Building a Protee Golf Simulator Computer

[Jsgregg]

I had thought about using Windows 7, but support will be falling away after next year. I had read about the revisions made with 8.1 so I went for it. So far, so good. I figured that the OEM OS is only around $100. If it turned out to be less than ideal, then I would just buy 7.

[mmlincon]

I get them for free so cost isn't the issue. Just want something that works. I'm curios to try Zmax's classic profile anyway. I hate the move to a tablet OS when we use deskstops!

[Jsgregg]

I get that, and don't disagree. I may end up using classic shell or some version of it at some point. I do like the idea of touch screen support if I choose to add one down the road.

[Maverick]

If not for classic shell, it would not be usable for me.

[mmlincon]

touch screen support is great if you have a touch screen. I'm betting most of the win 8 systems don't have one. Why default then? Just dumb. Even linux desktops are doing that crap. Someone thinks its better or the developers are just sick of developing the old desktop model and want something new to do.

[Maverick]

Its more like they're trying to push a certain agenda. It wouldn't have been that difficult to include a Windows 7 desktop as an option.

BTW, another thing that I would change in my PC build is the CPU. Should have spent a little more and gone with the FX 8350 4ghz CPU. The 6300 is fine but the 8350 can be found used for $150.

[Crusty]

Hi Zmax,
I've finally got the specs from my computer guy for my much anticipated Protee, do you think this setup will be suitable?

Intel Core i7-4770, 3.4GHZ, 4 Core LGA1150
Asus Z87-C DIMM, DVI/VGA/HDMI LGA1150
8GB CRUCIAL DDR3 PC12800 1600MHZ 512X8 CL11 DESKTOP MEMORY
GIGA GTX760 OC
250GB SAMSUNG 2.3" 840BW EVO 540/520 10000/33000
THERMALTAKE URBAN S31 MID TOWER BLACK
700W TT LITEPOWER
500GB SEAGATE ST500DM002
SAMSUNG SH-224BB/BEBS SATABLK INTERNAL 24X DVDRW DRIVE
WINDOWS 7 HOME PREM SYS 64BIT COA - NO DISK

After reading posts here I may need to go with a bigger power supply, and maybe reconsider the GIGA GTX760 OC?

I'm not sure about monitor selection, I have noted that a few users on the forum suggest touch screen?

Any feedback would be most welcome, thanks.

[Maverick]

The GTX760 will run most of the course fine at medium setting. If you want to run with higher detail or even max, I would suggest at least a GTX670. GTX680 and up would be great if you got the money.

700w might be OK if using GTX760, but I would go with higher since its a new build. 800+ if using GTX670. Current is also important. Not just wattage. A good 800w PS with good current ratings will cost $125-$150 or more.

[Maverick]

As for the touchscreen monitor, that's s personal preference. I use a wireless remote control/mouse. Very fast. No monitor.

[chefrank]

Does anyone use a touchscreen monitor in their hardware setup? Any pros or cons?

[Libbing]

I have one. Don't use it a lot. Just as easy / easier to use the mouse.

[mjbgolf]

Not sure if anyone explained this or not, but after speaking with our IT guy at work he explained to me that the SSD hard drive is the single most important feature to get the game to load faster. Luckily I had him look over my specs before I ordered it.

[Maverick]

Yes, that's true. My specs included an SSD drive. But the most important thing overall is the video card.

[bpep]

Hey everyone, So, I am getting my sim room ready for this coming winter and my next major purchase is a computer. I really want a laptop to be able to handle all settings maxed out and be ready for the future software hopefully coming soon. This is one I'm currently looking at.
http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&id=321350158556&alt=web

Let me know if this will be powerful enough or is there something better for our simulation needs. Thanks everyone!

[Maverick]

That is a good laptop, but for the future, I would go the PC route. Fast CPU with a GTX770 or 780.