[1-16] What does Quake need to run?

Wondering what you need to run Quake? We break down the PC and Linux system requirements, including processors, RAM, graphics cards, and modem speeds for internet play.

Alright, so you're looking to jump into the world of Quake, huh? First things first, let's make sure your rig is up to snuff. Quake has been around the block, so it's not exactly Crysis, but you'll still want to meet the minimums to get a smooth experience. We'll cover what you need for both PC and Linux.

PC System Requirements:

For a solid time on PC, the recommended setup looks like this:

• Processor: Pentium 75Mhz Processor
• RAM: 16 Mb RAM
• Hard Disk Space: 25 Mb
• Graphics Card: A fast graphics card is a must for decent frame rates.

Hitting these specs should give you a good, enjoyable game. Now, if you're planning on fragging your buddies over the internet, you'll need a bit more:

• Modem: A 28800bps modem is recommended for online play.

Also, playing on Windows 95 is a good shout – it generally makes setting up internet games a bit more straightforward. While you *can* technically try to run Quake on a 486, it's really not ideal. A 486DX4/100 might *just* manage if you've got plenty of RAM and a speedy video card, but don't expect miracles.

Linux System Requirements:

If you're a Linux user, you'll need a slightly different approach:

• Operating System: A Linux capable computer.
• Kernel Version: Kernel version 1.3.88 or higher.
• Libraries: You'll need an ELF system. The latest stable libc is likely v5.2.18.
• X Server: You have a couple of options here:
  • xquake: This will run on most recent X versions (like 3.1.2). The downside? No mouse support.
  • xf86quake: This one's a bit trickier and only works with beta 3.1.2E of X. The upside is it supports Direct Graphics Access (DGA), which means direct video access and mouse support. Fair warning, though: getting this one working can be a challenge.
• General Files: You'll need the binary distribution (version 0.92), which you can usually find on FTP servers like ftp://ftp.lek.net/pub/linux/quake. You'll also need the 'pak' file from the DOS version. Make sure it's from quake091.zip, as the newer pak files (1.00 or 1.01) won't work with this binary.

Big thanks to Andrew Tristan for putting this info together! If you've managed to get Linux Quake running, drop us a line and let us know how it is!