Call of Duty Ghosts System Requirements (2013)
Call of Duty Ghosts launched in 2013 as the tenth installment in the franchise, bringing a fresh take on gameplay with dynamic map events, an original campaign, and a new Extinction co-op mode. Although not as graphically intensive as newer COD titles, the game raised its system demands compared to previous generations due to its next-gen-ready engine. Whether you’re revisiting the campaign or hopping into multiplayer, reviewing the Call of Duty Ghosts system requirements is essential to ensure smooth performance on your PC.
This guide provides full minimum, recommended, and ultra-level requirements, along with performance tips and hardware compatibility for older or modern systems.
Minimum System Requirements Call of Duty Ghosts
Component | Minimum Requirements | Recommended Requirements | Ultra / 4K Requirements |
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Operating System | Windows 7 64-bit | Windows 10 64-bit | Windows 10/11 64-bit |
Processor (CPU) | Intel Core 2 Duo E8200 / AMD Phenom X3 8750 | Intel Core i5-2500K / AMD FX-8320 | Intel i7-9700K / AMD Ryzen 7 5800X |
Memory (RAM) | 6 GB | 8–12 GB | 16–32 GB |
Graphics Card (GPU) | NVIDIA GTS 450 / Radeon HD 5870 (1 GB) | GTX 760 / Radeon R9 270X | RTX 3060 Ti / RX 6700 XT |
DirectX Version | Version 11 | Version 11 | Version 12 |
Storage | 55 GB HDD | 55 GB SSD | 55 GB NVMe SSD |
The Call of Duty Ghosts system requirements at the minimum level are fairly steep for a 2013 title. You’ll need at least an Intel Core 2 Duo E8200 or AMD Phenom X3 8750 processor to handle the basic load of the game. A minimum of 6 GB RAM is required — one of the first times a COD game demanded more than 4 GB. For graphics, a DirectX 11 compatible GPU such as the NVIDIA GeForce GTS 450 or AMD Radeon HD 5870 with 1 GB VRAM is essential. This setup will get you playable performance at 720p or low 1080p with reduced visual effects.
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OS: Windows 7 64-bit
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CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo E8200 / AMD Phenom X3 8750
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RAM: 6 GB
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GPU: NVIDIA GTS 450 / Radeon HD 5870 (1 GB VRAM)
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DirectX: Version 11
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Storage: 55 GB HDD
While you can get through the campaign with these specs, multiplayer and Extinction mode may lag under pressure. Installing the game on an SSD is not required but will significantly reduce load times and background hitches.
Recommended System Requirements
For smoother gameplay across all game modes, including large multiplayer matches and cinematic campaign sequences, it’s best to match or exceed the recommended system requirements for Call of Duty Ghosts. This includes a quad-core CPU like the Intel Core i5-2500K or AMD FX-8320, paired with 8 GB of RAM for better system handling and background multitasking. A GPU like the NVIDIA GTX 760 or AMD Radeon R9 270X will allow for stable 1080p performance at high settings.
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OS: Windows 10 64-bit
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CPU: Intel Core i5-2500K / AMD FX-8320
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RAM: 8–12 GB
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GPU: GTX 760 / Radeon R9 270X
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DirectX: Version 11
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Storage: 55 GB SSD
Meeting these specs lets you enjoy better shadow rendering, texture filtering, and post-processing effects without constant frame drops or input lag. It’s also ideal for users who prefer consistent responsiveness in competitive multiplayer.
Ultra / 4K Requirements Call of Duty Ghosts
Although Call of Duty Ghosts was not built for 4K gaming, you can still upscale the experience using modern hardware. If you’re looking to max out textures, anti-aliasing, and resolution, consider this setup:
- OS: Windows 10/11 64-bit
- CPU: Intel Core i7-9700K / AMD Ryzen 7 5800X
- RAM: 16–32 GB
- GPU: RTX 3060 Ti / RX 6700 XT or higher
- Storage: SSD or NVMe (55 GB free space)
This configuration delivers a 60+ FPS experience at 1440p or 4K with enhanced image clarity and zero stutter, especially useful if you’re playing on a large display or high-refresh monitor.
Can I Run Call of Duty Ghosts on My PC?
To determine if you can run Ghosts, compare your specs to the game’s requirements, focusing on RAM, GPU VRAM, and CPU generation. If your system has 6–8 GB RAM and a dedicated GPU with at least 2 GB VRAM, you’re likely good to go. However, players on integrated graphics or dual-core CPUs will struggle, especially in fast-paced environments.
Use tools like “Can You Run It” or run benchmarks to check compatibility. Upgrading from HDD to SSD is a great way to improve performance without changing core hardware.
Best PC Builds for COD Ghosts
Budget Build (720p / Low):
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CPU: Intel Core i3-10100F
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GPU: GTX 750 Ti / RX 560
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RAM: 8 GB
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Storage: 500 GB HDD or SATA SSD
Mid-Range Build (1080p / High):
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CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5600 / Intel i5-12400F
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GPU: GTX 1060 / RX 580
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RAM: 16 GB
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Storage: 1 TB SSD
High-End Build (1440p / 4K):
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CPU: Intel i7-13700K / Ryzen 7 7800X3D
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GPU: RTX 4070 / RX 7900 XT
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RAM: 32 GB
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Storage: 1 TB NVMe SSD
Each of these builds meets or exceeds the Call of Duty Ghosts system requirements, offering scalable performance based on your gaming goals.
Performance Optimization Tips
For better frame rates, start by lowering shadows, texture resolution, and anti-aliasing. Use fullscreen mode, disable background apps, and keep drivers updated. Turn off motion blur and ambient occlusion to lighten GPU workload. If running on a lower-end system, reduce resolution scaling from 100% to around 85–90% — this improves performance while retaining visual sharpness. Lastly, if you have an SSD, install the game there to cut down loading screens and prevent in-game texture loading lag.
Conclusion
Call of Duty: Ghosts may be nearly a decade old, but it still offers a satisfying blend of campaign storytelling and traditional COD-style multiplayer. Whether you’re a nostalgic fan or a first-time player, matching your PC to the correct Call of Duty Ghosts system requirements ensures you enjoy it at its best. From basic 720p play to 4K upscaling on modern builds, this title scales well and still holds value for FPS fans today.
Frequently Asked Questions