System requirements cover the hardware and software specifications needed to run games, operating systems and applications.
Minimum and recommended specifications answer different questions. Minimum means it should run. Recommended means it should run well. Neither is a guarantee on a specific system.
Minimum System Requirements
Minimum specifications describe the floor at which the software is expected to launch and run, usually at reduced settings and lower resolution.
Meeting the minimum exactly tends to produce a poor experience rather than a good one. Treat it as the point below which the software will not run at all, not as a target to aim for.
Recommended System Requirements
Recommended specifications describe the configuration the developer expects to deliver a good experience, normally at higher settings and standard resolution.
Where a title publishes separate targets for different resolutions or frame rates, match the target to how you actually intend to play rather than to the highest figure listed.
Operating System and Hardware Requirements
Operating system version matters as much as hardware, and it is version specific. A title may require a particular version or later, and may drop support for older versions after release.
Check the exact build you are running rather than the product name. Requirements are published against specific versions, and the latest is not a specification.
RAM, Storage and Graphics Requirements
Memory, storage and graphics hardware are where most systems fall short. Storage requirements in particular have grown, and some titles require solid-state storage rather than merely a given capacity.
Graphics driver version is a requirement in its own right and is easy to overlook. Where a title lists a minimum driver version, an otherwise adequate card will still fail below it.
Compatibility and Performance Notes
Requirements can change after release. Updates sometimes raise them, so check the specification for the version you intend to run rather than the launch-day figures.
Verify your actual configuration against the published specification before buying. First-party specifications from the developer or manufacturer are the only reliable source, since aggregator sites are frequently out of date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I aim for minimum or recommended?
Minimum indicates the software should run. Recommended indicates it should run well. Aim above minimum where you can.
Do requirements change after release?
Yes. Updates can raise them. Check the specification for the version you intend to run.
Why does it run badly when I meet the requirements?
Meeting minimum specifications exactly usually means reduced settings. Driver version and storage type also affect performance independently of the headline figures.
Confirm against the developer or manufacturer own published specification for the exact version you intend to run. Requirements.co.za is an independent information website and cannot process or decide applications. Return to Technology Requirements.