Processor Matrix

Introduction
This page has been developed to act as a resource for individuals seeking information regarding what types of processors will run Final Fantasy XIV, as well as how much of an upgrade a specific processor is.

Found within each tier of the matrix is a selection of processors which perform roughly equivalently1. While exact performance in Final Fantasy XIV will be determined by whole system makeup, this matrix can provide a rough idea of which CPUs will offer the best game performance or be the most effective upgrade opportunity.

When considering an upgrade it is suggested that a minimum of three tiers be spanned as each tier may represent only a slight performance increase. In addition, the performance of solutions presented below may vary based upon the type of video card, motherboard, memory, hard drive, etc. In the case of processors which are insufficiently matched to video cards, a bottleneck can occur. In this case it can be worth upgrading to a CPU which is fewer than three tiers above the current one.

Please note that only commercial desktop solutions are recommended for gaming. Workstation processors are not optimized in the same manner and are generally not going to provide performance commensurate to their price tag while gaming. In addition, be aware that in all but the most unusual cases, laptop CPUs are not something you can upgrade.

Within each tier are family groups (marked with a letter consequent within the current tier only), offering a clearer divide between the processors listed. These are not pure performance divides, as certain processors in different families may outperform others in a different family under certain circumstances. It is wide to remember that an entire tier is to be considered roughly equivalent in terms of gaming power. When in doubt it is wise to research specific benchmarks for specific processors.

Processors (Recommended+)
Each CPU within the chart below should be considered to meet the recommended specifications for Final Fantasy XIV as put forth by SquareEnix. The solutions presented below are ranked in order from most powerful to least powerful. All of these solutions should provide an enjoyable play experience assuming they are coupled with an equivalent graphics card. More powerful configurations may allow for even more detail and smoothness during play depending on whole system configuration.

It is important to remember that no AMD processor is considered by SquareEnix to meet recommended specifications, and that some of the processors listed in the recommended tier are below SquareEnix's recommendations. In general it is wise to take the recommended specifications with a grain of salt in the case of CPUs. AMD's top-line processors are still powerful for gaming purposes, despite falling a tier lower than Intel's.

Processors (Minimum+)
Each processor within the table below should be considered to meet the minimum specifications for FFXIV as stated by SquareEnix. These CPUs have been listed in order from most to least powerful. Solutions listed here should be capable of providing a playable experience dependent upon properly configuring the Final Fantasy XIV settings assuming a comparable graphics card is utilized. On the low end of the spectrum in tier 8, some of the processors may truly be considered borderline.

Processors (Lowspec)
The processors below are considered to be at the very least borderline and in some cases fall short of the minimum specifications stated by SquareEnix for Final Fantasy XIV. While it may be possible to play the game using a solution listed hereunder, the game will be be unlikely to function in a manner considered playable. In any case, a graphics solution of comparable power or better must be utilized to have a chance at any kind of performance worth noting.

The following CPUs have been listed from most powerful to least powerful. Any CPU less powerful than those below is considered legacy hardware too weak to even be listed for the purposes of this article.

Related Pages

 * Graphics Card Matrix


 * System_Requirements