> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.ntop.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# System  Requirements Guide

This article summarizes the system requirements of nTop. For details on specific topics, browse the knowledge base or [contact nTop support](https://support.ntopology.com/hc/en-us/requests/new).

## System Requirements:

| Component         | Minimum                                                           | Recommended                                                       | High-Performance                                            |
| ----------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------- |
| **System Type**   | Laptop or Desktop Workstation                                     | Desktop Workstation                                               | Desktop Workstation                                         |
| **CPU**           | **Intel Core i7** or **AMD Ryzen 7**(8+ cores, AVX compatible)    | **Intel Core i9** or **AMD Ryzen 9**(12+ cores, high clock speed) | **Intel Core i9** or **AMD Ryzen 9**(16+ cores, latest gen) |
| **Memory (RAM)**  | 64 GB                                                             | 128 GB                                                            | 256 GB or more                                              |
| **Storage**       | 500 GB SSD(20% free space)                                        | 1 TB NVMe M.2 SSD(20% free space)                                 | 2 TB NVMe M.2 SSD(20% free space)                           |
| **Graphics Card** | **NVIDIA GPU** (Volta architecture or newer 2018+)(8 GB VRAM min) | **NVIDIA RTX 4070** or equiv.(12 GB VRAM)                         | **Latest NVIDIA RTX** (e.g. 4090, 5000 Ada)(24 GB VRAM)     |
| **Drivers**       | Latest NVIDIA drivers                                             |                                                                   |                                                             |

##

## **Performance Guidelines**

**CPU Performance:** nTop performance is most significantly impacted by CPU core count and clock speed. High-end Intel or AMD processors with multiple cores will provide the best computational performance for meshing and optimization operations.

**Memory Requirements:** RAM is critical when working with large models, particularly for meshing and optimization applications. While 64 GB is the minimum, larger models (5M+ elements) can consume 128 GB or more during processing.

**Graphics Performance:** The GPU primarily affects rendering speed and real-time visualization. Larger models require more VRAM and a more powerful GPU to maintain responsive real-time rendering and smooth user interaction.

**Storage Considerations:**

* **File Size:** Meshing and optimization applications can generate files exceeding several gigabytes. Ensure adequate free space for both your project files and temporary system files.
* **Speed:** Fast NVMe M.2 SSDs significantly improve file loading times and overall system responsiveness.

## **System Compatibility Notes**

### **Supported Configurations**

* **Operating System:** Windows only (see [What operating systems does nTop support?](/help-articles/access-and-installation/system-requirements/what-operating-systems-does-ntop-support))
* **Virtual Machines:** Supported if GPU passthrough is enabled and minimum GPU requirements are met
* **CPU Architecture:** x86-64 processors only

### **Unsupported Configurations**

* **macOS or Linux:** Not compatible, including virtualization via Parallels or Wine
* **ARM CPUs:** Not supported (including Apple Silicon Macs)
* **AMD GPUs:** nTop only officially supports NVIDIA GPUs
* **Integrated Graphics:** Intel UHD Graphics and similar integrated solutions are not supported
* **Older NVIDIA GPUs:** Pre-Volta architecture cards (before 2017) are not supported
* **Multiple GPUs:** nTop utilizes only one GPU; multiple GPU configurations offer no performance benefit

### **Hardware Requirements**

* **GPU:** NVIDIA GPU with Volta architecture or newer (2018+) required with current drivers
* **CPU Age:** Processors must be newer than 10 years old to ensure AVX compatibility
* **System Stability:** Minimum specifications are required for functionality and stability

## **Important Notes**

* nTop cannot provide technical assistance for systems that don't meet minimum requirements
* For optimal performance, consider specifications above minimum requirements
* Regular driver updates are essential for system stability and performance

**Need Help?** Get answers anytime by searching the knowledge base or [contact support](https://support.ntopology.com/hc/en-us/requests/new)! We're always happy to help!

## Keywords:

*system requirements windows licensing cloud cpu memory organization administration org admin operating system graphics card storage*