DCS Computer On A Budget

[FlankerMan]

I've been wondering what I really need for DCS (2.5 Beta, no VR). For a processor, I thought an Intel 9th Gen i7 or AMD Ryzen 2700, but I was wondering if I could make due with an 8th Gen i7 or a Ryzen 5 3500 or 3600. Likewise, for a graphics card, I was looking at the GTX 1660 Super or 1660 Ti, but would a normal 1660 work? And what would be the AMD Radeon equivalent to these?

[Harlikwin]

Depends on what you want to do.

 

Flat screen or VR? I'm assuming flat screen given your GFX card choice.

 

How long do you want it to be top of the line etc.

 

I'd say there isn't much difference for DCS performance between 8th and 9th gen intel, just make sure you get the unlocked K version.

 

1660ti and 2070 aren't too far apart performance wise, but there are increasingly large performance differences the further down the price scale you go.

[Paganus]

Good thoughts on the cpu. Even a recent gen I5 will do.

 

The fastest 32GB of RAM you can stomach. You can get by on 16 now but maybe not much longer.

 

SSD is essential.

 

A GFX card with at least 8GB of the fastest VRAM, which you'll only find on a high end card.

 

Search: GPU Hierarchy

 

I haven't built an AMD rig in years but a 3800x/3700x + RX-5700-XT looks like a lot of bang for the buck.

Edited December 17, 2019 by Paganus
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[FlankerMan]

I can't afford more than 16GB of RAM (even that much is a tad pricey), and nothing more expensive than the GTX 1660 Ti (preferably no more than the 1660 Super), but I could probably upgrade if the need arose.

[Svsmokey]

The 1660 Super seems to be the sweet spot . 2% less performance and $50 cheaper than the ti .

 

https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/nvidia-gtx-1660-ti-vs-gtx-1660-super-vs-gtx-1660/

 

If running 1080p , you should have no problem maintaining 60 fps , important for TrackIr .

 

Ryzen 3600 would deliver all the performance you need to drive it , and DCS , with with med/high settings (1080p , 60 hz )

[FlankerMan]

Thanks, sounds great! By the way, what are the MOST important parts of a computer for DCS? And, could I get away with 128GB SSD+1TB HDD? Finally, do any of you have an example of a good, DCS-capable desktop for no more than ~$900? I think it's possible, but it'd have to be on a good sale, and it'd still be tight.

[epokha]

3600 is great with DCS. Much better value than any equivalent Intel processor. DCS isn't really optimised for multi-core so frequency matters a lot and intel is still king with that but value wise it isn't worth it, no where close. AMD are killing it right now.

 

SSD is a must, they are cheaper now than ever 128GB is probably a bit small these days the I'd go 256GB or bigger. NVme drives are super cheap. Start there

 

Do you really need an HDD? I don't use them anymore, at least you can add that later, stream everything.

 

You don't really need 32GB of ram. It helps in big missions, but you can still turn things down and not notice it. 16GB is enough, but I would get 4 ram slots on a motherboard so you can add another 2 later. RAM speed is very marginal, go the sweet spot nothing more.

 

With video card, It really depends on, like others have mentioned if you are going 1080p or 1440p. 1080p is not enough, 1440p turned down is always better than 1080p with settings turned up.

 

The big thing should be spending money on parts that you will keep for a couple of cycles rather then what you get now. So monitor or CPU, a case that keeps your CPU cool so it doesn't temp throttle the CPU. You can make do turning things down for awhile with a decent 1440p monitor until you can afford a better video card which will be better and cheaper later on. Go big and and make sure its above 100hz at the very least. Make sure you look at reviews which test for ghosting. DCS is generally CPU limited rather than GFX.

 

Once you get a taste, you will buy more so may as well spend on what you will keep. This hobby will make you smile and suck you dry, don't fight it.

 

Oh and I forgot to mention. You can build this yourself. Buy the parts individually. Pre-made computers are for babies.

Edited December 18, 2019 by epokha

[Bob_Bushman]

SSD's have taken a hit in price I really wouldn't get less than 500gb one at this time. Seriously you get a WD blue 500gb for $60 on Amazon.

 

You want to get at least two things on that SSD , windows and dcs.

And DCs would easily fill 250gb drive to capacity if you have a couple of maps and other games like Red dead redemption 2 is like 150GB now.

 

Ideally I'd get a 250MB m.2, blindingly fast for OS and a TB SSD drive for games, and skip the old mechanical drive entirely.

 

32Gb is not vital. At all nowhere near 19 out of 20 missions I never see RAM go past 16GB anyways, and loading on the fly is far quicker in flight with an SSD over a hard drive while also decreasing load time between 50-70%.

Massive improvement just moving the install to an SSD, getting another 16GB RAM, not really noticeable at all.

 

Also recommend putting it together yourself, I've been doing that since the 90's and it has never been easier than right now.

If you can read a manual, and tell which end of a screwdriver that is pointy you are qualified.

Edited December 18, 2019 by Bob_Bushman

[MK84]

An i5-9600k would give you the best value, then you can use the extra savings for more RAM and SSD.

[Svsmokey]

An i5-9600k would give you the best value, then you can use the extra savings for more RAM and SSD.

 

Or a cooler...

[FlankerMan]

How well would a Ryzen 5 3500 or an i7-8700 work for DCS?