Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Permafrost currently lists a Windows 10 (64-bit) PC with 16 GB of RAM, a GTX 1060 6GB or Radeon RX 590 8GB, and 30 GB of free storage as its minimum configuration. Its recommended tier rises to an i5-12400 or Ryzen 5 5600X, an RTX 3070 Ti 8GB or RX 6750 XT 12GB, and DirectX 12. These are the developer’s published targets for the Early Access build launched on October 9, 2026—not a promise of a particular frame rate.
Can your PC run Permafrost?
Compare your exact processor, graphics card, installed memory, Windows edition, DirectX support and available storage with the table below. A system that meets the minimum tier is within the published hardware target, but the store listing does not specify a resolution, graphics preset or frame-rate goal for that tier. A system at the recommended tier is the stronger starting point for higher visual settings, yet it is still not a measured performance guarantee.
Permafrost entered Early Access on October 9, 2026. Requirements, stability and optimization can change as the developer updates the game, so treat the figures as the current published specifications rather than permanent requirements.
Official Permafrost PC requirements
| Component | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows 10 (x64) | Windows 10 (x64) |
| Processor | Intel Core i5-8600K or AMD Ryzen 5 3500 | Intel Core i5-12400 or AMD Ryzen 5 5600X |
| Memory | 16 GB RAM | 16 GB RAM |
| Graphics card | NVIDIA GTX 1060 6GB or AMD Radeon RX 590 8GB | NVIDIA RTX 3070 Ti 8GB or AMD Radeon RX 6750 XT 12GB |
| DirectX | Version 11 | Version 12 |
| Storage | 30 GB available | 30 GB available |
The official Steam listing supplies these two tiers, and the Epic Games Store listing confirms the Windows PC platform and Early Access status. Steam distinguishes DirectX 11 for minimum specifications from DirectX 12 for recommended specifications; it is not correct to collapse them into one universal DirectX requirement.
#1 Best Overall
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 14.1" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy ergonomic support with the integrated cushioned wrist rest.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a sleek black carbon color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.8 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
What the minimum tier tells you
The minimum graphics requirement is specific: a GTX 1060 with 6 GB of video memory or an RX 590 with 8 GB. A card with a similar-sounding name is not automatically equivalent. Check the exact model and VRAM capacity, especially when comparing laptop GPUs, factory-overclocked variants or older cards with reduced memory.
The minimum processor examples are an i5-8600K and Ryzen 5 3500, paired with 16 GB of system RAM. The listing does not attach a frame-rate, resolution or preset target to these parts. Meeting the list means your configuration matches the published entry tier; it does not establish how smoothly every location or future build will run.
What the recommended tier changes
The recommended graphics tier jumps to an RTX 3070 Ti with 8 GB or an RX 6750 XT with 12 GB. The processor examples move to an i5-12400 or Ryzen 5 5600X, while listed system memory remains 16 GB. This is a substantial GPU increase without a corresponding increase in the official RAM figure.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11DirectX 12 is the recommended API in the listing. Verify that your operating-system installation and graphics driver expose the required DirectX feature support. The listing does not state that Windows 11 is an officially supported operating-system target; Windows 10 x64 is the published requirement.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Storage and what is not specified
Both tiers call for 30 GB of available storage. The listing does not state an SSD requirement, installation-drive type, shader-cache allowance or future patch overhead. Do not treat 30 GB as a guarantee that the installed footprint will never grow during Early Access; leave additional free space for updates and normal Windows operation without presenting that extra amount as an official figure.
How to check your PC against the list
- Identify the processor and RAM: In Windows, open Settings > System > About. Record the processor model and “Installed RAM.” Compare the model itself with the examples in the table rather than relying on a generic label such as “Core i5.”
- Identify the graphics card and VRAM: Open Settings > System > Display > Advanced display and select Display adapter properties, or run
dxdiagfrom the Start menu and inspect the Display tab. Confirm the exact GPU name and dedicated display memory. Integrated graphics should not be assumed to meet a discrete-card requirement. - Check DirectX: Run
dxdiagand read the DirectX Version on the System tab. The number shown there is the installed runtime version; your GPU and driver must also support the relevant API path. Permafrost’s listing specifies DirectX 11 for minimum and DirectX 12 for recommended. - Confirm Windows architecture: In Settings > System > About, look for “System type.” The published operating-system target is 64-bit Windows 10 (x64).
- Measure free storage: Open File Explorer > This PC and check the free space on the drive where you will install the game. You need at least the listed 30 GB available at installation time; retaining headroom helps prevent updates from failing.
If a machine has two graphics adapters, make sure the game is assigned to the discrete GPU in Settings > System > Display > Graphics. This is a general Windows troubleshooting check, not a Permafrost-specific requirement.
How to interpret a borderline configuration
GPU model and VRAM are the first comparison
For this game, the graphics-card comparison spans the widest gap between tiers. Use the exact model and memory amount, not only a series number. A card below 6 GB of VRAM does not match the published minimum, even if its core is from a newer generation. Conversely, having more VRAM alone does not prove that the card’s processing performance equals an RTX 3070 Ti or RX 6750 XT.
CPU differences matter in busy scenes
The store page gives processor examples rather than a required core count, clock speed or benchmark score. A CPU that falls between the listed generations cannot be classified reliably from its brand name alone. Compare your model with both examples and watch for performance changes in scenes containing many simulated objects or structures; no controlled Permafrost test quantifies that effect.
Rank #3
- Note: Not suitable for MacBooks released after 2023 or devices with a protruding front camera; Not applicable to full-screen or notch-style tempered glass screen protectors; Do not use on the rear camera of the phone.
- 💻 Why Do You Need a Webcam Cover Slide? — Safeguard your privacy by covering your webcam with our reliable webcam cover when not in use. Don't let anyone secretly watch you. Stay protected!
- ✅ Thin & Stylish — Enhance your laptop's functionality and aesthetics with our 0.027" ultra-thin webcam covers. Seamlessly close your laptop while adding a touch of sophistication.
- ✅ Fits Most Devices — Compatible with laptops, phones, tablets, desktops! Keep your privacy intact on Ap/ple, Mac/Book, iPh/one, iP/ad, H/P, L/novo, De/ll, Ac/er, As/us, Sa/msung devices.
- ✅ 365 Days Protection — Our upgraded 3.0 adhesive ensures a strong hold that won't damage your equipment. Experience reliable, long-term privacy protection day in and day out.
Sixteen gigabytes is the published RAM figure
Both official tiers list 16 GB. That is the number to use when checking the requirement. More memory may help a Windows system with other applications open, but the available specification does not establish a separate 32 GB game requirement.
Permafrost performance settings: what is actually known
There is no controlled, game-specific benchmark published with test hardware, resolution, graphics preset and measured frame rates. As a result, no responsible guide can promise that a particular card will deliver 60 frames per second or any other fixed result. The official listings provide hardware targets, not a benchmark table.
Player comments on the Steam community page include reports of frame-rate drops in areas with many structures. These are individual observations, not controlled or representative measurements, so use them as a reason to monitor your own system rather than as evidence that a particular tier always performs poorly.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsA general troubleshooting sequence
The following workflow is deliberately general. It does not claim to be an official Permafrost preset recipe, and menu names can change during Early Access.
Rank #4
- Anti-Slip Surface - Transform your laptop into a mobile workstation with the AboveTEK portable laptop lap desk. The anti-slip surface provides a strong grip for laptops up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), while the double rubber strip on the bottom ensures a stable display or typing experience on your lap, couch, or bed.
- Retractable Mouse Pad - Retractable laptop mouse pad extends on both directions for the left/right handed with elevation along the edges for stopping mouse from falling off. The size of laptop tray is 14" X 9.7" and the size of mouse pad is 7.4" X 6.1".
- Effective Heat Shield - The effective heat shield made of sturdy and thick material protects your laptop from overheating. Prioritizes your comfort and safety, an ideal lap pad or board for working anywhere.
- EASY to Carry and Store - With an ergonomic and simplistic design, the lap desk is portable to store in a backpack. Only 15" in size, 2.2 lb of weight and with slim 0.6 inch thickness, it is ready to be easily carried around.
- Widely Applicable - The smooth platform accommodates laptops and tablets up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), making it a versatile accessory and one of the best gifts for mom, dad, students and professionals. Perfect for use as a laptop bed tray or tablet holder anywhere at home, library, or park.
- Install the current Windows updates and graphics driver supplied for your exact GPU. Restart Windows after a driver installation before testing.
- Close browsers, recording tools and overlays that consume CPU, RAM or GPU resources. Keep one variable at a time when comparing results.
- Begin with the game’s default preset, if one is offered, and record your resolution and frame-rate behavior in the same repeatable location. Do not compare results after changing several options simultaneously.
- If performance is uneven, lower the render resolution or resolution scale first. If the build exposes separate shadows, volumetric effects, foliage or view-distance controls, reduce one expensive option at a time and observe whether frame pacing improves.
- Watch GPU utilization, CPU utilization, temperatures and VRAM usage with a trusted monitoring utility. A fully utilized GPU points to a graphics workload; a saturated CPU thread or memory pressure points to a different limit.
- Recheck after each game update. Early Access patches can alter shader compilation, streaming and graphics behavior, making an older setting comparison obsolete.
These steps can isolate a bottleneck, but they cannot turn a below-minimum system into a supported one or produce a guaranteed frame rate.
The dated FSR note for RTX 40- and 50-series cards
An October 9 developer hotfix note on the Steam community page says that FSR was disabled on NVIDIA RTX 40 and 50 series graphics cards “to cut down crashes on these GPUs.” This is a dated, GPU-specific workaround. It is not a universal recommendation to disable upscaling, and it may change in a later patch. If you own one of those GPU families, check the current developer notes before troubleshooting an FSR-related crash or assuming that the option should be available.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Do Unreal Engine recommendations change the game requirements?
No. Epic’s Unreal Engine 5.8 documentation recommends 32 GB of RAM, at least 8 GB of graphics memory and DirectX 12 for most games when describing recommended development hardware. Those figures describe engine-development guidance, not the hardware target published for Permafrost. The game’s own store listing remains the relevant authority for its current minimum and recommended tiers.
Early Access caveats and update planning
The developer describes an intention to remain in Early Access for at least 12 months while adding biomes, quests, mechanics, quality-of-life features and technical optimization. That is a stated plan at the time of the listing, not a fixed full-release commitment.
Best Value
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 12" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy laptop support with the integrated device ledge.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a blush pink color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.14 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
- Requirements may be revised as new systems and visual features arrive.
- Drivers, patches and shader changes can alter performance without a hardware change.
- A system that meets today’s minimum list may need lower settings after a content update, while optimization work may improve results later.
- Keep the game, Windows and GPU driver current before diagnosing a problem, and consult the latest developer notes for GPU-specific workarounds.
Should you upgrade to the recommended GPU?
If your current card is below the listed GTX 1060 6GB/RX 590 8GB minimum, an upgrade is the most direct way to move into the published support range. If you are choosing a target near the recommended tier, the official examples are RTX 3070 Ti 8GB and RX 6750 XT 12GB. Buying one of those classes does not guarantee a particular frame rate because the developer has published no controlled performance result, and your CPU, resolution, driver and in-game settings still matter.
Check power-supply capacity, case clearance, connector requirements and current market availability before purchasing any card. Those are normal hardware-selection checks, not additional Permafrost specifications.
Bottom line for 2026
Use 16 GB of RAM and 30 GB of free storage as the common baseline, then compare your exact CPU and GPU against the two official tiers. Minimum hardware is a GTX 1060 6GB or RX 590 8GB with an i5-8600K or Ryzen 5 3500 and DirectX 11. The recommended tier is an RTX 3070 Ti 8GB or RX 6750 XT 12GB with an i5-12400 or Ryzen 5 5600X and DirectX 12. Because Permafrost is an Early Access release with no published benchmark, treat those numbers as compatibility targets and validate performance on your own system after each meaningful update.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
