DOOM: The Dark Ages requires at least 8 cores.
DOOM: The Dark Ages requires at least 8 cores.
The minimum specs don’t mean strict limits. You can still enjoy the game with less power, though it may lag. Until official tests confirm otherwise, it’s impossible to be sure. A quicker CPU with fewer cores could work just as well. However, a small boost in speed won’t compensate for missing two full cores, especially if the game uses parallel processing and distributes enough tasks evenly.
It’s not unusual for specifications to exceed what’s necessary. Still, ID stands out as a reliable firm that effectively utilizes multiple cores.
Given the engine's usual speed, I'm sure my 5600 can handle it without issues. I might need to reduce some demanding CPU settings to reach a stable 60, but I don't have to worry about that.
These games generally follow similar patterns. The newest title, which is several years past its release, seems to use 16 threads.
It really comes down to the saturation level. If the system can distribute work across 16 threads but each thread runs at only about 20%, then 12 threads could handle the load more efficiently. However, if every thread is already busy at 80%, 12 threads might not be enough. We'll need to wait for benchmark results. The performance drop in a 6c/12t setup versus an 8c/16t setup isn't clear yet, especially under heavy loads. Dark Ages is RT-only, which could also mean higher CPU demands. Also, DF noted that modern arenas involve more parallel tasks, increasing overall CPU usage.