X-Plane's System Requirements
So what does it take to run this thing?
X-Plane is the world's most comprehensive, powerful flight simulator, and has the most realistic flight model available for personal computers.
X-Plane version 9 requires a computer with at least the following specifications:
- A 2 GHz processor
- 1.0 GB RAM (physical memory)
- 64 MB VRAM (video memory on your video card)
- 10 GB of hard drive space
The simulator will run on Mac OS X version 10.4 or later, Windows XP, Vista, or 7 (32- and 64-bit), and Linux. Note that when using Windows Vista and Windows 7, it is recommended that at least 2 GB of RAM be used.
Of course, a computer with 4 GB of RAM, a quad-core processor, and 2 GB of VRAM can be used and X-Plane will take full advantage of it. CPUs with multiple cores are useful because X-Plane will use that second core to load scenery while flying. This eliminates the tenth of a second stutter usually associated with transitioning from one scenery file to another (which is still experienced when using a single-core processor).
Note that Windows XP users must have DirectX v9.0c (downloadable here) or later installed to run X-Plane. Windows Vista and Windows 7 users have DirectX 10 installed by default, so this is not an issue.
No joystick is required--users can fly with the mouse or numeric keypad. For a realistic flying experience, though, you will need a joystick or yoke. Any modern USB joystick should be fine for both Mac and Windows.
If your system meets the requirements above, why not download the demo or consider purchasing X-Plane?
System requirements for older versions
| X-Plane 7 | X-Plane 8 | |
| Windows | Pentium III 1 GHz or faster | Any CPU 2 GHz or faster |
| Macintosh | PowerMac 800 MHz or faster | G4, G5, or Intel 2 GHz or faster |
| Linux x86 | Any CPU 2 GHz or faster | |
| RAM | 384 MB | 1 GB |
| Disk Space | 4 GB | 70 GB for full scenery |
| CD/DVD-ROM | CD | DVD-DL |
| Video Card | OpenGL supported | OpenGL supported (NVIDIA has been more reliable) |
| VRAM | 16 MB | 32 MB |
| Monitor Resolution | 1024 x 768 or higher | 1024 x 768 or higher |
| Joystick/Yoke | USB | USB |
Where can I get a good computer to use with X-Plane?
X-Plane will run on any of the Macs available from Apple.com. On the Windows side, Digital Edge is a local company that sells excellent X-Plane systems (they also sell joysticks!).
Quick links
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System requirements
- A 2 GHz CPU
- 1 GB RAM
- DirectX 9 video card or newer
See X-Plane in action!
Prepare to be stunned by X-Plane. Videos and photos speak where words can't. See the Multimedia page...
What do other people think?
Get more opinions before you buy. Read reviews and connect with current users. We're confident they feel as strongly about X-Plane as we do. Learn more...
Switching from Microsoft Flight Simulator
Tens of thousands of users have done it already. Switch to X-Plane and find out how accurate a computer flight model can be. Don't worry... You can bring over your old MSFS scenery, and you'll find that creating aircraft in X-Plane is much easier than in "the other sim." Learn more...
What sets X-Plane apart?
It's blade element theory, of course. By breaking down every surface of the airplane and calculating the forces acting on each piece individually, X-Plane delivers the most realistic flight experience available. Learn more...
Try the demo, or get the update
The demo is free, and it's a relatively small download. The updates, too, are free, and their bug fixes and new features make them worth the time it takes to get them. See the Downloads page...
Get the manual
In either PDF or Wiki form, the X-Plane manual can answer many of the questions you may have. See the Support page...
X-World: Links and Lists
Click here to jump to the X-World page.
Fly in space, fly on Mars
Only in X-Plane can you find accurate modelling of space and Martian flight. Click below to to open instructions on flying these special situations in X-Plane.
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Official X-Plane sites
XSquawkBox.net: The X-Plane Scenery Development page
Scenery Central: The X-Plane 8 scenery page
The X-Plane SDK: "Plug-In Headquarters"
X-Plane Airport and Navigation Data: The source for data updates and designer information.