---
title: CPU and AVX2 — processor floor | Meridian
description: Meridian's CPU requirement: AVX2 support is mandatory, with clock and core guidance for Stable frame times.
canonical: https://ps5emulatorwindows.com/reference/cpu-avx2
updated: 2026-10-13
---

# CPU and AVX2

AVX2 is mandatory with no fallback. Clocks beat core counts past six cores.

## Facts (2026-10-13)

- **Floor:** AVX2 instruction support, no fallback
- **Guidance:** 6+ cores; clocks beat extra cores
- **Check:** Launcher CPU probe lists AVX2 present
- **Scope:** Required before any rating run

## Why AVX2 is load-bearing

The translation layer emits AVX2 across hot paths — physics, audio mixing, and command-buffer building. There is no scalar fallback, so a CPU without AVX2 cannot boot titles regardless of clocks.

Check support in the launcher CPU probe before anything else. The full envelope is in [Minimum and recommended hardware](/hardware/minimum-recommended).

## What actually scales

- Six modern cores at good clocks clear the Stable bar for most titles.

- Past six cores, single-thread clocks matter more than additional cores.

- Close browsers, Discord overlays, and recorders during verification — stolen cycles read as emulator defects.

Free build at [Download Meridian](/download). Own your library; CPU checks cost nothing.

## FAQ

### Can I disable AVX2 to support an old CPU?

No. AVX2 is required with no fallback. Older CPUs cannot run Meridian.

### Do more cores raise ratings?

Only to a point. Past six cores, clocks dominate. Ratings follow the reference rig anyway.

### Why does my fast CPU still dip?

Background load or thermal throttling. Verify clean idle clocks, then re-run with nothing else open.

## Related

- [Reference](https://ps5emulatorwindows.com/reference)
- [How it works](https://ps5emulatorwindows.com/reference/how-ps5-emulator-works)
- [Minimum and recommended](https://ps5emulatorwindows.com/hardware/minimum-recommended)
- [Vulkan check](https://ps5emulatorwindows.com/reference/vulkan-check)
- [Compatibility methodology](https://ps5emulatorwindows.com/log/compatibility-methodology)

## Download

Free Windows app: [Download Meridian](https://ps5emulatorwindows.com/download)

Markdown mirror: https://ps5emulatorwindows.com/reference/cpu-avx2.md