Hardware Requirements for Installation

Component Minimum Recommended

CPU

x86_64, SSE4.2 (~2010+)

Dual-core 2 GHz+

RAM

2 GB

4 GB+ (8 GB comfy)

Disk

20 GB free

40 GB+ SSD/NVMe

USB media

4 GB stick

8 GB fast (USB3)

Firmware

BIOS legacy or UEFI

UEFI + GPT

Network

Optional during install

Wi-Fi/Ethernet for updates

Firmware notes

  • UEFI machines: disable Secure Boot for installation (re-enableable later with custom keys). See Firmware Settings: BIOS & UEFI.

  • Legacy BIOS: fully supported; installer uses MBR/msdos labeling there.

GPU reality

  • Intel/AMD: open-source stack included, zero setup.

  • NVIDIA: live desktop runs on Nouveau; proprietary driver is a post-install task (NVIDIA Drivers on AcreetionOS).

Peripherals that "just work"

Standard keyboards/mice, most Wi-Fi (linux-firmware included), USB hubs, webcams (UVC), audio via PipeWire. Exotic RAID/fake-RAID laptop modes should be switched to AHCI in firmware first — see Firmware Settings: BIOS & UEFI.

Virtual machines

Welcome: 2 vCPU / 4 GB / 25 GB minimums, details in Virtual Machines.