I Do not totally understand how DPS works. I notice rails have a slightly higher, maybe 1 or 2 points, DPS than multi cannons. However, they also need a few seconds between firing so would this delay make them about even in damage output?
Railguns vs multicannons, how does DPS work?
- Thread starter Threeofseven
- Start date
DPS stands for Damage Per Second. It's the number you get when you take the amount of damage a shot does and divide it by the amount of time between shots. They are mostly very accurate with the exception that they don't factor in reload times. This is why frag cannons have ridiculous DPS values displayed.
In terms of DPS, a size 2 rail is significantly more powerful than a size 4 fixed multicannon. The huge multicannon can be brought up to almost match with overcharged mods, but they will still often miss beyond 2k range. A rail with long range mods is unlikely to miss and can fire from safe distances.
The only downside to rails is that they generate a lot of heat and cost a little more energy per second than OC MCs.
Also, rail guns have higher burst DPS, but multi-cannons (in most player's hands) have better sustained DPS. This means that rails can do a boat load of damage in one or two salvos, but you have to wait to let your heat go down or get your target in position again. With gimballed mutli-cannons, you're firing on your target for a lot longer.
I'm not sure if comparing DPS between fixed and gimballed weapons is all that useful. The fixed weapons might have better stats on paper, but they don't perform well in inexperienced hands.
I'm not sure if comparing DPS between fixed and gimballed weapons is all that useful. The fixed weapons might have better stats on paper, but they don't perform well in inexperienced hands.
Thanks for the replies. I just unlocked the imp hammers. My pirate cobra currently has an FSD disruptor and a small seeker missile on the left side and a small and med OC gimbled multi on the right side. I was considering switching out the multis for one hammer and a small rail--both long range. My goal is to get shields down as soon as possible and to assist in knocking out drives.
You'll be overcooking yourself if you fire the hammer and small rail at the same time. Even just the hammer on it's own can make the cobra a bit too toastie and start causing your hardpoints to malfunction, a medium rail with a grade 1 ammo mod fits the cobra better.
DBS is a better choice for hammers given it's better heat efficiency
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Ive been using hammers as of late, Ive found that always targeting a sub system, will alow the fixed weapons to slightly auto correct to the box when close enough.
This has hellped my aim alot with fixed.
I went with sturdy mounts for the thermal reduction on 4 of the hammers and long range on 2 also. a mix of cascade and penetrators.
But heat is the main problem.
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You'll be overcooking yourself if you fire the hammer and small rail at the same time. Even just the hammer on it's own can make the cobra a bit too toastie and start causing your hardpoints to malfunction, a medium rail with a grade 1 ammo mod fits the cobra better.
DBS is a better choice for hammers given it's better heat efficiency
Really, a hammer is hotter than a standard rail? Iv used two med rails on my cobra before with few issues.
DBS is cooler but it doesn't have the speed/cargo ability that a pirate needs. My cobra boosts to 590 and has 800 hull with good resistances while still carrying 32 cargo and hatch breakers.
Normal rail-guns got a de-buff in the 2.3 update for heat.
I guess Hammers didn't
Wish they'd have just put in an efficient mod for these! I'd love to use hammers on my iCourier.
That's a weight sensitive ship that heats up VERY quickly.
That's a weight sensitive ship that heats up VERY quickly.