The video outlines the realistic minimum specifications for running Star Citizen, emphasizing the need for a more capable CPU, such as the Intel i5 10400 or AMD Ryzen 3600, to achieve stable performance around 30 FPS, particularly in populated areas. It also highlights the importance of a decent GPU like the GTX 1060 6 GB, recommends 32 GB of RAM for smoother gameplay, and stresses the necessity of using an SSD for optimal performance due to the game’s large size.
The video discusses the minimum specifications required to run the highly demanding game, Star Citizen, emphasizing that the official specs provided by the developers are misleading. The presenter shares insights from extensive testing over the years, aiming to help players target around 30 FPS in most game areas. The focus begins with the CPU requirements, noting that the game’s minimum spec has recently changed to recommend an Intel i7 Sandy Bridge or newer, which is still not ideal for smooth gameplay. The presenter argues that even with this recommendation, performance can be subpar, particularly in heavily populated areas like cities.
For CPUs, the video suggests that the Intel i5 10400 or i7 8700, along with the AMD Ryzen 3600, are more realistic minimum specifications for a playable experience. While these processors may not consistently hit 30 FPS in all scenarios, they offer a more stable performance than the previously recommended CPUs. The presenter notes that many users still manage to play on older CPUs, but the experience may vary significantly based on individual expectations and system configurations.
When it comes to graphics cards, the video highlights that Star Citizen is less demanding on GPUs compared to CPUs. The introduction of upscaling technologies like DLSS, FSR, and TSR allows players to run the game at lower resolutions while still achieving playable frame rates. The presenter critiques the official GPU recommendations, stating that integrated graphics and certain AMD cards are not viable options. Instead, they recommend the GTX 1060 6 GB and the 1660 series as minimum spec GPUs that can deliver decent performance with the help of upscaling.
The video also addresses RAM requirements, asserting that while the official minimum is 16 GB, 32 GB is recommended for a smoother experience. The presenter demonstrates the performance differences between systems with 16 GB and 32 GB of RAM, showing significant improvements in frame stability and reduced spikes in performance. Faster RAM speeds can also contribute to better performance, and the importance of setting proper XMP or Expo profiles is emphasized.
Lastly, the video touches on storage needs, recommending an SSD for optimal performance, as playing on a mechanical hard drive can lead to a poor experience. The presenter mentions that the game size exceeds 100 GB and may increase further, suggesting players consider having a dedicated storage drive for Star Citizen. The video concludes with insights on gaming laptops, advising viewers to prioritize CPU performance and be cautious of power draw variations, while also briefly discussing cloud gaming options, which are not ideal for playing Star Citizen.