and crap (Tier 5 - NOT RECOMMENDED. Replace ASAP if you have one).

https://outervision.com/power-supply-calculator

 

I have a Corsair RM750x PSU laying around as my backup I could use, I think it's gold rated.

 

The whole single threaded thing should've been obvious to me off the bat, but it does change a lot of needs and costs. I'll probably just upgrade my gaming rig and use my previous gaming build as an always-on host.

[Demon_]

The RM750x is made by CWT (Corsair's favorite OEM) with quality Japanese capacitors. Very good.

[Johnny_Rico]

Oh forgot to ask , which operating system will you be using because that will defo affect your mobo choice

[BEASTO]

The operating system I was planning on is Win 10 Professional.

[Johnny_Rico]

That gives you a bit more freedom in your mobo choices

If you wanted to use a proper server OS eg windows 2008 / 2012 server then

would have to buy a better mobo

[BEASTO]

Roger that on the OS.

 

Thanks for the tips, everyone. Very helpful.

[FlyingTexan]

So the server doesn't need a GPU? there are online server farms you can rent and some have i7 systems and a lot of memory and they go pretty cheap if you don't need a big GPU

[Johnny_Rico]

server needs a DX11 capable graphics device be it GFX card or onboard the CPU GPU