CPU question for TGC2019.

[shnekx]

I have a HP Desktop - 260-a129 running with my ST and TGC2019 simulator.

Here are the specs. AMD Carrizo-L A8-7410

• CPU speed: 2.2 GHz (2.5 GHz max turbo boost)
• CPU cores: 4
• CPU Cache: 2 MB
• TDP: 15 W (cTDP: 12 W/25 W)
• System on a Chip (SoC) design - chipset and processor are combined
• Integrated graphics: AMD Radeon R5 Series
• 8 GB

I know the graphic card is much below the standard recommended of NVidia GTX 970 (or better GTX1060, GTX1070 or GTX1080). My system runs slow and lags but it works (barely)

My question is can I just get a new graphics card like an NVidia 1060 into this computer?
I just dont know if the CPU AMD Carrizo-L A8-7410 @ 2.2 GHz (2.5 GHz max turbo boost) is lagging as well to match Processor: Intel Core i7?
So can I update graphics or get a new system?

[GungHoGolf]

Yes, a real graphics card would help tremendously.

[shnekx]

Thanks do you think the CPU is sufficient minus the graphics card?

[GungHoGolf]

It probably is. The GPU is far more important than the CPU.

[Dax]

Thought an i5 was needed for minimum spec and those were like 3Ghz turbo boosting to a higher amount? I just pulled a GTX 970 from my golf sim system. Might consider a sale if you are near me. Otherwise I was just going to drop the card into another system have running an old 750ti.

[Celeras]

I don't know much about how well TGC runs on low end systems, but here is where your CPU ranks for other laptops as of 2015.

My simulator rig uses parts from my old PC gaming system that I built in ~2012. The CPU from that build scores 11,000 on this test. The current CPU in my gaming system is almost 16,000.

I am going to speculate that while a GPU would certainly help, you still might not get the performance you want with that CPU. No reason you can't try it and reevaluate after though.

[mmcfadin]

I doubt you will be able to put graphics card in your HP 260-A129 computer. I checked its specs and it only has a 65W power supply. The minimum power supply required for a GTX 1060 is 450W. Power consumption and having the right connectors is a key thing to watch for in putting a graphics card in a older system.

[Celeras]

You're right, good catch. And its a mini-ITX.. I'm looking at the chassis on this thing and I don't know if a real GPU would even fit in the case even if he could replace the parts necessary to make it work.

[SkeetShooter]

I was just about to chime in on this. mmcfadin is correct. Also the MOBO doesnt seem to have PCI-e, so no way you can get a graphics card for that given your restrictions... Pony up and get a new computer.

[shnekx]

Yes I will be getting a new system for sure. Thanks

[Shipwreck34]

[mmcfadin]

If you want a lower budget computer for simulator use I would look at the used workstation market. I bought a used HP z420 workstation for less than $200 on eBay. Came with Win10 installed and 500GB hard drive. It has 600W power supply, right connectors (6 pin) and PCI-e slot for graphics card I planned to use. I then bought a new EVGA GTX 1070. Graphics card cost me more than I paid for the rest of the computer (thanks to bitcoin mining). It is dedicated to running my Sim and have less than $600 in the hardware setup. As a side benefit, most workstation class machines have solid metal cabinets that are easy to open and service. They also typically have Intel Xeon processors so you're not short changing on CPU.

[jvh42]

There are a lot of YouTube videos from Linus Tech Tips that have gaming PC builds at certain price points, i.e. build a gaming PC for $500, $1,000 etc. You can watch them and pick and choose what you like. Also PC Part Picker has posts from users that show their parts and total price of the system. I'd also recommend increasing the RAM to 16GB, that will make a difference in performance as well.

[jvh42]

If you want a lower budget computer for simulator use I would look at the used workstation market. I bought a used HP z420 workstation for less than $200 on eBay. Came with Win10 installed and 500GB hard drive. It has 600W power supply, right connectors (6 pin) and PCI-e slot for graphics card I planned to use. I then bought a new EVGA GTX 1070. Graphics card cost me more than I paid for the rest of the computer (thanks to bitcoin mining). It is dedicated to running my Sim and have less than $600 in the hardware setup. As a side benefit, most workstation class machines have solid metal cabinets that are easy to open and service. They also typically have Intel Xeon processors so you're not short changing on CPU.

Bitcoin mining was so bad for GPU prices in 2018!! I don't think you could get a GTX class card for less than $500 new.