Unity is a common name today. If you are a developer or a PC designer, then the chances of having heard this name are good. The software is used by hardcore software developers sitting in the parent’s basements or in studios the world over.
The gaming software began its journey in 2005 and had been going strong since then. Today, it is powering several projects all over the world. You can say of it as an exceptional gaming development tool that has created a path for several fields.
Some credit has to be given to the Indie developers who sat day and night to develop the software. It is safe to say that Unity won’t be where it is today because of them. When you are on the lookout for a solid gaming developing tool, then it could be just this one.
However, you would want to ensure that your PC can handle the Unity tool.
Unity Official System Requirements
The below are the official system requirements for Unity. You can also visit their official website to find out more about that.
Operating System | Windows | macOS | Linux |
---|---|---|---|
OS Version | Windows 7 (SP1+) and Windows 10, 64-bit versions only | High Sierra 10.13+ | Ubuntu 20.04, Ubuntu 18.04, and CentOS 7 |
CPU | X64 architecture with SSE2 instruction set support | Apple Silicon | |
Graphics API | DX10, DX11, and DX12-capable GPUs | Metal-capable Intel and AMD GPUs | OpenGL 3.2+ or Vulkan-capable, Nvidia, and AMD GPUs |
The Unity system requirements
The system requirements are probably quite low for the Unity software to run pretty well on your PC or laptop. Yes, we may sound quite harsh on that, but that is how things are for now. The makers have chosen to go with the absolute bare minimum requirements.
The x64 CPU, along with the SSE2 support, was released in the market more than 20 years now. You don’t want to work on it on a Pentium 4 system. Like we said before, you can make use of Unity to perform a wide range of tasks.
We may not be able to give a proper recommendation for it because you may want to aim higher. You may wish to make use of a PC machine or laptop that is priced above $2000 so that it can give you with what you are looking for working on Unity.
These models can work on high architecture, top-end 3D games & visualization when you want to design 2D visuals for gaming or slide designing apps. Having that in mind, we have given you with some tips for choosing the right components when designing your PC machine.
CPU (Processor)
Choosing the right kind of CPU for your PC device is crucial. You would want to make use of a CPU that is from AMD or Intel. Nothing else will do. You would want to ensure that the processor has at least 6 Cores/12 threads.
Please choose something that was released in the market from 2020 onwards. Probably something of this year in 2022 will be a bonus. We understand that there is a shortage of units available in the market.
But you can make use of top-end models if you can lay your hands on them. They can immensely help you reduce on the compiling time and decrease the gaming development process.
We highly suggest you go in with the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X or 7 5800X. But if you are an Intel fan, then we have options for you in the form of the Intel Core i5-11600K and i7-11700K. These are great choices.
Single core vs multi-core performance
RAM (Memory)
You will want to make use of powerful RAM of a minimum of 8GB. But we would suggest that you go in for a 16GB or 32GB RAM, at least for a faster network. You do not want to be waiting for your PC to load up slowly.
The 8GB is the minimum requirement, nonetheless, but having a more reliable RAM would be suitable for your gaming development work and help you perform other tasks efficiently as well.
GPU (Graphics Card)
The GPU or the graphics card might be somewhat tricky. That is because you would want to make the right choice. Though the AMD graphics cards are usually very powerful, we might go in for the Nvidia models this time.
You see, the Nvidia models may be kind of expensive compared to the AMD units. But they are reliable and powerful as well. However, we will also give you an AMD option, just in case you are keen to get one from this brand.
The Nvidia RTX 3060 or an AMD RX 6600 should do. But please ensure that the GPU model comes with 6GB of VRAM (Video Memory). When you want to make use of Utility for mild games and apps, then you do not require that kind of power.
Most users tend to use their PC devices to perform a wide range of tasks. We assume that you would do the same. There is no harm in getting a GPU model that can help achieve the goal.
Performance demands of different applications of Unity
Unity can be used to perform a wide range of activities. That is why you must make sure that it uses the right kind of hardware. On that note, let us find out what are some of the components required for Unity to work properly.
Unity for Games & Apps
The gaming development is the primary field where Unity is used. You would be delighted to know that several top-end games have been developed using this tool. When you hear the term Unity, it is games, obviously.
You can make use of the vast library that is presently free of cost. There is also a professional angle given to Unity. When you are somebody interested to learn more about games & apps, then you would want to develop your skills using this tool.
It can help you design 3D & 2D games as well. There are several things that you can learn from it with the hardware requirements. When you want to merely use it for playing some low-cost games, then no issues.
However, when you plan on more significant things like top-end games and other graphics-related work, you are advised to use the best hardware components. As we said in the previous paragraphs, you would need a decent CPU and a powerful GPU to run things well.
Unity for film and animation
Unity is primarily used for gaming and animation. If you are into game development, then you would know that by now. However, there are several other tasks that Unity can do for you. Animation is one of them, and several designers have done splendid projects with it.
It is heartening to note that render engines like Unity, Blender, and Unreal Engine are providing designers with the ability to design stupendous projects. Of course, you would need to make use of a phenomenal PC machine to be able to do that.
Technological Advancements in real-time rendering
Animation in filmmaking, as you know, is a lucrative business, and it is not surprising that several graphic designers have turned their attention to it. A decade ago, designing the animation would have taken several months or even up to a year.
Today, it can be done in a short period of time. We are talking about a few days’ time at the most. Unity has allowed designers, users, and browsers to do as they please and design projects used in all sorts of animation and film projects.
Besides gaming hardware, Unity has let you give a new dimension to a wide range of other activities. If you are a graphic designer, you would immensely benefit through Unity. Having a good CPU with a tremendous GPU that comes with sufficient RAM would be the key.
Unity for architecture and visualization
Would you believe that Unity is also used for architecture and visualization as well? Construction engineers, designers, and contractors make use of Unity to get the right visual of the building or project that they are working on.
When you want to understand & learn how the exterior and interiors of a building will appear, then you can make use of Unity. It shows you a prototype of the things that are to come for your projects.
You can take things further from there on. This use of this visualization enables you to save on money and your time as well. It can also be used for industrial concepts as well. When you are keen on designing a product or machine, then this tool can help you come up with a 3D image.
The PC build recommendation for Unity
We understand that you do not want to make a significant dent in your pocket when designing a PC for Unity. Rightly so. There is no need to break your back or your mind when you want to get a superb machine using the right components for a balanced rate.
We suggest you go in with 16GB RAM and not 8GB (though it is recommended). We have already given you ample reasons. Most of the AAA games recommend going in with the 16GB RAM for better loading and speed.
- 16GB RAM
- AMD Ryzen 5 3600 6 core
- 500 GB – 1TB SSD
- Nvidia 1060 graphics card or an AMD equivalent
You may know by now that they are great AMD fans, not because of cheap pricing, but because they have the capability to adjust your requirement. But when you design a game using Unity, it is quite large and does not come optimized, which is why you need additional specifications.
FAQs
The minimum requirement for working on Unity is a Windows operating system PC. You need to ensure that it comes with Windows 7 (SP1+), Windows 10, and Windows 11, 64-bit versions only.
The CPU should have an X64 architecture with SSE2 instruction set support. You should see that it has Graphics API DX10, DX11, and DX12-capable, and the additional requirements hardware vendor officially supported drivers.
Not necessarily. The primary drive should have OS/Software (SSD) that includes your operating system. We would request you to have an SSD as it immensely enhances the speed of the operating system and performance benefits when you want to upgrade to a faster NVMe drive.
The AMD Ryzen 5 5600G processor comes with a better feature list than what you can find on the Intel i5-12400. The GPU is also much quicker, about 100% faster than what you can see in most of the UHD 730 graphics.
It should be sufficient for working on Unity. You can play games and also do a wide range of other activities using your PC machine. When you have the right kind of memory fitted to your laptop, then you may want to upgrade to 16GB, if possible, for better outputs.
It is not that big, around 1MB in size. You can choose the components that you would want to require in your Unity Editor, and then you can download the file. If you are not keen on installing some of the files, then leave out the default selections, click on the continue option, and follow the installer instructions.
Conclusion
This is it. We have concluded our post on the Unity 3D system requirements & PC recommendations. We sincerely hope that you were able to benefit from this article. When you are keen on using Unity, then you need to make use of the appropriate hardware requirements.
Besides, you also need to know what to look for when you want to design a PC for working on Unity. It is essential that your PC or laptop is able to work on Unity efficiently. When you want to design games or projects that don’t require too much hardware, you can work on a PC that is not very powerful.
However, when your livelihood depends on Unity, then you may want to take out recommendation seriously. The main benefit of working with Unity is that you can perform your best using less-than-ideal hardware.
But when you utilize the prescribed PC or laptop hardware, you stand to get some fantastic results from the projects that you are working on. It helps enhance your productivity and reduce the time you spend waiting for something to happen.
James Smith has always been intrigued by electronic products since his childhood. After his post graduation in electronics from a popular university, he decided to pursue a career in the electronics sector. But his calling for writing about these marvellous pieces of work got the better of him. That is how UBG was started. With a writing career spanning more than 12 years, James has worked on several hundred product reviews. During his free time, he like to spend time with his pet dog and relax in the swimming pool.