Warhammer 40,000: Space Marines 2 is one of the hottest titles to release this year. It has opened to positive reviews as it was released earlier this week on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation alike. Saber Interactive’s Swarm Engine powers the 3rd person shooter that offers plenty of hack-and-slash elements in addition to some of the best visuals on offer for a title in 2024.
Warhammer 40,000 Space Marine 2 Hardware Requirements Explained
Warhammer 40,000 Space Marine 2 Hardware Requirements as published on the Epic Game Store (Source: EGS)
Warhammer 40,000 Space Marine 2 comes with a modest set of hardware requirements for a title that was recently published, offering acceptable performance for most modern gaming PCs and laptops alike with relative ease at launch. The suggested hardware includes 6-core unlocked Intel and AMD CPUs from prior generations, a minimum of 8GB of RAM, and 75GB of SSD space as a minimum when paired to a GPU with at least 6GB of VRAM on offer.
At the same time, its recommended hardware requirements are considerably higher with Saber Interactive indicating that they recommend users go for the “Ultra” preset when it comes to hardware moving users to the fairly recent octa-core AMD Ryzen 7 5800X or the Intel Core i7 12700 CPUs, doubling the RAM requirement to 16GB and moving to much beefier GPUs with the RTX 3070 and Radeon RX 6800XT as suggested candidates to run the game at a target 60 FPS versus the 30 FPS ‘low’ minimum otherwise.
What PC Upgrades Do You Need To Play Warhammer 40,000 Space Marine 2?
Based on user feedback, the title scales reasonably well at higher resolutions in terms of visual fidelity and can get demanding fairly fast This means that most modern gaming PCs and laptops have their work cut out for them, especially at higher resolutions, graphics presets, or higher refresh rate expectations from users.
The team at Game Rant takes a more holistic view of the upgrades one might need to exact the most out of what is arguably one of the best Warhammer titles to date while getting a mix of value, performance, and upgrade potential.
As a result, the suggestions below are split between an ultra preset targeting build, a more mid-range recommendation, and an entry-level PC that can run the title at a low-medium graphics preset.
The Emperor’s High-End Warhammer 40,000 Space Marine 2 Pc Build
AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D
The AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D is AMD’s latest and greatest CPU when it comes to gaming. With an excellent and highly efficient gaming performance that tops the charts currently, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D is here to stay and has a crown to claim thanks to its 3D V-Cache-enabled prowess when it comes to gaming on a PC.The octa-core CPU currently happens to be the fastest in the business for gaming even as it leads efficiency charts at the top, making it a very sought-after gaming upgrade.
MSI MAG CORELIQUID I360
The MAG CoreLiquid I360 reinvents MSI’s value-packed AIO liquid cooler with an illuminated Dual-Sided Infinity Mirror. Thanks to an enlarged copper plate and an efficient split-flow radiator with an attached pump, cooling performance is also enhanced. Fewer cables and a Uni Bracket simplify installation, reducing setup time. The supplied hardware is compatible with newer and older Intel and AMD CPUs. Reinforced hoses will keep the I360 running longer and reduce the chances of leaks. The CoreLiquid I360 is sold in both black and white, with an alternate 240 mm version available.
Asus ROG Strix X670E-E WiFi
Asus ROG Strix X670E-E Wi-Fi is an overclocking master that stands out for its powerful VRM that is sufficient for intensive overclocking. The board features an ATX form factor with a black theme and brushed aluminum heatsinks for quick heat dissipation. The I/O shroud features a mesmerizing RGB lighting zone that can be controlled via Asus Aura Sync and the I/O itself is filled with plenty of fast USB ports, Wi-Fi, and BIOS buttons.
G.Skill Trident Z5 Neo RGB (AMD Expo)
G.SKILL Trident Z5 Neo RGB series is a specialized RAM kit for the AM5 platform with up to 6000 MT/s speed. The RAM kit brings exceptional RGB lighting on top of the heat spreaders and works at low latency. It’s decently stable at the advertised speed and makes an ideal choice for gaming builds.
Crucial T705 2TB PCIe Gen5 NVMe M.2 SSD with heatsink
The Crucial T705 2TB PCIe Gen5 NVMe M.2 SSD is the latest and greatest storage solution from the company that is arguably one of the best players in the game. The T705 series boasts incredible transfer speeds and the 2 TB model takes the cake, offering up to 14,500 MB/s read speeds and write speeds of up to 12,700 MB/s. It does come with a heatsink for improved thermal efficiency.
ASUS TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 4090 24GB GDDR6X OG OC Edition
The ASUS TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 4090 24GB GDDR6X OG OC Edition is a top-of-the-line graphics card that is capable of running most games at 4K at playable frame rates. This beast of a GPU comes with 24GB GDDR6X VRAM, a boost clock speed of 2595 MHz, and a solid triple-fan cooling system. The GPU has a solid industrial design and components that can endure heavy loads.
MSI MPG A1000G PCIE5 PSU
The MSI MPG A1000G PCIE5 PSU is built from the ground up to support the ATX 3.0 spec while also being PCI-E 5.0 compatible in a fully modular design without costing an arm and a leg unlike some of its nearest competitors, making it a viable contender for a gaming PC.
Lian Li O11 Dynamic EVO XL
The Lian Li O11 Dynamic EVO XL is a full-tower all-white PC case with a smart design. The case allows users to reverse the chassis, meaning the tempered glass will face the right way if the PC is kept on either the left or right side of the setup. There is integrated RGB lighting and a seamless tempered glass side that flows almost seamlessly into the front panel. The Lian Li O11 Dynamic EVO XL can accommodate up to a 420mm radiator next to the motherboard and the same at the top or front using the included bracket. A full-sized GPU that’s up to 450mm can also be used in this case.
The build above chooses to pick only the very best PC components to build around for a 4K resolution Ultra gaming preset on Warhammer 40,000 Space Marine 2. Picking the RTX 4090 as the GPU of choice as a result is a no-brainer with Nvidia’s offering leaps and bounds ahead of the competition. It is paired with the fastest gaming CPU money can buy, the AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D.
As a kicker, the octacore AMD CPU comes with a free copy of Warhammer 40,000 Space Marine 2 ($60 value) and an additional complimentary copy of Unknown 9: Awakening, making it a great time to pick one up. This represents a direct saving on the cost of the full title and while it makes a small dent in what is otherwise a relatively expensive gaming PC in 2024, it does count somewhat positively at a time when gaming is an increasingly costly hobby.
The PC also uses a high-end PCI-E 5.0 SSD with 2TB of storage from Crucial while throwing in low-latency RGB-lit DDR5 RAM from G.Skill in a 32GB trim for its memory needs. It leverages the high-end ASUS ROG Strix X670E-E Wi-Fi motherboard as its centerpiece while powering it and the components it houses with an excellent 1000W ATX 3.0 PSU from MSI that comes with the 12VHPWR connector that provides the RTX 4090 and potential GPU upgrades with adequate power.
All of this is housed in the modular and easy-to-expand Lian Li O11 Dynamic Evo XL case that allows for easy customization and supports the largest E-ATX motherboards and peripherals should one need to use them in the future.
The Space Marine’s Mid-Range Warhammer 40,000 Space Marine 2 Pc Build
AMD Ryzen 5 7600
The Ryzen 5 7600 is the entry-level, yet very capable, gaming CPU from AMD that features 6 cores, 12 threads, and 32MB of L3 cache. It has a base clock speed of 3.8GHz and a boost clock speed of 5.1GHz. The Ryzen 5 7600 is an unlocked processor with a default TDP of 65W. It also has integrated RDNA 2 graphics and is the cheapest offering in the lineup with an iGPU.
Gigabyte B650M D3HP AX
The Gigabyte B650M D3HP AX is an affordable yet decent choice for budget builders with entry-level Ryzen CPUs. While lacking some high-end features of pricier models, it packs core upgrades like DDR5 memory support, PCIe 4.0 for graphics cards and SSDs, and compatibility with the latest AM5 socket. This makes it a great micro ATX motherboard for building a compact and capable gaming PC.
G.Skill Flare X5 Series (AMD Expo) 6000MHz 32GB (CL36)
The G.Skill Flare X5 Series RAM kits are DDR5 RAMs that operate at an overclocked 6000MHz sweet spot for AMD AM5 processors with a lower latency EXPO profile available to allow users to overclock their memory with a push of a button while costing significantly lower than the competition.
Samsung 990 EVO SSD 1TB
The Samsung 990 EVO SSD is a PCIe 5.0 compatible 1 TB storage drive that brings speeds that are not the fastest in the industry, but still at the peak of the PCIe 4.0 standard. It is capable of up to 5,000 MB/s read and 4,200 MB/s write speeds. It uses V-NAND TLC technology and is rated for 600TB TBW.
Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4070 Ti SUPER AERO OC
The Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4070 Ti SUPER AERO OC is a powerful GPU that builds on Gigabyte’s well-executed AERO lineup’s white-themed GPUs with better value for money than its predecessor.It has a decent overclock indicated by its relatively higher boost clock rating, a dual BIOS offering, and a subtle RGB lighting effect. Gigabyte also includes an anti-sag bracket and a comprehensive 4-year warranty to make it an even more compelling purchase for gamers on the edge for an upgrade.
Thermaltake GF1 (2024) Fully Modular ATX 850W Power Supply
The updated Thermaltake GF1 850W PSU is a gold-rated PSU that offers a completely modular solution for gamers looking for a reliable solution that can keep up with some of the most demanding PCs in 2024.It comes with comprehensive protection for users, excellent build quality, quiet operation and an extensive warranty from Thermaltake in tow.
HYTE Y60
There is no better mid-tower case to show off gaming rigs than the Hyte Y60. With three tempered glass panels, the Y60 case provides a nearly unobstructed view of the components. A dual chamber design enables builders to keep PSUs and cables tucked behind motherboards to avoid interfering with other components. The Y60 ships ready to vertically mount graphics cards with an included PCIe riser cable. Even with solid glass panels, the case still promotes airflow with extensive vents that wrap around the right side, top, and back of the chassis.
The build above focuses on value for money, opting for a mid-range AMD Ryzen 5 7600 CPU that comes with a stock cooler. The 7600 is, for all intents and purposes, faster than the CPUs recommended by Saber Interactive and pairs well with the Gigabyte RTX 4070 Ti SUPER AERO OC GPU allowing it to play the title at 2K ultra easily. To enable it, the CPU comes paired with mid-range RAM from G.Skill that skips RGB lighting but still offers excellent performance when paired to an entry-level Gigabyte B650 motherboard.
On the storage front, the mid-range Samsung 990 Evo PCI-E 4.0 SSD comes in an acceptable 1TB trim with performance to match the Warhammer 40,000 Space Marine 2’s slightly above-average SSD requirement of 75GB. With a slightly pricey Thermaltake 850W gold-rated PSU in tow and an aesthetically pleasing and airflow-centric Hyte Y60 case in play, the build above has plenty of power, room for expansion andcan be decked out with a custom LCD display for its caseshould gamers want to customize their build.
The Imperium Army’s Entry-Level Warhammer 40,000 Space Marine 2 PC Build
Intel Core i3-14100F
Intel Core i3-14100F is a refreshed version of the i3 13100F, now with higher clock speeds that go to as much as 4.7 GHz. Based on Intel’s older Alder Lake architecture rebadged as a Raptor Lake Refresh offering, the CPU brings 4 performance cores and a total of 8 threads to get started with any small or medium-scale application. With its capable single-core performance, it holds its own versus most entry-level processors in gaming and productivity alike.
Gigabyte B760M DS3H AX
The B760M DS3H AX is adequate for budget-centric who are looking for a feature-packed board for their Intel CPUs. Without compromising on functionality, the board offers multiple ports and slots for expansion while providing an appealing look with minimal accents on the PCB and heatsinks. Moreover, the built-in WiFi allows users to access wireless networks without investing in an adapter.
Crucial RAM 8GB DDR5 x 2
Crucial 8GB DDR5 is an entry-level DDR5 RAM module that offers the standard 4800MHz speed with regular timings for budget gaming and productivity builds. It’s a low-profile module with no heatsinks and doesn’t introduce any clearance issues for the CPU coolers. It’s Intel XMP 3.0 enabled but works with AMD platforms too.
Asus Dual Geforce RTX 4060 OC Edition
The Asus Dual RTX 4060 OC is selling like hotcakes due to its competitive pricing in the budget GPU category. Providing excellent performance at 1080p resolutions and unmatched Ray Tracing potential for around $300, the RTX 4060 sits as the best and most selling latest Nvidia GPU. The Asus Dual OC edition brings a dual fan design and a factory overclocked board that enhances the performance even further
Kingston NV2 500G M.2 2280 NVMe Internal SSD
The Kingston NV2 500G SSD uses Gen 4x4 NVMe PCIe technology. This drive delivers read speeds up to 3,500 MB/s and write speeds up to 2,800 MB/s. It’s designed for systems requiring fast performance, in both laptop and desktop builds. It is suitable for most applications thanks to the compact, single-sided M.2 2280 design. And the low power requirements mean that it produces minimal heat.
SilverStone 550 Watt 80 Plus Bronze ATX PSU
The SilverStone ET550-B Power Supply is a budget-oriented PSU that provides excellent efficiency and some features normally found on more expensive alternatives. All-black flat cables make it simple to route cables without wiring becoming an eyesore.
Fractal Design Pop Air ATX Mid Tower Case
The Fractal Design Pop Air RGB is a budget mid-tower PC case with a clear tempered glass window. The case comes pre-installed with 3 ARGB fans with room for two more and can fit a 240mm radiator on the top. The front mesh panel and the rear cutouts allow ample ventilation and airflow into the case and keep the system temperatures under control.
For users on a stricter budget, Intels' entry-level Core i3 14100F still packs a significant punch at a sub-$100 price tag and can be paired with both DDR4 and DDR5 motherboards. Given the relative lack of savings to be had with the former, the build above opts for the latter to get a small performance boost. It is paired to the mid-range Gigabyte B760 DS3H motherboard while leveraging 2 entry-level Crucial DDR5 RAM sticks to meet the game’s 16GB RAM requirement.
With an entry-level Kingston NV2 SSD in a 500GB trim and a mid-range RTX 4060 GPU from ASUS (Dual OC) in addition to a reliable 550W PSU from SilverStone, the build above can play the title at medium/high with a 30-60 FPS target in play in addition to a host of other titles. It does splurge slightly on the case front, but gets a decent bargain for it thanks to the discounted price the Fractal Design Pop Air RGB offers currently. This makes it one of the best PC builds under $800 for players wanting to be a Space Marine at a reasonable resolution and frame rate.
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine II
WHERE TO PLAY
Your Craft is Death.Embody the superhuman skill and brutality of a Space Marine, the greatest of the Emperor’s warriors. Hold at bay the horrors of the galaxy in epic battles on far-flung planets with your deadly abilities and devastating weaponry. Uncover dark secrets to drive back the everlasting night and prove your ultimate loyalty to humanity.Crush the Tyranid swarms. Defend humanity.Purge the relentless Tyranid swarms as legendary Space Marine Titus in a spectacular new campaign. Play solo or with up to 2 friends in 3 player co-op.Enjoy intense, gory and fast-paced third-person action with hundreds of enemies on screen, from the creators of blockbuster co-op shooter World War Z.Defend the Imperium as your own Space Marine in an endlessly brutal and replayable PvE missions up to 3 players featuring 6 classes, unlocking new skills and cosmetics.Wage eternal war on your enemies in ferocious 6v6 PvP matches and bring glory to your faction!
FAQ
Q: Does Warhammer 40,000 Space Marine 2 Need an SSD?
Yes, Warhammer 40,000 Space Marine 2 requires an SSD and 75GB of free space to install.
Q: What OS Does Warhammer 40,000 Space Marine 2 Work On?
Warhammer 40,000 Space Marine 2 works on Windows 10 and 11. A 64-bit version is required given the title’s RAM requirement is a minmum of 8GB and recommends 16GB for optimal performance.
