My Computer Hardware Configuration for Euro Truck Simulator 2 (Part 2: Graphic Card)

Wow, I’ve never thought it will take me this long after my second trip to do my next post. Anyhow, now that I’m “here,” I will continue discussing the hardware configuration of my computer that I use to play Euro Truck Simulator 2. I have experienced two graphic cards in playing the game so far, namely XFX HD 6570 (1GB DDR3) and XFX R7 250 (1GB GDDR5). Though both are AMD’s Radeon and both are XFX-made, the two of them are from two different tiers, per Tom’s Hardware hierarchy of graphic cards here.

Before I get further about my graphic card(s), let’s look at what SCS Software, the developer of ETS2 game, suggests. They listed GeForce 7600 GT-class as the minimum requirement—you’ll still be able play, but just, with very limited use of the eye candy—and recommended GeForce GTS 450-class for more optimum gaming experience—you can go crazy with the graphic options and all the beautification. In most cases, nearly all modern cards or even internal GPU will do, but to be sure whether the graphic you want, or have, is capable to run ETS2, you can refer to Tom’s Hardware Hierarchy I mentioned above, Anandtech Benchmark database, or PassMark database.

So how about my own experience with my current and previous graphic cards? Well, the HD 6570 actually did pretty good for its price. At 1366 x 768 screen resolution, I could set most of the graphic options at medium, with some on low. The FPS was hovering around 35 if my memory serves me well. The most punishing factor was light. When I turn on the lights on my truck, or when I enter a road where the traffic got so crowded with the lights on, my FPS would crawl below 30.

Since Euro Truck is the first game in so many years that has successfully awakened the “gaming mode” in me, I decided to replace my graphic card—without breaking the bank and my power supply. Note that other than graphic processing power and price, the power supply unit (PSU) in your PC is also an important factor to take in when you plan on installing (or upgrading) graphic card. My 2-year old Seasonic S12II-330 was the margin, so any card with more power requirement was out of the picture.

Easily, Radeon HD 7750 became my main target. Aside from some overclocked variants, HD 7750 doesn’t need an extra 6-pin power connector, which means it’s quite frugal with electricity. Too bad no computer shops in my town had it on their shelves, even after I waited for a week, hence my XFX R7 250, which is hailed to be 7750 replacement and cost about the same. Some says the R7 250 is a tad behind the HD 7750, but it’s just a tad, so the performance difference should not be that apparent.

So, how good does this entry level AMD R-Series serve me? Well, for a guy who moves from an HD 6570, it’s awesome! With the new graphic card, I can play Euro Truck Simulator 2 with all graphic set to high in the game option and some even to ultimate—important to note, I still do not activate the anti aliasing option. My FPS stays above 40. Now I can drive my truck and enjoy the scenery outside in their better looks. However, once again when I record my gameplay, some adjustments have to be made. I set shadow and mirror distance to medium and slide the anisotropic filtering couple of points. With that setting, I can get 30 to 35 FPS during recording.

So, in summing things up, to simply play the game it seems that every modern graphic cards will do, heck even some integrated ones will still be able to pull the game. However, to enjoy the maximum experience in driving your truck with smooth beautiful scenery outside, you’re going to need more powerful graphic adapters. As minimum, you will need something in the class of GeForce GTS 450, as SCS themselves suggest.

I wish my sharing of my computer hardware configuration might be helpful for they who want to have or upgrade their rig. I hope I’ll see you again soon, with my next truck-driving adventure soon. Thanks for reading. Keep on trucking, keep on rolling!

Here's a farewell gift. :D