PC requirements
Fallout 3 System Requirements
Fallout 3 needs at least 2.4 Ghz Intel Pentium 4 or equivalent processor, 1 GB (XP)/ 2 GB (Vista) of RAM and Direct X 9.0c compliant video card with 256MB RAM (NVIDIA 6800 or better/ATI X850 or better) graphics. For the recommended experience you want Intel Core 2 Duo processor, 2 GB System RAM and Direct X 9.0c compliant video card with 512MB RAM (NVIDIA 8800 series, ATI 3800 series) graphics.
| Component | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows XP/Vista | Windows XP/Vista |
| Processor | 2.4 Ghz Intel Pentium 4 or equivalent processor | Intel Core 2 Duo processor |
| Memory | 1 GB (XP)/ 2 GB (Vista) | 2 GB System RAM |
| Graphics | Direct X 9.0c compliant video card with 256MB RAM (NVIDIA 6800 or better/ATI X850 or better) | Direct X 9.0c compliant video card with 512MB RAM (NVIDIA 8800 series, ATI 3800 series) |
| Storage | 7 GB | 7 GB |
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Playing on a handheld instead? Players report
Fallout 3 as
Gold on
Steam Deck and Linux.
Other platforms
Fallout 3 is also available on these systems, where hardware is fixed and no per-PC check is needed:
Quick answers
Running Fallout 3 on PC
Can my PC run Fallout 3?
Compare your CPU, GPU and RAM against the minimum column below. If your parts match or beat every minimum row, the game will launch — though you may need to lower settings. Matching the recommended column is what gets you 60fps at 1080p.
How much storage does Fallout 3 need?
7 GB
What is the difference between minimum and recommended specs?
Minimum means the game starts and is playable, usually at 30fps on low settings at 1080p. Recommended is the developer's target for a smooth 60fps experience at high settings.