PC requirements

Elite: Dangerous System Requirements

Elite: Dangerous needs at least Quad Core CPU (4 x 2Ghz), 6 GB RAM and Nvidia GTX 470/AMD R7 240 graphics. For the recommended experience you want Intel Core i7-3770K Quad Core CPU or better / AMD FX 4350 Quad Core CPU or better, 8 GB RAM and Nvidia GTX 770 / AMD Radeon R9 280X graphics.

Verified Sources: Steam store listing
Elite: Dangerous minimum and recommended PC specifications
Component Minimum Recommended
Operating system Windows 8/10 64-bit Windows 8/10 64-bit
Processor Quad Core CPU (4 x 2Ghz) Intel Core i7-3770K Quad Core CPU or better / AMD FX 4350 Quad Core CPU or better
Memory 6 GB RAM 8 GB RAM
Graphics Nvidia GTX 470/AMD R7 240 Nvidia GTX 770 / AMD Radeon R9 280X
DirectX Version 11 Version 11
Storage 25 GB available space 25 GB available space
Additional notes — Supports SteamVR, Oculus Rift and TrackIR
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

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

Quick answers

Running Elite: Dangerous on PC

Can my PC run Elite: Dangerous?
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 Elite: Dangerous need?
25 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.