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Choose a PC that meets Roberts Space Industries’ published minimums for CPU features, graphics memory, RAM, Windows, and SSD capacity—but treat those as installation and play minimums, not a promise of smooth performance at a particular resolution or frame rate. RSI’s requirements page, dated December 17, 2025, does not name recommended current CPU or GPU models or performance targets.
Squadron 42 PC requirements at a glance
RSI’s requirements page lists these minimums:
| Part or software | Published minimum | What to check on a PC listing |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | Quad-core processor with AVX, AVX2, and FMA3; RSI gives Intel i7 Haswell or later and AMD Excavator or later as examples. | Verify the exact processor supports all three instruction sets and has at least four cores. |
| GPU | DirectX 11.1 graphics card with 4 GB graphics memory. | Check DirectX support and dedicated graphics memory; the page does not specify a current recommended model. |
| RAM | 16GB or more. | Check installed system memory, not just the maximum supported by the motherboard. |
| Storage | 150GB or larger SSD. | Confirm the drive is an SSD and has enough capacity and free space for the game and related requirements. |
| Operating system | Windows 10 (64-bit) or Windows 11. | Linux and macOS are not currently supported, according to RSI. |
RSI also recommends an NTFS-formatted drive with at least 100GB available for the RSI Launcher and Star Citizen installation, plus at least 10GB of additional SSD space for the pagefile. These are separate storage guidance figures on the requirements page; they do not establish a recommended total PC drive size beyond its 150GB+ SSD minimum.
How to compare CPU and GPU options
CPU: verify features, not just the model name
A PC listing should identify the processor precisely enough for you to confirm it has four or more cores and supports AVX, AVX2, and FMA3. RSI’s examples—Intel i7 Haswell or later and AMD Excavator or later—are generation-family examples, not a current performance recommendation. A newer-sounding model name alone is not a substitute for checking the stated instruction-set support.
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The stated graphics minimum is DirectX 11.1 support and 4GB of graphics memory. RSI does not identify a recommended current GPU, graphics preset, display resolution, or frame-rate target on this page. Consequently, meeting the minimum confirms only that a listed baseline is satisfied; it cannot establish how well a candidate card will run the eventual release.
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Check memory, drive space, and Windows
RAM
RSI lists 16GB or more of RAM. For a prebuilt, check the installed amount rather than relying on an upgrade ceiling. If considering an upgrade, verify that the memory type and configuration are compatible with the particular system.
SSD and free space
Choose an SSD of at least 150GB, then check its available space and format. RSI’s additional guidance specifies NTFS and at least 100GB available for the RSI Launcher and Star Citizen installation, with another 10GB of SSD space for the pagefile. Do not assume a PC advertised with a 150GB drive will have those amounts free after Windows and other applications are installed.
Rank #2
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Operating system
The listed choices are Windows 10 64-bit or Windows 11. RSI says Linux and macOS are not currently supported. Check the actual installed Windows edition and architecture rather than assuming every machine in a product line ships with a supported configuration.
Choose a system without guessing at performance
- Get the exact CPU and GPU model numbers for each candidate PC.
- Confirm the processor has at least four cores and supports AVX, AVX2, and FMA3.
- Confirm the graphics card supports DirectX 11.1 and has at least 4GB of graphics memory.
- Check for at least 16GB RAM, a 150GB+ SSD, enough available SSD space, and Windows 10 64-bit or Windows 11.
- If all candidates meet the minimums, compare them for any performance target only against independent, dated test evidence for the same resolution and frame rate you intend to use. RSI’s cited specifications do not supply that evidence.
That approach separates compliance with the published floor from an evidence-based performance choice. Avoid treating a seller’s general “gaming PC” label or an older component benchmark as proof of how a system will perform in Squadron 42.
Rank #3
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Availability and changing requirements
In a support article dated February 4, 2026, RSI said Squadron 42 was still in development and unavailable for download. It said eligible accounts will be able to download it after development is complete, the game has been tested, and it has been released; the article does not give a release date. Because the game remains in development, check RSI’s current system requirements before buying or upgrading hardware.
Quick Recap
Best Value
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- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
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Rank #4
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