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#4443013 - 10/09/18 04:31 PM Is DCS worth coming back to?  
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JCathcart Offline
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Hello gents (and ladies, if any),

I currently have a moderately-powered rig with an Intel® Core i3-8100 Processor (6M Cache, 3.60 GHz), with a GeForce 1060 (6GB RAM) and 16GB of RAM.

I haven't messed with DCS for a year or so, but have been tempted by the new F-18 and Persian Gulf map (and the forthcoming F-14...due out sometime before 2045).

Should I even bother? I've heard that the sim is all but unplayable unless you have 32GB of RAM. Can that possibly be true?

If so, does DCS have any plans on optimizing their code to run better on a regular ol' computer?

Also, I only have 110GB of free HD space. How much does DCS World and just the F-18 and Persian Gulf map take up?

Thanks in advance for your thoughtful responses guys, I appreciate your input.


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#4443014 - 10/09/18 04:36 PM Re: Is DCS worth coming back to? [Re: JCathcart]  
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Tom_Weiss Offline
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you can give it a try - DCS is free to download

#4443025 - 10/09/18 05:47 PM Re: Is DCS worth coming back to? [Re: JCathcart]  
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Tirak Offline
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The game isn't unplayable without 32GB of RAM, that's only for playing on high graphics in intensive multiplayer environments. The game is unplayable however if you don't have an SSD. Right now I wouldn't recommend diving in for the Hornet, as it's in very early access and missing large chunks of its systems while they are implemented step by step. Similarly, I don't recommend the Persian Gulf unless you are a singleplayer only kind of person and have an idea of how to make your own missions at this point. DCS is in a weird spot right now, with positive changes starting to come out, but having just come out of a very unstable period in game performance that hasn't been fully resolved. I'd recommend downloading it and only using the free modules for now just to see if it's your cup of tea right now.

#4443028 - 10/09/18 05:52 PM Re: Is DCS worth coming back to? [Re: JCathcart]  
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Exorcet Offline
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Originally Posted by JCathcart
Hello gents (and ladies, if any),

I currently have a moderately-powered rig with an Intel® Core i3-8100 Processor (6M Cache, 3.60 GHz), with a GeForce 1060 (6GB RAM) and 16GB of RAM.

I haven't messed with DCS for a year or so, but have been tempted by the new F-18 and Persian Gulf map (and the forthcoming F-14...due out sometime before 2045).

Should I even bother? I've heard that the sim is all but unplayable unless you have 32GB of RAM. Can that possibly be true?


[Un]fortunately, I decided to build my PC with 32 GB of RAM because I got a pretty good deal on it. I haven't tried to install on my other computer, but it's a laptop anyway. All I can really say on this is that I don't recall seeing DCS using over half of my RAM, but obviously take the word of someone with a 16GB machine over mine.

Your graphics card is newer mine (970) so assuming you don't get bogged down on RAM you should be able to run on medium-high settings depending on your resolution and preferences.

I've had good performance with 2.5 since launch, my biggest gripe would be a bit more slow down than I'd like on larger missions with lots of planes in the air, although I did this primarily in earlier patches. I haven't done a stress test on the current release, but it feels a little better.

Quote
If so, does DCS have any plans on optimizing their code to run better on a regular ol' computer?

There has been some talk about optimization, most recently upgrading to Vulkan API, which should improve performance in general. I don't know if this will result in lowered recommended settings though. I don't really know much about the current status of this work.

Quote
Also, I only have 110GB of free HD space. How much does DCS World and just the F-18 and Persian Gulf map take up?

I can't check on my machine right now, but from some other users, it sounds like over 25 GB:

https://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=208789


https://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=206340

I say over because the map was recently updated and is probably larger than it was when those posts were made. 110 should be enough for a map and a module. I believe you can also download them both before buying, you just won't be able to use them.

Last edited by Exorcet; 10/09/18 06:10 PM.
#4443029 - 10/09/18 05:58 PM Re: Is DCS worth coming back to? [Re: JCathcart]  
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Force10 Offline
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Force10  Offline
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I'd go with Tom's suggestion...download the free version and see how it runs. Of course...performance on your machine is just one small part of the question of if it's worthy of purchase. I would hold off on buying the FA/18 until it's more fleshed out. (couple years?)


Asus Z87 Sabertooth motherboard
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16 gig 1866mhz Corsair Vengence Pro memory
EVGA GTX 970 Superclocked 4gb Video Card
Intel 510 series 120gb SSD (boot drive)
Samsung 840 1TB SSD
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#4443044 - 10/09/18 06:32 PM Re: Is DCS worth coming back to? [Re: JCathcart]  
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Flogger23m Offline
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Install size for my game is 136GB. That includes Nevada and a bunch of other modules. 110GB might be enough for just the Hornet and PG map, but that is cutting it close.

Load times on PG are pretty high in the mission editor. Didn't use to be a problem with Nevada but I haven't tried that in months. Game runs good otherwise. Whoever can't run DCS on 16GB of RAM is likely running some bloatware in the background or is having issues with their PC. Once in game it runs okay for me with 16GB of RAM. I do have a better CPU and GPU than you though.

#4443074 - 10/09/18 11:25 PM Re: Is DCS worth coming back to? [Re: JCathcart]  
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Bumfluff Offline
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Modules like the spitfire are a joy - but you will quickly find yourself frustrated by what could have been.

In fact that’s the whole game really. Falling just short of greatness.

#4443112 - 10/10/18 03:54 AM Re: Is DCS worth coming back to? [Re: JCathcart]  
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malibu43 Offline
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DCS runs great for me, including the Hornet. Specs in my sig (in other words, no you don't need 32GB of RAM).


Sager NP8671 17.3" Notebook, i74720HQ (3.6GHz), GTX 970M (3.0GB), 8GB DDR3 RAM, 1TB 7200RPM HD, TrackIR 4, CH HOTAS and rudder pedals
#4443121 - 10/10/18 06:08 AM Re: Is DCS worth coming back to? [Re: malibu43]  
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mdwa Offline
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Way over in Perth, Western Aus...
Originally Posted by malibu43
DCS runs great for me, including the Hornet. Specs in my sig (in other words, no you don't need 32GB of RAM).


On what settings though...


mdwa
#4443214 - 10/10/18 08:52 PM Re: Is DCS worth coming back to? [Re: mdwa]  
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malibu43 Offline
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Originally Posted by mdwa
Originally Posted by malibu43
DCS runs great for me, including the Hornet. Specs in my sig (in other words, no you don't need 32GB of RAM).


On what settings though...


Medium or high mostly. I don't have it all in front of me.

Whatever the settings, they are good enough to make the sim look amazing and run smoothly (or smooth enough for me).

I should add that I do have DCS installed on a SSD. Helped a lot with some stutters.

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Last edited by malibu43; 10/10/18 09:54 PM.

Sager NP8671 17.3" Notebook, i74720HQ (3.6GHz), GTX 970M (3.0GB), 8GB DDR3 RAM, 1TB 7200RPM HD, TrackIR 4, CH HOTAS and rudder pedals
#4443233 - 10/11/18 12:13 AM Re: Is DCS worth coming back to? [Re: JCathcart]  
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AureliusAugustus Offline
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The base install of 2.5.3 plus only the Hornet module is 83 GB in space. I second the recommendation for a SSD, even better a M.2 Nvme drive. Having flown in IL2 1946, IL2 BOS , ROF and MS FS X, I would say that DCS 2.5.3 is coming along very nicely. The VR experience is now about the same as IL2 BOS (which means it is excellent) and the sim is compatible with the Oculus Rift, HTC Vive and Vive Pro, Samsung Odyssey and others headsets. (But you will need a good system to take advantage of VR)


Here to learn
#4443494 - 10/12/18 10:21 PM Re: Is DCS worth coming back to? [Re: JCathcart]  
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Flogger23m Offline
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MIG-29 is getting the PFM soon. I'll be loading it up once the update is live.

#4443549 - 10/13/18 09:53 AM Re: Is DCS worth coming back to? [Re: JCathcart]  
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theOden Offline
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Just remember to backup your keybindings biggrin

#4446376 - 10/31/18 06:52 PM Re: Is DCS worth coming back to? [Re: JCathcart]  
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AggressorBLUE Offline
Check out my
AggressorBLUE  Offline
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Jerz
Another vote for SSD. If nothing else, DCS often has some VERY long load times, especially after an update is run, so an SSD is a huge help here. As other have said, bench mark using the free version first.

Also, as a hornet owner, I'd say it's a must have (even in it's current state) if you're a huge fan of the aircraft and naval aviation in general. There's still a lot of stuff coming, but enough to keep one busy (even just learning the finer points of carrier based aviation), and basic A2A and A2G operations. I'll simply say that I'm having fun with it, and feel my money is well spent.


My Rig:i5-3570k @ 4.2 GHZ W/ Corsair Hydro H110 Cooler / Asus Sabertooth Z77 Mobo / GTX 1070/ 16 Gigs DDR3 RAM / A Few SSDs, and a Bunch of HDDs / All held together by: Corsair C70 Case

Other Assets Deployed:
HOTAS: Thrustmaster Warthog SN#22621/CH Throttle Quad/MFG Crosswind Pedals SN#0004 smile
TrackIR TIR 5 w/ TrackClip Pro biggrin
Simpit: Obutto R3VOLUTION


#4446560 - 11/02/18 01:32 AM Re: Is DCS worth coming back to? [Re: JCathcart]  
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rollnloop. Offline
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I just upgraded from 8Gb of ram to 16Gb. Rest of specs core I5 2.8Ghz, GtX970, ssd.

Game moved from very unpleasant to play (eternal load times, hiccups during play) to playable with good graphics. Optimization is still vastly inferior to any other game/sim I play (46,BoX,BMS,arma3, elite, ..... ), and after 2/3 games I need to restart to avoid freezes. However loadtimes are now bearable, no hiccups during 1/2 flights and correct fps. I still have delays when pressing f2 for externals on loading the scenery (therés water where there should be mountains, until they finally load). Some 3D models are ugly (su34, B52), most are ranging from nice to gorgeous.

They deleted the ability to magnify distant planes so you feel totally blind in visual combat unless your radar has locked or you've been lucky enough to spot the aircraft at the right time (that is well in killing range from aim9s).

Right now mig29 is my ride, PFM still needs some work imo (autostability reacts somewhat strangely at times) but it's going the su25T way which was very enjoyable.

Solo campaign works so far, hope that the dynamic 3rd party engine will too.

To wrap it up, yes it's worth a revisit, but 16Gb ram and a SSD are necessary due to abysmal optimization.

#4446748 - 11/03/18 05:24 AM Re: Is DCS worth coming back to? [Re: JCathcart]  
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bisher Offline
I'll be your Huckleberry
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I look forward to upgrading to 16 Gbs ram and an SSD

I can play basic missions with little or no performance issues

Load times are a pain, I recall after one of the updates load times had significantly improved. Not so much after the next update smile

#4446760 - 11/03/18 11:33 AM Re: Is DCS worth coming back to? [Re: JCathcart]  
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Tom_Weiss Offline
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I haven't run it in a while, couple of months - but

on a i7 4Ghz + 32 GB 1333 RAM
OS on a RAID SSD
DCS on a RAID HD
and a GTX1080 8GB

load times were relatively fast while loading the default map with a single fighter.

#4447329 - 11/07/18 02:39 AM Re: Is DCS worth coming back to? [Re: bisher]  
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piper Offline
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Originally Posted by bisher
I look forward to upgrading to 16 Gbs ram and an SSD

I can play basic missions with little or no performance issues

Load times are a pain, I recall after one of the updates load times had significantly improved. Not so much after the next update smile



My sentiments exactly. And the same upgrading needs. When it takes longer to load then get shot down, well...

#4447331 - 11/07/18 02:53 AM Re: Is DCS worth coming back to? [Re: JCathcart]  
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Yes Ed is PATHETIC. They let VEAO rip off customers and have never done a thing to shut down that bunch of (insert appropriate word here) ___ artists. There pre purchase policy is that they don't give refunds on pre purchases. Yet, they supposedly made an announcement in their VEAO thread(I never saw it, and still haven't) on the ED Forum that they would give a refund for a limited time( one week as I understand it). VEAO never e-mailed(they required e-mails for pre purchase) anyone advising them of the offer for a refund. Once I did see the whole debacle I asked for a refund and Pman said I had missed the offered period for the refund. I PMed him and explained my situation that I rarely visited the ED Forums anymore and that that is why I missed it. I also asked why had they not emailed me the offer. The only response I received was that their lawyers had advised them not to give anymore refunds. So here I am almost 4 years later still waiting on the pre purchased P40. No big deal being banned over there because nineline(or whatever name he is going by this week) is a total DICK HEAD anyway. So any chance I see to share this story online that I can, I will so that maybe no one else will be burned by VEAO. What goes around comes around. VEAO has charged me 40$, and they have not produced a product in almost 4 years. So the way I see it I was charged an advertising fee and I intend to give them their 40$ worth of Truthful Advertising.

S!Blade<><

Last edited by Blade_Meister; 11/08/18 02:18 AM.
#4447508 - 11/08/18 02:16 AM Re: Is DCS worth coming back to? [Re: JCathcart]  
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bisher Offline
I'll be your Huckleberry
bisher  Offline
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Ikes Blade_M sounds like you have had a bad experience

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