Do not choose a GPU first. Choose what you want to do.

SensePC configurations are easier to understand when they are mapped to real workloads. Use this guide or ask SensePilot what you are trying to do, and it can recommend the right cloud PC for gaming, AI development, video editing, school, software development, and remote work.

One question is enough

Try asking

“What are you trying to do?”

SensePilot can recommend a configuration, region, storage size, OS, and billing rhythm with a short reason before the user starts building.

Start with the work, not the hardware

The user should not need to understand GPU names first. Ask what they want to do, then translate that into OS, CPU, RAM, storage, location, and billing.

Pick the closest region

For interactive desktops and gaming, distance matters. Choose the closest available SensePC location unless the user’s files, team, or compliance needs are somewhere else.

Storage should follow the files

Start smaller for browsing and classwork. Increase SSD for games, source footage, models, datasets, SDKs, and large project folders.

Billing should follow frequency

Hourly fits short sessions and experiments. Daily fits full workdays. Monthly fits regular weekly or daily usage where predictability matters.

The simplest answer for each type of user.

These are starting recommendations. Users can always resize later, but the first recommendation should reduce confusion and avoid overbuying.

Low-latency sessions

Gaming & performance sessions

Start with Xtreme Pro on Windows 11.

Recommended
Xtreme Pro
OS
Windows 11
Storage
220 GB to start; 500 GB+ if you keep multiple large games installed
Region
Choose the closest available location to your physical location
Billing
Hourly for occasional sessions; monthly only if you play often

Why this works

  • Windows gives the widest game and launcher compatibility.
  • Xtreme Pro gives more CPU/RAM headroom than Core for modern games and background launchers.
  • Use Performance Mode when input smoothness matters more than browser convenience.

Upgrade path: Move to Xtreme Ultra if the game, launcher, recording tools, or multitasking needs more CPU/RAM headroom.

CUDA, ML, notebooks

AI development & GPU projects

Start with Ubuntu Pro for Linux AI workflows.

Recommended
Ubuntu Pro or Ubuntu Ultra
OS
Ubuntu 24.04 LTS x64 for Python/CUDA/Linux-first tools; Windows 11 if your stack requires Windows apps
Storage
500 GB+ for models, datasets, checkpoints, and generated files
Region
Choose closest region unless your data or team is closer to another region
Billing
Hourly for experiments; monthly if training, notebooks, or dev work happens every week

Why this works

  • Ubuntu is usually cleaner for Python, Docker-style workflows, package managers, and ML tooling.
  • Pro is a strong starting point for notebooks, prototyping, and medium environments.
  • Ultra gives more CPU/RAM headroom when datasets, local services, or multiple tools run together.

Upgrade path: Move to Ultra when notebooks crash from memory pressure, data preprocessing is slow, or multiple model services run at once.

Timeline, export, assets

Video editing & creator work

Start with Windows 11 Pro for balanced creator work.

Recommended
Windows 11 Pro
OS
Windows 11 for Adobe, creator apps, capture tools, and broad plugin support
Storage
500 GB to 1 TB+ depending on project size and source footage
Region
Choose the region closest to where you edit from for a smoother desktop feel
Billing
Daily for full editing days; monthly for ongoing production work

Why this works

  • More RAM and CPU help with editing apps, asset browsers, browser tabs, and exports.
  • Shared L4 options are a cost-efficient starting point for many creator workflows.
  • Keep raw footage and finished files organized in Sense Cloud or external storage when possible.

Upgrade path: Move to Windows Ultra or Xtreme Ultra for heavier timelines, large projects, or multiple creative apps open together.

IDE, build, test

Software development

Choose Ubuntu Pro for Linux/server work or Windows Pro for Windows tools.

Recommended
Ubuntu Pro or Windows 11 Pro
OS
Ubuntu for backend, Linux packages, and AI/devops; Windows for Visual Studio, Windows apps, or game tooling
Storage
220 GB to start; 500 GB+ for large repos, containers, SDKs, and build caches
Region
Choose closest region for interactive IDE work
Billing
Hourly for burst work; monthly for daily development environments

Why this works

  • Pro gives a better CPU/RAM balance for IDEs, terminals, browsers, and build tools.
  • Ubuntu keeps Linux-first development environments simpler and cleaner.
  • Windows Pro is better when your workflow depends on Windows-native software.

Upgrade path: Move to Ultra when builds are slow, containers are memory-heavy, or you run multiple local services.

Projects, classes, labs

Students & learning labs

Start with Standard, then upgrade only when the class workload needs it.

Recommended
Windows 11 Standard or Ubuntu Standard
OS
Windows for general apps; Ubuntu for programming, Linux labs, and AI courses
Storage
220 GB is usually enough for starter projects; increase for datasets or media files
Region
Choose closest region to campus/home
Billing
Hourly keeps cost controlled for temporary projects

Why this works

  • Standard keeps the entry cost low while still giving a real cloud PC environment.
  • Students can resize later instead of overbuying hardware upfront.
  • The OS should match the course software, not personal preference alone.

Upgrade path: Move to Pro when projects need more RAM, heavier software, or several tools open at the same time.

Browser, apps, admin work

Remote work & everyday cloud desktop

Start with Windows 11 Standard.

Recommended
Windows 11 Standard
OS
Windows 11 for familiar desktop apps, browsers, office tools, and remote work software
Storage
220 GB to start; increase if you store many local files on the PC
Region
Choose closest region for a responsive desktop experience
Billing
Hourly for occasional work; monthly for a daily cloud workspace

Why this works

  • Standard is enough for browser, office, communication, and light admin work.
  • It avoids overpaying for CPU/RAM that everyday work may not need.
  • You can resize later if the workload becomes heavier.

Upgrade path: Move to Pro if you multitask heavily, run business software, or keep many browser tabs and apps open.

What each current SensePC option is best for.

Present configurations by user outcome, not by raw specs only. The table still matters, but this translation layer is what helps non-technical visitors decide faster.

Showing live hourly estimates for selected location

Hourly prices use the same estimate API as the pricing page. If the API is unavailable, the static fallback price is shown.

Xtreme

Xtreme Core

New York

$2.19/hr

OSWindows 11
Specs4 vCPU · 16 GB
GPUNVIDIA L4
GPU MemoryL4 Memory
NetworkUp to 10 Gbps
PromoSign-up credit eligible

Signup-credit trial, first gaming test, GPU-ready Windows sessions

Best when a user wants to try a real GPU cloud PC before choosing a longer-term configuration.

Common recommendation

Xtreme

Xtreme Pro

New York

$2.59/hr

OSWindows 11
Specs8 vCPU · 32 GB
GPUNVIDIA L4
GPU MemoryL4 Memory
NetworkUp to 10 Gbps

Gaming, performance sessions, stronger Windows workloads

Recommended gaming starting point because it adds CPU and RAM headroom over Core.

Xtreme

Xtreme Ultra

New York

$3.49/hr

OSWindows 11
Specs16 vCPU · 64 GB
GPUNVIDIA L4
GPU MemoryL4 Memory
NetworkUp to 25 Gbps

Heavy gaming, demanding multitasking, high-end creator or engineering sessions

Choose when the workload is CPU/RAM heavy or when you want the most headroom.

Windows

Windows 11 Standard

New York

$0.69/hr

OSWindows 11
Specs4 vCPU · 16 GB
GPUNVIDIA L4 (shared)
GPU MemoryL4 Memory (shared)
NetworkUp to 12.5 Gbps

Remote work, browsing, office apps, beginner creator tasks

Lowest-cost Windows starting point for everyday cloud desktop use.

Common recommendation

Windows

Windows 11 Pro

New York

$1.09/hr

OSWindows 11
Specs8 vCPU · 32 GB
GPUNVIDIA L4 (shared)
GPU MemoryL4 Memory (shared)
NetworkUp to 12.5 Gbps

Creators, developers, heavier Windows apps, multitasking

Balanced Windows recommendation when Standard may feel tight.

Windows

Windows 11 Ultra

New York

$2.19/hr

OSWindows 11
Specs16 vCPU · 64 GB
GPUNVIDIA L4 (shared)
GPU MemoryL4 Memory (shared)
NetworkUp to 12.5 Gbps

Large Windows apps, heavy multitasking, advanced creator work

Use when RAM and CPU headroom matter more than the lowest hourly rate.

Ubuntu

Ubuntu Standard

New York

$0.49/hr

OSUbuntu 24.04 LTS x64
Specs4 vCPU · 16 GB
GPUNVIDIA L4 (shared)
GPU MemoryL4 Memory (shared)
NetworkUp to 12.5 Gbps

Linux learning, starter dev, light notebooks, CLI tools

Lowest-cost Linux starting point for students and simple development environments.

Common recommendation

Ubuntu

Ubuntu Pro

New York

$0.69/hr

OSUbuntu 24.04 LTS x64
Specs8 vCPU · 32 GB
GPUNVIDIA L4 (shared)
GPU MemoryL4 Memory (shared)
NetworkUp to 12.5 Gbps

AI development, Python, notebooks, backend development

Best default for Linux-first builders because it balances cost with memory and CPU headroom.

Ubuntu

Ubuntu Ultra

New York

$1.29/hr

OSUbuntu 24.04 LTS x64
Specs16 vCPU · 64 GB
GPUNVIDIA L4 (shared)
GPU MemoryL4 Memory (shared)
NetworkUp to 12.5 Gbps

Heavier AI/dev workloads, larger datasets, more local services

Choose when Pro is not enough for memory-heavy data, model, or build workflows.

Ask SensePilot

SensePilot can choose with you.

Tell SensePilot what you want to do. It can translate that into the right OS, configuration, region, storage, and billing rhythm.

Quick decision points

The same flow a user can ask SensePilot to handle.

Simple input
1

Goal

Gaming, AI, editing, school, work, or development.

2

OS

Windows for apps/games; Ubuntu for Linux, Python, and AI tools.

3

Power

Standard, Pro, Ultra, or Xtreme based on CPU, RAM, and GPU pressure.

4

Fit

Closest region, right storage size, and best billing rhythm.

Ask by use case

Use Performance Mode for smoother sessions

Browser access is convenient. Performance Mode is better when gaming, editing, or interactive desktop smoothness matters.

Be honest about compatibility

Some games, anti-cheat systems, licenses, or enterprise tools may restrict virtual/cloud environments. Recommend checking compatibility before long sessions.

Control cost by matching time

Hourly is best for short sessions. Daily is best for full workdays. Monthly is best when the cloud PC becomes a regular workspace.

Quick answers while choosing your SensePC.

Browse the most common configuration questions without making the page too long. Open the answers you need, or ask SensePilot for a recommendation based on your exact workload.

01

What is the easiest way to choose a SensePC configuration?

Start with the workload, not the hardware. Decide whether you are gaming, building AI projects, editing video, learning as a student, developing software, or using a cloud desktop for remote work. Then choose the OS, region, storage, and billing plan around that goal.

02

Can SensePilot choose a configuration for me?

Yes. Ask SensePilot what you are trying to do in plain English. It can recommend a starting configuration, explain the reason, suggest an OS, storage size, region, and billing rhythm, and help you avoid overbuying before you understand the workload.

03

What should I tell SensePilot to get a better recommendation?

Tell SensePilot the main use case, the apps or games you plan to run, your location, how often you expect to use the PC, and whether you will store large files. A good prompt is: I want to edit 4K videos twice a week from Atlanta. Which SensePC should I choose?

04

Should I choose Xtreme or a regular Windows/Ubuntu plan?

Choose Xtreme for gaming, latency-sensitive sessions, or workloads that need stronger dedicated GPU-style performance. Choose regular Windows or Ubuntu Standard, Pro, or Ultra for everyday cloud desktop use, development, AI learning, student projects, remote work, and creator workflows where cost efficiency matters more.

05

What is the difference between Xtreme and shared L4 configurations?

Xtreme configurations are designed for performance-focused sessions and are the best fit for gaming. Regular Windows and Ubuntu GPU configurations use shared NVIDIA L4 capacity and are better for cost-efficient desktop, development, AI learning, and creator workflows. For serious gaming, start with Xtreme.

06

Which SensePC should I choose for gaming?

Start with Xtreme Pro on Windows 11 for the best balance of performance and cost. Choose Xtreme Core only if you want the lowest Xtreme entry point, and choose Xtreme Ultra if you need more CPU/RAM headroom for demanding games, multitasking, streaming, launchers, or recording tools.

07

Will every game work on a cloud PC?

No cloud PC can guarantee every game. Some games, launchers, anti-cheat systems, or licenses may restrict virtual or cloud environments. For gaming, check compatibility first, use the closest region, and use Performance Mode for the smoothest desktop experience.

08

When should I use Performance Mode?

Use browser access when convenience matters. Use Performance Mode when responsiveness matters, such as gaming, editing, interactive design work, or long desktop sessions where lower latency and smoother input feel more important.

09

Should I choose Windows 11 or Ubuntu?

Choose Windows 11 for games, Windows apps, office tools, Adobe-style creator apps, and familiar desktop workflows. Choose Ubuntu 24.04 LTS x64 for Linux development, Python, AI tooling, terminals, package managers, notebooks, and server-style workflows.

10

Which configuration is best for AI development?

Start with Ubuntu Pro for Python, CUDA-style workflows, notebooks, model testing, and development environments. Move to Ubuntu Ultra when datasets, preprocessing, containers, local services, or multiple tools need more RAM and CPU headroom. Use larger storage when working with models, datasets, checkpoints, or generated files.

11

Which configuration is best for video editing or creator work?

Start with Windows 11 Pro for balanced creator work. It gives more CPU/RAM headroom than Standard while staying cost-conscious. Move to Windows 11 Ultra or Xtreme Ultra when timelines are heavier, files are larger, or multiple creative apps run at the same time.

12

Which configuration is best for students?

Most students should start with Standard and upgrade only when a course or project needs more. Choose Windows 11 Standard for general apps and school tools. Choose Ubuntu Standard or Ubuntu Pro for programming, Linux labs, AI courses, and open-source tooling.

13

Which configuration is best for remote work?

Start with Windows 11 Standard for browser tabs, office apps, meetings, admin work, and everyday cloud desktop use. Move to Windows 11 Pro if you keep many apps open, multitask heavily, or run heavier business software.

14

Which configuration is best for software development?

Choose Ubuntu Pro for backend development, Linux packages, terminals, AI/devops tooling, and server-like workflows. Choose Windows 11 Pro for Visual Studio, Windows-native tools, game tooling, or Windows-only software. Move to Ultra if builds, containers, or local services become memory-heavy.

15

How much SSD storage should I start with?

Start with 220 GB for everyday work, small projects, student labs, and basic development. Choose 500 GB or more for games, video editing, AI models, datasets, SDKs, containers, or large project files. Choose 1 TB when you know you will keep multiple large workloads on the same PC.

16

Which region should I choose?

Choose the closest available SensePC location to where you physically use the desktop. A closer region usually improves responsiveness because your keyboard, mouse, display stream, and file activity travel a shorter network path.

17

Should I choose Hourly, Daily, or Monthly?

Use Hourly for short sessions, experiments, classes, gaming bursts, or variable use. Use Daily when you need the PC for a full workday. Use Monthly when the cloud PC becomes a regular workspace or you expect frequent long sessions.

18

When should I upgrade from Standard to Pro or Ultra?

Upgrade to Pro when the PC feels constrained during multitasking, IDE work, creative apps, heavier browser sessions, or medium development workloads. Upgrade to Ultra when memory pressure, slow builds, large projects, bigger datasets, exports, or multiple tools running together become common.

19

Can I start small and change later?

Yes. The safest cost-control strategy is to start with the smallest configuration that fits the workload, then upgrade when there is a clear reason. This avoids paying for CPU, RAM, storage, or performance you may not need yet.

20

How does pricing on this guide stay current?

The configuration catalog uses live estimate data when available and falls back to public pricing if the estimate cannot load. Final pricing can still vary by selected region, storage, availability, billing option, and active discounts, so always review the final build screen before creating a PC.