To run Dual universe, you will need a CPU with AVX instructions.
This set of instructions are available for the following CPU families:
- Any intel CPU named "core i3/i5/i7" released since Q1 2011 should be able to handle AVX instructions.
- A majority of AMD CPU since Q4 2011 (see the list below).
CPUs named "Pentium" or "Celeron" (CPUs essentially used for non-gaming oriented computers), even released after 2011, have a very high chance of not being able to handle AVX instructions.
intel CPU families with AVX:
- Sandy Bridge processor, Q1 2011
- Sandy Bridge E processor, Q4 2011
- Ivy Bridge processor, Q1 2012
- Ivy Bridge E processor, Q3 2013
- Haswell processor, Q2 2013
- Haswell E processor, Q3 2014
- Broadwell processor, Q4 2014
- Broadwell E processor, Q2 2016
- Skylake processor, Q3 2015
- Kaby Lake processor, Q3 2016(ULV mobile)/Q1 2017(desktop/mobile)
- Coffee Lake processor, Q3 2017
- Cannonlake processor, expected in 2017
- Cascade Lake processor, expected in 2018
AMD CPU families with AVX:
- Bulldozer-based processor, Q4 2011
- Piledriver-based processor, Q4 2012
- Steamroller-based processor, Q1 2014
- Excavator-based processor, 2015
- Zen-based processor, Q1 2017
- Jaguar-based processor
- Puma-based processor
Now, the important question:
Would it be possible to play the game with a CPU that doesn't support AVX instructions?
Unfortunately, it's not possible. AVX instructions are vital to handle procedural generation at a decent speed. We might find a solution in the long term but we can't guarantee it right now, as this would necessitate months of development to make the game compatible with CPU architectures not supporting AVX for a result that could be very unsatisfactory in terms of performances to play the game. We understand this can be a very frustrating news for those who are affected by this problem but as always, we prefer to be as transparent as possible regarding the issues encountered.
Best regards,
The Novaquark team.