Help in buying a pc

[widow maker]

Hello all,

 

I am after advice please on where to buy a pc from as I have no idea, I’ve looked at pc world here in the UK and have no idea if the spec is good enough, I’ve looked at pc builders and that’s beyond me asking what motherboard I want as I have not got a clue.

 

All I’d like to do is run either the F-16, F/A-18, F-14 or the A-10 comfortably and not have to worry about it crashing like I had with my previous pc.

 

I have nothing from my previous pc so totally starting from scratch so will need the monitor, keyboard, mouse everything so any help to where to buy and what to buy would be really appreciated.

 

This is a link to pc world here on the UK

 

https://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/gaming-pcs/computing/desktop-pcs/desktop-pcs/317_3055_30057_xx_ba00010707-bv00308579/xx-criteria.html

 

And the spec of most of the modules on here is;

 

Recommended system requirements (HIGH graphics settings): OS 64-bit Windows 8/10; DirectX11; CPU: Core i5+ at 3+ GHz or AMD FX / Ryzen; RAM: 16 GB (32 GB for heavy missions); Free hard disk space: 120 GB on Solid State Drive (SSD); Discrete video card NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 / AMD Radeon RX VEGA 56 with 8GB VRAM or better; Joystick; requires internet activation.

 

 

Any buying advice would be greatly appreciated, obviously budget also, I haven’t got a clue what they cost but as long as it’s that recommend spec I’ll have to run with it.

 

Many thanks,

 

Ashley

[Taz1004]

You might as well post the screenshot from that website because I... and probably many will not accept cookies.

[widow maker]

It’s just a link to all the gaming pc’s they do that I can buy off the shelf at various specs but don’t know what I’m looking at.

[LucShep]

First, be aware that DCS is very demanding, you better forget those recommended specs (needs to be better than that for good experience).

 

Please tell us some things to help assist you, such as:

 

• What is your maximum budget limit?
  Consider that a new PC build is a long term investment, it's worth investing quite a bit so that you have peace of mind, regarding performance, for the longest time.
  With that said, I would advice to get something pretty strong but in a "goldilocks" kind of system way (neither top of the line and ultra expensive, nor slow and cheap).
  For a new full PC system (with everything ready to go), I'd expect a budget around £2.000,00 (two thousand pounds) for the PC system alone (so, excluding monitor and peripherals)
  

 

• Do you have a monitor (and screen resolution) in mind already?
  If yes, what is the screen resolution that you will be using DCS (1080P, 1440P, 4K)?
  ....or would you prefer recommendations for a new monitor as well?
  

 

• Are you comfortable with installing Windows 10 and purchasing its OEM key on your own, AFTER purchasing the computer?
  If you do this on your own AFTER purchasing the computer, you can save a little of money. Yes, it's a hassle but may be worth it, depending on individual.
  The installation of a registered copy of Windows 10 from one of those PC build sellers will cost you around £135.00 (150,00 USD/EUR).
  If downloading/installing Windows 10 on your own (using a USB pen) and buying separately the Win10 OEM key (say, from Kingwin) to register your Windows, that's around £25,00 (27.50 USD/EUR), so quite a bit cheaper.
  

 

Answering these questions, may give us enough hints to try making a custom system, within a list of selectable parts from a PC seller of your choice, for them to build for you.

 

Lastly, and pardon for the publicity (if it's good it's worth recommending, I say)... as you seem to be buying it in the UK, I would consider purchasing from SCAN.UK.

They're reliable, are known to be among the best PC and related parts sellers in the UK, good post-selling service as well.

Edited October 7, 2020 by LucShep

[BitMaster]

FYI, my last copy of 10 Pro was less than 4€, actually you can grab one anytime under 5€ legaly inside EU from eBay.

 

If you can, avoid buying a PRE-MADE machine, DIY is the key for a few things:

 

- Save money

- know your rig's hardware inside out

- know what software it needs and which you better leave uninstalled

 

You may need to install 10 a few times, shit happens, you will not do this for nothing, you will gain knowledge that will help you to MAINTAIN the system at a very high performance level.

 

If you buy premade, you will very likely biy inferior parts here and there hidden in the case, have software installed that you dont need and other not installed that should be on there.

 

 

my 2 cents about pre-assembled trashcans ;)

[Svsmokey]

Yeah , pc's are so much easier to build and commission now than they were . The hardest part is specifying the components...

And yes , budget and monitor resolution info are pretty much required to provide the OP intelligent help .

[widow maker]

Many thanks for the insight LucShep.

Wowser, I was maybe thinking 700-1000 tops so may just have to rethink and think about if I could justify 2k+ on a computer.

 

For the monitor, I haven’t got one and happy just to go with advice on what’s needed.

Edited October 7, 2020 by widow maker

[LucShep]

Many thanks for the insight LucShep.

Wowser, I was maybe thinking 700-1000 tops so may just have to rethink and think about if I could justify 2k+ on a computer.

 

For the monitor, I haven’t got one and happy just to go with advice on what’s needed.

 

Well, the 2000 pounds mark is for a really good PC that will last (safe margin for longest time).

But, yes, unless you can hand pick parts from various places and have someone build it for you, 700-1000 pounds will be a bit restrictive.

It also doesn't help that DCS is not what one would call "optimized" (good PC required, with certain specs) and also that you seem to need everything else related to PC gaming, such as monitor, peripherals and etc.

 

About your initial question in first post, the most expensive of the three PCs you listed gets closest to what is desireable.

But there's the problem with the graphics card used in it, it's a mid-range 6GB graphics cards, and will choke here and then (rest of specs are ok).

DCS requires something a little more beefy for the graphics and at least 8GB of video memory, so I'd say at least an RTX2060 Super 8GB (if Nvidia) or RX5700 8GB (if AMD).

 

 

I hope the following can help at some point.

Though please notice that newer and better PC parts will be coming out untill the end of the year 2020 (faster for similar price, current ones should go cheaper).

 

For reference only, if buying a new PC for DCS on a budget, I think the "most affordable" configuration that most would suggest (as of this date) would be something like this:

 

• PROCESSOR(CPU): AMD Ryzen 5 3600 (as alternative, Intel i5 10400, which requires different motherboard)
  
• MOTHERBOARD: socket AM4 - B550 (if using the Intel i5 10400, then the cheapest Z490 motherboard (socket 1200) that you can find)
  
• MEMORY (RAM): 16GB DDR4 3200 CL16 (though 32GB would be ideal)
  
• GRAPHICS (GPU): Nvidia RTX 2060 Super 8GB (as alternative, AMD RX5700 8GB)
  
• STORAGE: 1TB SSD (NVME PCIe Gen3 is good and now affordable, such as WD Blue SN550, or equivalent)
  
• POWER SUPPLY: 550W or higher (80+ Bronze rated or better, from quality brand)
  
• PC CASE: any as long parts fits and is well ventilated (f.ex, a midtower with front mesh and at least 1 front fan + 1 rear fan)
  

I simulated such configuration in SCAN UK (see HERE) and I'm finding it way too expensive at over £1.300,00 (was expecting around £950,00) for the PC alone, without monitor or peripherals.

But then prices may differ in other sellers. It does include the Operating System (Windows 10 Pro 64-bit).

 

Next, the monitor....

I suggest getting no less than a 27'' sized monitor, preferably with an IPS panel.

Most will agree that a higher spec screen, with 1440P resolution, 144Hz refresh-rate and FreeSync is the better investment - that's around £250,00 (for example).

But if you're fine with lower spec screen, with 1080P resolution, 75Hz refresh-rate and FreeSync, it's more affordable and still good image quality - that's around £160,00 (for example).

 

For the mouse and keyboard, if you're not bothered by "1337 pwn3d roxorz" hyped specs (:P), you can get really cheap ones in bundles (combos), from as low as £10,00 (examples).

 

For the audio, you may get a monitor with incorporated speakers, though personally I'd recommend either a headset (examples of affordable ones) or 2.1 speakers (examples under £50).

 

Finally, the controls for DCS, which you haven't mentioned if you already have or not.

HOTAS + pedals are frequently recommended (something like this or better).

But if you don't have anything, then start with a basic joystick, such as the Logitech Extreme3D Pro or Thrustmasters T.16000M, which can be found around £45,00.

 

And last, surely you'll also welcome a head-tracking solution at some point, and either the TrackHat Clip (£45,00) or DELANCLiP Gamer (£53,00) are awesome solutions.

 

Yes... flight-simming is a fun hobby but can (still) be expensive.:pilotfly: :cry:

Edited October 8, 2020 by LucShep
added links

[LucShep]

Meanwhile, a better combo may be found in Overclockers UK...

For those that don't want to (but should) wait for new upcoming components later this year, and able to afford it (it's 1285 pounds), this could be good, I think.

It's an Intel 10400 based system, includes an RTX2070 Super, 32GB of RAM, and 1TB NVME WD Blue SN550, which are good options for DCS (any current sim/game really):

 

>> Machete - Intel Core i5 10400F Gaming PC <<

 

• Intel 10th Generation Comet Lake
  
• 6 Core / 12 Thread
  
• Up to 32GB DDR4 3000MHz
  
• Nvidia GeForce Graphics
  
• Flexible Storage Options
  
• 600W Bronze PSU
  
• Genuine Windows 10 Home Advanced
  

The parts changed to be selected:

 

• Case: Lian-Li Lancool 205 Midi Tower Case - Black Window
  
• Memory: Team Group Vulcan Z T-Force 32GB (2x16GB) DDR4 PC4-24000C16 3000MHz Dual Channel Kit
  
• Graphics Card: MSI GeForce RTX 2070 Super Ventus GP OC 8192MB PCI-Express
  
• SSD1 (Operating System): WD Blue SN550 1TB NVME M.2 2280 PCIe Gen3 Solid State Drive (S100T2B0C)
  

Edited October 8, 2020 by LucShep

[BitMaster]

Don't buy now, AMD will come out soon with new GPU and CPU. Even if you still decide to go Intel & Nvidia it is likely that they have to adjust/lower their prices since most people expect that at least the AMD CPU will take the crown in best CPU for gaming, the GPU is another story but if it is any good, Nvidia will have to lower the price for their 3080 and 3070 etc cards.

 

Grab a beer and hold out. Might save enough to buy a good stick or rudders or whatever from that saved money.

[Thinder]

 

• PROCESSOR(CPU): AMD Ryzen 5 3600 (as alternative, Intel i5 10400, which requires different motherboard)
  
• MOTHERBOARD: socket AM4 - B550 (if using the Intel i5 10400, then the cheapest Z490 motherboard (socket 1200) that you can find)
  
• MEMORY (RAM): 16GB DDR4 3200 CL16 (though 32GB would be ideal)
  
• GRAPHICS (GPU): Nvidia RTX 2060 Super 8GB (as alternative, AMD RX5700 8GB)
  
• STORAGE: 1TB SSD (NVME PCIe Gen3 is good and now affordable, such as WD Blue SN550, or equivalent)
  
• POWER SUPPLY: 550W or higher (80+ Bronze rated or better, from quality brand)
  
• PC CASE: any as long parts fits and is well ventilated (f.ex, a midtower with front mesh and at least 1 front fan + 1 rear fan)
  

 

 

I agree with most of this apart for one or two details which are important with Windows 10... I'll complement your post with tips based on personal experience.

 

First AVOID windows 10 Home edition, it is slower, have the worst memory management of all W10 O.S and provide little in ways to correct this (with registry editor for example).

 

I'd recommend Windows 10 Professional.

 

Second, using DCS or any demanding game on the same disk than Windows is not a good idea.

 

You need to create paging files, preferably twice the size of your RAM and on a different disk, so you'd be better off splitting your storage capacity over two smaller disk, reserve one for Windows, install DCS on the other one where you can set your paging file as well.

 

For the rest it's pretty much a matter of taste, Intel or AMD or NVIDIA for the GPUs, you can chose the best bound for your combo CPU/GPU before committing your finances to them using this tool.

 

Here is one of the configuration I tested.

 

https://pc-builds.com/calculator/Ryzen_7_2700X/GeForce_GTX_1080_Ti/0Qe0XF8A/32/100/

 

Keep the percentage of bottleneck below 10%, especially at the resolution you intend to use it the most, if it's V.R, it's 4K.

 

Cooling is also very important for performances.

https://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?p=4511015#post4511015

 

 

 

 

......