I haven't really started experimenting with cloth yet. Only some minor experiments...
I have gone through 2D fluids and i guess it's about as heavy.
the result was slower running of course but it was more then bearable. Plus, I remind you your PC is much better in almost, if not every aspect.

I advise you to go through the basics and only when you start going through all the heavier options you will see whether you need to spend more money on it.