Get a transparent first-pass verdict: choose the machine you have and the work you want to do. The result separates the current Resolve 21.0.4 minimum requirements from practical memory and VRAM headroom.
This tool runs in your browser. It doesn't scan your computer, upload a DxDiag file or store your selections.
Your result will appear here
Choose the facts above, then check the setup.
The checker will show each official minimum, any unknown compatibility condition and practical workload headroom separately.
What the Result Means
Meets the current minimum means the selections pass the published Resolve 21.0.4 platform floor. This is a compatibility check, not a playback or export benchmark. It doesn't promise smooth playback, a particular export time or compatibility with every codec and plugin. Source media, bit depth, effects, storage speed and timeline complexity still matter.
Practical headroom is deliberately shown as a separate caution. For demanding 4K or Fusion work, the checker uses 32GB of system memory and 8GB of VRAM on Windows/Linux as a qualified working target. PugetBench uses similar values for its fuller benchmark presets, but they aren't re-labelled as Blackmagic's universal minimum.
For the full dated operating-system and driver matrix, use our DaVinci Resolve 21 system requirements. If a compatible machine struggles in the Edit page, a controlled proxy workflow may solve the editing path. Existing VRAM errors belong in the GPU memory troubleshooting guide.
Current Resolve 21.0.4 Minimums Used by the Checker
| Platform | Operating system and processor | Memory | GPU condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| macOS | macOS 15 Sequoia or later, Apple Silicon | 8GB, or 16GB with Fusion | Apple Silicon graphics path |
| Windows | Windows 10 Creators Update or later | 16GB, or 32GB with Fusion | At least 4GB VRAM, OpenCL 1.2 or CUDA 12.8, official AMD/Intel driver or NVIDIA Studio 581.57+ |
| Windows ARM | Windows 11 for ARM, Snapdragon X Elite series | 16GB, or 32GB for 4K/Fusion | Platform requirement from the current readme |
| Linux | Rocky Linux 8.6 | 32GB | Discrete GPU with at least 4GB VRAM, OpenCL 1.2 or CUDA 12.8, official AMD driver or NVIDIA Studio 580.119.02+ |
The source is Blackmagic Design's Resolve 21.0.4 readme, updated August 4, 2026. The NVIDIA driver floors shown in the form are dated to that exact Resolve build. They must be checked again when Blackmagic updates Resolve.
DaVinci Resolve PC Checker FAQ
Does this checker scan my computer?
No. Browsers can't reliably identify every GPU model, VRAM amount, driver and Resolve workload. The checker evaluates only the facts you select, runs locally in the browser and uploads nothing.
Does passing the checker guarantee smooth 4K playback?
No. A pass confirms the selected requirements and workload headroom rules. Codec, bit depth, chroma subsampling, stream count, effects, plugins, storage and Resolve edition can still change performance.
Can DaVinci Resolve 21 run on an Intel Mac?
Not under Blackmagic's latest Resolve 21.0.4 Mac requirements. They specify an Apple Silicon computer and macOS 15 Sequoia or later. An Intel Mac therefore fails the current Mac minimum in this checker.
Can DaVinci Resolve use integrated graphics?
On Windows, the current readme allows an integrated or discrete GPU if the rest of the GPU requirements are met, including at least 4GB of VRAM and OpenCL 1.2 or CUDA 12.8 support. Linux explicitly requires a discrete GPU.
Why does the checker ask whether I know my GPU driver and API support?
VRAM capacity alone is not the complete Windows or Linux requirement. Resolve 21.0.4 also names a supported OpenCL/CUDA path and current manufacturer drivers. Choosing “not sure” produces an unresolved result instead of inventing compatibility.
What should I do if my PC meets the minimum but gets a caution?
The machine may run Resolve, but the selected 4K or Fusion workload has less practical memory or VRAM headroom than this checker recommends. Try representative footage, proxies and render cache before replacing hardware, and test the effects you use rather than a generic demo project.
