Need help with buying a graphics card

[abenjami]

I'm just getting into sim golf and built a simulator. About to purchase a Skytrak and planning to play TCG.

I already have a pretty solid Dell desktop that is only a year old. The only spec that appears to need an upgrade is the graphics card.

I see on the skytrak website that I need at least an Nvidia GTX 970. I looked into buying one online and discovered there are multiple versions, different price points, and it appears hard to find one that is new and not used or a refurb.

Can someone please help me out with what I need and where to buy it?

[StuartG]

That's because it's an older graphics card. You could get one but for the more current graphics cards, you should be looking for a GTX 1060 or better (e.g. GTX 1070, 1080, 20). Pretty sure for TGC, a 3GB 1060 will be a good solid "minimum".

If you're in the US, I find newegg.com a very good source for computer parts.

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...STMATCH&page=1

Also, you should be aware that upgrading the graphics care may impose some additional needs on your power supply. So you need to make sure that the current PS is both rated for the additional load and has the proper leads to use with the new graphics card. Also, you need to take into consideration the length of the graphics card and if your case has enough room for it.

[abenjami]

That's because it's an older graphics card. You could get one but for the more current graphics cards, you should be looking for a GTX 1060 or better (e.g. GTX 1070, 1080, 20). Pretty sure for TGC, a 3GB 1060 will be a good solid "minimum".

If you're in the US, I find newegg.com a very good source for computer parts.

https://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...STMATCH&page=1

Also, you should be aware that upgrading the graphics care may impose some additional needs on your power supply. So you need to make sure that the current PS is both rated for the additional load and has the proper leads to use with the new graphics card. Also, you need to take into consideration the length of the graphics card and if your case has enough room for it.

Thanks. So I just need a GTX card, and it doesn't have to be one from Nvidia?

[StuartG]

Thanks. So I just need a GTX card, and it doesn't have to be one from Nvidia?

NVidea makes the GPU's and chip sets. Different companies will then make the complete card around those e.g. MSI, Gigabyte, Asus, ECA, etc..

So it's sort of like saying (just an example) if an intel i5 CPU is the minimum required CPU, it doesn't matter if you get it in a Dell computer with an i5 or an HP computer with an i5 - they both will have the same CPU.

Some individuals will have preferences for one company or another, but Asus, Gigabyte, MSI, and EVGA have the better reputations from what I've seen (usually with respect to QA) - but that doesn't mean the others are bad by any means.

[abenjami]

NVidea makes the GPU's and chip sets. Different companies will then make the complete card around those e.g. MSI, Gigabyte, Asus, ECA, etc..

So it's sort of like saying (just an example) if an intel i5 CPU is the minimum required CPU, it doesn't matter if you get it in a Dell computer with an i5 or an HP computer with an i5 - they both will have the same CPU.

Some individuals will have preferences for one company or another, but Asus, Gigabyte, MSI, and EVGA have the better reputations from what I've seen (usually with respect to QA) - but that doesn't mean the others are bad by any means.

Thanks. So basically the $200 range cards on the link you posted will be fine?

[StuartG]

Any card from that link will be fine (size and power issues that I mentioned in my first reply not-withstanding).
FWIW - this is one that I've bought used for my sim computer: https://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...82E16814126133

[lb4lb]

I'm going to be upgrading my GFX card in the near future and currently have a 1060 3GB that I will sell. 1+ year old, works just fine. PM if interested.