System Requirements

Your computer must meet these REQUIREMENTS, or you may not be able to successfully participate in Second Life.

Important Notes

* Second Life is not compatible with dial-up internet, satellite internet, and some wireless internet services.

** x86_64 architecture CPUs only. ARM architecture CPUs not supported for Windows at this time.

*** The Linux viewer is community supported, and may not be fully compatible with all Second Life features.

Second Life PC recommendations for 2025

The world keeps progressing, and every day brings new breakthroughs in science and technology. It can be challenging to keep up! In the spirit of progress, we want to help you choose a new computer that meets your needs for the future of Second Life.

Why You Should Get a New Computer

A modern computer offers several benefits for an optimal Second Life experience:

• Modern OS: Older operating systems on unsupported hardware no longer receive updates, which can compromise compatibility and security.
• Security: Updated systems provide protection against the latest vulnerabilities.
• Performance and Stability: Enjoy increased FPS, smoother gameplay, and fewer out-of-memory crashes.
  

General Recommendations

Regardless of whether you buy new, refurbished, or used, consider these specifications for the best Second Life experience:

1. RAM: At least 16GB. Second Life uses a lot of memory due to its rich content.
2. GPU: A modern NVIDIA GPU with 8GB or more VRAM. Second Life’s meshes and textures require a powerful graphics card.
3. Storage: SSD/NVMe drives are essential for performance. A 1TB SSD is ideal for Second Life, while 2TB is recommended for users who play other games.
4. CPU: A decent multi-core CPU with good speed. While important, CPU choice has less impact than GPU for Second Life.
5. OpenGL Support: Ensure the GPU supports OpenGL 4.6 to render all the latest content in Second Life seamlessly.
6. Cooling: Systems should have adequate cooling to maintain performance.
7. Age and Warranty: Refurbished systems should be no more than five years old and include a warranty.

What Should You Get? Suggested Laptops and Desktops by Tier:

Entry-Level

These suggestions are designed for casual users exploring Second Life:

Desktop:

• Thermaltake LCGS Quartz i460 R4 Gaming Desktop (Intel Core™ i5-13400F, 16GB RAM, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060, 1TB NVMe SSD) - $849
• CyberPowerPC GXi4200WST (Intel i5-14600KF, 16GB DDR5, NVIDIA RTX 4060, 1TB NVMe SSD) - $979

Laptop:

• Acer Predator Helios Neo 16 (Intel Core i7-13650HX, NVIDIA RTX 4060, 16GB DDR5, 512GB SSD, 16" 165Hz Display) - $999

Mid-Range

These suggestions are for users engaging in building, light scripting, and moderate socializing:

Desktop:

• Skytech Shiva Gaming PC Desktop (Intel Core i5-12400F, NVIDIA RTX 4070, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) - $1687
• iBUYPOWER Trace Mesh Gaming PC (Intel Core i7-14700F, NVIDIA RTX 4060 Ti, 32GB DDR5, 1TB SSD) - $1348

Laptop:

• Alienware m16 R2 Gaming Laptop (NVIDIA RTX 4060, 16GB RAM) - $1299
• Dell Alienware M16 R2 (Intel Ultra 7 155H, NVIDIA RTX 4070, 64GB RAM, 1TB SSD) - $1799

High-End

The last suggestions are for advanced users, content creators, and high-quality graphics enthusiasts:

Desktop:

• Skytech Gaming Azure Gaming PC (Intel Core i9-13900K, NVIDIA RTX 4090, 2TB NVMe SSD, 64GB DDR5) - $3899

Laptop:

• Acer Predator Helios 18 (Intel i9-14900HX, NVIDIA RTX 4090, 64GB RAM, 4TB SSD, 18" 240Hz Display) - $3999

Disclaimer

The sample systems mentioned in this guide are suggestions based on their specifications and current market availability. Linden Lab does not have any relationship with the vendors listed, nor does it endorse specific products. Prices and availability are subject to change over time.

By following this guide, you can select a computer that ensures security, stability, and performance for enjoying Second Life. Welcome to the future!