Processor, Memory and Storage for Simulators

What the processor, RAM and storage do in a golf simulator PC, and which of them you can keep at a modest level.

Last checked November 10, 2026

Three parts besides the graphics card shape a simulator PC: the processor, the memory and the storage drive. Each has one job, and each can be sized sensibly.

The processor

The central processing unit, or CPU, runs the software. Its circuitry executes the instructions of a computer program.¹

Modern chips usually hold several processing units. Chips with multiple CPUs are called multi-core processors, and each unit is a core.¹

In a simulator, camera data is processed using complex physics algorithms.² The software also models terrain, wind and other conditions.² Check the launch monitor maker's guide for the computer it expects.

The practical step is simple. Match the processor named on the software's list, and note whether the launch monitor's own app lists a separate one.

Memory

RAM, or random-access memory, is typically used to store working data and machine code.³ It's the desk where the program spreads out its papers while it works.

It's also temporary. Stored information is lost if power is removed.³ That's why a file saved to a drive survives a restart, while an open round does not.

For a simulator, the lesson is to meet the memory figure on the software's list, then think about everything else running at once. A browser with many tabs, a video call or a streaming app all use the same pool.

Storage

Storage keeps the software, the courses and your saved data when the power is off.

A solid-state drive, or SSD, has no moving parts, which allows faster data access.⁴ A hard disk drive, or HDD, offers significantly higher capacity for its price.⁴

That gives a clear trade. Put the operating system and the simulator on an SSD if you can. Use a hard disk for big archives such as saved video, if you keep any.

Course libraries and downloads can take a lot of space. Look at the free space line on the software's list, and leave extra.

Each part has one main job.

Where modest is fine

Part	Where modest often works	Where to be careful
Processor	When the list's named chip is met	Below the listed chip
Memory	When the list's figure is met	When other programs run too
Storage	When the SSD holds the game and courses	When free space runs low

This table gives patterns, not promises. The software maker's list is the rule.

The part to spend on first is usually the one the list stresses most. For many golf programs that's the graphics card, picked apart in the notes on choosing a card.

Exceptions

A thin or very old laptop can meet the memory line and still run hot, because the CPU and graphics share one small cooling system. Check the spec sheet for the model.

Follow the launch monitor maker's guide for the connection and the computer it expects.

Don't buy more than you'll use. A modest chip with enough memory and a decent SSD handles most setups, provided the graphics card meets the list. The page on spec lists shows how to set the targets.

Quick order of checks

Processor named on the list.
Memory at least equal to the list.
SSD with free space for the game and its courses.
Graphics card matched to the list.
Anything else running at the same time.