…Dual-core and x86-only chips need not apply.
Some rather meaty details about Ubisoft’s upcoming next-gen curtain raiser, Watch_Dogs, PC requirements have circulated in the last few days. The below details have since been removed from certain language versions of Ubisoft’s uShop and one of their devs tweeted specs aren’t final but I think it’s fair to say, if not expect, these will be accurate anyway:
Base Specification
- Operating System: Windows Vista (SP2), Windows 7 (SP1) or Windows 8
- Note that we only support 64 bit OSs.
- DVD-ROM: DVD-ROM Dual Layer
- Hard Drive Space: 20 GB
- Sound: DirectX 9.0c Compatible Sound Card with Latest Drivers
- Internet: Broadband connection required for Service and Multiplayer mode
Minimum Specification
- GPU: DirectX 11 graphics card with 1 GB Video RAM
- CPU: Quad core
- RAM: 4GB
example 1
- GPU: NVidia GTX 460
- CPU: Intel Core2 Quad Q6600
example 2
- GPU: AMD Radeon HD 5770
- CPU: AMD Phenom X4 9750
Recommended Specification
- GPU: DirectX 11 graphics card with 2 GB Video RAM
- CPU: Eight core
- RAM: 8GB
example 1
- GPU: NVidia GTX 560 ti
- CPU: Intel Core i7-3770
example 2
- GPU: AMD Radeon HD 7850
- CPU: AMD FX-8350 Eight-Core
“Ultra” Specification
- GPU: Latest DirectX 11 graphics card with 2 GB Video RAM or more
- CPU: Latest Eight core or more
- RAM: 8GB or more
example 1
- GPU: Nvidia GTX 670
- CPU: Intel Core i7-3930K
example 2
- GPU: AMD Radeon HD 7970
- CPU: AMD FX-9370 Eight-Core
As you can see, 64-bit only quad-cores are needed to ‘pass go’ at the basic level, with octo-cores asked for at recommended and up. Most (except in very specific circumstances) of Intel’s chips since the Core 2 line have been 64bit so if you’ve got a Q6600 and up uou’re covered for minimum at least.
It’s also not worth getting into a worry if you don’t have an octo-core CPU. What is highly implied here is 8 threads are beneficial, so again, anything from Intel’s desktop i7 range will fit this space including the i7 920 – it’s just easier to market and convey eight-cores, rather than threads,to less knowledgeable users.
Perhaps most interestingly is that the GPU specs appear arguably placid in comparison. The soon to be replaced Radeon 7970 is nearly two years old and the GeForce 670 is way down Nvidia’s line even if its price isn’t. One thing is for sure though, with these 64bit only releases and relatively “new” CPU requirements we’re leaving the last gen behind.
What are your thoughts on the final jump to next-gen requirements? Let us know!
