Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsYour PC meets Roberts Space Industries’ published baseline for Squadron 42 if it has 64-bit Windows 10 or Windows 11, a DirectX 11.1 graphics card with 4 GB of graphics memory, a qualifying quad-core processor, at least 16 GB of system RAM, and an SSD with at least 150 GB. That does not guarantee a particular frame rate or confirm how the finished campaign will perform: Squadron 42 is still in development and is not available to download.
Use the Windows tools below to check your hardware, then compare each result with RSI’s published requirements.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
RSI’s published Squadron 42 baseline
RSI’s requirements page, updated December 17, 2025, lists these minimums for CIG games, including Squadron 42. It does not publish a separate final campaign specification or promise performance at a particular resolution, graphics setting, or frame rate.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →| Component | Published baseline | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | Windows 10, 64-bit with the latest Service Pack, or Windows 11 | Your Windows version and whether it is 64-bit |
| Graphics | DirectX 11.1 graphics card with 4 GB of graphics memory | Graphics adapter, DirectX capability, and dedicated graphics memory |
| Processor | Quad-core CPU with AVX, AVX2, and FMA3; RSI names Intel i7 Haswell or later and AMD Excavator or later | Exact processor model, core count, and instruction support |
| System memory | 16 GB or more | Installed RAM |
| Storage | SSD of at least 150 GB | Whether the drive is an SSD and its capacity |
RSI does not provide specific GPU model examples on that page, so the 4 GB figure alone cannot tell you whether a particular card qualifies. Likewise, check the exact CPU model and its instruction support rather than relying only on its brand or clock speed.
#1 Best Overall
- Fearless ROG Design – The G700’s dual-glass chassis showcases iconic ROG design with the ROG Slash and Aura Sync RGB lighting. Its 58L capacity supports triple-slot GPUs.
- Unstoppable Power – Equipped with the Intel Core Ultra 7 265F processor, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 GPU, 16GB DDR5 RAM, and 1TB SSD PCIe 4.0 storage for seamless gaming and multitasking.
- Optimized Thermals – Stay cool with a quad-fan system, while dust filters and efficient airflow ensure long-term reliability.
- Advanced Connectivity – Game without lag with 2.5Gbps Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6, and versatile ports. Dolby Atmos audio and AI noise cancellation enhance sound and communication.
- Ready for Upgrades – Designed with tool-less access, easily swap out components, ensuring future-proof performance for years to come.
RSI’s requirements page also mentions .NET Framework 3.5 and 4.5.2, TCP ports 8000–8020, and UDP ports 64090–64110. Its recommendation for an NTFS-formatted drive with at least 100 GB available, plus 10 GB of additional SSD space for the pagefile, is described for the RSI Launcher and Star Citizen installation. It is not a confirmed standalone Squadron 42 install-size estimate.
How to check your PC in Windows
- Press Windows key + R, type
dxdiag, and open the DirectX Diagnostic Tool. - Review the system information for your Windows version, processor, and memory. Check the display information for your graphics adapter and its reported memory. RSI notes that you can select Save All Information to save a report.
- For another view, right-click the Windows button, search for System Information, and open the application. Expand the relevant sections to inspect system and graphics details.
- Compare what you find with every row in the baseline table, including CPU instruction support and whether the qualifying storage is an SSD.
These are the built-in checks RSI describes; you do not need a paid diagnostic tool for this comparison. If a detail such as AVX2 or FMA3 is not clear from the Windows report, use the exact processor model to verify the feature rather than assuming it is present.
Rank #2
- System: AMD Ryzen 5 5500 3.6GHz 6 Cores | AMD B550 Chipset | 8GB DDR4 | 500GB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD | Windows 11 Home
- Graphics: AMD Radeon RX 6500 XT 4GB Graphics | 1x HDMI | 1x DisplayPort
- Connectivity: 4 x USB-A 3.2 | 4 x USB-A 2.0 | 1 x LAN | WiFi 5 | Bluetooth 5.0 | 7.1 Channel Audio
- Tempered Side Case Panel | Custom RGB Lighting | Keyboard and Mouse
- 1 Year Parts & Labor Warranty, Free Lifetime Tech Support
What the comparison can—and cannot—tell you
- If your computer falls short of any listed minimum, it does not meet RSI’s published baseline.
- If it meets every listed minimum, it meets the baseline—but that is not confirmation of final compatibility, smooth performance, or a specific frame rate.
- RSI’s support page, updated February 4, 2026, says Squadron 42 remains in development and is not available to download. Accounts that own a pledge containing the game will be able to download it after development is complete, it has been tested, and it has been released.
RSI currently says it does not support Linux or macOS. That is the support position stated on its requirements page as updated December 17, 2025; platform support can change.
Should you upgrade anything now?
Use the baseline to identify a specific shortfall, not as a reason on its own to replace a whole PC. For example, if your system has enough RAM and a qualifying CPU and graphics card but lacks an SSD with the stated capacity, storage is the item to investigate. An SSD by itself does not make an otherwise non-qualifying PC meet the full baseline.
Rank #3
- 8-Core 16-Thread Processing Power – Powered by the Ryzen 7 4700LE processor with Zen 2 architecture, delivering 8 cores and 16 threads with a boost clock up to 4.2GHz. Effortlessly handle multitasking, streaming, content creation, and demanding applications simultaneously without slowdowns.
- GeForce RTX 3050 8GB Graphics – Equipped with 8GB GDDR6 dedicated VRAM and real-time ray tracing support. Experience smooth 1080p gaming at 55-60 FPS in AAA titles like Cyberpunk 2077, 70+ FPS in Fortnite, and 90-100 FPS in Apex Legends with DLSS enabled. The 8GB buffer handles modern game textures comfortably – a step above 6GB variants
- High-Speed Memory & Storage – Paired with 16GB of DDR4 3200MHz dual-channel RAM (16GB), the PC ensures responsive multitasking—whether streaming while gaming or editing videos. It also includes a 512 GB NVMe M.2 SSD for lightning-fast boot times, quick game loads, and ample storage for your game library, creative projects, and files.
- Next-Gen WiFi 6 Connectivity – Stay connected with the latest WiFi 6 technology for faster speeds, lower latency, and improved network efficiency. Whether you're gaming online, streaming 4K content, or joining video conferences, enjoy stable, high-speed wireless connectivity.
- Ready-to-Use Value Desktop – Pre-built and ready to go right out of the box. Perfect for gamers, students, content creators, and home office users seeking reliable performance without the hassle of building a PC themselves. The mature AM4 platform with DDR4 memory offers excellent value and proven stability.
RSI’s Get Started: Checklist, updated April 16, 2026, advises reviewing the published minimum and recommended specifications before pledging or downloading, and notes that the game is still in development. Since it is not currently downloadable, checking your PC now can establish how it compares with RSI’s stated minimums, not how the finished game will run on it.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- POWERED BY RTX 5070 12GB + RYZEN 7 9700X - The GeForce RTX 5070 12GB GDDR7 graphics card pairs with an 8-core AMD Ryzen 7 9700X processor to drive smooth 1440p and 4K gameplay, giving this gaming PC the headroom for modern titles, streaming, and creative work.
- 32GB DDR5 6000MHz MEMORY & 1TB NVMe SSD - 32GB of high-speed DDR5 memory and a 1TB PCIe 4.0 NVMe solid state drive deliver quick load times, smooth multitasking, and generous storage, keeping this prebuilt gaming desktop responsive under heavy workloads.
- BUILT-IN 11.3-INCH Smart DISPLAY - An integrated smart screen shows real-time CPU and GPU temperatures, usage, and weather while you play, adding a distinctive and functional touch to your battlestation.
- 850W 80+ GOLD POWER SUPPLY, 360MM LIQUID COOLING & WiFi 7 - An 850W 80 Plus Gold certified power supply provides stable, efficient power with headroom for future upgrades, while a 360mm AIO liquid cooler, WiFi 7, and an ARGB mid-tower case keep the Ryzen 7 CPU cool and connected in a clean build.
- READY TO PLAY OUT OF THE BOX - Arrives fully assembled and tested with Windows 11 Home pre-installed, so your prebuilt gaming computer is ready to set up in minutes. Assembled in the USA, and backed by a one-year limited warranty and lifetime free technical support.
Rank #4
- POWERHOUSE 8-CORE GAMING PERFORMANCE — Driven by the AMD Ryzen 7 8700F with 8 cores and 16 threads, boosting up to 5.0 GHz for smooth, responsive gameplay and the ability to handle AAA titles, streaming, and background tasks all at once
- NEXT-GEN BLACKWELL ARCHITECTURE — The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 is powered by NVIDIA's cutting-edge Blackwell GPU architecture, delivering a massive generational leap in rasterization and ray tracing performance so you can experience your games the way they were meant to be played.
- Simplistic Design: Enjoy the latest generation of Windows 11 Home for your everyday needs. *MSI recommends Windows 11 Pro for business use.
- Cool While Gaming: In conjunction with an ARGB fan Air Cooler, the Codex R2 features four system cooling fans; three in the front and one in the rear to pull in cool air and push heat out of the PC.
- Turn on the Bright Lights: With the built-in RGB lighting, take your gaming experience to the next level by pressing the MSI LED button to cycle through lighting options. Customize lighting even further with MSI Center software.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
