Factorio modding setup in South Africa

Quick Answer

A modded Factorio setup wants a fast CPU, 32GB DDR5-6000, and a 1TB NVMe; the GPU barely matters. A build around R16,000-R20,000 at Evetech centred on a Ryzen 7 9800X3D holds 60 UPS in large overhaul-mod bases, which is the metric that defines smooth Factorio.

RAM, VRAM and Storage Explained for Modded Factorio

Factorio inverts the usual priorities. VRAM is almost irrelevant since the 2D engine is GPU-light. RAM matters: 16GB is the floor, but 32GB DDR5-6000 holds large Space Exploration or Krastorio 2 saves comfortably. Storage speed helps autosave and load times, so a 1TB NVMe is worth it for big modded saves. The single most important component is the CPU, because UPS in a mega-base is bound by single-thread performance. A 1TB NVMe SSD is the single most cost-effective addition here, cutting load stutter that even strong CPUs and GPUs cannot mask.

A CPU-First SA Modding Build

Centre the build on a Ryzen 7 9800X3D (around R12,000), the standout chip for Factorio thanks to its large cache and single-thread speed. Add 32GB DDR5-6000, a 1TB NVMe, and any entry GPU like an RTX 5060 near R7,000-R9,000. That holds 60 UPS in modded mega-bases where a slower CPU stutters. Spend your budget on the CPU and RAM, not the graphics card.

FAQ

Does modded Factorio need much VRAM?

No. Factorio is GPU-light even with overhaul mods, so VRAM is almost irrelevant. Spend on the CPU and RAM instead for a smooth mega-base.

How much RAM for modded Factorio?

32GB DDR5-6000 is ideal for large Space Exploration or Krastorio 2 saves. 16GB is the floor but can be tight with the biggest overhaul mods.

What CPU is best for modded Factorio?

The Ryzen 7 9800X3D. Its large cache and single-thread speed hold 60 UPS in modded mega-bases far better than chips with fewer of those strengths.