- PC system requirements aren’t always the most reliable way of telling whether a game will run on a specific configuration or not.
- Elements like the CPU and storage are also important when looking at specifications.
- Similarly, video memory should not be ignored when looking at recommendations.
PC system requirements have evolved quite a bit over the years, and they may no longer be too great a measure of whether a game can run well on a given configuration.
For instance, a game like PlaySolitaire.io runs effectively the same across all configurations, so figuring out how well one game runs compared to another is more than a matter of glimpsing at spec sheets.
Why it matters: The PC ecosystem comprises all sorts of specifications and combinations, so this can prove to be confusing for some newcomers.
Minimum Requirements Can Be Misleading
Modern graphics cards like the RTX 3060 and RTX 4060 have become popular today, making them the new baseline for games.
This also means that these GPUs are often cited in the minimum requirements for games. However, these minimum requirements don’t guarantee an optimal experience. In fact, sometimes minimum requirements can mean that a game runs at 1080p low settings at 30FPS.
Running Tests Before A Purchase
The interesting part is that PC gamers can simply test whether a specific set of hardware is suitable for a particular game. A site like System Requirements Lab uses this principle to compare one’s hardware against recommended specifications.
Valve’s Steam Hardware Survey is similar in nature, monitoring memory, RAM, GPU, CPU, etc. This survey effectively shapes developer targets, since it helps them understand the most mainstream hardware and what it entails.
Moreover, the Steam hardware survey can reflect changing trends, allowing developers to keep up with audience preferences.
Bottlenecks Are Important To Eliminate
A lot of PC gamers focus solely on GPU performance, yet the CPU plays an equally important role. CPU bottlenecks can lead to sub-60FPS performance and hold back a capable GPU.
This is exactly why the PS5 and Xbox Series S|X are expected to run GTA 6 at 30FPS. Bottlenecks can also lead to stuttering and hiccups at the worst times. On the other hand, storage plays an important role in shaping the experience.
Texture pop-in, loading times, etc. are all influenced by fast storage, so modern games require SSDs at the bare minimum.
The Video Memory Conversation
It’s important to understand that VRAM plays a major role in PC gaming performance. It comes as no surprise, then, that Nvidia wanted to address this part of the industry with the RTX 50 Super series.
Modern games can often exceed 8GB of VRAM, even when running at 1080p. This is why 12GB of memory has become the new minimum, with 16GB or more recommended for 1440p and 4K resolutions.
Ultimately, it’s important to understand the PC market and industry before looking at system requirements. Those well-versed with the world of PCs are able to instantly understand these requirements, while novices can often take them to mean the wrong thing.
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[Senior News Reporter]
Avinash is currently pursuing a Business degree in Australia. For more than 5 years, he has been working as a gaming journalist, utilizing his writing skills and love for gaming to report on the latest updates in the industry. Avinash loves to play action games like Devil May Cry and has also been mentioned on highly regarded websites, such as IGN, GamesRadar, GameRant, Dualshockers, CBR, and Gamespot.
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