Want to play 1440p max settings good Frame Times

[jasonbirder]

Availability/prices seem a little better so looks like I'll finally be able to put together a new build...

Want to really pump up the settings to max (barring SSAA/SSLR/SSAO) and (obviously get good FPS) but more importantly avoid the odd spike of High Frame times (i HATE micro-stutters)

Running at 1440p with 2 Cubesim type MFDs (ideally at 1024)

What do I really need, given I'll play MP on Syria at least semi-regularly!

Assuming the basics (64GB decent RAM/M2 SSD etc) what GPU/CPU combo will allow me to hit that performance level...

I was thinking 5800X/6800XT (given they're both considerably cheaper than the new Alder Lakes and Mobos/a 3080) is that going to be enough?

[LucShep]

In my opinion, a good system for gaming and DCS, without going overboard, would be something like this:
 

• CPU (Processor): Intel 12th gen "Alder Lake", either the i5 12600K or the i7 12700K (these two also have "KF" versions without onboard graphics, slightly less expensive). 
   
• CPU cooler: important for "K" processor of Intel 12th gen, make very sure that whatever you get is a newer version with LGA 1700 compatibility (launched in 4th quarter of 2021), no matter the brand or model. If it hasn't, see if the separate compatibility kit for LGA 1700 can be provided. A few recommendations:
  If you prefer air cooling - Noctua NH-D15 or Scythe Fuma 2.
  If you prefer liquid cooling - Arctic Liquid Freezer II 280 or 360 (RGB or non-RGB).
   
• Motherboard: Z690 DDR4 - so long as it's MSI, ASUS or Gigabyte, then it's good, as none Z690 DDR4 motherboard from these three brands are bad - choose according to your preferences, for features, aesthetics, price, etc.
   
• RAM: 64GB of DDR4, 3200 CL14 or 3600 CL16 - GSKILL FlareX, RipjawsV or TridentZ (4x 16GB kit) or CRUCIAL Ballistix 3600 CL16 (2x 32GB kit)
   
• Storage: NVMe gen4, either 1TB (minimum) or 2TB (ideal) - Any will be good for system and DCS, but the Corsair MP600 Core M.2 is perhaps the best one in the lower price segment - very worth a look.
   
• GPU (graphics card): This will depend on the resolution of the monitor screen (and if using VR) that you're going to chose. 
  If with a 4K resolution screen (or using VR), then you'll want the best ones available - Nvidia RTX3080 or RTX3080Ti, or the equivalent AMD RX6800XT or RX6900XT. There's also the Nvidia RTX3090 (the very best GPU right now) but, in my opinion, it's out of the question being too darn ridiculous expensive.
  If with a 1440P resolution screen, then you can spend a little less, like the Nvidia RTX3060Ti, RTX3070 or RTX3070Ti, or the equivalent AMD RX6700XT and RX6800.
   
• PSU (Power Supply Unit): ≥ 850W top rated model from renowned manufacturer -  preferentially "80+ Platinum" label (Seasonic Focus Prime, Corsair AXi and HXi, etc), though there are some good "80+ Gold" available (Corsair RM850X is pretty good, and affordable).
   
• PC Monitor: This is really a matter of preference, and budget. 
  After testing pretty much all sizes, formats and resolutions, curved and non-curved, my own opinion is that the computer monitor screens with 16:9 format at 32-inch and 1440P resolution (2560 x 1440, aka "QHD" or "2K") still provide the best balanced choice for most people - it's big without being too big and, at that size, the 2560 x 1440 reslution is still really good resolution (clean and clear) that is now fairly easy to drive with modern graphics cards (so, not too demanding), which is another plus. 
  These will be, in my opinion, the top pics:
  - SAMSUNG Odyssey G7 Series C32G75T 32'' 1440P (2560x1440, 16:9 format), 240Hz, 1ms, G-Sync and FreeSync compatible, Curved (1000R)
  - ASUS ROG Swift PG329Q 32'' 1440P (2560x1440, 16:9 format), IPS, 175Hz (Supports 144Hz), 1ms, G-Sync compatible, non-curved.
  - GIGABYTE M32Q 32" 1440P (2560x1440, 16:9 format) IPS, 165Hz, 0.8ms (MPRT), 94% DCI-P3, HDR Ready, FreeSync compatible, non-curved.
   
• Computer Case: Best quality for lowest price, I still haven't found anything better than the Lian Li LANCOOL II Mesh.

 

 

Edited April 2, 2022 by LucShep

[Bossco82]

I have a 5600x, 32gb DDR4 3200/C14 and a 6800xt, I use these settings for rock solid 60fps everywhere down low with a Track IR. 

[jasonbirder]

Does 3600 CL16 (as opposed to 3600 CL18 memory make much difference? Its quite a difference price wise (IE:200GBP for the higher latency RAM/300GBP+ for the lower latency RAM)

Its not something that's ever been on my radar before - will it be noticeable?

Cheers

[LucShep]

In reality, no it does not make that much of a difference with Intel processors, be it 12th gen "Alder Lake" or any other previous gen using DDR4. 

To explain why those lowest latency (more expensive) DDR4 kits of "B-die" (3200 CL14, 3600 CL16, 3600 CL14, etc) have been recommended for Intel "Alder Lake" (12th gen), that is because they're the best alternative to DDR5 (which became rare like a unicorn these days, and at ridiculous scalping prices), for those willing to get the best available.
The "B-die" DDR4 modules have that extra capability for RAM tweaking and overclocking, beyond the excelent performance that they already provide in stock form.
It's like the equivalent of Intel "K" processors in the RAM world. That's why they're the enthusiast's favorite, and why such high prices and demand, if comparing to regular DDR4.

But, again, it's not like a more regular, less expensive kit of DDR4 RAM (3200 CL16, 3600 CL18, etc) isn't good enough - it will work absolutely fine with Intel 12th gen ("Gear 1") and can even overclock ok too. 

Basically, it goes to down to cost.
If cost is no issue and you want the best of the best, you get "B-die" RAM.
But if cost is an issue, then there are excelent alternatives at much better prices.

For example, I'd strongly recommend looking at the Crucial Ballistix 64GB Kit (2 x 32GB) DDR4 3600 CL16 - BL2K32G36C16U4B:
https://www.crucial.com/memory/ddr4/bl2k32g36c16u4b 

"Why Crucial and why this particular kit?"

Because it's a "win-win" scenario with it. That particular 64GB kit (BL2K32G36C16U4B) is DDR4 3600 low latency (16-18-18-38) as desired, and has been selling at the lower prices ($306.99) seen for the competitors' 3600 CL18 kits with higher latency (18-22-22-42, etc) which are not as good. 
Honestly, I don't think there is anything better for its price.

Edited January 10, 2022 by LucShep

[jasonbirder]

Thanks for the detailed response!

[Bossco82]

I use G Skill 3200Mhz C14 with my AMD 5600x. It does perform really well with AMD. If you can find a good example of one of those kits 2nd hand it would be a good find. However like Lucshep says if budget is an issue and your in a rush to get it all built I have used something like Crucial 3200Mhz C16 will be fine.

Try keeping an eye out though. The G.Skill kits are Samsung B.die and they do pop up used especially now some people are on the hunt for DDR5.

[Zeagle]

I recently switched from the GTX1080ti to the AMD 6800XT. 

My system is in the signature. This is typical performance on Syria. Sometimes I see 90-ish FPS. Mostly it's 100+.

DCS settings are basically just the stock "High" preset with lens dirt and flare and rain drops on.

Radeon settings are default with SAM enabled.

Edited January 11, 2022 by Zeagle

[Bossco82]

Hi Zeagle, you can exchange shadows=low and use MSAAx4 and AFx16. Thats how I run mine.

[jasonbirder]

Thanks guys!

Just when i'd convinced myself I needed to cough up extra for a 12700 & 3080 and was starting to work on the SWMBO...It looks like I can happily get away with a  5800X/6800XT

[Bossco82]

Hi Jason, you can but only at 1440p really. AMD does not cope anywhere near as well at higher resolutions. I would also advise pairing it with a Freesync monitor.

I am super happy with the 5600x/6800xt setup I have at the moment mainly because I have Freesync working so well now. If and I mean if, I do get the odd low level dip in fps I dont notice. If I was using V-sync I would properly notice and it would spoil the experience. 

Its odd because my 6800xt does perfectly for DCS ay 1440p using Freesync with a 60fps cap. It works better than my previous 2080ti. However my 2080ti coped slightly better at 4k, I can only presume this is the memory bandwidth.

[Zeagle]

I agree with Bosco about 1440p at the present time. I can only assume that the difference at 4K between these cards will diminish somewhat with driver updates over time. Anyway, the 6800XT is actually closer to a 3090 for 1440p, which is what I do.

It's important to have a good CPU and a PCIE4 motherboard in order to enable SAM (resizable BAR in UEFI bios). 

My Radeon settings are default with SAM enabled. Monitor is an Asus VG32V.

Attached are a couple of Excell spread sheets showing some performance logging today on Syria. Both runs were the exact same scenario and same viewpoint but with slightly different DCS settings.

Runs 1  and 2.  DCS "High" preset with lens flare and dirt, shadows  low, MSAA 4x, and AF 16.

20220112-125521.CSV20220112-132757.CSV

 

Run 3. DCS "High" preset with lens flare and dirt.

20220112-125709.CSV

 

If I run these logs over longer periods, I typically see between 90-150 FPS in Syria. I don't recall ever seeing anything less than 95 with my mark 1 mod 0 eyeballs.

All that matters to me is that it's a nice smooth flight. I like missions with lots of stuff and lots of weather. So this is a good system for me. Switching from the 1080ti to the 6800XT on my particular rig pretty much doubled my frames in DCS. I am sure a 5800X processor will add a few percent to the mix. The motherboard and chip can both handle reizable BAR or SAM.  I think turning on SAM (on Asus you have to do this in the bios. They call it "resizable BAR") got me an extra 10 or so FPS over not having it on.

Edited January 12, 2022 by Zeagle

[jasonbirder]

Thank you so much to everyone that's responded with such insightful and informative responses...its been really helpful and makes the daunting task of spending so much money (My new GPU will cost almost as much as my last PC) feel a bit more informed!

[Zeagle]

I forgot to mention that the data I gathered in the previous post was in the L-39 in Syria. I just got the video card this week. So I haven't done a lot of testing yet.

I ran another one here doing the Su25T freeflight in Mineralnye scenario. It's about the same as the Syria ones. I think my setup allows me to go ahead and turn up some settings before it starts to drop off. I need to experiment with that. I haven't touched the Radeon settings either.

Here is data from the Su25T instant action free flight in Mineralnye. 

20220112-203807.CSV  20220112-203807.FrameTime

you can open the frametime file with a text editor

Edited January 13, 2022 by Zeagle

[Peter22]

On 1/7/2022 at 10:32 AM, Bossco82 said:

I have a 5600x, 32gb DDR4 3200/C14 and a 6800xt, I use these settings for rock solid 60fps everywhere down low with a Track IR. 

hello will you share you rig, i am looking to upgrade my current!!

thank you

[Bossco82]

Hi Peter sure no problem...

Its a AMD 5600x, PBO enabled using +150mhz and slightly tweaked manual stock limits with a curve optimiser undervolt of -15. I am back to cooling this with an AIO but you can use a simple air cooler.

MSi X570 Gaming Edge Wifi

G.Skill DDR4 3200Mhz C14 Trident Z RGB

2x Sabrent Nvme drives 

AMD 6800xt

LG 32" Freesync 1440p HDR10 monitor.

It all pretty much looks after itself, I run with freesync enabled but cap it to 60fps using Radeon framerate control.

 

Edited January 25, 2022 by Bossco82

[Peter22]

On 1/25/2022 at 5:14 PM, Bossco82 said:

Hi Peter sure no problem...

Its a AMD 5600x, PBO enabled using +150mhz and slightly tweaked manual stock limits with a curve optimiser undervolt of -15. I am back to cooling this with an AIO but you can use a simple air cooler.

MSi X570 Gaming Edge Wifi

G.Skill DDR4 3200Mhz C14 Trident Z RGB

2x Sabrent Nvme drives 

AMD 6800xt

LG 32" Freesync 1440p HDR10 monitor.

It all pretty much looks after itself, I run with freesync enabled but cap it to 60fps using Radeon framerate control.

 

 

hey thank you very much !! looking to upgrade soon!!!

[-Relax-]

Hey I changed my mind and want probably sooner or later also play at 1440p if FPS would be good high enough.

So for 1440p i found that video. It show the difference between a RX6800 and RTX 3070.

On 1/12/2022 at 3:26 PM, Bossco82 said:

Its odd because my 6800xt does perfectly for DCS ay 1440p using Freesync with a 60fps cap. It works better than my previous 2080ti. However my 2080ti coped slightly better at 4k, I can only presume this is the memory bandwidth.

Do you think it would be better with a real G-sync Monitor and a Nvidia card?
(I ask because i read" real g-sync" does not give freesync but a "g-sync compatible" give freesiny option for AMD cards.

also @LucShep What you think about RTX3060ti/3070 vs RX 6800 @1440p? I know you answere me in other Topic already but this was more for 1080p. So sry if i am asking again.

IF I could get RX6800 XT this should be the CLEAR winner right?

I play only Multiplayer PvP Servers (Buddyspike, Enigma and so) where is running quite big missions with lot clients.

-EDIT- I have a FSP Raider 750W PSU. This sould work with all this cards!?
6x SATA SSD, Hotas, track IR, Sound are conected, 6700k@Stock 40gb ram@3000mhz (CPU is undervolted wich i would do also with the new GPU)

Edited March 31, 2022 by -Relax-

[LucShep]

9 hours ago, -Relax- said:

also @LucShep What you think about RTX3060ti/3070 vs RX 6800 @1440p? I know you answere me in other Topic already but this was more for 1080p. So sry if i am asking again.

IF I could get RX6800 XT this should be the CLEAR winner right?

I play only Multiplayer PvP Servers (Buddyspike, Enigma and so) where is running quite big missions with lot clients.

-EDIT- I have a FSP Raider 750W PSU. This sould work with all this cards!?
6x SATA SSD, Hotas, track IR, Sound are conected, 6700k@Stock 40gb ram@3000mhz (CPU is undervolted wich i would do also with the new GPU)

 

I'd rather get an RX6800 16GB than an RTX3060Ti/3070 8GB, that's for sure. But all these are good for 1440P, IMO.

FSP Raider 750W is a very decent PSU, but a bit too old now - known to be over engineered but has no over-temperature-protection, and not rated for 100% continuous output (all features that good modern PSUs have).
That said, that 750W PSU has 60A in single 12V rail, so in theory it should be fine with any of those three GPUs, and if with i7 6700K@stock.

RX6800XT 16GB is even better of course but, at the prices that one is still going for, for DCS I'd rather get an RTX3080 10GB (or the newer 12GB variant if a great deal comes up) especially now that Nvidia GPU prices are starting to come down.
I really doubt that 750W PSU will work with these though (and with transient spikes and whatnot, I'd rather have a good 850W+ PSU) - these are higher tier, meant for 1440P "Ultra" and 4K (and VR), and far more demanding power consumption wise.

Edited March 31, 2022 by LucShep

[-Relax-]

On 3/31/2022 at 11:06 AM, LucShep said:

That said, that 750W PSU has 60A in single 12V rail, so in theory it should be fine with any of those three GPUs, and if with i7 6700K@stock.
 

 

Thats good to hear. 

On 3/31/2022 at 11:06 AM, LucShep said:

I really doubt that 750W PSU will work with these though (and with transient spikes and whatnot, I'd rather have a good 850W+ PSU)

 

 

I want def use my old PSU for now. And yes from what i saw the RTX 3080 drag too much power for me (even if i undervolt i dont want the 3080 for that reason)

Did you watch the video RX 6800 vs rtx3070?
I wonder that the rtx 3070 hast almost 10-15 fps more most of the time?
Thats why i am so unsure if i should get the RTX3070 TI oder RX 6800XT.

For both cards i will wait a bit longer for price drops

[Fliegefisch]

13 hours ago, -Relax- said:

Thats good to hear. 

 

I want def use my old PSU for now. And yes from what i saw the RTX 3080 drag too much power for me (even if i undervolt i dont want the 3080 for that reason)

Did you watch the video RX 6800 vs rtx3070?
I wonder that the rtx 3070 hast almost 10-15 fps more most of the time?
Thats why i am so unsure if i should get the RTX3070 TI oder RX 6800XT.

For both cards i will wait a bit longer for price drops

Im the uploader of the video. Just wanted to note it was recorded during version 2.6 which had known performance issues.

Unfortunately I sold the 3070 later on so i cant make more comparisons now. I kept the 6800 because the overall ram usage of my system was a few gigs lower while playing dcs (looking at you, Syria). In other games i got a few frames more too.

Nowadays my fps are capped at 120 fps (vsync) in small missions like quick flight. On busy servers im at 80-100 on the ground and 100-120 in the air.  But i also upgraded to a 5600x which was a noticeable improvement.

 

I can record you a track file if you want to compare it to your current system.

 

[-Relax-]

@Fliegefisch Yes that would very nice of you. I dont know about the track files or how it works.
I will get in contact with you over PM. Thx!

[Liam98]

On 1/7/2022 at 10:32 AM, Bossco82 said:

I have a 5600x, 32gb DDR4 3200/C14 and a 6800xt, I use these settings for rock solid 60fps everywhere down low with a Track IR. 

You clearly don't actually play on MP servers if you are advising people to do 150000 preload, regardless of your pc. on MP it should be MAX 70000