How can I check the specification of my computer matches or exceeds the specification needed by the game?

You can identify the hardware in your computer using the Directx Diagnostic tool:

• Click the Start button and choose Run
• Type "dxdiag" without the quotes then press OK

If you receive a message related to checking for whql signatures, choose Yes.

On the first tab, system, you can find the following information pertinent to game requirements:

• Operating System
• Processor
• Memory

On the display tab (Under 'Device' on the left):

• Name - The name given to the card by the manufacturer, this will usually, but not always contain information on the chip type it uses
• Manufacturer - The company who manufactured the card
• Chip type - The information in this section needs to match the videocard type specified on the game's minimum specification found on the packaging
• Approx total memory - The amount of video memory.  With onboard videocards, this may be shared with the system memory

On the display tab (Under 'Driver' on the right):

• Version - The software installed controlling the videocard
• Date - This gives an indication of how up to date your videocard software is.  A more current date is more beneficial in running games on a PC

On the sound tab:

• Name - The name given to the card by the manufacturer
• Version - The software installed controlling the soundcard
• Date - This gives an indication of how up to date your soundcard software is.  A more current date is more beneficial in running games on a PC