Ryzen 5 9600X
Arc B570 10GB
16GB
512GB SSD

With a modern mid-range build, you can expect smooth sailing even in the most demanding open-world areas. The key for a new build is the storage and memory: stick to NVMe and 32GB of RAM to eliminate any micro-stutters caused by background data loading.

bld4me
Writing & Verification

bld4me PC Technical Team

How We Validate

Verifier Comment

Compared to the absolute "hardware melters" of 2026, Elden Ring’s requirements aren't actually that steep. Whether you're building new or hunting for used parts, you don't need a mortgage-tier PC to enjoy it. Just a heads-up: flicking on Ray Tracing transforms it into an entirely different beast that will punish mid-range hardware.Since it's an open-world title, sticking to the "Better CPU + Extra RAM + Fast Storage" formula is your best bet to keep things smooth. However, it’s not the kind of heavy load that keeps your CPU pinned at 100% all the time. Your component choice really comes down to how much you prioritize visual fidelityespecially if you're tempted by those Ray Traced shadows.In a way, this game offers a wide degree of flexibility for your build. If you use Elden Ring as your benchmark, you’ll end up with a well-balanced rig capable of handling a huge variety of titles. It’s the perfect starting point for a build that makes you want to explore more than just the Lands Between.

Changelog

Article published.
On the Go

UMPC, Handheld & Laptop Performance

Valve

Steam Deck (LCD)

Grade
3
/10

64GB eMMC Model

256GB NVMe SSD Model

512GB NVMe SSD Model

Verified
Officially verified for this title.
Valve

Steam Deck OLED

Grade
3
/10

512GB NVMe SSD

1TB NVMe SSD

Verified
Officially verified for this title.
ROG

ASUS ROG Ally (Ryzen Z1 Extreme)

Grade
5
/10

Standard 512GB Edition

Playable
Estimated to run smoothly based on specs.
Legion

Legion Go

Grade
5
/10

512GB PCIe Gen4 SSD

1TB PCIe Gen4 SSD

Playable
Estimated to run smoothly based on specs.
MSI

MSI Claw 8 AI+

Grade
5
/10

Claw 8 AI+ Standard (1TB)

Claw 8 AI+ Polar Tempest Edition

Playable
Estimated to run smoothly based on specs.
MSI

MSI Claw 8 AI+ (AMD Ryzen AI)

Grade
5
/10

Claw 8 AI+ (Ryzen AI 9 HX 370)

Claw 8 AI+ (Ryzen AI 9 365)

Playable
Estimated to run smoothly based on specs.
MSI

MSI Claw A1M (Intel Core Ultra 5)

Grade
4
/10

Claw A1M-004JP (512GB)

Claw A1M i5 (1TB Custom)

Playable
Estimated to run smoothly based on specs.
MSI

MSI Claw A1M (Intel Core Ultra 7)

Grade
5
/10

Claw A1M-002JP (1TB)

Claw A1M i7 High-End (32GB/2TB)

Playable
Estimated to run smoothly based on specs.
At 720p/800p, you can comfortably target a stable 30-40 fps. High-end handhelds can even push for 1080p. It remains one of the most played titles on the Steam Deck for a reason.

The verdict is estimated based on hardware specifications, assuming a game resolution of 720p and settings at Medium or lower. A 'PLAYABLE' status does not guarantee actual gameplay performance.

PC Parts Selection Guide

Elden Ring PC Component Selection & Build Strategy

Since the game is hard-capped at 60fps, throwing a top-tier GPU at it won't give you higher frames. However, being an open-world title, cheaping out on the CPU or RAM will create a bottleneck, leading to stutters. Your best bet is to stick with a mid-range GPU and reallocate that budget toward a beefier CPU and more RAM.
CPU

Balance Cores with Clock Speed

  • Aim for at least an Intel 11th Gen or Ryzen 5000 series equivalent.
  • Higher clock speeds are key to smoothing out those notorious micro-stutters.
  • Don't just meet the official requirements; aim a tier higher for better frame pacing.
Pro Advice

BUILD
BALANCE

For the average player, a build that handles Elden Ring's 60fps cap is essentially the 'textbook' mid-range setup. If you can run this smoothly, you'll have no trouble with most last-gen AAA titles. By investing in a slightly beefier CPU and extra RAM now, you're setting yourself up for an easy GPU swap later to handle next-gen releases.
Technical Specifications

Specs: Official System Requirements

Source: Steam Store Official
There’s a significant gap between the 'Minimum' and 'Recommended' official specs. Since you're locked at 60fps, if you want 1080p/Medium settings or higher, consider the recommended specs your absolute baseline for a stable experience.

The number of ● dots quantifies the performance level required from PC components on a scale of 1 to 10.

Minimum

Recommended

CPU
Core i7-3770
Core i3 8350K
Ryzen 5 1500X
CPU
Core i3-2120
Ryzen 3 3100
Ryzen 5 3600X
GPU
GeForce GTX 1080 Ti
Radeon VII
GPU
GeForce RTX 2080 Ti
Radeon RX 460
RAM
12 GB
RAM
16 GB
Storage
60 GB HDD
Storage
60 GB HDD
Requirement Context
1080p / 60 fps
GPU Selection & FPS Analysis

Elden Ring GPU Benchmark & FPS Guide

The official specs list older mid-range cards, but you’ll want something slightly modern for peace of mind. Ensure your GPU meets the floor, then focus on a CPU that exceeds the recommended tier to avoid 'CPU wait-time' stutters unique to large-scale open worlds.

Target Mapping

While the RTX 4060 is considered the 'gold standard' for 1080p/60fps, older cards can still hold their own. However, if you want to jump to 4K, the requirements skyrocketyou'll need something in the RTX 4080 class to keep it steady.
GeForce RTX 2080 Ti
OFFICIAL
Radeon RX 460
OFFICIAL
GeForce GTX 1660 SUPER
USED
GeForce GTX 1070

Technical Evidence

For new builds, mid-range GPUs are the target. If you’re hunting the used market, look for previous-gen high-end cards that have finally dropped in price. That said, since the game asks for an i7-8700K (an old but surprisingly capable chip), don't buy an ancient used CPU. Go with a modern CPU for better longevity and 1% lows.

GPU Benchmarks

Official Minimum
Official Recommended
bld4me Choice
GeForce RTX 2080 Ti
Official Recommended
Arc B570 10GB
bld4me NEW
GeForce GTX 1080 Ti
Official Minimum
GeForce GTX 1660 SUPER
bld4me USED

CPU Benchmarks

Official Minimum
Official Recommended
bld4me Choice
Ryzen 5 9600X
bld4me NEW
Core i5-10600K
bld4me USED
Core i7-3770
Official Minimum
Core i3-2120
Official Recommended

This is a comparison graph of the manufacturer's minimum required specs, recommended specs, and bld4me-recommended parts (new and used). Higher values indicate smoother performance. bld4me's recommended parts are selected based on independent research, balancing comfortable gameplay with cost-performance for the game title.

GPU Matrix

Choosing a GPU is actually easier here since high-refresh-rate gaming isn't an option. Any extra GPU headroom can be spent on 4K resolution or Ray Tracing. Your choice ultimately boils down to one question: How much visual fidelity are you willing to pay for?

How to Read GPU Matrix

Read Vertically

Aligned on the same scale, simply follow the resolution column down to see performance gains.

Read Horizontally

Bars shorten and colors change as resolution increases, indicating upgrade thresholds.

Overall View

The color gradient from top-left to bottom-right illustrates generational limits and potential.

GPU720p1080p1440p4K
Official Recommended
GeForce RTX 2080 Ti
bld4me NEW
Arc B570 10GB
Official Minimum
GeForce GTX 1080 Ti
bld4me USED
GeForce GTX 1660 SUPER
Note

The FPS values above are estimated based purely on the GPU's native performance without any upscaler. These are merely estimates and do not guarantee actual performance.

Estimated FPS Database

Elden Ring GPU Benchmark & FPS Database

Elden Ring

158 SKUS
GPU Share 720PHD 1080PFHD 1440PQHD 4KUHD
Grade S
SUPREME"For those who refuse to compromise"

The ultimate GPU. Delivers premium 4K gaming at max settings.

GeForce RTX 5090
GeForce RTX 4090
Radeon RX 9070 XT
Radeon RX 7900 XTX
Radeon RX 9070 GRE
Radeon RX 9070
GeForce RTX 4080 SUPER
GeForce RTX 5070 Ti
GeForce RTX 5080
Radeon RX 7900 XT
GeForce RTX 4080
GeForce RTX 5070
GeForce RTX 4070 Ti SUPER
GeForce RTX 4070 Ti
Radeon RX 6950 XT
GeForce RTX 3090 Ti
GeForce RTX 4090 (Laptop)
Radeon RX 7900 GRE
GeForce RTX 4070 SUPER
Radeon RX 6900 XT
GeForce RTX 3090
GeForce RTX 3080 Ti
Radeon RX 9060 XT 16GB
Radeon RX 9060 XT 8GB
GeForce RTX 4080 (Laptop)
Radeon RX 6800 XT
Radeon RX 7800 XT
GeForce RTX 3080 12GB
GeForce RTX 3080 10GB
GeForce RTX 4070
Radeon RX 7900M
Radeon RX 7700 XT
Radeon RX 6800
Radeon RX 9060
GeForce RTX 5060
GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 16GB
GeForce RTX 5060 Ti 8GB
Radeon RX 7800M
GeForce RTX 2080 Ti
GeForce RTX 3070 Ti
Radeon RX 6750 XT
GeForce RTX 3070
GeForce RTX 4060 Ti 16GB
GeForce RTX 4060 Ti 8GB
GeForce RTX 3080 Ti (Laptop)
Grade A
ADVANCED"If you crave that next level of smoothness"

A step-up GPU for chasing high refresh rates and stunning visuals.

Radeon RX 6700 XT
Radeon RX 6850M XT
Arc B580 12GB
GeForce RTX 4070 (Laptop)
Radeon RX 6800M
Arc A770 16GB
GeForce RTX 2080 SUPER
GeForce RTX 3060 Ti
GeForce RTX 5050
Radeon RX 6700 10GB
Radeon RX 7600 XT
Arc A770 8GB
GeForce RTX 2080
Radeon RX 7600
Radeon RX 7600M XT
Arc B570 10GB
GeForce RTX 3070 Ti (Laptop)
GeForce RTX 4060
GeForce RTX 4060 (Laptop)
Radeon RX 6650 XT
Arc A750
GeForce RTX 2070 SUPER
Radeon RX 6600 XT
Radeon RX 6700M
GeForce GTX 1080 Ti
Radeon RX 5700 XT
Radeon Pro VII
Radeon VII
Arc A770M
GeForce RTX 2080 (Laptop)
Arc A580
GeForce RTX 2060 SUPER
GeForce RTX 4050 (Laptop)
GeForce RTX 2070
GeForce RTX 2070 (Laptop)
GeForce RTX 3060 12GB
GeForce RTX 3060 (Laptop)
GeForce RTX 2060 12GB
Radeon RX 7600S
Grade B
BALANCED"bld4me's recommendation. The smart, well-balanced choice"

The smart pick—perfect balance of power and efficiency.

Radeon RX 5700
Radeon RX 6600
Radeon RX 7600M
Radeon RX 5600 XT
Radeon RX 5700M
Radeon RX Vega 64 Liquid
Arc A730M
Radeon Pro Vega 64
Radeon RX 5600
Radeon RX Vega 64
GeForce GTX 1080
GeForce RTX 2060 6GB
GeForce RTX 3060 8GB
GeForce GTX 1080 (Laptop)
GeForce RTX 2060 (Laptop)
GeForce GTX 1070 Ti
Radeon RX Vega 56
GeForce GTX Titan X
Radeon RX 5600M
GeForce GTX 1660 Ti
GeForce RTX 3050 8GB
GeForce GTX 980 Ti
GeForce GTX 1070
GeForce GTX 1660 SUPER
Radeon R9 Fury X
GeForce GTX 1660 Ti (Laptop)
Radeon RX Vega 56M
Arc A570M
GeForce GTX 1660
GeForce GTX 1070 (Laptop)
Grade C
COMPETENT"Play at 1080p/Medium"

Ensures standard playability, delivering 30 to just under 60 FPS at 1080p/Medium settings.

Radeon R9 Nano
Radeon RX 5500 XT 4GB
Radeon RX 5500 XT 8GB
GeForce RTX 3050 6GB
GeForce GTX 1650 SUPER
Radeon RX 5500M
Radeon R9 390X
Radeon RX 590
Arc Graphics 140V (8 Xe2)
GeForce GTX 1060 6GB
GeForce GTX 780 Ti
GeForce GTX 980
Radeon R9 290X 4GB
Radeon R9 390
Radeon RX 580 4GB
Radeon RX 580 8GB
Radeon R9 290
Radeon RX 480 4GB
Radeon RX 480 8GB
Arc A380
GeForce GTX 1060 3GB
GeForce GTX 1060 (Laptop)
Radeon 890M (16CU)
Arc Graphics (8 Xe-cores)
Radeon RX 470 4GB
Radeon RX 470 8GB
Radeon RX 570 4GB
Radeon RX 570 8GB
GeForce GTX 1650
GeForce GTX 780
Radeon RX 580 (Mobile)
GeForce GTX 970
GeForce GTX 980M
Radeon RX 570 (Mobile)
Arc A370M
Arc Graphics (7 Xe-cores)
Radeon 780M (12CU)
Radeon 880M (12CU)
Radeon RX 5300
Radeon RX 5300M

Non-Recommended Models (Grade E)

Performance Insufficient / Risk of Crash
E
EXCLUDED"Not recommended. Time to upgrade"

GPU below official supported performance.

GeForce GTX 770 2GB
label_below_requirements
GeForce GTX 770 4GB
label_below_requirements
GeForce GTX 960 2GB
label_below_requirements
GeForce GTX 960 4GB
label_below_requirements

Ranking Criteria Explained

S
SUPREME"For those who refuse to compromise"

The ultimate GPU. Delivers premium 4K gaming at max settings.

A
ADVANCED"If you crave that next level of smoothness"

A step-up GPU for chasing high refresh rates and stunning visuals.

B
BALANCED"bld4me's recommendation. The smart, well-balanced choice"

The smart pick—perfect balance of power and efficiency.

C
COMPETENT"Play at 1080p/Medium"

Ensures standard playability, delivering 30 to just under 60 FPS at 1080p/Medium settings.

The Bottom Line

The Game's Verdict: Recommended Specs & Grade

"Elden Ring is widely hailed as an open-world masterpiece, but from a hardware perspective, the 60fps hard cap is the key factor to keep in mind. While you can bypass this limit with unofficial mods, doing so puts you at a high risk of catching a ban during online play—consider yourself warned.

If your rig can handle Elden Ring, you’ve already cleared the bar for most major pre-2020 Action RPGs. For those sticking to older classics, a budget-focused build or a current-gen entry-level machine is plenty to get a 'smooth' experience (though your mileage may vary depending on the title).

The tricky part? Building only for Elden Ring’s ceiling can leave you stranded with an underpowered rig for the latest AAA heavy hitters.

If you want to keep your future options open, the pro move is to 'overbuild' your foundation. Opt for a modern CPU and high-capacity RAM now, even if it feels like overkill. You can save a few bucks by starting with a modest GPU, then swap it for a mid-range powerhouse down the road. This strategy not only future-proofs your setup but also gives your CPU the overhead it needs to handle Elden Ring’s seamless world-streaming without breaking a sweat."