Hardware Validator

Use this interactive tool to verify your existing hardware setup is correctly configured. Answer the questions below to check if your current hardware is compatible with your playing requirements.

Need to buy hardware?

If you don't have hardware yet and need recommendations, visit our Hardware Planner first.

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Step 1: Your Playing Requirements

Which poker sites do you play?

GGPoker PokerStars iPoker ACR Ignition Winamax CoinPoker ClubGG Larger Unibet Larger Betclic

What format(s) do you play?

Cash Games Spin & Go MTT Larger

How many tables?

1-2 3-4 5-6 7-8 9-12 13+

Required Resolution

-

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Step 2: Hardware Verification

Verify that your current hardware meets the requirements:

Computer Setup

I have two separate computers (Poker PC and OCR PC)

Operating System

What operating system do your computers run?

Windows macOS Mixed

Which computer is running macOS?

Poker PC OCR PC

macOS Note: macOS support is limited. Some capture cards may not have macOS drivers. Check your capture card's compatibility before purchasing.

Untested Configuration: Running poker clients natively on macOS (without Windows) has not been tested for the sites you selected. It may work, but we cannot guarantee compatibility.

If it doesn't work, you'll need to run Parallels Desktop or Boot Camp with Windows on your Poker Mac.

Windows Required: Running OCR software on macOS requires Parallels Desktop or Boot Camp to run Windows.

USB Capture Card Limitation (Parallels only): When using a USB capture card with Parallels, you are limited to 2560x1440 @ 30fps due to the 5Gbps USB passthrough speed limitation. Boot Camp does not have this limitation.

Poker PC Type

Desktop PC Laptop

My Poker PC has an HDMI output port

Warning: Your Poker PC MUST have an HDMI output. DisplayPort-to-HDMI or USB-C-to-HDMI adapters will NOT work reliably. If your PC only has DisplayPort or USB-C, you need a different computer.

OCR PC Type

Desktop PC (can use PCIe capture card) Laptop (requires USB capture card)

What input ports does your OCR Desktop have?

HDMI only DisplayPort only Both HDMI and DisplayPort

What ports does your OCR Laptop have?

HDMI + at least 1 USB-C No HDMI, but 2+ USB-C ports Only 1 USB-C (no HDMI)

External Monitor

Note: This refers to an external monitor, not your laptop's built-in screen. Both Poker PC and OCR PC must connect to the same external display. See the setup diagram for details.

My external monitor resolution is at least: -

What input ports does your external monitor have?

2x HDMI 1x HDMI + 1x DisplayPort Only 1 port

Second External Monitor Required: A single-monitor setup requires 2 input ports on your external monitor. Since your monitor only has 1 port, you'll need a second external monitor for the OCR PC.

Do you have a second external monitor available?

Yes, I have a second external monitor No, I don't have a second external monitor

Does your second external monitor also have at least - resolution?

Yes No

2-Monitor Setup: You can use the 2-monitor setup: your main external monitor for playing poker, and your second external monitor for the OCR PC to view the capture card output. See the Requirements page for details.

Resolution Too Low: Your second external monitor needs at least the same resolution as your main monitor for the OCR software to work correctly. You'll need to upgrade your second external monitor.

External Monitor Needed: You'll need either a second external monitor for the OCR PC, or a new primary external monitor with 2 input ports (2x HDMI or HDMI + DisplayPort).

Why 2 ports? Both computers connect to the same external monitor: Port 1 receives the Poker PC signal (via splitter), Port 2 connects directly to the OCR PC. Your laptop's built-in screen is NOT used.

HDMI Splitter

I have an HDMI splitter with EDID copy function (has switches/buttons to select EDID source)

Capture Card

I have a capture card

Which capture card do you have? -- Select your capture card -- Elgato 4K Pro AVerMedia GC575 Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 AVerMedia GC571 Live Gamer Ultra HD AVerMedia GC553G2 Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 Elgato 4K X Magewell USB Capture HDMI Gen 2 Magewell USB Capture 4K Plus Magewell USB Capture 4K Pro AVerMedia GC555 Live Gamer Bolt (Thunderbolt) UGREEN UG701 VC-007PRO ORICO IS6 AVerMedia GC551G2 (No RGB - NOT SUPPORTED) Other (not listed)

Enter your capture card name/model:

PCIe cards require an empty PCIe slot in your OCR Desktop PC. Do you have one available?

Yes, I have an empty PCIe slot No, all PCIe slots are occupied I don't know

How to check if you have an empty PCIe slot:

• Check your PC's manual: Look up your computer model or motherboard name to see how many PCIe slots it has
• Search online: Google or ask ChatGPT: "How many PCIe slots does [your PC/motherboard name] have?"
• Open your PC: If comfortable, open the side panel and look for an empty long slot (see image above) - they're usually near the bottom of the motherboard

If you're still unsure, we can help. Type your computer name or motherboard model below and include it when you copy the summary:

No PCIe Slot Available: You'll need to use a USB capture card instead of a PCIe card, or free up a PCIe slot in your desktop.

Tip: If your PC has onboard graphics (built into the CPU/motherboard), you could remove your dedicated graphics card and use the onboard graphics instead. This would free up a PCIe slot for the capture card. Check if your motherboard has video output ports (HDMI/DisplayPort) near the USB ports at the back - if so, you likely have onboard graphics.

USB capture cards require a USB-C port. What type of USB-C port does your OCR PC have?

USB 3.2 Gen1 (5 Gbps) - Most common USB 3.2 Gen2 (10 Gbps) USB 3.2 Gen2x2 (20 Gbps) USB 4 Thunderbolt 3/4 (⚡ symbol next to port) I don't know

How to find your USB port type:

• Laptop: Look at the bottom of your laptop for the model name/number (usually on a sticker)
• Desktop PC: Check your PC's manual, or find the model name (usually on the front or side of the case)

Once you have your computer's name/model, search on Google or ask ChatGPT: "What USB ports does [your computer name] have?" - it's usually pretty good at finding this info!

If you're still unsure, we can help. Type your computer name below and include it when you copy the summary:

Cables

Select your monitor ports above to see cable requirements.

I have the required cables

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Step 3: Summary

Complete the steps above to see your setup summary.

⏳ Checking...

✅ Ready

❌ Missing / Issues

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