I'm currently running STFs using an escort with 4 DHCs and 1 Turret in the rear. The reason for this isn't important.
What I'm wondering is because i'm using so few weapons at once does the additional energy drain from the DHCs mean I would be better off going back to DCs?
I know normally people say DHCs are more energy efficient when being used with 3 turrets. However only using 1 turret I'm not sure about the best way to go.
second 1: 4 DHCs + 1 Turret = 44 drain
second 2: 1 Turret = 8 drain
OR
second x: 4 DCs + 1 Turret = 38 drain
Presumably this means I would be better off going with DCs?
That math doesn't tell everything. Dual cannons drain for less, but because they fire 4 blasts instead of 2, so they wait longer to start their drain recovery. That extra second-or-so of drain recovery makes DHCs more power efficient in practice than DCs, despite the tooltip. The only real advantages of DCs over DHCs are extra proc chances and tetryon glider drain, and stylistic preferences. Its counterinutitive and odd, but testing backs it up.
Comments
There is all the information you need
Lol twice the damage but fire half as often.
Same dps.
Based upon what we have here it seems to come down to what you think looks better on your ship.