Minimum vs recommended system requirements: what they really mean

Almost every PC game publishes two lists: minimum requirements and recommended requirements. They look straightforward, but they hide important nuances: what resolution and frame rate they assume, what happens if your part is "similar", or why a game can run badly even when you beat the minimums. This guide explains how to read them.

#Minimum vs recommended

• Minimum: what the studio considers necessary for the game to launch and be playable — usually low settings, 720p or 1080p, around 30 FPS. Not an ideal experience.
• Recommended: what's needed for a good experience — typically medium or high settings at 1080p and a higher frame rate.

Many recent games publish more detailed tables with several tiers ("low", "medium", "high", "ultra"), each with a target resolution and frame rate. They're far more useful — if a game offers one, go by it.

#What each line means

#Operating system

The supported Windows (or macOS or Linux) version, and whether it's 64-bit. Modern games generally require 64-bit.

#Processor (CPU)

An Intel and an AMD model are listed as a reference. What matters isn't owning that exact model, but one that's equal or better in performance. Comparing CPUs across generations isn't trivial: a recent "i5" can beat an old "i7". See how to compare CPUs.

#Memory (RAM)

The minimum amount of RAM. If you have exactly that, close other programs when playing — Windows and your browser use RAM too. See how much RAM you need.

#Graphics card (GPU)

As with CPUs, reference NVIDIA and AMD models are listed, sometimes Intel too. Also check VRAM (the card's own memory): some games specify a minimum, such as "6 GB VRAM". See what graphics card you need.

#DirectX or graphics API

The DirectX (or Vulkan) version the game needs. Modern GPUs support DirectX 12; if yours is old, check. You can see your system's version with Windows' DxDiag tool.

#Storage

Space needed — and increasingly, "SSD required". Take it seriously: on a mechanical hard drive, those games can load very slowly or stutter. Leave extra room for updates, too.

#Additional notes

Special requirements such as an always-online connection, a platform account, specific hardware features, or anti-cheat systems that don't work in some environments.

#Common mistakes when reading requirements

• Comparing by brand name alone. "GTX" vs "RTX", "i5" vs "i7" don't tell you the generation or real performance.
• Forgetting it's a laptop. Laptop GPUs sharing a desktop card's name usually perform worse, and vary with the power the manufacturer configures. See how to choose a gaming laptop.
• Assuming beating the minimums means a good experience. In theory it only means the game will launch.
• Ignoring your monitor's resolution. At 1440p or 4K you need considerably more than recommendations aimed at 1080p.
• Overlooking your weakest part. A powerful GPU paired with a very old CPU can underperform. See bottlenecks.

#A rule of thumb

#The bottom line

Minimum requirements tell you the game will run, not that you'll enjoy it; recommended ones describe a decent experience under the studio's stated conditions. Read the target resolution and frame rate, compare your parts by performance rather than name, and take "SSD required" seriously. To check your own machine step by step, follow our guide to finding out whether your PC can run a game.