PCGameBenchmarks
Star Raiders

Star Raiders

34/100
15 ratings1980Easy to run

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Estimated FPS across quality settings and resolutions

Search for your GPU above to see a full FPS breakdown at every quality and resolution.

Star Raiders FPS by GPU

Estimated framerates for 14 reference GPUs · pick a resolution and quality

Full benchmark grid · 14 GPUs × 4 qualities × 3 resolutions

1080p performance

Star Raiders estimated FPS at 1080p across 14 GPUs and 4 quality presets
GPUlowmediumhighultra
RTX 5090999 fps999 fps999 fps999 fps
RTX 4090999 fps999 fps999 fps999 fps
RX 7900 XTX999 fps999 fps999 fps999 fps
RTX 5080999 fps999 fps999 fps999 fps
RTX 4080 Super999 fps999 fps999 fps999 fps
RTX 4070 Ti999 fps999 fps999 fps999 fps
RTX 4070999 fps999 fps999 fps857 fps
RX 7800 XT999 fps999 fps929 fps755 fps
RTX 3080999 fps999 fps904 fps734 fps
RTX 4060 Ti999 fps999 fps854 fps694 fps
RTX 3070999 fps973 fps778 fps632 fps
RTX 4060999 fps879 fps703 fps571 fps
RTX 3060941 fps753 fps603 fps490 fps
GTX 1660 Super683 fps546 fps437 fps355 fps

1440p performance

Star Raiders estimated FPS at 1440p across 14 GPUs and 4 quality presets
GPUlowmediumhighultra
RTX 5090999 fps999 fps999 fps999 fps
RTX 4090999 fps999 fps999 fps999 fps
RX 7900 XTX999 fps999 fps999 fps999 fps
RTX 5080999 fps999 fps999 fps999 fps
RTX 4080 Super999 fps999 fps999 fps948 fps
RTX 4070 Ti999 fps999 fps923 fps750 fps
RTX 4070999 fps988 fps791 fps643 fps
RX 7800 XT999 fps871 fps697 fps566 fps
RTX 3080999 fps847 fps678 fps551 fps
RTX 4060 Ti999 fps800 fps640 fps520 fps
RTX 3070912 fps730 fps584 fps474 fps
RTX 4060824 fps659 fps527 fps428 fps
RTX 3060706 fps565 fps452 fps367 fps
GTX 1660 Super512 fps410 fps328 fps266 fps

4K performance

Star Raiders estimated FPS at 4K across 14 GPUs and 4 quality presets
GPUlowmediumhighultra
RTX 5090999 fps999 fps844 fps685 fps
RTX 4090999 fps979 fps783 fps636 fps
RX 7900 XTX999 fps879 fps703 fps571 fps
RTX 5080999 fps828 fps663 fps538 fps
RTX 4080 Super973 fps778 fps623 fps506 fps
RTX 4070 Ti769 fps615 fps492 fps400 fps
RTX 4070659 fps527 fps422 fps343 fps
RX 7800 XT581 fps464 fps372 fps302 fps
RTX 3080565 fps452 fps362 fps294 fps
RTX 4060 Ti533 fps427 fps341 fps277 fps
RTX 3070486 fps389 fps311 fps253 fps
RTX 4060439 fps351 fps281 fps228 fps
RTX 3060377 fps301 fps241 fps196 fps
GTX 1660 Super273 fps218 fps175 fps142 fps

Minimum Hardware

Graphics Card
Minimum required

Radeon ATI Radeon HD 2600 or NVIDIA GeForce 8600 or faster. Other integrated graphics, such as the Intel G43/G45 Express, are not supported

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Processor
Minimum required

Intel Core 2 Duo E4300 or AMD Athlon X2 4400+

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Memory
Minimum required

1 GB

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Genres

About

Star Raiders, released in 1980, is a pioneering first-person space combat simulator that captured the imagination of gamers on the Atari 8-bit family of computers. Developed by Doug Neubauer, this action-packed title is revered as a killer app for its innovative gameplay, which allows players to engage in 3D space battles against an invading fleet of aliens. Its notable mechanics and engaging experience set a precedent for future space combat games.

For those considering playing Star Raiders on PC, the hardware requirements are surprisingly modest, making it accessible to a wide audience. To achieve optimal performance and smooth gameplay, an entry-level GPU with a minimum score of around 141 is recommended. Players should expect the game to run smoothly with around 30-60 FPS at low graphics settings, ensuring a consistent and enjoyable experience without demanding high-end components.

Given its historical significance and action-oriented gameplay, Star Raiders is certainly worth playing, especially for fans of the genre who appreciate retro gaming. Despite its low rating of 23/100, the game's pioneering contributions to the gaming world make it a unique experience that can provide insight into the evolution of space combat simulators.

Performance profile

Released in March 1980, Star Raiders predates modern GPU acceleration as we know it today. It runs effortlessly on virtually any current hardware, including integrated graphics and entry-level laptops — framerate is limited by the engine, not the GPU.

Action titles like Star Raiders reward high framerates for visual clarity during combat. A mid-range modern GPU at 1440p 60–120 FPS is the practical sweet spot; VRR (G-Sync/FreeSync) smooths out drops during heavy effects.

Extremely light — Star Raiders runs at 60 FPS 1080p on any integrated GPU (Intel Iris Xe, AMD Radeon Graphics) or a decade-old discrete card like the GTX 1050. A current-gen RTX 4060 pushes 4K Ultra without effort.

Storyline

The Earth Federation starbases are under attack by the Zylons. Use your Star Raider fighter craft to warp through space to where the Zylon fleets are and attack them before they get too close to a starbase to destroy it. Be careful when you get hit, because your various systems (shields, computer, laser, visuals) can be damaged, and if you lose too much energy, your ship will blow up. Make sure you get your ship repaired and fully functional so you can get back into the action with the Zylons.

Screenshots

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