CPU
Modern 6-8 core processor
Star Citizen frequently exposes CPU limits in cities and dense simulation areas. Strong single-core performance matters alongside core count.
Hardware Guide
Star Citizen System Requirements
Can your PC run Star Citizen? Start with the official minimum requirements, then compare them with practical recommendations for a smoother real-world experience.
Official requirements checked 11 October 2026 ยท Practical recommendations are independent guidance
Quick Check
The essentials
Your PC must run a supported 64-bit version of Windows, your CPU must support AVX-class instructions, and the game must be installed on an SSD. Sixteen gigabytes of RAM is the official minimum, but memory pressure can still be significant while playing.
The SSD is not optional
RSI lists a 150+ GB SSD as required. Keep additional free space available for updates, temporary files and the Windows pagefile.
Official RSI Specification
Minimum system requirements
These values are the published RSI minimums, not a guarantee of a fixed frame rate in every landing zone, server or patch.
| Component | Official minimum | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows 10 64-bit with the latest service pack, or Windows 11 | Linux and macOS are not officially supported. |
| Processor | Quad-core CPU with AVX, AVX2 and FMA3; Intel Haswell i7 or later, AMD Excavator or later | Confirm instruction support for older CPUs. |
| Graphics | DirectX 11.1 graphics card with 4 GB VRAM | Four gigabytes is an entry floor, not a comfort target. |
| Memory | 16 GB RAM or more | Close memory-heavy background applications. |
| Storage | 150+ GB SSD required | Use NTFS and leave extra SSD space for the pagefile. |
Independent Recommendation
A more comfortable real-world target
The following is Taavi Spectre's practical guidance, not an official CIG specification. It prioritizes consistent play over merely reaching the login screen.
Memory
32 GB RAM
This provides more breathing room for the game, Windows, voice tools and a browser than the official 16 GB minimum.
Storage
NVMe SSD with headroom
Keep the game, launcher and Windows pagefile on SSD storage with ample room for patching and verification.
Graphics
Current GPU with 8 GB+ VRAM
A practical starting point for 1080p or 1440p, while higher resolutions and settings demand more GPU and VRAM capacity.
Pagefile
System-managed on SSD
Do not disable the Windows pagefile. RSI recommends keeping at least 10 GB of additional SSD space available for it.
Connection
Stable broadband
The Persistent Universe is online. Connection quality and server health can affect the experience independently of local frame rate.
Expectations
Why performance varies
Star Citizen remains in active development. Performance varies between patches, servers, cities, planetary surfaces and empty space. A powerful PC can reduce local bottlenecks, but it cannot remove server-side problems.
- Low GPU usage with poor frame rate can indicate a CPU or simulation bottleneck.
- Stuttering near the RAM limit can indicate memory pressure and pagefile activity.
- Texture or frame-time problems can become worse when VRAM is exhausted.
- Long loads or severe asset streaming issues are expected when the game is not on an SSD.
FAQ
PC requirements questions
Can Star Citizen run with 16 GB RAM?
Sixteen gigabytes is the official minimum. Close unnecessary applications, keep a system-managed pagefile on an SSD and expect less headroom than a 32 GB system.
Does Star Citizen require an SSD?
Yes. RSI lists a 150+ GB SSD as required. A mechanical hard drive is not an appropriate installation target.
Can I play Star Citizen on Linux or macOS?
RSI currently lists Windows 10 64-bit and Windows 11 as supported. Linux and macOS are not officially supported.
Is Star Citizen more CPU or GPU intensive?
Both matter. Dense simulation areas frequently expose CPU limits, while resolution, visual quality and VRAM pressure affect GPU demand.
Will meeting the minimum guarantee smooth performance?
No. Minimum requirements establish compatibility, while actual performance also depends on the current build, location, server state and graphics settings.
Official Sources
Information checked against RSI
Your PC is ready. What next?
Choose a Game Package or wait for a Free Fly, then install the official RSI Launcher.