help with updating my graphics mainly for dcs

[morgon]

hi, i think i have a fairly average pc for games and sims, it handles most things i play but DCS isnt the average sim. i am thinking about updating my graphics card. the pc i have was built for me as i really dont have knowledge of what goes with what so help on getting the best out of my pc as it is but by just updating the graphics card so i can possibly go all out graphically on a10c would be appreciated. also i am thinking of possibly running a triple display in the new year as i currently use the tv for pc and consoles. i have the below currently

 

AMD phenom II x4965 processor (over clocked to 4.1ghz)

8gb corsair xms3 ram

corsair h60 liquid

ASUS crosshair IV formula motherboard

current graphics card sapphire radeon 6870 1gb toxic

 

 

many thanks.

Edited September 26, 2012 by morgon

[PeterP]

Here is a very simple test to see what to upgrade for DCS:

 

http://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?p=1381103#post1381103

Before any one answers your question (lots of info is missing to decide...) - there is a very simple test to see if your CPU is the bottleneck , - and so you can decide if you will benefit from a new GPU.

 

Run a track that is recorded in a campaign mission with a lots of battle going on.

 

Do this first on your normal setting with your system is in the exact same configuration (monitors/exports...)

- and than do it with all graphic settings are turned to low.

 

- If you have a better overall average FPS at the seconded run,...you can benefit from a GPU upgrade.

 

If the average (not the max!) is staying the similar/same - you should think about a CPU upgrade first - because a better GPU will only help you to turn on more GFX options on like HDR/AA... but it will not higher your FPS while the CPU is struggling with the calculations for the ongoing battle.

(that's why I call DCS a "framed" simulation)

 

If you running Multi monitors in a windowed configuration and want to have a boost for "free" :SoftTH NEWS

This will make it possible to run DCS in full-screen and even have Helios visible at your secondary screens.

 

more than 1GB V-ram helps if you run on very high resolutions/have more than one View-ports and/or more than one monitors. - if you only want to run 1 monitor in 1650x1080 - 1GB is sufficient.

One minor addition: if your datamining tool allows it, getting both median and average could be useful to inform you.

 

Also post your monitor settings - so we now at which resolution you will run DCS.

- the best would be a complete DxDiag.txt - so we have the whole picture and also know what Operating system you are using.

Edited September 26, 2012 by PeterP