Gaming computer for Golf simulator

[YeahYeah01]

I need to help. I know how to use a computer and some super basic knowledge of the parts but not well enough to understand what's needed. I'm just starting to plan the entire sim build but I know I will need a solid computer that I will eventually run off 4k projector on.

I would think building my own will be cheaper then off the shelf? The recommendations from the site seem like it might be over the top a bit. Looking on forms people have way less powerful rigs and say they run fine. This entire project is expensive as hell so to trying to save where I can but don't want to regret anything either. I was hoping to keep the PC build around the 1k Mark. Is that impossible?

Here is the recommendations from the site, but thinking is possible to go lower on the graphics card? And maybe some other components?

Anyone smarter then me help me spec something?

 

[attitude]

There is more knowledge members here that can lay it all out for you but you should be able to stay under $1k for a pre-built. The components listed are around 4 years old now.

I’m thinking a RTX3070 and a I7-10700k would be easy. Maybe even a 4060 and a i5 13th gen.

 

[YeahYeah01]

There is more knowledge members here that can lay it all out for you but you should be able to stay under $1k for a pre-built. The components listed are around 4 years old now.

I’m thinking a RTX3070 and a I7-10700k would be easy. Maybe even a 4060 and a i5 13th gen.

Ya, I'm just scratching the surface on reading up on this shit, from what I see 3070 should be okay, but once I can get a build sheet and see what the cost comes out to them that's probably where the extra or budget stretching would go to.

 

[attitude]

Ya, I'm just scratching the surface on reading up on this shit, from what I see 3070 should be okay, but once I can get a build sheet and see what the cost comes out to them that's probably where the extra or budget stretching would go to.

Something like this would work, and right at budget too.

https://www.costco.com/cyberpowerpc-gamer-xtreme-gaming-desktop---intel-core-processor-i5-14400f---geforce-rtx-4060.product.4000251820.html

 

[YeahYeah01]

Something like this would work, and right at budget too.

https://www.costco.com/cyberpowerpc-gamer-xtreme-gaming-desktop---intel-core-processor-i5-14400f---geforce-rtx-4060.product.4000251820.html

That doesn't look bad at all.

 

[DarkHorseRacing]

If you're trying to do this on a budget, id look at an AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D system and then pair that with your nvidia card if you're trying to stick with it for better support of your sim. The AMD is now last gen but still good enough for the sim.

If you want 4k out of a projector from the card, most of them have an hdmi output now.

Also highly recommend a system with an SSD Drive maybe 512GB or higher (preferably a 1TB) .

 

[mjc]

Just about any gaming computer should be more than enough. You need to check on what are the current parts compared to that list.

 

[YeahYeah01]

If you're trying to do this on a budget, id look at an AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D system and then pair that with your nvidia card if you're trying to stick with it for better support of your sim. The AMD is now last gen but still good enough for the sim.

If you want 4k out of a projector from the card, most of them have an hdmi output now.

Also highly recommend a system with an SSD Drive maybe 512GB or higher (preferably a 1TB) .

I think I saw a combo with this in micro center.

 

[YeahYeah01]

Just about any gaming computer should be more than enough. You need to check on what are the current parts compared to that list.

That's what I was wondering. You can get an off the shelf one with $800 but I don't understand the specs enough compared to what is recommended from the manufacturer. I do know they recommend top notch, but really think that is over kill for a home set up

 

[Bpracing1127]

Use part picker for compatibility.

4K and high refresh rate a 3060 or 4060 won’t cut it.

Build it. It’s not hard at all.

I would go amd platform

Ryzen 7 3600 or up (most come with fan as a package deal)
3070 or up
As much DDR 4 ram you can afford
1tb ssd
Case make sure it fits your GPU
Mother board (tuf gaming are nice ones)
Fans (if they don’t come with case)
Mouse and keyboard

Sorry to say but realistically your running closer to 2k

 

[Bpracing1127]

That's what I was wondering. You can get an off the shelf one with $800 but I don't understand the specs enough compared to what is recommended from the manufacturer. I do know they recommend top notch, but really think that is over kill for a home set up

List the specs or the computer and we can helps. Plenty of pc nerds here. I am one of them

 

[whiteworks]

Is there any company’s that are reputable that offer a pre configured system and tech support for the unit?

 

[YeahYeah01]

List the specs or the computer and we can helps. Plenty of pc nerds here. I am one of them

Slightly confusing answer, and that's part of problem. The simulators have their own programing like it's range and some courses play, so I attached the minimum and recommend requirements from them and then you can run another program called GS Pro that has a bunch of other cool functions and courses, so I have the min and recommend requirements for that too. Then from most stuff I read I the recommended seems overkill so I'm guessing somewhere in the middle would be good?

 

[DarkHorseRacing]

First off, toss the minimum specs, they are trash, they are what it takes for minimum framerates at minimum resolutions. Recommended should be your minimum, especially since you are wanting 4k.

As to reputable prebuilt systems, the major PC players all bought themselves a boutique gaming builder. Dell bought Alienware, HP bough Omen and Lenovo bought someone, plus there are still a few others that are decent.

Most of the majors should be looking at clearing out systems for the new stuff that just came out or is coming out early next year. So now is the time to pick up some good deals. I'd seriously wait for the black Friday/Cyber Monday sales.

 

[wet hull]

I need to help. I know how to use a computer and some super basic knowledge of the parts but not well enough to understand what's needed. I'm just starting to plan the entire sim build but I know I will need a solid computer that I will eventually run off 4k projector on.

I would think building my own will be cheaper then off the shelf? The recommendations from the site seem like it might be over the top a bit. Looking on forms people have way less powerful rigs and say they run fine. This entire project is expensive as hell so to trying to save where I can but don't want to regret anything either. I was hoping to keep the PC build around the 1k Mark. Is that impossible?

Here is the recommendations from the site, but thinking is possible to go lower on the graphics card? And maybe some other components?

Anyone smarter then me help me spec something?

What are you anticipating the whole simulator build to cost?

 

[YeahYeah01]

What are you anticipating the whole simulator build to cost?

Some variables to it like the projector and the PC but it should end up being around 6k to 7k.

 

[DirtyWhiteDog]

First off, toss the minimum specs, they are trash, they are what it takes for minimum framerates at minimum resolutions. Recommended should be your minimum, especially since you are wanting 4k.

As to reputable prebuilt systems, the major PC players all bought themselves a boutique gaming builder. Dell bought Alienware, HP bough Omen and Lenovo bought someone, plus there are still a few others that are decent.

Most of the majors should be looking at clearing out systems for the new stuff that just came out or is coming out early next year. So now is the time to pick up some good deals. I'd seriously wait for the black Friday/Cyber Monday sales.

What should a novice be looking for?
Programs that won't cost a ton and work for someone who doesn't golf alot.

 

[YeahYeah01]

What should a novice be looking for?
Programs that won't cost a ton and work for someone who doesn't golf alot.

You can actually set up a system really cheap. You can get the original sky tract, a hitting net and and Ipad and you have a basic sim and launch monitor. The only thing you should not cheap on is the hitting Matt. You can hurt yourself hitting off a cheap mat. So technically you can be up and running with a basic set up for under 2k if you already have an iPad.

 

[HST4ME]

Meta pcs are owned and built by veterans

 

[Bpracing1127]

for a 4K setup. you are going to need a 3080 or better GPU. you will also need to match that with a decent CPU and RAM.

to do that you are looking at 2K. to do it right.

I have a Ryzen 7 3700 CPU 8 core
3080 TI GPU
64 GB 3200 mhz ram DDR4
2 TB SSD

all on a TUF gaming MB

i paid 1k for my GPU alone this was back when they were harder to get.

i can run 4K at 150 ish FPS with any modern game.

for optimal performance run recomended specs, otherwise its like putting a 350 in a 35ft DCB. sure it will put through the channel but wont get anywhere fast.

 

[YeahYeah01]

for a 4K setup. you are going to need a 3080 or better GPU. you will also need to match that with a decent CPU and RAM.

to do that you are looking at 2K. to do it right.

I have a Ryzen 7 3700 CPU 8 core
3080 TI GPU
64 GB 3200 mhz ram DDR4
2 TB SSD

all on a TUF gaming MB

i paid 1k for my GPU alone this was back when they were harder to get.

i can run 4K at 150 ish FPS with any modern game.

for optimal performance run recomended specs, otherwise its like putting a 350 in a 35ft DCB. sure it will put through the channel but wont get anywhere fast.

What if I went for just 1080 definition now and then I could upgrade to 4k later once I dial in the system and make sure it's worth it? What would I need for that?

Also great analogy lol.

 

[YeahYeah01]

Meta pcs are owned and built by veterans

I'll look into this one

 

[Bpracing1127]

What if I went for just 1080 definition now and then I could upgrade to 4k later once I dial in the system and make sure it's worth it? What would I need for that?

Also great analogy lol.

Then any gpu will be ok. Any 20 series or 30 series will be fine. Just make sure the rest of the parts are ok compatible with the system for future upgrades.

Things I would spend money on and can go cheaper on

Case= doesn’t need to have all the lights just proper cooling
CPU fan. Most direct mounted fans work great for this. You don’t need water cooling

Ram you don’t need to fill all 4 slots. Just two slots with good ram will be fine

Gpu for 1080P gaming 3000 series will be just fine
CPU 8 core or better

Motherboard just get one that supports upgrades

I have a gpu and cpu cooler I will sell cheap if interested my cpu cooler is cooler master brand new in box

Gpu is a zotoc 1070. Used but works or money back

Also if planning to upgrade to big boy gpu get a decent power supply now.

 

[YeahYeah01]

Then any gpu will be ok. Any 20 series or 30 series will be fine. Just make sure the rest of the parts are ok compatible with the system for future upgrades.

Things I would spend money on and can go cheaper on

Case= doesn’t need to have all the lights just proper cooling
CPU fan. Most direct mounted fans work great for this. You don’t need water cooling

Ram you don’t need to fill all 4 slots. Just two slots with good ram will be fine

Gpu for 1080P gaming 3000 series will be just fine
CPU 8 core or better

Motherboard just get one that supports upgrades

I have a gpu and cpu cooler I will sell cheap if interested my cpu cooler is cooler master brand new in box

Gpu is a zotoc 1070. Used but works or money back

Also if planning to upgrade to big boy gpu get a decent power supply now.

Thanks for the info. I'm looking into things now, I let you know if I'm interested in what you have as well. Thanks again

 

[DrunkenSailor]

Walmart has a killer deal on an ho Invictus laptop. 499. I5 pro VC Nvidia 4050 video card.

 

[YeahYeah01]

Walmart has a killer deal on an ho Invictus laptop. 499. I5 pro VC Nvidia 4050 video card.

That is a really good deal.

 

[gqchris]

I9 with a RTX4070. This is what we get for our clients who need a power house

PowerSpec G447 Gaming PC; Intel Core i9 12th Gen 12900K 3.2GHz Processor; NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 12GB GDDR6; 32GB DDR5-6000 - Micro Center

Get it now! Find over 30,000 products at your local Micro Center, including the G447 Gaming PC; Intel Core i9 12th Gen 12900K 3.2GHz Processor; NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 12GB GDDR6; 32GB DDR5-6000 RAM; 1TB Solid State Drive; Microsoft Windows 11 Pro; 2.5GbE LAN; WiFi 6E 802.11ax; Bluetooth 5.3...

www.microcenter.com

or a step above with the Ryzen 7

PowerSpec G717 Gaming PC Platinum Collection; AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D 4.2GHz Processor; NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 SUPER 12GB - Micro Center

Get it now! The PowerSpec G717 delivers the performance of a top-tier gaming PC in an astonishingly compact package. This monster prebuilt gaming PC brings you big-league components like an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Super graphics card and an AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D CPU, all in a space-saving ATX case...

www.microcenter.com

 

[Bpracing1127]

I9 with a RTX4070. This is what we get for our clients who need a power house

PowerSpec G447 Gaming PC; Intel Core i9 12th Gen 12900K 3.2GHz Processor; NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 12GB GDDR6; 32GB DDR5-6000 - Micro Center

Get it now! Find over 30,000 products at your local Micro Center, including the G447 Gaming PC; Intel Core i9 12th Gen 12900K 3.2GHz Processor; NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 12GB GDDR6; 32GB DDR5-6000 RAM; 1TB Solid State Drive; Microsoft Windows 11 Pro; 2.5GbE LAN; WiFi 6E 802.11ax; Bluetooth 5.3...

www.microcenter.com

or a step above with the Ryzen 7

PowerSpec G717 Gaming PC Platinum Collection; AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D 4.2GHz Processor; NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 SUPER 12GB - Micro Center

Get it now! The PowerSpec G717 delivers the performance of a top-tier gaming PC in an astonishingly compact package. This monster prebuilt gaming PC brings you big-league components like an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Super graphics card and an AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D CPU, all in a space-saving ATX case...

www.microcenter.com

Both of these are great option

That laptop is horrible

 

[HgH Vltg]

Ok I skipped straight to the bottom, so I apologize if this has been asked and answered. I just went through a golf sim build so I'm semi familiar. We went full Foresight, enclosure, computer, etc. etc.

One thing I will say, NO major manufacturer will sell you a package sans computer. Boy oh boy is that a hill they will die on. Also, the projectors they package are absolute junk. Another oddity, golf sims are setup in a 4:3 aspect ratio, so keep that in mind when you're choosing your screen and projector if you're piecing it together.

 

[eliminate-her]

I just finished mine. Here is a helpful Youtube channel. How wide is your room and screen? This will be a factor in your projector selection and throw distance.

My specs - Costco Order

CyberPowerPC Gamer Supreme Liquid Cooled Gaming Tower - 14th Gen Intel Core i7-14700F - GeForce RTX 4070 Super, 12GB​

Item 1815396

Model SLC9600C
4.0 out of 5 stars, average rating value. Read 114 Reviews. Same page link.

4.0

(114)
Write a review

Your Price​

1,599.99$
Shipping & Handling: $14.99*

Get Indiana Jones and the Great CircleTM with qualifying Select GeForce RTX 40 Series*

Valid 11/12/24 through 12/29/24. While supplies last.

Features:​

• 14th Gen Intel Core i7-14700F 2.1GHz (Max 5.4GHz) Processor
• NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4070 Super, 12GB
• 2.0TB PCIe Gen 4 Solid State Drive
• 7 Color RGB Gaming Keyboard & Mouse
• Liquid Cooled

 

[C-2]

Do you guys set these up at home, or for work, or both?

 

[Bpracing1127]

Personal. I have a work comp

 

[rivermobster]

I need to help. I know how to use a computer and some super basic knowledge of the parts but not well enough to understand what's needed. I'm just starting to plan the entire sim build but I know I will need a solid computer that I will eventually run off 4k projector on.

I would think building my own will be cheaper then off the shelf? The recommendations from the site seem like it might be over the top a bit. Looking on forms people have way less powerful rigs and say they run fine. This entire project is expensive as hell so to trying to save where I can but don't want to regret anything either. I was hoping to keep the PC build around the 1k Mark. Is that impossible?

Here is the recommendations from the site, but thinking is possible to go lower on the graphics card? And maybe some other components?

Anyone smarter then me help me spec something?

Building your own Used to be a lot cheaper, but those days are over and done.

Look on Microcenter's website and start by filtering your needs, by the video card you want. Then memory, CPU, hard drive, and so on.

You'll find your choices will narrow down Very quickly.

I always build my own, but I own a copy of Win 10 Pro that I bought years ago. I can upgrade that for free, so that keeps my costs down when I build something for me.

 

[DWC]

The other variable is how accurate you want the swing results to be. The basic, no frills, launch monitor vs high end are way different in their measurements and accuracy. I was gonna buy this for the range but it didn’t have the right features.

 

[YeahYeah01]

I9 with a RTX4070. This is what we get for our clients who need a power house

PowerSpec G447 Gaming PC; Intel Core i9 12th Gen 12900K 3.2GHz Processor; NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 12GB GDDR6; 32GB DDR5-6000 - Micro Center

Get it now! Find over 30,000 products at your local Micro Center, including the G447 Gaming PC; Intel Core i9 12th Gen 12900K 3.2GHz Processor; NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 12GB GDDR6; 32GB DDR5-6000 RAM; 1TB Solid State Drive; Microsoft Windows 11 Pro; 2.5GbE LAN; WiFi 6E 802.11ax; Bluetooth 5.3...

www.microcenter.com

or a step above with the Ryzen 7

PowerSpec G717 Gaming PC Platinum Collection; AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D 4.2GHz Processor; NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 SUPER 12GB - Micro Center

Get it now! The PowerSpec G717 delivers the performance of a top-tier gaming PC in an astonishingly compact package. This monster prebuilt gaming PC brings you big-league components like an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Super graphics card and an AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D CPU, all in a space-saving ATX case...

www.microcenter.com

The I9 with the RTX 4070 seems like a pretty good deal. I'm starting to understand the lingo on products so I was starting to do a build sheet on something like this, I haven't finished it but I dont think it would be much cheaper.

I almost pulled the trigger on a rig on new egg with a ryzen 7 but luckily i didn't, the sim I am looking at is not compatible apparently..

 

[YeahYeah01]

Ok I skipped straight to the bottom, so I apologize if this has been asked and answered. I just went through a golf sim build so I'm semi familiar. We went full Foresight, enclosure, computer, etc. etc.

One thing I will say, NO major manufacturer will sell you a package sans computer. Boy oh boy is that a hill they will die on. Also, the projectors they package are absolute junk. Another oddity, golf sims are setup in a 4:3 aspect ratio, so keep that in mind when you're choosing your screen and projector if you're piecing it together.

Thank you for the details, I was bouncing back on forth on a package deal but I think Ill just piece it together. Thanks you on the 4:3 info.

 

[C-2]

That's a whole new level of gaming and dedication to get there - you guys rock

 

[YeahYeah01]

I just finished mine. Here is a helpful Youtube channel. How wide is your room and screen? This will be a factor in your projector selection and throw distance.

My specs - Costco Order

CyberPowerPC Gamer Supreme Liquid Cooled Gaming Tower - 14th Gen Intel Core i7-14700F - GeForce RTX 4070 Super, 12GB​

Item 1815396

Model SLC9600C
4.0 out of 5 stars, average rating value. Read 114 Reviews. Same page link.

4.0

(114)
Write a review

Your Price​

1,599.99$
Shipping & Handling: $14.99*

Get Indiana Jones and the Great CircleTM with qualifying Select GeForce RTX 40 Series*

Valid 11/12/24 through 12/29/24. While supplies last.

Features:​

• 14th Gen Intel Core i7-14700F 2.1GHz (Max 5.4GHz) Processor
• NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4070 Super, 12GB
• 2.0TB PCIe Gen 4 Solid State Drive
• 7 Color RGB Gaming Keyboard & Mouse
• Liquid Cooled

View attachment 1449784

Thats bad ass! I am still dialing in on where I am putting, I have to location in the house that will work but no sold on where yet. It wont be a giant screen though, most likely and 8x8 or maybe a 10x10 depending on the spot. One room is wider but one room is taller where the screen will sit al least, I ahve vaulted ceiling and several ceiling heights.

 

[YeahYeah01]

The other variable is how accurate you want the swing results to be. The basic, no frills, launch monitor vs high end are way different in their measurements and accuracy. I was gonna buy this for the range but it didn’t have the right features.


View attachment 1449823

Ya, I have to go camera based for the house, I wont have the room for radar based. Right now I am pretty sure I am going to go with the eye mini lite, its not portable so If I want one for the range I would have to upgrade to the eye mini, but I am thinking if I really want something out side I can do this flight scope for just the range.

 

[YeahYeah01]

Building your own Used to be a lot cheaper, but those days are over and done.

Look on Microcenter's website and start by filtering your needs, by the video card you want. Then memory, CPU, hard drive, and so on.

You'll find your choices will narrow down Very quickly.

I always build my own, but I own a copy of Win 10 Pro that I bought years ago. I can upgrade that for free, so that keeps my costs down when I build something for me.

Ya thats what I am starting to do, I just keep thinking I am missing something lol, it seems like not a ton a parts to do it.

 

[YeahYeah01]

Do you guys set these up at home, or for work, or both?

This will be just for home.

 

[YeahYeah01]

I just finished mine. Here is a helpful Youtube channel. How wide is your room and screen? This will be a factor in your projector selection and throw distance.

My specs - Costco Order

CyberPowerPC Gamer Supreme Liquid Cooled Gaming Tower - 14th Gen Intel Core i7-14700F - GeForce RTX 4070 Super, 12GB​

Item 1815396

Model SLC9600C
4.0 out of 5 stars, average rating value. Read 114 Reviews. Same page link.

4.0

(114)
Write a review

Your Price​

1,599.99$
Shipping & Handling: $14.99*

Get Indiana Jones and the Great CircleTM with qualifying Select GeForce RTX 40 Series*

Valid 11/12/24 through 12/29/24. While supplies last.

Features:​

• 14th Gen Intel Core i7-14700F 2.1GHz (Max 5.4GHz) Processor
• NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 4070 Super, 12GB
• 2.0TB PCIe Gen 4 Solid State Drive
• 7 Color RGB Gaming Keyboard & Mouse
• Liquid Cooled

View attachment 1449784

For got to ask, what sim do you go with? And how are you liking it so far? Enclosure and screen/ projector set up? Do you have a hitting strip in there?

 

[rivermobster]

Ya thats what I am starting to do, I just keep thinking I am missing something lol, it seems like not a ton a parts to do it.

To build one yourself?

Fans, power supplies, memory chips, CPU, cpu fan, case, motherboard, nic card, cables, DVD drive, chip reader, legit version of windows, USB ports for the front of the case, a nice full size case, video card, maybe a wireless card?

And you have to make Sure all the speeds on all the components match each other...

Their is a bit of planing to do, but if you're close to Microcenter, those guys are very cool and can help you with all those choices.

My recommendation would be to buy a pre assembled one, that matches the video card specs you need. Having a warranty is always nice.

 

[DrunkenSailor]

Microcenter is pretty impressive. Whole store is pretty much computer focused and it's always packed.

 

[rivermobster]

Microcenter is pretty impressive. Whole store is pretty much computer focused and it's always packed.

Right??

It's like going to Parker. Only go mid week!

 

[eliminate-her]

For got to ask, what sim do you go with? And how are you liking it so far? Enclosure and screen/ projector set up? Do you have a hitting strip in there?

Uneekor QED overhead LM. I did the whole floor in putting green and have been hitting directly off it and so far it has been wearing good. I have 1" rubber pad underneath, Amazon locking garage floor tiles. The screen is 85"H X 103" W X 59"D from Carl's place. I opted for the premium screen for the ability to watch UFC, football and movies. Running GSPRO software.

 

[YeahYeah01]

Uneekor QED overhead LM. I did the whole floor in putting green and have been hitting directly off it and so far it has been wearing good. I have 1" rubber pad underneath, Amazon locking garage floor tiles. The screen is 85"H X 103" W X 59"D from Carl's place. I opted for the premium screen for the ability to watch UFC, football and movies. Running GSPRO software.

That's bad ass. I would go overhead if I new for sure where I put it will be it's final spot. I will probably do a premium screen though as well.

Just be careful hitting off just the pad, I have wrist issues so I need some soft shit lol.

 

[YeahYeah01]

No turning back now lol. Order the computer from best buy, pre built. It should be plenty strong for the simulator.

Ordered everything else got the sim as well. Went with the eye mini lite. Stuff should start showing up on Thursday. There were some great deals that started Sunday. I ordered Saturday lol, but I called them and the game me sale price refund.

 

[YeahYeah01]

It's up and running! Kids are digging the big screen too.

My projector mount didn't show yet. Still need to tweak things and get dialed in but it's fictional.

 

[attitude]

Looks great, one day when funds and space allow I’ll build one.