GPU and RAM - question

[talvikko]

I'm planning to build a new computer (primarily for DCS) and I have two questions:
1. Will I notice a real difference if I add 128 GB of RAM instead of 64 GB? (I know more memory is better, but if the practical difference is small, I don't want to spend money unnecessarily.)
2. Will I notice a significant difference between the graphics cards: RTX 5070Ti 16GB 256-bit vs RTX 5070 12GB 192-bit?
Of course, I realize that the 5070TI is more powerful, but I also want to spend my money wisely.
And importantly: I won't be playing VR. I don't need anything more than a monitor and a 1920x1080 resolution.

[aceviper]

Have not seen DCS fill 64gb yet...but who knows in the future.

You should be good for a few more years with 64gb.

[diego999]

1 - No. DCS is nowhere near using 64GB of RAM and it won't be for, at least, a few years.

2 - Yes. 12GB is on the low end of VRAM amount for a 2025 card. You might not notice it right now, but it could start limiting you in a couple of years. If the price difference is not outrageous, go for the ti. More future proof, too.

3 - Yes. Both those cards will laugh at you at 1080p. Throw them a real challenge: 1440p should be a nice upgrade without breaking your bank.

 

[Mr_sukebe]

I’ve yet to see more than low 50GBs of use in DCS, and that’s whilst in VR, running a number of other Apps such as Simshaker, Tacview.

So right now, more is probably overkill.  

If you don’t have an infinite budget, it’s probably more important to get a good CPU (9800x3d), PCI Gen5 drive, low latency RAM, a good GPU and then spend some time to optimise settings.

Having said that, if I were planning a new build, I’d certainly consider grabbing 128GB, “just in case”.

 

 

[LucShep]

On the GPU, definitely pick the RTX5070Ti 16GB over the RTX5070 12GB, if you can afford it.
The performance difference and longer-term usage with DCS is worth it, and especially if playing in Multiplayer (DCS there is a VRAM guzzler!).
Also, you never know if in the future you fancy a better display monitor (1440P or 4K) or even VR, and then you'll be left with less capable material.... "buy nice or buy twice".

On the RAM, I'll start by agreeing with others above - 64GB of RAM is still plentiful today, and should be for a number of years.

However, if this is a brand new higher-end system for the longer term then I'd strongly suggest a 96GB DDR5 kit (2x 48GB) with recommended speed/timings profile for your CPU and motherboard (either "AMD Expo" or "Intel XMP").   Personally, I'd recommend 96GB kits from GSKILL.

Just make sure that either the manufacturer lists your motherboard in the RAM kit QVL list, or that the specific RAM kit is listed in your motherboard's QVL list.
This is a guarantee that the specific RAM kit has been tested with the specific motherboard for stability.

Lastly, about 128GB of RAM, either in the new 128GB DDR5 kits (2x 64GB) or in a "pair of 64GB DDR5 kit" (4x 32GB).
It's generally aimed at the "prosumer" market, with more relaxed speeds and timings (=slower) or for HEDT systems using professional applications, not for gaming systems.
Currently, it's problematic on most consumer motherboards and not recommended, usually untested and unstable at the desired higher speeds/timings (i.e., get ready to "FAFO").
 

Edited 28 minutes ago by LucShep
added link

[mkel2010]

I just built a system that I'm still in the process of setting up. I went with 96GB of g.Skill RAM and an ASUS TUF RTX 5070 TI OC Edition graphics card. I haven't overclocked anything yet, but I ran a baseline on the graphics card and got a maximum frame rate of 214 with an average of 172 FPS. If you'd like the details on the rest of the system I built, I'm happy to provide them.