AGA Icon    What do all of those fields in the game's detailed view (CPU Processor, Video card, etc) mean?
 

Clicking on a game will give you a more detailed technical view your Mac's configuration and the minimum and recommended requirements for the selected game. The fields are:

Operating System
This is the version of Mac OS X you have installed on your Mac, and the version the game requires. Minor upgrades (for example from 10.3.5 to 10.3.6) can be downloaded for free via Software Update under your Apple menu or in your System Preferences utility. Larger upgrades (10.2.x to 10.3.x) can be purchased at your local Apple retailer.

CPU Processor
This is the type of main processing chip you have in your Mac, and the type of processor the game requires. The processor (G3, G4, G5) is built into a Mac and can't be easily upgraded.

CPU Speed
The speed of your Mac's processor, and the speed the game requires to run. These numbers are in megahertz (MHz) or gigahertz (GHz), where 1 GHz is 1000 MHz. A faster CPU speed will generally allow the game to play more smoothly. Like the type of processor, your CPU speed is not easily upgraded.

Memory
This is the amount of RAM (Random Access Memory) in your Mac, and the amount of RAM the game needs to run. If your Mac doesn't have enough RAM, it will not be able to fit all of the game into memory, which will drastically slow down gameplay. All Macs can be upgraded to have more RAM, unless they have already been upgraded to their maximum.

Hard Disk Space
This is is the largest amount of free space on any one hard disk connected to your Mac, and the amount of space the game requires to be installed and run. For example, if you have one hard disk with 2GB free, and one with 10GB free, Game Agent would display 10GB. You can free up hard disk space by throwing away unused files or by buying and plugging in an additional hard disk.

Video Card (ATI)
This is the type of 3D video hardware you have in your Mac (if it is an ATI brand), and the type of ATI brand video hardware the game requires. Some video hardware is built into the Mac (for iMacs and Powerbooks/iMacs) and can't be upgraded. Other Macs (like G5 towers) have video hardware on a card that you can replace with a faster video card.

Video Card (NVidia)
This is the type of 3D video hardware you have in your Mac (if it is an NVidia brand), and the type of NVidia brand video hardware the game requires. Some video hardware is built into the Mac (for iMacs and Powerbooks/iMacs) and can't be upgraded. Other Macs (like G5 towers) have video hardware on a card that you can replace with a faster video card.

Video Memory
This is the amount of video RAM (or VRAM) that your video hardware has, and the amount of VRAM the game requires. If you do not have enough video memory, the game may not run at all or may not support higher quality graphics options. Video memory can't be upgraded except by replacing the video card completely in those Macs that can be upgraded, such as G5 towers.

Media Required
This is the type of disc drive your Mac has, and the type of drive the game requires to install and play. It can either be CD or DVD, and can be upgraded by buying and connecting a newer CD or DVD drive.