The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →To check whether your PC meets VALORANT’s requirements, identify your processor, graphics card, memory, Windows version and (on Windows 11) TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot status, then compare them with Riot’s published requirements. Riot lists example hardware for minimum, recommended and high-end tiers; those labels are targets, not guarantees of a particular frame rate on every PC.
Riot’s VALORANT requirements at a glance
Riot groups example processors and graphics cards by target tier. Use the tier that matches your goal, then check the separate requirements for memory, Windows, DirectX and CPU instruction support.
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| Target tier | CPU examples | GPU examples |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum (30 FPS) | Intel i3-540; AMD Athlon 200GE | Intel HD 4000; AMD Radeon R5 220 |
| Recommended (60 FPS) | Intel i3-4150; AMD Ryzen 3 1200 | NVIDIA GeForce GT 730; AMD Radeon R7 240 |
| High-end (144 FPS) | Intel i5-9400F (2.90 GHz); AMD Ryzen 5 2600X | NVIDIA GTX 1050 Ti; AMD Radeon R7 370; Intel Arc A310 |
These are Riot’s listed examples, not a universal benchmark or a promise that a PC with a matching part will maintain that frame rate in every situation. Riot also specifies 4 GB RAM, a CPU supporting SSE 4.2 or AVX, DirectX 11 support, and Windows 10 64-bit (build 19041 or later) or Windows 11 64-bit. A discrete GPU must have at least 1 GB of VRAM. Riot notes that the latest graphics drivers may require a newer Windows build. Riot’s Minimum and Recommended PC Hardware Requirements.
Find your PC’s processor, memory and Windows details
- Open Start, search for System Information, and launch it. Alternatively, press Windows+R, enter
msinfo32, and press Enter. - In System Information, note the Processor, Installed Physical Memory (RAM), Windows version and BIOS Mode. Confirm that Windows is 64-bit and meets Riot’s supported version requirement.
- Open Task Manager → Performance to check the CPU and graphics hardware. If more than one GPU is listed, note each one; compare the discrete GPU if the PC has one.
Windows’ model names help you make the comparison, but the CPU name alone does not confirm support for SSE 4.2 or AVX on every unusual or older processor. Check the processor’s instruction-set support if that is uncertain.
#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
Compare the graphics card and check VRAM
Match the GPU name in Task Manager against the examples in your chosen tier. For a discrete graphics card, also confirm that it has at least 1 GB of VRAM. The tier table is a practical point of comparison; it does not provide a method for predicting an individual PC’s exact in-game frame rate.
Check DirectX and Windows 11 security requirements
Riot requires DirectX 11 support and a supported 64-bit Windows version. A compatible Windows version by itself does not prove that the installed graphics driver is current.
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.
For Windows 11, VALORANT also requires TPM 2.0 and UEFI Secure Boot. Riot’s guidance points to tpm.msc to check TPM status and System Information (msinfo32) to inspect BIOS Mode and Secure Boot State. UEFI and Secure Boot enabled are the desired readings. A TPM can exist but be disabled in firmware, so a disabled status does not by itself show that the hardware lacks TPM capability. Riot’s TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot guidance.
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If System Information reports Legacy mode or Secure Boot as unsupported, consult your PC or motherboard manufacturer before changing firmware settings or disk layout. Firmware menus differ by device, and making changes without the manufacturer’s instructions can cause problems.
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.
- 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.
What to do if the PC meets the listed requirements but VALORANT will not launch
Hardware is only one part of compatibility. Windows build, graphics drivers, firmware settings and Riot Vanguard security checks can also affect launch. If the PC appears to meet the published requirements but the game still will not start, use Riot Player Support to troubleshoot the specific error rather than assuming a hardware upgrade will fix it.
Riot states that VALORANT does not support cloud gaming or virtual machines, so meeting the component requirements does not make either setup supported. Riot’s requirements page.
Quick Recap
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.
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