PC requirements

Quake Live System Requirements

Quake Live needs at least 2 GHz Intel Processor or better, 1 GB RAM and NVIDIA GeForce 4 MX or better, ATI Radeon 8500 or better, Intel i915 chipset or better 1024x600 resolution graphics. For the recommended experience you want 2 GHz Intel Quad Core Processor or better, 2 GB RAM and NVIDIA GeForce 7 Series or better, ATI Radeon X1800 series or better 1920x1080 resolution graphics.

Verified Sources: Steam store listing
Quake Live minimum and recommended PC specifications
Component Minimum Recommended
Operating system Windows 7 or later Windows 7 or later
Processor 2 GHz Intel Processor or better 2 GHz Intel Quad Core Processor or better
Memory 1 GB RAM 2 GB RAM
Graphics NVIDIA GeForce 4 MX or better, ATI Radeon 8500 or better, Intel i915 chipset or better 1024x600 resolution NVIDIA GeForce 7 Series or better, ATI Radeon X1800 series or better 1920x1080 resolution
DirectX Version 9.0 Version 9.0
Storage 1 GB available space 2 GB available space
Additional notes Stereo Soundcard Stereo Soundcard
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

Quake Live is also available on these systems, where hardware is fixed and no per-PC check is needed:

Quick answers

Running Quake Live on PC

Can my PC run Quake Live?
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 Quake Live need?
1 GB available 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.