Unleash Epic Adventures: Unveiling the Ultimate PCs for Baldur’s Gate 3

Baldur's Gate 3: System Requirements

Baldur's Gate 3 made its debut on PC on August 3, 2023, receiving exceedingly positive early access reviews from gamers on Steam. Despite only offering a fraction of the full game, all attention is focused on Baldur's Gate 3 as players eagerly anticipate the arrival of the next generation of PC RPGs. The game is set to launch on PlayStation 5 early next month, adding to its anticipated glory.

Baldur's Gate 3 can be found on Steam for PC, where the current minimum and recommended specifications are provided to ensure an optimal gaming experience. At first glance, these specifications appear to be moderate, which is to be expected for a game that has been in Steam Early Access since October 2020.

The minimum requirements include 8GB of RAM and a DX11 (or higher) GPU with at least 4GB of VRAM. These specifications are relatively low compared to other upcoming titles in 2023. However, it is worth noting that the game requires 150GB of SSD space, which could pose a challenge for gamers with limited storage or those unable to upgrade their hard drives (HDD users may encounter issues with the game).

MINIMUM:Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system

OS: Windows 10 64-bit

Processor: Intel I5 4690 / AMD FX 8350

Memory: 8 GB RAM

Graphics: Nvidia GTX 970 / RX 480 (4GB+ of VRAM)

DirectX: Version 11

Storage: 150 GB available space

Additional Notes: SSD required

At the recommended end, a superior CPU suggestion is provided along with a mid-range GPU requirement. This includes a minimum of 8GB VRAM and a more powerful Nvidia/AMD GPU recommendation. The SSD storage requirements, however, remain unchanged and relatively modest in 2023.

RECOMMENDED: Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system.

OS: Windows 10 64-bit

Processor: Intel Core i7 8700K / AMD Ryzen 5 3600

Memory: 16 GB RAM

Graphics: Nvidia 2060 Super / RX 5700 XT (8GB+ of VRAM)

DirectX: Version 11

Storage: 150 GB available space

Additional Notes: SSD required

Baldur's Gate 3 System Requirements (Via Steam)

What Do The Hardware Requirements For Baldur's Gate 3 Mean?

Baldur's Gate 3 has been available on Steam for early access for almost 3 years, allowing players to easily determine if the game is compatible with their PC hardware. With a recommended operating system of Windows 10 and moderate CPU/GPU/Memory requirements, most modern gaming PCs and laptops should be able to handle the game. Higher-end versions of hardware will fully optimize the game and provide the intended experience.

The focus on SSD storage in both minimum and recommended specifications emphasizes the need for faster and better storage. The recommended 150GB storage requirement is relatively high compared to other games released this year, although the overall hardware requirements for Baldur's Gate 3 are average.

The Minimum PC Spec Build For Baldur's Gate 3

Game Rant's team has taken up the task of simplifying your search for the perfect PC build. We present to you three meticulously balanced builds tailored to suit different budget levels and varying hardware requirements. Whether you are aiming for the bare minimum, recommended, or the ultimate gaming experience, these builds will ensure a seamless journey into the world of Baldur's Gate 3 (pun intended).

The Intel Core i3-12100F processor is currently priced at $85, a $15 discount from its original price of $100. With its 4-core and 8-thread configuration, this CPU is perfect for entry-level gaming. It provides sufficient power for running today's games without any significant bottlenecks. Additionally, it offers a future-proof option by allowing you to upgrade to a faster processor in the future, simply by integrating it into an Intel 600 or 700 series motherboard.

$80 at Newegg $85 at Amazon

ASUS Prime H610M-E D4 Motherboard

The ASUS Prime H610M-E D4 Motherboard is an entry-level M-ATX motherboard that utilizes the H610 chipset. Initially released for the 12th generation Intel CPU lineup, it has undergone a BIOS update to now also accommodate the 13th generation Intel processor lineup.

Available at $126 on Amazon and $105 on Newegg.

The Silicon Power Value Gaming DDR4 16GB (8GBx2) 3200MHz (PC4 25600) CL16 RAM offers an optimized memory solution for desktop PCs. With a memory size of 16GB and a speed of 3200 MHz, this RAM module is engineered to enhance the performance of your system. Designed to be compatible with Intel Coffee Lake processors and adhering to Intel Extreme Memory Profile (Intel XMP) standards, it guarantees seamless integration with various systems. Featuring an aluminum heat sink, this RAM efficiently dissipates heat, ensuring swift and stable performance during extensive gaming sessions or intensive workloads. Additionally, its low voltage of 1.35V reduces power consumption for hardware components, making it an energy-efficient choice for your gaming needs.

$31 at Amazon

PNY GeForce GTX 1650 4GB GDDR6 Dual Fan Graphics Card

Save $10 when you purchase the PNY GeForce GTX 1650 on Amazon for $140, or get it for $150 at Best Buy. This graphics card is perfect for gamers on a budget or those looking to build a compact and energy-efficient rig. It effectively utilizes the NVIDIA Turing architecture with features like variable rate shading, mesh shading, and multi-view rendering. Additionally, it only requires a power supply of 300 watts or more.

The Thermaltake SMART 600W ATX PSU is specifically designed to deliver reliable and efficient power for your computer. With a continuous output of 600 watts, it ensures that your PC operates smoothly. It complies with the Intel ATX 12V 2.31 and EPS 12V 2.92 standards, making it compatible with various PC builds. This PSU has also been awarded an 80 PLUS certification, guaranteeing 80% efficiency under normal load conditions. Moreover, it supports two PCI-E 6 plus 2-pin connectors for enhanced connectivity.

$45 at Amazon

Crucial P3 Plus 1TB PCIe Gen4 3D NAND NVMe M.2 SSD

Get the Crucial P3 Plus 1TB PCIe Gen4 3D NAND NVMe M.2 SSD now and save $57 from its original price of $100. This state-of-the-art solid-state drive is designed to provide exceptional performance and storage capabilities. With NVMe (PCIe Gen4 x4) technology, it delivers incredible sequential read speeds of up to 5,000 MB/s and impressive random read/write speeds of 650K/800K IOPS. The Crucial P3 Plus outshines its competitors, performing 43% faster than the fastest Gen3 NVMe SSDs currently available. Its durability and reliability are evident in its rated mean time to failure (MTTF) of over 1.5 million hours, guaranteeing a long lifespan. Moreover, this SSD is backward compatible with Gen3 systems, allowing users to enjoy its benefits in various setups without compromising performance. Purchase it now for just $43 on Amazon.

The Zalman T7 ATX Mid Tower PC Case is currently available for $55, down from its original price of $60, allowing you to save $5. This incredible case is designed with a front mesh panel, guaranteeing optimal airflow for your system. Additionally, it features a transparent side viewing window, enabling you to showcase your components. The case comes equipped with two pre-installed 120 mm fans and is compatible with ATX, Micro-ATX, and Mini-ITX motherboards. Upgrade your PC setup with the Zalman T7 ATX Mid Tower PC Case now.

$55 at Amazon

Estimated Build Cost: ~$500

The Minimum PC Spec Build for Baldur's Gate 3 features a modern 12th generation Core i3 processor, combined with a budget-friendly H610 ASUS motherboard. It includes 16GB of DDR4 memory and a PNY GTX 1650 graphics card. This build is comparable in cost to a PlayStation 5 and surpasses or meets the minimum specifications. The Intel Core i3 12100F is a quad-core CPU, offering even better performance than the recommended Intel Core i5 4690 for Baldur's Gate. With a reliable stock cooler and ample 16GB of RAM, this build exceeds most requirements, except for the GPU recommendation. It also comes with a reputable 600W Thermal Take PSU and the Zalman T7 ATX Mid-Tower case, equipped with two pre-installed fans.

Please note that the suggested GPU is slightly less powerful in comparison to the recommended GTX 970 or RX 480, as advised by the developer. However, it takes into consideration the fact that the game is more reliant on the CPU rather than the GPU at lower settings. Moreover, the GTX 1650 is a superior GPU when compared to the aging GTX 970. If gamers are looking for an upgrade from the absolute minimum recommendation, Game Rant suggests considering at least an RTX 3050 for this title. The RTX 3050 offers 8GB of VRAM and significantly improved performance.

Target Resolution: FHD (1920 x 1080), Medium/High Preset

The Recommended PC Spec Build For Baldur's Gate 3

AMD Ryzen 5 7600X

$245 $300 - Save $55

The AMD Ryzen 5 7600X offers gamers an excellent introductory price to the latest generation of CPUs. With this processor, users can now enjoy the benefits of PCIe 5.0, DDR5 RAM, and the relocation of pins from the CPU to the motherboard, significantly reducing the risk of bending. Available for purchase at $200 on Amazon and $245 on Newegg.

Introducing the GIGABYTE B650 AORUS Elite AX

Experience superior performance and save $26 with the Gigabyte B650 Aorus Elite AX. This high-end motherboard is equipped with the advanced B650 chipset, enabling it to offer exceptional features at a more affordable price compared to competing options from AMD. With its inclusion of a cutting-edge PCI-E Gen 5 M2 slot, this motherboard ensures future-proof compatibility with lightning-fast PCI-E 5.0 storage.

$204 at Amazon $230 at Best Buy $230 at Newegg

Silicon Power XPOWER Zenith RGB Gaming 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL40 Memory

The Silicon Power XPOWER Zenith RAM provides an enhanced gaming experience with its faster frequencies, higher capacities, and lower voltages. Featuring an aluminum heat sink in black or white, it efficiently dissipates heat and ensures sustained high performance. Available for $85 on Amazon.

The Cooler Master Hyper 212 Halo Black is a remarkable cooling solution that not only delivers exceptional performance but also adds a touch of elegance to any PC build, all at an affordable price. With its enhanced fan blades and sleek black aluminum top cover design, this cooler seamlessly integrates into any PC rig. Additionally, the Cooler Master Hyper 212 Halo Black features dual-loop addressable RGB lighting effects, further enhancing the visual appeal of your gaming setup. It is compatible with both AMD Ryzen AM5/AM4 and Intel LGA1700/1200 chipsets, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of processors.

$40 at Amazon

Sapphire Radeon Pulse 6700XT

The Sapphire RX 6700XT Pulse is a highly cost-effective mid-tier GPU option that competes head-to-head with the Nvidia 3060TI. It boasts an extra 4GB of VRAM, making it a more versatile product compared to Nvidia's mid-range RTX 3060TI. The Sapphire RX 6700XT Pulse outperforms the RTX 3060TI in terms of raw rasterization throughput, although it falls behind in Ray Tracing centered benchmarks.

Available for $330 on Amazon and Newegg.

The Thermaltake Toughpower Grand RGB 650W power supply unit (PSU) is equipped with a state-of-the-art 140 millimeter Hydraulic-Bearing fan that features a stunning 256-color RGB lighting. This innovative design not only ensures low noise levels but also provides exceptional cooling capabilities. The specially optimized fan blades enhance static pressure, resulting in effective cooling performance. Setting it apart from other PSUs, this unit includes a lighting button at the back that allows users to choose from five different lighting modes: RGB Cycle, Red, Green, Blue, White, or even turn off the LED lighting completely. Furthermore, the Thermaltake Toughpower Grand RGB 650W has been accredited with an 80 PLUS Gold rating, promising an impressive efficiency of up to 90 percent.

$90 at Amazon

XPG 1TB GAMMIX S70 Blade SSD

Save $70 on the XPG 1TB GAMMIX S70 Blade SSD, one of the fastest PCI-E 4.0 SSDs available. Upgrade your PC or PS5 console with this value-added storage option. Its heat spreader is designed specifically for the PS5, and its powerful controller ensures high read/write speeds. Don't miss out on this complete package at an unbeatable price. Available for $60 on Amazon.

Introducing the MSI MAG Forge 112R Case

Designed for gamers and content creators alike, the MSI MAG Forge 112R offers an unbeatable combination of affordability and performance. Equipped with four ARGB fans and a controller box, this case illuminates your setup with mesmerizing preset effects. The 4 mm tempered glass panel not only adds a touch of elegance but also allows for easy removal without the need for any tools. With support for liquid cooling radiators and a mesh front panel, the 112R ensures efficient cooling for uninterrupted gameplay or intensive creative tasks.

$90 at Amazon $90 at Newegg

Estimated Build Cost: ~$1,125

The recommended PC specifications for Baldur's Gate 3 have been upgraded for enhanced performance. In this iteration, DDR5 RAM has been chosen instead of DDR4, with a recommended capacity of 32GB, doubling the previous suggestion of 16GB. Additionally, a pair of modules with a clock speed of 6000 MHz has been selected, although they do have a slightly higher CAS latency of 40.

In terms of the CPU, the previous recommendation of Core i7 8700K/Ryzen 5 3600 has been replaced with the faster and newer Ryzen 5 7600X, which is accompanied by a dedicated air cooler, specifically the Cooler Master Hyper 212.

The power supply unit (PSU) recommendation has also been improved from the base 600W model by ThermalTake in the entry-level model. Instead, a more suitable PSU has been chosen. The PC is powered by an RX 6700XT, which not only meets but exceeds the performance guidelines set by the game developer for Baldur's Gate 3.

To ensure fast and efficient storage, a cost-effective PCI-E 4.0 SSD named XPG Gammix S70 Blade has been selected. The PC is housed in a decent mid-tower ATX case, specifically the MSI Mag Forge 112R.

Overall, this gaming PC is capable of handling Baldur's Gate 3 without breaking the bank, providing a smooth gaming experience at maximum Full HD (FHD) and Quad HD (QHD) quality presets.

The inclusion of Starfield Premium enhances the package even more for a gaming PC that is capable of allowing PC gamers to experience the title as intended by the developers, without compromising, especially at target resolutions of FHD (1920 x 1080) and QHD/2K (2560 x 1440), with settings set to High/Ultra.

The Ideal PC Spec Build For Baldur's Gate 3

AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D

The AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D is the ultimate gaming CPU from AMD. Boasting exceptional gaming performance and efficiency, it has quickly become the top choice for gamers. With its impressive 3D V-Cache technology, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D reigns supreme in PC gaming.

Get it now for $439 on Amazon or $449 on Newegg.

Introducing the MSI PRO X670-P WiFi Pro Series Motherboard

Now only $230, originally priced at $299.99, saving you $69.99!

Experience the power and efficiency of the MSI Pro X670P, a reliable and versatile motherboard built on the X670 chipset. Discover a world of high DDR5 overclocking capabilities, supported by EXPO technology. With built-in Wi-Fi and Ethernet 2.5G, this motherboard has all your connectivity needs covered.

$230 at Amazon $236 at Newegg

G.Skill Trident Z5 NEO Series (AMD Expo) 64GB Kit CL30

Get the G. Skill Trident Z5 NEO memory sticks at a discounted price of $210, originally priced at $225, saving you $15. These high-quality 32GB ram sticks are specifically designed to meet AMD's demanding EXPO memory requirements for overclocking. Featuring tight timings and a low CAS latency of just 30-40-40-96, they offer top-notch performance. Additionally, the Trident Z Neo boasts a sleek RGB effect and a luxurious feel, making it one of the top choices for premium RGB ram in the market, specifically designed for AMD-based systems. Purchase it now for $210 on Amazon or $218 on Newegg.

The DeepCool Liquid Cooler LS720 360MM ARGB Liquid Cooler stands out as a visually stunning option among ARGB liquid coolers currently on the market. Not only does it boast an attractive design, but it also offers exceptional cooling capabilities, allowing it to effectively handle even the most high-performance CPUs. What sets this liquid cooler apart is its affordability, as it comes at a more budget-friendly price compared to its premium ARGB counterparts.

$140 at Amazon $140 at Newegg

ASUS TUF Gaming NVIDIA GeForce RTX™ 4070 Ti OC Edition

The Asus TUF RTX 4070TI offers impressive performance while remaining remarkably quiet. It takes advantage of the TUF lineup's strengths and only comes at a slightly higher price compared to Nvidia's stock Founders Edition. This version includes straightforward overclocking features and incorporates a reliable vapor chamber for efficient thermal management, ensuring consistently high performance.

Available for $818 on Amazon and $850 on Newegg.

Experience the cutting-edge performance of the SAMSUNG 990 PRO w/ Heatsink SSD. This state-of-the-art PCI-E Gen 4 SSD from Samsung offers unparalleled speed and features a sleek and eye-catching heatsink design. Not only does it deliver lightning-fast performance for your gaming PC, but it also ensures optimal usage for your PlayStation 5. And the best part? You can now get this exceptional SSD at an incredible discount, making it the ultimate choice for maximizing the performance of your modern gaming rig. With a massive 2 TB storage capacity, priced at just $180, this deal is simply too good to miss.

$170 at Amazon

MSI MPG A1000G PCIE5 PSU

Get the MSI MPG A1000G PCIE5 PSU now for just $193 on Amazon or $200 on Newegg, saving you $7. This power supply unit is specifically engineered to meet the ATX 3.0 specification and is also compatible with PCI-E 5.0. With its fully modular design, it offers great value for money compared to similar options on the market, making it an excellent choice for any gaming PC.

Razer Edition PC Case by LIAN LI

The LIAN LI PC-O11 Dynamic Razer Edition PC Case is an exceptional ATX mid-tower case that seamlessly combines style and functionality. By customizing their popular PC-O11 Dynamic Case, LIAN LI has catered to the preferences of Razer gaming peripherals enthusiasts. With its dual chamber chassis design and sleek front and side tempered glass, this case embodies a contemporary and sophisticated aesthetic. Moreover, the LIAN LI PC-O11 Dynamic Razer Edition fully supports the Razer Synapse 3 RGB ecosystem, allowing for synchronization of case lights with Razer keyboards, mice, and headsets.

$169 at Newegg $167 at Amazon

Estimated Build Cost: ~$2350

The Ideal PC Spec Build For Baldur's Gate 3 goes above and beyond in every aspect, particularly when it comes to gaming PCs. This build not only permits the game to be played at the highest settings flawlessly but also serves as a formidable competitor for other upcoming titles such as Starfield.

Featuring the liquid-cooled AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D, which currently dominates performance charts for gaming CPUs, combined with AMD-specific EXPO memory in a 64GB configuration, this gaming PC surpasses any concerns regarding memory requirements and CPU bottlenecks. Additionally, it boasts a spacious 2TB Samsung 990 Pro SSD with a heatsink, which allows for extensive and incredibly fast storage in a compact package.

The PC is equipped with an RTX 4070TI graphics card and a reliable 1000W Gold-rated MSI MPG PSU, featuring the newer 12VHPWR connector. Encased in the spacious Lian Li O11 Dynamic casing, it surpasses all the necessary hardware requirements for Baldur's Gate 3 effortlessly. However, it is advisable to consider acquiring additional cooling fans for the case, which can accommodate up to 9 of them. Three cooling fans are already included in the DeepCool liquid cooler that comes with the build. The recommended target resolutions for optimal visuals are QHD/2K (2560 x 1440) and 4K (3840 x 2160) at High/Ultra Preset settings.

FAQs:

Q: When Does Baldur's Gate 3 Release for PlayStation 5?

A: Baldur's Gate 3, set to release on September 6th, is bringing its adventure to PlayStation 5. Players who pre-order via the PlayStation Store will have the opportunity to enjoy 72 hours of early access with the Digital Deluxe Edition.

Q: Is an SSD Required For Baldur's Gate 3?

A: Yes, an SSD is explicitly stated as a requirement for Baldur's Gate 3 as part of its hardware requirements by Larian Studios for both minimum and recommended specs.