Option to consider: GPU-less system + GeForce Now

[soltrdc]

https://premiumbuilds.com/pc-builds/best-gaming-pc-builds-without-graphics-card/

I think this is a very interesting write-up that combines the capability of current hardware + the coming of new services (GeForce Now) to potentially resolve the problem of high GPU prices. GeForce Now is apparently coming to SG later this year, pricing TBA, but if it sticks to international pricing, should not cost more than SGD15 a month. Even at a pre-inflation GPU prices, that's about 5 years worth of use based on the price of a RTX 3070.

Here in SG we have the advantage of high availability to high-speed broadband - I believe many gamers are already on 1 Gbps unlimited fibre broadband and so it will not require much additional infrastructure cost. There is one potentially big advantage that is you never need to upgrade your GPU since it is a cloud service and you don't take responsibility of hardware. In fact depending on your current hardware, GeForce Now may give you even better performance vs. your own hardware. The main drawback for now is that some games are not available on the platform and limited to 1080p 60Hz resolution.

Something worth consideration!

 

[Euqorab]

Interesting read, especially now the price is so unpalatable

 

[soltrdc]

Actually, if the crazy prices last for a whole GPU generation or two, it might channel people into seriously considering the service. Then perhaps more titles will be compatible and maybe even higher resolution (of course also dependent on network bandwidth).

Imagine, for literally less than half the price of most RTX 30 series GPU, you can run a decent 1080p with RTX enabled on even games like Cyberpunk. And in some way there is no drawback since anytime you like and can afford, you can just go right out and get a dGPU. I think it is a very attractive proposal for HTPCs and casual gamers who occasionally want to play a little more graphically intensive games, who may be heavily underutilizing an expensive dGPU otherwise.

The other area of big potential of course is mobile gaming, especially since there's no way to get desktop performance on any mobile device in the foreseeable future, but high speed mobile network (5G) is fast becoming a reality.

 

[watzup_ken]

I think its a good interim solution to GPU shortage now. But this may not be attractive for those wanting to game at high resolution and frame rates.

 

[Euqorab]

I think its a good interim solution to GPU shortage now. But this may not be attractive for those wanting to game at high resolution and frame rates.

Bottleneck is still latency on broadband unless is those MyRepublic specialised plan

 

[watzup_ken]

Bottleneck is still latency on broadband unless is those MyRepublic specialised plan

I've considered that, but when you are limited to 1080p @ 60FPS, the target audience is unlikely to be hardcore gamers. So my opinion is the latency should still be within tolerance.

 

[Euqorab]

I've considered that, but when you are limited to 1080p @ 60FPS, the target audience is unlikely to be hardcore gamers. So my opinion is the latency should still be within tolerance.

Opps didn’t analyse that

 

[Shahmatt]

Shortage is because of the crypto gamblers?

 

[soltrdc]

Shortage is because of the crypto gamblers?

Don't derail. That issue has already been discussed multiple times in multiple threads, no need to repeat the same things here. This thread is about the viability of running a gaming system without a dGPU with the coming of streaming services such as GeForce Now.

 

[CopySeeSewDye]

There was an exploit to play any game u want on geforce now but unfortunately its fixed . Anyway latency is not that bad, I did make my own gaming server from singapore before using gcloud, was able to play witcher 3/mhw, the latency doesn't feel like its there at all, I expect it to be a non issue for demanding open world games, only maybe if you play fps games.

 

[Shahmatt]

Don't derail. That issue has already been discussed multiple times in multiple threads, no need to repeat the same things here. This thread is about the viability of running a gaming system without a dGPU with the coming of streaming services such as GeForce Now.

Sorry been out of touch. Article did not say.

I am using the 2200G. Hope to see improvements in the new 5000 series APUs.

 

[watzup_ken]

There was an exploit to play any game u want on geforce now but unfortunately its fixed . Anyway latency is not that bad, I did make my own gaming server from singapore before using gcloud, was able to play witcher 3/mhw, the latency doesn't feel like its there at all, I expect it to be a non issue for demanding open world games, only maybe if you play fps games.

Yeah, latency issue will likely impact fast moving games, i.e. e-sports FPS title where FPS and latency is critical. Again, if it is limited to 1080p @ 60FPS, I don't think it will suit demanding/ nitpicking gamers if they are looking to playing some fast pace/ moving E-sports title. For average Joe like me, I think its ok.

 

[jimmytango]

Think starhub will launch geforce now locally soon. If servers are in SG, latency should not be an issue

 

[soltrdc]

There was an exploit to play any game u want on geforce now but unfortunately its fixed . Anyway latency is not that bad, I did make my own gaming server from singapore before using gcloud, was able to play witcher 3/mhw, the latency doesn't feel like its there at all, I expect it to be a non issue for demanding open world games, only maybe if you play fps games.

It's good to hear this! I am pretty excited about it, even though I'm not lacking myself in hardware. No matter what, more viable options for more people is a good thing

 

[soltrdc]

More useful info for those considering such an approach. Part from 8:30 onwards is interesting. In terms of pricing of currently available hardware, the i5 11500 is a better choice over the R5 4650G if taking the long term view of adding a dGPU at some point.

 

[kenzi87]

But Geforce now is like third party handling instead of Nvidia themselves, and prices only goes up and not down also if new games will be readily available on launch day too

 

[SkyShroud]

Not new
Cloud gaming already has a few services

The upside is the obvious cheap comp can do

The downside is lag and not all games available