Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 System Requirements (Can’t Play it on your Computer?)
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 computer system requirements are the same as last year’s Call of Duty: Black Ops. So if you can run COD: Black Ops smoothly on your computer then you will have no trouble
running COD: Modern Warfare 3. The reason the system requirements have not changed is because the core graphics engine that was used to create last year’s COD: Black Ops is the same or very similar. In a way this is a good thing for some people. Many of you that paid $100+ for a new graphics card or $600+ for a new computer just to get Black Ops running smoothly will not have to purchase a new graphics card or new PC again just to play the newer MW3. The weird thing is that even though both BO and MW3 are similar underneath the new MW3 graphics still look a tad better.
I would like to state to everyone what computer hardware will NOT be able to run Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 smoothly…
- "Integrated" / "On-Board" graphics cards are NOT compatible with MW3. This includes the full "Intel" graphic card lineup. ATI and nVidia also have lower end integrated / on-board graphics cards which are also NOT compatible with MW3.
If you have a laptop with one of these incompatible graphics cards you will not be able to upgrade it, that laptop will never work. The only exceptions are the newer laptops with 2 graphics cards, one is an Intel and the other usually is an ATI or nVidia card.
If you have a desktop with an incompatible graphics card there is a great chance you will be able to upgrade it. There are many options available, just post below as much info as you can about your computer model and we can give you a graphics card recommendation based on your budget.
- Single-core processors and older dual-core processors. Examples are the original "Pentium Dual Core" processors and original AMD “Athlon 64 X2” dual core processors. They will NOT run Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3.
- Netbooks and Tablets are NOT compatible with Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3. I don’t care if it is a hot, new 2012 netbook that plays Angry Birds flawlessly, it will not run MW3. The only exception to this is from Alienware. They make a laptop that some people place in the “netbook” category (btw, it is not a netbook, just a very small laptop).
PLEASE NOTE: This is by no means an inclusive list. The list above are just the top 3 PC game compatibility questions readers of this site have asked me about over the past few years.
If you have any problem installing or playing Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 smoothly on your computer or if you are not sure if your PC is compatible with Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 feel free to ask for help in the comments section below.
It would help a lot if you give us the following info about your computer when you ask for help…
- Do you have Windows XP, Vista or 7? (also is it 32 or 64-bit?)
- Processor on your computer?
- Amount of RAM on your computer?
- Graphic card on your computer?
- Do you have a Desktop or Laptop?
If you are unsure of any particular computer specification your PC may have that is not a problem. Go to this website to test your computer compatibility with the game Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3. Besides giving you a good estimation on the compatibility of your PC it will tell you your PCs Graphics, Processor and Memory (RAM) specs.
For more detailed specifications on your computer's hardware check out my tutorial on how to use a free program to find your PCs specs.
PC MINIMUM System Requirements
• Operating System: Windows XP, Vista or 7
(It will work on 32 or 64-bit Windows 7 and Vista)
• Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 2.4 GHz / AMD Phenom X3 8750 2.4 GHz OR Better
• RAM: 2 GB
• Video/Graphics Card: nVidia GeForce 8600 GT / ATI Radeon X1950 OR Better
- Graphics Card must be Shader 3.0 compatible
- Graphics Card must have a Minimum of 256 MB of RAM (graphics card memory)
• Sound Card: DirectX compatible
• Hard Drive: 16 GB Free Space
If you are having problems installing Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 or if you are unsure that your PC can run the game… FEEL FREE TO ASK YOUR QUESTION BELOW! :-)
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 Single Player Trailer
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 Multiplayer Trailer
| If we helped you or if you found this article useful :-) |
re: on what settings can I play? [deuce]
Hi deuce. You should be able to play running max resolution with medium to high graphics settings.
on what settings can I play?
Processor: AMD Athlon(tm) 7750 Dual-Core Processor 2.7O Ghz
Memory: 4 gb
Video card: Geforce gtx 550 ti
re: Would this work if i got this PC [Nick]
Hi Nick. Nice gaming system :-)
You will be able to run Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 on high settings. That system will also run the new Black Ops 2 coming out towards the end of this year.
Would this work if i got this PC
CPU: 1048 - NEW! AMD FX 6100 Black Edition
CPU Cooler: 3007 - Coolermaster Hyper TX3
Operating System: 11014 - Microsoft® Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
Motherboard: 4111 - Gigabyte M68MT-S2P
Memory: 5038 - 4GB DDR3 1333mhz (1x 4GB)
Hard Drives: 6004 - 500GB S-ATAII 3.0Gb/s
Optical Drive: 7003 - 22x DVD±RW DL S-ATA
Graphics card: 8063 - NVIDIA GeForce GTX 550 Ti 1GB
Sound card: 10001 - Onboard 7.1 Audio
Case: 17024 - Xigmatek Asgard
PSU: 18033 - 500W Xigmatek
This is the Desktop im thinking of getting, would like to know if this would work with games like MW3. TY
re: Will it run on my Vista? [Raiiny]
Hi Raiiny. I am sorry to tell you that MW3 would not run well on your PC. Best case scenario, it installs but is REALLY laggy. Worst case scenario, MW3 does not even install and it gives you a “Device 0” error or another install error.
The main reason MW3 will not run well on your PC is because both the graphics card and CPU are below the minimum system requirements.
Will it run on my Vista?
I want to get this game because i'm stuck on Cod4 when all my friends are playing this game can you tell me if my specs will be at least a little bit up yo par with the specs for this game?
Processor: AMD Antlon(tm) 64 X2 Dual Core Processor 4400+ 2.31 Ghz
Memory (RAM): 2.00GB
System Type: 32-bit Operating System
And i have a GeForce 7300 LE graphics card downloaded and installed
re: WIll it, Won't it???? [Justice285]
Hi Justice. Your laptop will install and run MW3. BUT it will be really laggy even at the lowest graphics settings. The reason for this is that the Intel HD 3000 graphics card is below the MW3 minimum system requirements.
WIll it, Won't it????
Will my laptop run COD MW3? Specs Below:
Manufacturer: Samsung 300E5A
Processor: Intel Inside Core i3 2330m @ 2.20GHz, 2200Mhz, 2 Cores, 4 Logical Processors
Graphics: Intel 3000 HD Graphics
Memory: RAM 4gb
Virtual Memory: 7.83gb
OS: Windows 7 Home
Thanks for your help
re: re: julyjuly
np. You are welcome julyjuly :-)
re: joey
okay thank you very much you have been of enormous help sir! 2 thumbs up!
re: julyjuly
Hi julyjuly :)
You are correct. Your graphics card is not the problem for the game not working at all. I linked you to the graphics card driver to smooth out the graphics quality a bit when the game is working in case you get lagg or the graphics look horrible. But yes, it has to be working 1st.
“Jack Sparrow” is a code name for versions of games that were not paid for (I could of also called it the, “Captain Hook” version). When I researched your problem I found it was only associated with those types of versions. The people on the sites I sent you to are experts in that area. I don’t know how to deal with those versions since I only play games I buy on Steam and Origin (sometimes I buy them at my local computer store).
re: GeForce GT 520m
thanks for the driver link but i dont think my graphics card is the problem.
i really cant find the fix to my problem and all i can see are skidrow MW3 installer download links and not jack sparrows. the 1st five links that shows up in the google search are about crack fixes and not fixes to my "windows compatibility problem" but i really do appreciate your help joey and thank you very much for that.
PS: (i hope youd still help me with this one)
re: GeForce GT 520m [julyjuly]
If this graphics card was able to play Black Ops smoothly then it will work for Modern Warfare 3 since they have very similar requirements.
Just be sure to install the latest nVidia drivers for your GT 520M. Here is a direct link to the download page for your setup: http://www.nvidia.com/object/notebook-win7-winvista-64bit-285.62-whql-dr...
- Restart your PC for the drivers to take full effect.
And if it is a Jack Sparr0w version you have installed just go to the site I directed you to and they can help with a fix for your problem :-)
HERE'S MY GRAPHICS CARD
thanks for the reply joey and ill look for the solution later. btw my graphics card is a NVIDIA GeForce GT 520m i think its not compatible with call of duty games but i played black ops smoothly but not in high settings though. thanks again hope you reply =)
re: I CAN'T RUN MW3 [julyjuly]
Hi julyjuly.Thanks for posting your specs.Your CPU, RAM and Windows version are fine. I am just not sure if your graphics card is compatible since you did not listed.
I researched your error and it appears to be associated with the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 "Jack Sparr0w" version. I am not good with problems with those versions. I only buy my games online from Steam and Origin.
But I can point you somewhere that might be able to help you out.
Copy and Paste the following within Google Search (1 or more of the sites within the 1st 5 results will be able to help you out)...
"skid row modern warfare 3 The version of this file is not compatible with the version of Windows"
re: New desktop PC to run Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 [russ]
Hi Russ. That computer you listed would run Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 on very low graphics settings with lagg at best.
Here is what I suggest if you are looking into a good computer that will be able to run Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 smoothly at good graphics settings….
#1 – Buy a vanilla desktop PC with a basic graphics card that is not mean for gaming. The only thing that is mandatory on this desktop is that it has a fast CPU and 4+ GB of RAM.
#2 – With the money you save you can buy a fast graphics card that is made for gaming. Then install it in your new desktop PC. This will turn your basic desktop PC into a fast gaming PC
* Here is an example of a low priced vanilla desktop PC with a fast CPU and 4 GB of RAM: http://j.mp/021112-HP-Desk-Basic
* Here is an example of a fast graphics card selling for a cheap price that can easily run Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 and all of the other latest games:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102940
I CAN'T RUN MW3
its me again. the problem is it says your version of windows is incompatible and its saying something about 64 bit and 32 bit system type sumthin like that. what may be the problem?
here are the specs of my laptop
manufacturer: lenovo
OS: windows 7
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM)i5-2410M CPU @ 2.30 GHZ
RAM: 4.00 GB
System type: 64-bit operating system
thanks for the help in advance! =)
CAN MY LAPTOP RUN THE MW3?
ITS A LENOVO LAPTOP HERE ARE THE SPECS
manufacturer: lenovo
OS: windows 7
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM)i5-2410M CPU @ 2.30 GHZ
RAM: 4.00 GB
System type: 64-bit operating system
re: Ani
You are welcome Ani :-)
re: Don't have this system yet... thinking about it [russ]
Hi Russ. If you are buying a new computer with an AMD processor I’d recommend buying one with an AMD Athlon II 2.8 GHz or faster. If you can find any with Phenom II processors that will also work great. The latest AMD “FX” processors will also work good with MW3.
On the Intel side the “Core i3” CPUs are also pretty fast gaming CPUs for the price.
Graphics-wise, I'd recommend a Radeon HD 6770 or faster for Modern Warfare 3.
Thanks a Ton!
Thanks a ton Joey! You have been a great help. You have taken much pains to make me understand what to do! Can't thank you enough! Take Care!
Regards Ani
Don't have this system
Don't have this system yet... thinking about it.
Thanks!
Motherboard
AAHD3-HB (Hibiscus)
Processor
AMD A6 3620 Processor
Memory
6 GB
Video graphics
Integrated Graphics
*Integrated video is not available if a graphics card is installed.
Radeon HD 6370D, 6410D, 6530D or 6550D Graphics (model dependent based on processor)
Supports PCI Express x16 graphics cards
Two DVI-D ports (Both ports can be used at the same time)
Sound/Audio
Integrated IDT 92HD89E Audio
Networking
802.11 Wireless b/g/n PCI-E Mini card
LAN: 1000-Base-T
Hard drive
1 TB
CD/DVD disc drive
SuperMulti DVD Burner drive
re: Can my Laptop play COD Black Ops or MW3? [Ani]
- Sony Vaio VPCEB44EN Laptop -
Processor: Intel Core i3-380M 2.53 GHz
RAM: 3 GB
Graphics: ATI Mobility HD 5470
OS: Windows 7 64-bit
Hi Ani. Thanks for posting your specs, it helps me a lot :-)
COD: Modern Warfare 3 will run on your laptop. But you will only be able to play at low graphics settings. The graphic card that you have can’t handle anything too high when running MW3 or else it will lag like crazy.
Do the following to optimize your Sony Vaio laptop to run MW3 the smoothest it can…
#1 –Fully update Windows 7. (Some games will not run properly if Windows is not fully updated.) Make sure all of the updates are installed then restart your PC. Check for new updates that popped up after the restart.
If you need it I created a tutorial on this subject: http://www.cleartechinfo.com/How-To-Update-Windows-7-Microsoft-Windows-U...
#2 – Download/Install the latest ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5470 graphics drivers for your setup from the ATI/AMD website. I looked this up for your laptop since you posted all of your specs.
Here is the latest driver for your setup that will run MW3 the best:
http://sites.amd.com/us/game/downloads/Pages/radeon_win7-64.aspx
Download / Install the 148 MB file.
#3 – Restart your computer after the graphics drivers are installed
#4 – Download and Install the Free version of “Game Booster”: http://www.iobit.com/gamebooster.html
In case you need it I created a video tutorial on how to install and optimize Game Booster. The video is at the end of the article: http://www.cleartechinfo.com/How-To-Get-Less-Lag-Higher-Frame-Rates-runn...
#5 – Make sure the laptop is plugged into the A/C power adapter before and during gameplay. If it is unplugged the CPU and Graphics card might power down to save battery life. This is bad for gaming and will decrease frame rates (it sometimes makes a compatible laptop fall into the non-compatible category).
#6 – Place the laptop on a flat surface like a table or desk before and during gameplay; preferably in a cool area. The last thing you want to do is play with the laptop on your lap. Laptop overheating can cause a laptop to crash while playing the latest games. It might also force the laptop to slow down your CPU, which again is very bad for gaming.
#7 – Run Game Booster, run Modern Warfare 3 (but do NOT play it yet)
#8 – Go into the MW3 settings, specifically the Graphics settings. Set everything to the absolute lowest possible. I took 2 screen shots below with my computer set to the lowest. Copy my screen shots.
http://cleartechinfo.minus.com/mw3-lowest-settings#1o
http://cleartechinfo.minus.com/mw3-lowest-settings#2o
#9 – Play MW3, have fun :-)
NOTE: There is a chance your graphics card will run MW3 smoothly if max out your laptop resolution to 1366x768 (but keep everything else at the lowest possible as pictured in my links). Don’t be shy to test this settings out in MW3.
re: Can my PC run this?? [Guest]
CPU- AMD Athlon II X2 250 @3.8GHz
RAM- 8GB DDR3 1600 AMD performance Edition @1800
HDD- 500GB WD black SATA 6GB's
SSD- 120GB OCZ SSD
GPU- AMD Radeon 6670 128bit 1GB GDDR3
Networking- Cisco AE1000(connection at 300MB per second)
The Athlon II has the L3 cache unlocked
Hello. Your PC will easily run Modern Warfare 3 at medium settings with no lag when you play online. There is a chance that it may go a little higher with no lag but I am not sure if the HD 6670 can handle that.
Please Note: I am assuming that your home Internet connection is fast enough to connect to MW3 servers with minimal lag. If your home DLS or Cable Internet is not fast enough then it does not matter if you have the fastest gaming PC in the world, there will be lag.
re: Will I be able to run it with these specs? [Guest]
Intel(R) Core(TM) i3 CPU M 370 @ 2.40GHz
3.0 GB RAM
Intel(R) HD Graphics Card
Hello. COD: MW3 will install and run but it will be very choppy/laggy. The main reason is the Intel HD graphics card. According to the makers of MW3 it is not compatible. There are some people on YouTube that show you MW3 can run on an Intel HD graphics card but they have faster Intel Core i5 / i7 processors.
I would not recommend running MW3 on your laptop due to lag, even at the lowest possible graphics settings.
You can try checking on YouTube and Google to see if anyone with your exact CPU and an Intel HD graphics card is running MW3. Then see how fast it runs and if it is even playable. Don’t waste your money first and be the guinea pig.
u can
go to newzbin and search ur game on there then download it! :D
Yes you can bro this guy was
Yes you can bro this guy was lying i have pentium dual core and intel hd graphics runs extra settings no AA at 40+frames native resolution
Can my Laptop play COD Black Ops or MW3?
Hi, you run a great site! Wish you could help me out! Thanks in advance!
I have a Sony Vaio VPCEB44EN Laptop. The specs are as follows.
Model No - Sony Vaio VPCEB44EN
Operating System
Operating System Genuine Windows 7 Home Basic 64-bit (English Version)
Architecture
Processor Name Intel Core i3-380M Processor 2.53 GHz
Chipset Intel HM55 Express Chipset
Cache Memory 3 MB (L3 Cache)
Main Memory
Pre-installed/Max 3 GB (2 GB x 1 + 1 GB x 1) DDR3 SDRAM (upgradeable up to 8 GB)
SO-DIMM slots DDR3 SO-DIMM slots (Unused Memory slot 0)
Memory Speed 1066 MT/s
Hard Disk Drive
Hard Disk Drive 320 GB (Serial ATA, 5400 rpm)
Optical Disc Drive
Drive DVD SuperMulti Drive
Maximum Reading Speed DVD+R: 8x(SL), 8x(DL) / DVD-R: 8x(SL), 8x(DL) / DVD+RW: 8x / DVD-RW: 8x / DVD-ROM: 8x / DVD-RAM: 5x / CD-ROM: 24x / CD-R: 24x / CD-RW: 24x
Maximum Writing Speed DVD+R: 8x(SL), 6x(DL) / DVD-R: 8x(SL), 6x(DL) / DVD+RW: 8x / DVD-RW: 6x / DVD-RAM: 5x / CD-R: 24x / CD-RW: 10x
Graphics
Graphics Accelerator ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5470 Graphics
Dedicated Video Memory 512 MB DDR3
Display
Type 15.5(39.37 cm) wide (WXGA: 1366x768) TFT colour display (VAIO Display, LED backlight)
Interface
USB Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) Type A connector x 3
eSATA/USB Port eSATA / Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) x 1
Network (RJ-45)Connector 1000BASE-T/100BASE-TX/10BASE-T x 1
Display Output Connector Analogue RGB, mini D-sub 15 pin x 1
Headphone Stereo, Mini Jack x 1
Microphone Stereo, Mini Jack x 1
HDMI In/Out Connector HDMI Out x 1
Memory Stick Slot "Memory Stick Duo" ("Memory Stick PRO-HG" compatible, "MagicGate" )
SD Memory Card Slot SD memory card (SDHC, SDXC compatible, Copyright protection (CPRM) (UHS not supported))
PC Card Slot ExpressCard /34 slot x 1
DC IN x 1
Wireless Connection
Wireless LAN Type IEEE 802.11b/g/n
Wireless LAN Data Rate Maximum transmission speed: 150 Mbps*7, Maximum receipt speed: 150 Mbps
Bluetooth Bluetooth standard Ver. 2.1 + EDR
Camera
Front Side Camera MOTION EYE (Resolution: 640 x 480, Effective Pixels: 0.3 Mega pixels)
Audio
Sound Chip Intel High Definition Audio
Speaker Internal, Stereo speakers
Microphone Internal, Monaural microphone
Audio Technology Dolby Home Theater technology
Keyboard/Input Device
Keyboard 19.05 mm key pitch/2.0 mm keystroke, 103 keys
Touchpad Touchpad (Gesture supported)
Battery Life
Bundled Battery VGP-BPS22 Lithium-ion battery: up to 2.0 hours of use
Size
Dimensions (WxHxD) 369.8 x 31.1-36.7 x 248.2 mm
Weight 2.7 kg (including the supplied battery)
Included Software
AV Entertainment Media Gallery, WinDVD, Quick Web Access
Content Creation/Editing PMB VAIO Edition, Adobe Premiere Elements 8 30 day trial version*9, Adobe Photoshop Elements 8 30 day trial version
Home Network VAIO Media plus
Word Processor / Spreadsheet Microsoft Office Starter 2010*10
Tool Evernote for VAIO, Adobe Reader 9
Utilities VAIO Control Center, Battery Care Function, VAIO Gate, WebCam Companion, Magic-i Visual Effects, Remote Keyboard with PlayStation 3
Security McAfee PC SecurityCenter 30-day Free Trial*9, Webroot Spy Sweeper 90-day Free Trial
Support VAIO Care, VAIO Care Rescue, VAIO Update, VAIO Transfer Support, Norton Online Backup 60-day Free Trial
Can my PC run this??
Specs:
CPU- AMD Athlon II X2 250 @3.8GHz
RAM- 8GB DDR3 1600 AMD performance Edition @1800
HDD- 500GB WD black SATA 6GB's
SSD- 120GB OCZ SSD
GPU- AMD Radeon 6670 128bit 1GB GDDR3
Networking- Cisco AE1000(connection at 300MB per second)
The Athlon II has the L3 cache unlocked
The only question is will it play online quick with NO LAG??
Will I be able to run it
Will I be able to run it with these specs?:
Intel(R) Core(TM) i3 CPU M 370 @ 2.40GHz
3.0 GB RAM
Intel(R) HD Graphics Card
These are my main concerns if I want to get the game...thanks in advance! :)