Modern simulator software is almost completely dependent on the graphics card installed in the computer. Because of this, we do not concern our software testing with reviewing a wide range of processors as the simulator performance is not affected by a change in the processor model, as long as you are using one from the latest generation. (Processor power comes into play, in large part, when a golfer wants to incorporate other programs like swing capture software utilizing high speed cameras).

Our testing, therefore, will focus solely on the graphics card performance (Nvidia cards only, as many of the software publishers only certify for Nvidia cards). The rest of the system specifications for testing will always use an i9 processor from the latest generation at the time of software release, with at least 16GB of RAM and a solid state NVMe drive.

Our testing results are given in FPS (frames per second). The target goal for an immersive golfing experience is as close to 60 FPS as you can get (note, all golf software companies have capped the FPS to 60). Anything above 30 FPS is considered playable with occasional visual performance dips and graphical tearing, depending on how close to the 30 FPS mark you are at. Anything below 30 FPS begins to be noticeable, unenjoyable, and depending on how low, downright unplayable -- in some cases making the ball flight take twice as long as it normally would.

We test the software on each system in both standard HD (1080P) and Ultra HD (4K) resolutions, so you can select the proper computer for the display type you plan to use. The software is otherwise left in its default settings for the testing. Some software packages have the ability to reduce the visual fidelity in order to increase performance of the software. If a particular software has this capability, we will highlight this fact after the testing results.

We test each graphics card on a wide variety of courses and holes for each resolution. Because each course can have a variety of different foliage and 3D models, each course can bring with it different performance values. The average frames per second taken for each card is the spectrum average of all courses and holes sampled across that resolution.

The RTX 3070 solidifies itself as the 1080p starting point. With a step up from the RTX 3060 for a more consistent gameplay for FSX Play, and nearly 60 FPS in the other software tested, it provides the best all round starting point for those looking to get into golf simulation at 1080p.