PC specifications for Starfield came as a complete surprise to most fans of Bethesda. However, there was a small detail at the end of the requirements that left many players puzzled: "SSD Required".
While many next-generation games suggest SSD, Starfield is the first AAA title to boldly insist on it. Consequently, gamers are now questioning whether the game can be installed on hard disk drives (HDDs) or whether they should upgrade their PCs just for the purpose of enjoying this epic space adventure.
Find out if Starfield needs an SSD in its PC
Unlike any Bethesda game, the minimum and recommended PC specifications for Starfield require an SSD (Solid-State Drive). This means that the game will probably not run - or face performance problems - on hard disk drives.
Although next-generation games have previously recommended that players use SSDs, this is the first time a AAA title has encouraged players to have them.
In pre-launch interviews, Todd Howardthe game's director, confirmed that Starfield would really need SSDs in the PC - although I didn't specify the actual reason.
It's worth noting that because the game's file size is around 125 GB, players should have an SSD with at least 250 GB of storage.
The possible reasons for needing an SSD
The vast universe and procedural generation are why the game needs SSDs to run. The game features more than 1,000 planets, most of which are generated as the player approaches them. This rendering process causes a heavy data transfer that would be too much for HDDs to handle.
To put this into perspective, an HDD has an average data transfer rate of 100 to 200 MBs per second, while an average SSD transfers up to 600 MBs of data in the same period. In addition, solid state drives have an access time of 0.1 to 0.2 milliseconds, 99% faster than hard disk drives.
In a nutshell, Starfield arrives on September 6th for PC e Xbox Series X/S. In addition, the game will be released on Xbox Game Pass.
Other news from Starfield
Finally, check out this other news about the game:
- Everything you NEED to know before playing STARFIELD
- Starfield - All the game's achievements
- 5 curiosities you didn't know!
- Will Starfield have multiplayer?
- Starfield - What is the fate of the Earth?
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