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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesCan your PC run ARC Raiders? Embark Studios’ published requirements set three targets: Low settings at 1080p and 60 fps, High settings at 1440p and 60 fps, or Epic settings at 1440p and 90 fps with resolution-scaling quality. Compare your processor, graphics card, memory, operating system and DirectX version with the tier that matches the experience you want.
These are publisher targets, not guarantees for every computer. They were listed by Embark Studios on a requirements page updated October 1, 2025, and cross-checked against the Steam and Epic Games Store listings. No independent benchmark, storage requirement, component price or individual-build compatibility test is established here.
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ARC Raiders PC requirements at a glance
Use the table to identify the highest official target your current hardware can match. The processor and graphics-card examples are requirements for that tier, not a promise that mixing parts from different rows will produce the row’s frame rate.
| Tier | Operating system | CPU examples | Memory | GPU examples | Published performance target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum | Windows 10 or later, 64-bit, latest update | Intel Core i5-6600K or AMD Ryzen R5 1600 | 12 GB | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti, AMD Radeon RX 580, or Intel Arc A380 | Low settings, 1080p, 60 fps |
| Recommended | Windows 10 or later, 64-bit, latest update | Intel Core i5-9600K or AMD Ryzen 5 3600 | 16 GB | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070, AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT, or Intel Arc B570 | High settings, 1440p, 60 fps |
| Epic | Windows 10 or later, 64-bit, latest update | Intel Core i7-9700K or AMD Ryzen 7 3700X | 16 GB | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Ti or GeForce RTX 5070, or AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX | Epic settings, resolution-scaling quality, 1440p, 90 fps |
“Epic” in this table is Embark’s graphics preset, not a requirement to use a particular game store. Steam and the Epic Games Store also list Windows 10 or later 64-bit, DirectX 12 and broadband internet. The captured Steam listing does not state an official storage capacity, so there is no verified drive-space figure to quote.
#1 Best Overall
- 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
Which ARC Raiders target should you choose?
Minimum: entry-level 1080p play
The minimum row is aimed at Low graphics settings at 1920×1080 and a 60-fps target. It requires at least 12 GB of system memory and one of the listed processor and graphics-card classes. Meeting this row answers “will my PC start and aim at the minimum target?” It does not establish High settings, 1440p output or a locked 60 fps in every scene.
Recommended: High settings at 1440p
The recommended row is the practical choice for a mainstream gaming PC seeking High settings at 2560×1440 and 60 fps. Embark’s wording for this tier is “High graphics settings, 1440p, 60 fps.” It calls for 16 GB of RAM, a Core i5-9600K or Ryzen 5 3600 class processor, and a GeForce RTX 2070, Radeon RX 5700 XT or Intel Arc B570 class graphics card.
Epic: 1440p at 90 fps
The Epic row raises both the preset and frame-rate target: Epic settings, 1440p and 90 fps with resolution-scaling quality. The listed processor examples are the Core i7-9700K and Ryzen 7 3700X. Graphics examples are the GeForce RTX 4070 Ti, GeForce RTX 5070 and Radeon RX 7900 XTX, with 16 GB of RAM. Resolution scaling means the game can adjust its internal rendering resolution while maintaining the selected output resolution; the requirement does not specify a fixed internal resolution.
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How to check your current PC before buying anything
Collect the exact model names rather than relying on a computer’s marketing name. A desktop called “gaming PC” can contain several different CPU or GPU variants, and laptop parts may not perform or be upgradeable like their desktop counterparts.
- Check Windows edition and architecture. Open Settings → System → About. Confirm that Windows is version 10 or later and that “System type” says 64-bit. Install pending Windows updates through Settings → Windows Update; Embark specifies the latest update for the operating-system requirement.
- Check the processor and installed RAM. Press
Ctrl+Shift+Escto open Task Manager, select Performance, then CPU and Memory. Record the processor model, total memory and memory speed. The total must be at least 12 GB for the minimum row and 16 GB for the recommended or Epic row. - Check the graphics card. In Task Manager’s Performance tab, select each GPU entry. Record the full model, including its series number. You can also open Device Manager → Display adapters. Compare the model itself with Embark’s examples; do not compare only the amount of video memory.
- Verify DirectX. Press
Win+R, typedxdiag, and press Enter. On the System tab, check the DirectX version. Steam’s listing specifies DirectX 12. - Confirm your connection. Steam lists broadband internet as a requirement. The listing does not give a minimum speed, latency or data allowance, so those values cannot be inferred from the requirement.
Write the results in a simple note such as “Core i5-10400, 16 GB, RTX 2060, Windows 11 64-bit, DirectX 12.” Then compare each component with the same target row. A PC is not fully at a tier if one major component is below it.
Compare CPU, GPU and RAM separately
Processor comparison
For minimum play, compare your CPU with the Core i5-6600K or Ryzen R5 1600 examples. For the recommended target, use the Core i5-9600K or Ryzen 5 3600 examples. For Epic, use the Core i7-9700K or Ryzen 7 3700X examples. These are the published examples, not a complete list of every processor that could work.
Do not assume that a faster graphics card makes up for a processor below the selected row. Embark lists CPU and GPU requirements as separate components and does not publish a bottleneck rule for substituting one for the other. If your CPU is below the row while the GPU is above it, treat the system as below that row until testing or a later official clarification says otherwise.
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Rank #2
- 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.
Graphics-card comparison
The listed minimum examples are the GeForce GTX 1050 Ti, Radeon RX 580 and Intel Arc A380. Recommended examples are the GeForce RTX 2070, Radeon RX 5700 XT and Intel Arc B570. Epic examples are the GeForce RTX 4070 Ti, GeForce RTX 5070 and Radeon RX 7900 XTX.
These cross-vendor examples should be read as the classes Embark chose for each target, not as a benchmark ranking. No game-specific independent frame-rate comparison is established here. A card with a model number that looks newer is not automatically a verified match for a row.
Memory comparison
Less than 12 GB places the machine below the listed minimum. The recommended and Epic rows both specify 16 GB. Check whether your total is supplied by one module or a matched pair, how many motherboard slots are occupied and what memory type the board supports before ordering a kit. Adding memory cannot correct a processor or graphics-card shortfall.
What to upgrade when your PC misses a target
If RAM is below 12 GB or 16 GB
- Identify the motherboard model in Settings → System → About, with a system-information utility, or in the motherboard manual.
- Check the board’s supported memory generation, maximum capacity, slot count and compatible module speeds.
- Inspect the existing modules and decide whether a matched kit gives the desired total. Avoid assuming that any desktop DIMM or laptop SO-DIMM will fit.
- After installation, confirm the full capacity in Task Manager. If Windows reports less than expected, reseat the modules and verify the board’s manual for slot order.
A move to 16 GB aligns with the recommended and Epic memory specification. It does not, by itself, establish that the machine will reach either performance target.
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A GPU upgrade is the most direct hardware path when your current card is below the graphics examples for your target. Before selecting a card, check four compatibility points:
- Power supply capacity: verify the supply’s continuous wattage and the card maker’s connector requirements.
- Power connectors: confirm that the supply has the required plugs; adapters should not be treated as a substitute for adequate wiring.
- Case clearance: measure maximum card length, height and slot thickness against the case.
- Motherboard and display connection: confirm a suitable expansion slot and the output connector needed by your monitor.
Embark’s recommended examples—GeForce RTX 2070, Radeon RX 5700 XT and Intel Arc B570—are useful comparison points. The requirements page does not determine which card is compatible with your case, power supply or motherboard, and it provides no current local prices. Check those details for your exact PC before purchasing.
If the processor is below the chosen row
CPU upgrades are more platform-dependent than graphics-card swaps. A compatible replacement may require a different socket, motherboard firmware, cooler mounting hardware or memory type. Identify the motherboard and current socket first, then check its manufacturer’s supported-CPU list. If the upgrade would require a new motherboard and memory as well as the processor, compare the cost and effort with replacing the whole system. The official requirement table does not prescribe a particular upgrade path.
Rank #3
- 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.
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If several components are below the row
Upgrade in order of the target you actually want, not the most impressive single part. A machine below the CPU, GPU and RAM requirements needs a platform plan; buying only a high-end graphics card does not make it an Epic-tier PC. List each shortfall, verify compatibility and set a budget before ordering parts.
Operating-system, DirectX and internet checks
Hardware is only one part of the requirement. Embark specifies Windows 10 or later, 64-bit, with the latest update. Steam lists DirectX 12 and broadband internet, and the Epic Games Store listing also includes Windows, CPU, RAM, GPU and DirectX 12 requirements.
On a 32-bit Windows installation, extra memory or a new GPU will not satisfy the published operating-system row; move to a supported 64-bit installation first and back up important files before changing Windows. If dxdiag reports an older DirectX version, install all available Windows updates and the current graphics driver, then check again. The available storefront information does not define a broadband speed threshold.
What the published requirements do—and do not—promise
- They do provide: named CPU, RAM and GPU examples for three tiers; Windows version and architecture; and target resolution, preset and frame rate.
- They do not provide: a universal list of equivalent parts, a guaranteed frame rate on every build, a storage capacity, current component prices, or case and power-supply compatibility.
- They are not independent benchmarks: the figures are Embark’s targets. No playtesting or build-specific frame-rate measurement is included here.
If your PC meets every component in a selected row, a new purchase is not automatically necessary. The evidence supports checking the current game and driver updates and then evaluating actual performance; it does not support promising a particular result for your exact build.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Troubleshooting a PC that meets the listed tier
Windows or DirectX mismatch
Recheck that Windows is 64-bit and fully updated, then run dxdiag again. Update the graphics driver from the GPU manufacturer and restart before drawing conclusions from a first launch.
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Close unnecessary applications and confirm Task Manager sees the complete installed capacity. If only part of the kit appears, power down, reseat the modules and consult the motherboard’s recommended slot arrangement. A memory total below 12 GB remains below the listed minimum; below 16 GB remains below the recommended and Epic amounts.
Unexpectedly poor performance
First verify that the game is using the intended discrete GPU rather than an integrated adapter, that the display is set to the intended resolution, and that the selected preset matches the target you are evaluating. Then compare CPU, GPU and RAM independently again. A stronger component in one category does not prove that the other categories meet the same row.
Rank #4
- 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.
Crashes or launch failures
Confirm Windows updates, DirectX 12 availability, graphics drivers and broadband connectivity. If the system still fails, record the exact error and compare it with current support information. The requirements list alone cannot diagnose software conflicts, damaged files or hardware faults.
A practical upgrade decision checklist
- Choose one goal: Low/1080p/60, High/1440p/60 or Epic/1440p/90 with resolution-scaling quality.
- Record exact CPU, GPU, RAM, Windows architecture and DirectX version.
- Compare CPU, GPU and RAM separately with the chosen row.
- Check Windows updates, DirectX 12 and broadband internet.
- If RAM is short, verify motherboard support before buying a compatible kit.
- If the GPU is short, verify power supply, connectors, case clearance, motherboard fit and display outputs.
- If the CPU is short, check the motherboard’s supported-processor list and whether a platform replacement is more sensible.
- Do not use a higher specification in one category as proof that the whole PC reaches a higher tier.
- If every requirement is met, test the existing PC before spending money; the official target does not require an automatic upgrade.
Frequently asked questions
Does ARC Raiders have an official storage requirement?
The Steam listing captured for this guide does not state a storage capacity. Check the current store page and Embark’s current requirements page for any later update before installing.
Are the listed GPUs guaranteed to deliver the target frame rate?
No. They are Embark Studios’ published examples and targets. They are not independent benchmark results or a guarantee for every system configuration.
Can a gaming laptop be judged by the desktop GPU name alone?
Not reliably. Compare the exact laptop CPU and GPU models, memory and operating-system requirements; the published table does not establish equivalence for every mobile variant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 12 GB of RAM enough for the recommended target?
No. Embark lists 12 GB for the minimum row and 16 GB for both the recommended and Epic rows.
What should I upgrade first if my PC is below the requirements?
Choose your target tier, then identify whether the CPU, GPU or RAM is below that row. Upgrade the deficient component only after checking whole-system compatibility; the official list does not establish a universal upgrade order.
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For Low at 1080p/60, match the minimum CPU, 12 GB RAM and GPU examples. For High at 1440p/60, match the recommended CPU, 16 GB and RTX 2070/RX 5700 XT/Arc B570 class. For Epic at 1440p/90 with resolution-scaling quality, use the Epic row. Verify Windows 10 or later 64-bit, DirectX 12, broadband internet and the physical compatibility of any upgrade before you buy.
Quick Recap
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