Creating the Ultimate PC for Baldur's Gate 3

Larian is finally releasing Baldur's Gate 3 after a remarkable three years in Early Access. After loving the Divinity series, some of us tried BG3 early and decided to wait for the final product: suddenly that day seems to be (almost) here. It’s so anticipated that star journos such as Jason Schrier are diving back into the PC building game. Which inspired me to think: what would I tell Jason to build if I suddenly materialized on the Triple Click Podcast? After looking through Larian’s recommendations, reports from players and our experience with oil fire particle stutter (a particular bane in Divinity 2), I put together my take on what’s the best way to think about a Baldur’s Gate build to get the ultimate gameplay for this iconic RPG set in the Forgotten Realms.

The Basics: Hardware Requirements and Recommendations

Minimum System Requirements:

• 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

Look, getting the hardware you need to run BG3 won't break the bank, which is an advantage of this sort of CRPG. But Larian does know how to spin up the wild effects and when things really go to hell on screen it can stretch even the most reliable PC. Still, you can find some affordable options on Jawa for as low as $400 that will get the job done and meet the minimum requirements.

Recommended System Requirements

• Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
• OS: Windows 10 64-bit
• Processor: Intel i7 8700K / AMD r5 3600
• Memory: 16 GB RAM
• Graphics: Nvidia 2060 Super / RX 5700 XT (8GB+ of VRAM)
• DirectX: Version 11
• Storage: 150 GB available space

But let’s get to the recommended specs for BG3, because who wants to settle for that bear sex scene in 1080p low? These specs do require a bit more power, but nothing too outrageous. Instead of settling for outdated quad-core CPUs, the game calls for relatively modern 6-core processors, which offer a significant boost in performance. As for graphics cards, the requirements are slightly higher, but let's face it, they're still quite modest in a world where beasts like the RTX 4090 reign supreme. (Although you could go the route of this guy and build a monster machine that’ll last you years). Even the likes of the 2060 Super and RX 5700XT, which were never considered top-of-the-line, can now be snagged for under $200 in the used market. So, don't fret! You can still get your hands on some powerful hardware without breaking the bank.

What to build?

As the in-office builder, I put together my thoughts on the best system for Baldur's Gate 3. If you want a more up-to-date setup, I'd suggest going for a refresh of the recommended specs. By opting for more modern components instead of relying on what was available three years ago, you can ensure optimal performance and compatibility. However, if you're working with a tighter budget, rest assured that the game will still run smoothly on the recommended or minimum specs. So, whether you're aiming for a cutting-edge system or a more affordable option, you'll be able to enjoy Baldur's Gate 3 without any issues.

Choosing the parts

My build ensures optimal performance and a seamless gaming experience. Each component was carefully selected to meet the requirements of Baldur's Gate 3 and provide a solid foundation for your gaming needs.

Starting with the processor, the Ryzen 7 5700X was chosen to go beyond the recommended 6-core CPU. With its additional 2 cores, you'll have the power to run background tasks like Discord or Spotify without compromising game performance.

To support the Ryzen 5000 series CPUs while keeping the budget in check, the ASRock B550 motherboard with built-in Wi-Fi was selected. It provides a reliable and cost-effective solution.

For memory, I chose RAM that offers both speed and low latency while meeting the game's recommended 16GB requirement. This ensures smooth multitasking and efficient performance.

Moving on to the graphics card, the RTX 3060 Ti stands out with its exceptional price-to-performance ratio. With 8GB of VRAM, it surpasses the recommended RTX 2060 Super, providing a faster chip for improved gaming performance. You can even find a used one for around $235 on Jawa, making it an even better deal!

To maintain low noise levels and keep the CPU cool during intense gaming sessions, I selected the Enermax 240mm RGB AIO CPU cooler. Its efficient cooling capabilities ensure stability and performance.

For storage, the Sabrent 1TB NVMe drive offers ample capacity and fast performance. This allows you to not only accommodate Baldur's Gate 3 but also store other games, applications, and files.

To power the system, the Gamdias 600W PSU was chosen. It provides more than enough power to support both the CPU and GPU while maintaining stability and efficiency.

Lastly, the Bitfenix Nova Mesh case combines aesthetics and functionality. It offers excellent airflow and the ability to showcase your RGB components, creating an ideal gaming environment.

With this carefully selected build, you can expect optimal performance and a seamless gaming experience while enjoying Baldur's Gate 3 and other demanding games.

PCPartPicker Part List