Hardware Requirements Guide¶
RTA.POKER uses a two-computer hardware setup where no software runs on your poker computer - only on a separate analysis computer that processes the video feed. The video signal is analyzed externally, making detection technically impossible.
- Runs poker client software only
- No RTA software installed
- Runs RTA.POKER software
- Processes video feed
- Displays GTO recommendations
Interactive Setup Configurator¶
- Low latency and most stable
- Best image quality
- Supports 16+ tables easily
- Requires a free PCIe slot (not laptop-compatible)
- Fully portable and travel-friendly
- Good for 1-6 tables
- Slight lag due to USB bandwidth
- May struggle with 12+ tables
System Requirements¶
Operating System Requirements¶
| System | Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Both Computers | Windows 10 or Windows 11 | 64-bit version required |
| macOS | Limited support | OCR PC requires Windows 10+ via Parallels/Bootcamp |
| Linux | Not supported | No compatibility |
Minimum Computer Specifications¶
| Component | Poker Computer | OCR Computer |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Intel i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 | Intel i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 |
| RAM | 16GB minimum | 16GB minimum |
| GPU | GPU with HDMI (integrated or dedicated) | GPU (integrated or dedicated) |
| Capture Interface | - | Desktop: Empty PCIe x16 slot Laptop: USB-C 3.2 Gen1+ port |
| Storage | 256GB HDD | 256GB HDD |
| Internet | Stable broadband | Wired LAN connection (WiFi unstable) |
Required Hardware Components¶
1. HDMI Splitter (Critical Component)¶
The HDMI splitter is the heart of your setup. It duplicates the video signal from your poker computer to both your monitor and the capture card.
Your splitter MUST support EDID copy function. Without this feature, the setup will not work correctly. This is non-negotiable.
- EDID copy function - Absolutely required
- 4K@60Hz support - Required for multi-tabling
- 120Hz support - Preferred if available
- EDID contains your monitor's display specifications
- EDID copy duplicates monitor info to both outputs
- Ensures poker PC sees only your legitimate monitor
2. Capture Card (Required)¶
The capture card receives the video feed from the splitter and sends it to the OCR computer for analysis. Your choice depends on whether you're using a desktop pc or laptop for OCR.
- Best performance - zero lag
- Superior image quality
- Elgato 4K Pro recommended
- Requires PCIe slot in desktop pc
- Portable solution
- USB 3.2 Gen1 minimum (Gen2x2 or Thunderbolt 3/4 for 4K)
- May have slight lag
- Quality varies by brand
- 4K-capable models cost more
Capture Card Comparison¶
| Feature | PCIe Cards | USB Cards |
|---|---|---|
| Latency | Near zero | 60-130ms |
| Image Quality | Excellent | Good to Very Good |
| 4K Support | Standard | Model dependent |
| Portability | Desktop PC only | Fully portable |
| Price Range | €150-300 | €100-650 |
3. Monitor Setup¶
- Connected to poker computer via splitter
- Minimum 1920x1080 resolution, with 2560x1440 or 3840x2160 recommended when playing many tables
- Connected to OCR computer
- Displays RTA.POKER recommendations
- Can be connected to both computers if needed
4. Required Cables¶
- 4x HDMI cables minimum or 3x HDMI & 1x DisplayPort
- Support for your desired resolution (HDMI 2.0 for 4K@60Hz)
- Quality cables to avoid signal degradation
- Extra cables recommended as backup
Multi-Tabling Requirements¶
Determine the best hardware configuration based on your poker site, game format, and table count.
Open Hardware Planner →Hardware Verification¶
Check if your hardware components are compatible before buying.
Open Hardware Validator →Common Hardware Mistakes to Avoid¶
These mistakes can prevent your setup from working or cause detection issues.
- Buying splitter without EDID copy - Setup won't work
- Using HDMI-to-DisplayPort adapters on Poker PC - Setup fails (adapters OK for OCR PC)
- Using USB 2.0 ports - Too slow
- Cheap unknown brand capture cards - Compatibility issues
- Not verifying hardware before purchase - Wasted money
- Using WiFi instead of ethernet for poker computer
- Insufficient RAM on OCR computer
- Poor quality HDMI cables causing signal loss
- Not updating capture card drivers
- 1080p-only capture for multi-tabling - Limits to 2-6 tables
Estimated Hardware Costs¶
| Component | Budget | Premium |
|---|---|---|
| HDMI Splitter | €20-30 | €30-60 |
| Capture Card | €100-150 | €150-650 |
| Cables | €20-30 | €30-50 |
| Total | €140-210 | €210-760 |
| + Extra Monitor (if needed) | €100-150 | €200-300 |
| Total with Monitor | €240-360 | €410-1060 |
Quality hardware is a one-time investment that ensures smooth operation. Cutting corners often leads to problems requiring replacement later.
Frequently Asked Questions¶
Can I use one powerful computer instead of two?
No. The two-computer setup is essential for undetectability. Running everything on one computer would make the software detectable by poker clients.
What if my splitter doesn't have EDID copy?
The setup will not work properly. EDID copy is absolutely required. You'll need to purchase a different splitter that supports this feature.
Can I use a Mac for either computer?
Mac is not officially supported. Windows via Boot Camp may work, but hardware compatibility issues are likely. We strongly recommend using native Windows PCs.
Is a 4K setup necessary?
Only if you plan to play 12+ tables simultaneously. For 1-6 tables, 1080p is sufficient. However, 4K provides better clarity and future-proofs your setup.
What's the difference between PCIe and USB capture cards?
PCIe cards offer zero lag and better quality but require a desktop PC. USB cards are portable but have higher latency (60-130ms). For serious multi-tabling, PCIe is recommended.