What Kind of Computer Do I Need for GSPro?

If you're building a golf simulator and planning to use GSPro, one of the first questions you're probably asking is:

What kind of computer do I need?

The simple answer: a gaming PC.

You don't need to be a gamer, build your own computer, or understand what every number on a graphics card means. GSPro displays detailed 3D golf courses in real time, much like a modern video game. That means it needs the same basic hardware you'd find in a decent gaming computer.

There are really only a few things you need to pay attention to.

First: You Need a Windows PC

GSPro runs on Windows 10 or Windows 11.

That means a traditional Windows desktop or gaming laptop is what you're looking for.

If you're shopping for a computer specifically for your simulator, we generally recommend a desktop gaming PC. You'll typically get more performance for your money, they're easier to upgrade later, and they're well suited for a permanent simulator installation.

The Graphics Card Is the Big One

When comparing computers for GSPro, the most important specification is the graphics card, also called the GPU.

This is what creates the fairways, trees, water, shadows, buildings and everything else you see on the screen.

Think of it this way:

Your launch monitor measures the golf shot. Your graphics card creates the golf course.

The better the graphics card, the more smoothly GSPro can display detailed courses at higher graphics settings and resolutions.

For 1080p

GSPro currently recommends an NVIDIA RTX 3060 as its minimum recommendation for 1080p play.

For what GSPro calls a "great" 1080p experience, it recommends an RTX 3060 Ti or RTX 3070.

For 4K

If you're building a 4K simulator, GSPro recommends an RTX 3080 or better.

Here's an important point when shopping for a new PC:

Don't get hung up on those exact model numbers.

Some of GSPro's recommended cards are from previous generations. A newer-generation graphics card can be an excellent choice even though its model number isn't specifically listed on GSPro's requirements page.

What matters is its actual performance.

If you're unsure whether a particular graphics card is powerful enough, ask before buying.

How Much RAM Do I Need?

RAM is your computer's short-term working memory.

You don't need to understand much more than that.

GSPro recommends:

16GB RAM for 1080p

32GB RAM for 4K

We generally like 32GB in a new simulator PC when the budget allows. GSPro may not need all of it during every round, but your computer may also be running launch-monitor software, browser windows, music, swing cameras or other applications at the same time.

RAM is relatively inexpensive compared with the graphics card, so this isn't an area where we'd try to save $30 on a new simulator build.

What About the Processor?

You'll usually see processors described as Intel Core i5, i7, i9 or AMD Ryzen 5, Ryzen 7, etc.

For GSPro, don't make the processor your first shopping criterion.

A reasonably modern gaming computer with a good graphics card will generally already have an adequate processor.

For most simulator builds, a modern Intel Core i5/i7 or AMD Ryzen 5/7-class processor is plenty.

Spend your money on the graphics card before paying a large premium simply to move from a high-end processor to an even higher-end one.

You Need an Internet Connection

GSPro requires a stable internet connection.

Your simulator PC can normally connect using either:

• Ethernet — a network cable running directly to your router/network.
• Wi-Fi — connecting wirelessly to your home network.

If Ethernet is practical, we prefer it. A wired connection removes another potential wireless variable from the simulator.

But good Wi-Fi is perfectly practical for many home simulator installations.

Does My GSPro Computer Need Bluetooth?

Maybe.

This depends primarily on the launch monitor and other equipment you're connecting to the computer.

Some launch monitors communicate through Ethernet, some through Wi-Fi, some through Bluetooth, USB, or an intermediary application.

GSPro itself lists Ethernet and/or Bluetooth depending upon the launch monitor in its hardware guidance.

Our recommendation is simple:

If you're buying a new simulator computer, get one with Wi-Fi, Ethernet and Bluetooth.

They're common features and having all three gives you more flexibility now and if you change launch monitors or accessories later.

How Much Storage Do I Need?

GSPro's published storage requirement is surprisingly small: only 10GB free for its minimum 1080p recommendation and 20GB for its higher recommended configurations.

But we wouldn't buy a simulator computer with only that much available storage.

Computers need room for Windows, updates, launch-monitor software, downloaded courses, other golf software, recordings and anything else you decide to add.

For a new simulator computer, we recommend an SSD of at least 512GB, with 1TB preferred.

An SSD is also much faster than the old mechanical hard drives found in older computers.

1080p vs. 4K: This Decision Matters

This is where computer shopping and projector shopping meet.

If your projector displays 1920 × 1080, you're playing in 1080p.

If you're using a true 3840 × 2160 4K projector, you're asking your computer to generate roughly four times as many pixels.

That takes substantially more graphics horsepower.

So don't buy your computer and projector independently.

Decide whether you're building a 1080p or 4K simulator first, and then select a PC capable of driving that resolution.

The We Do Sims Easy GSPro PC Guide

If computer specifications make your eyes glaze over, here's the simple version.

GOOD — Solid 1080p Simulator

Look for:

Windows 11 RTX 3060-class graphics or better 16GB RAM or more Modern Intel Core i5 / AMD Ryzen 5 or better 512GB SSD or larger Wi-Fi Ethernet Bluetooth

This is the starting point for a solid GSPro experience.

BETTER — Our Sweet Spot

For someone building a new simulator today, we'd look for:

Windows 11 Modern midrange NVIDIA RTX graphics card 32GB RAM Modern Intel Core i5/i7 or AMD Ryzen 5/7 1TB SSD Wi-Fi + Ethernet + Bluetooth

This gives you more breathing room for GSPro, your launch-monitor software and other applications without going crazy on the computer budget.

BEST — High-End / 4K Simulator

If you're building around a 4K projector and want high graphics settings:

Windows 11 High-performance NVIDIA RTX graphics card capable of strong 4K gaming 32GB RAM or more Modern Intel Core i7 / AMD Ryzen 7-class processor 1TB SSD or larger Wi-Fi + Ethernet + Bluetooth

The graphics card becomes particularly important at 4K.

Desktop or Laptop?

Both can run GSPro.

For a permanent home simulator, however, we usually prefer a desktop.

Why?

Desktop gaming computers generally give you more graphics performance for your money. They also have better cooling and are much easier to repair or upgrade.

A gaming laptop makes sense when portability matters—especially if the computer will serve multiple purposes outside the simulator.

Just remember that a laptop and desktop graphics card with similar names don't necessarily provide identical performance.

Can I Use an Older Gaming PC?

Absolutely.

You don't need the newest computer on the market to run GSPro.

A used gaming PC can actually be one of the best values in a golf simulator build.

The key is to look at the specifications, not the age or original price of the computer.

A five-year-old gaming PC with a strong dedicated graphics card may run GSPro significantly better than a brand-new $800 office computer.

Can I Just Use My Regular Home Computer?

Possibly—but this is where people often get tripped up.

A computer can be incredibly fast for email, spreadsheets, web browsing and normal business applications and still be terrible for GSPro.

Why?

It may not have a dedicated graphics card.

That's why shopping for a computer based on phrases like "Intel i7," "1TB storage" or "32GB RAM" isn't enough.

You need to know what graphics card is inside it.

For GSPro, that's one of the first specifications we check.

So, What Computer Should I Buy for GSPro?

Don't overcomplicate it.

You're essentially shopping for a Windows gaming PC with a good NVIDIA graphics card, enough RAM, an SSD, a stable network connection and the connectivity required by your launch monitor.

And remember:

Build the computer around the simulator you're creating.

A 1080p simulator doesn't require the same graphics horsepower as a 4K simulator. Your launch monitor can also affect which network connections and ports you'll need.

Already found a computer and wondering whether it'll work?

Send We Do Sims the specifications before you buy it. We'll help you determine whether it's a good fit for your simulator.