PC requirements

Left 4 Dead System Requirements

Left 4 Dead needs at least Pentium 4 3.0GHz, 1 GB of RAM and 128 MB, Shader model 2.0, ATI 9600, NVidia 6600 or better graphics. For the recommended experience you want Intel core 2 duo 2.4GHz, 1 GB of RAM and Shader model 3.0, NVidia 7600, ATI X1600 or better graphics.

Verified Sources: Steam store listing
Left 4 Dead minimum and recommended PC specifications
Component Minimum Recommended
Processor Pentium 4 3.0GHz Intel core 2 duo 2.4GHz
Memory 1 GB 1 GB
Graphics 128 MB, Shader model 2.0, ATI 9600, NVidia 6600 or better Shader model 3.0, NVidia 7600, ATI X1600 or better
Storage At least 7.5 GB of free space —
Additional notes DirectX 9.0c compatible sound card —
Not sure how your PC compares? Use the Can I Run It checker — pick your CPU and GPU and it tells you which column you land in.

Other platforms

Left 4 Dead is also available on these systems, where hardware is fixed and no per-PC check is needed:

Quick answers

Running Left 4 Dead on PC

Can my PC run Left 4 Dead?
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 Left 4 Dead need?
At least 7.5 GB of free space
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.