I'm currently using a system with an AMD Ryzen 5 5000 and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060, and I have 16GB of RAM (T Force Vulcan DDR4, 2x8GB). I've run out of storage on my 1TB SSD, which is stressing me out because I mainly play games like Flight Simulator, City Skylines, and RPGs, especially simulators. My games are running fine but are capped at medium settings due to frame rate issues with TAA.
I have a couple of questions:
1. **Storage Needs**: What should I do about storage? Is it a good idea to just get a SATA internal SSD to move large files off? Or should I invest in an NVMe SSD and transfer my games there? What size would be sufficient—like 500GB? Or is it better to keep the internal storage for games and get a standard SATA drive for larger files (like family videos)?
2. **RAM Upgrade**: Given my GPU and CPU, will upgrading my RAM to 32GB help, or is my graphics card too weak for high/ultra settings? I have a high refresh rate monitor, so that shouldn't hold me back. If I do upgrade, do I need to buy the same model as my existing 8GB sticks, or can I mix with different 2x8GB DDR4 RAM? Right now, my RAM sticks are Team T-Force Vulcan Z Red.
Thanks for any advice!
2 Answers
I recommend keeping your most demanding games on an NVMe SSD if you can swing it, but a high-quality SATA SSD is also totally doable. I run some less demanding games and files off SATA without a hitch.
As for the RAM, definitely more is better! While adding 32GB might not boost your FPS like a new GPU would, it will help with smoother performance and loading times. It should lessen the stuttering you’re experiencing, especially if you're hitting limits with textures or if MSFS gets overloaded. Remember, it’s not just the RAM; your CPU plays a huge role, too!
Yes, you're on the right track! A good CPU will enhance your experience in CPU-heavy games like MSFS. Don't ignore it.
You have a few options for storage! You could definitely go with a SATA SSD to move less frequently used files like photos or videos. It's a solid choice without breaking the bank. I personally use a big SSD for my main OS and games, and then have a mechanical drive for other files, so whatever works for you is fine. Just know that while NVMe drives are faster, for general storage, SATA SSDs can do the job without much difference in performance for gaming.
Would 2x16GB RAM sticks be a safer move instead of just adding 2 more 8GB ones? What do you think would be best to avoid compatibility issues?
That sounds like a good approach! You can always get a SATA SSD for storage and keep your games on a separate drive—it'll help keep things organized.
Got it! So I should look at optimizing my RAM and storage, but upgrading my CPU might be the next step if I want maximum performance.