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Borderlands 4 arrives on PC alongside consoles on September 12, 2025, and Gearbox’s published PC system requirements make one thing clear: this is a modern‑PC title that expects eight physical CPU cores, fast NVMe storage, and a GPU with 8–12+ GB of VRAM just to be comfortably playable at recommended settings.

Background / Overview​

Borderlands has long been a franchise defined by explosive visuals, dense loot streams, and compact-but-busy levels. Borderlands 4 continues that lineage while leaning into more ambitious asset streaming, larger world data, and modern PC rendering features that push memory, core counts, and storage requirements upward.
Gearbox and 2K published a two‑tier set of PC requirements — Minimum and Recommended — that set a new baseline for what “playable” and “comfortable” mean in 2025. The requirement table is straightforward but notable: the minimum lists eight‑core CPUs (not a quad or 6‑core), 16 GB of system RAM, and an approximately 100 GB SSD install; the recommended spec doubles down with a 32 GB RAM recommendation and an RTX 3080 / RX 6800 XT class GPU for higher fidelity play.
This article breaks down what those numbers mean for Windows PC players, explains how to approach upgrades and tuning, and weighs the benefits and risks of chasing native fidelity versus relying on upscaling/frame‑generation technologies.

Official system requirements: the facts​

Below is a concise, verified presentation of the official PC requirements as published in storefront and support documentation.

Minimum (what Gearbox lists as the lowest supported configuration)​

  • OS: Windows 10 / Windows 11 (64‑bit).
  • Processor: Intel Core i7‑9700 or AMD Ryzen 7 2700X — eight cores required.
  • Memory: 16 GB RAM.
  • Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 or AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT (approx. 8 GB VRAM).
  • Storage: 100 GB available spaceSSD required.
  • Notes: Requires 64‑bit OS and an 8‑core CPU; 8 GB VRAM minimum.

Recommended (what Gearbox suggests for a comfortable experience)​

  • OS: Windows 10 / Windows 11 (64‑bit).
  • Processor: Intel Core i7‑12700 or AMD Ryzen 7 5800X.
  • Memory: 32 GB RAM.
  • Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 or AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT (12+ GB VRAM recommended).
  • Storage: 100 GB available spaceSSD required.
  • Notes: 64‑bit OS required; SSD mandatory; large working memory and VRAM encouraged for higher settings.
These headline figures are the developer’s published guidance and have been reproduced across storefront and press coverage. Treat them as the canonical support envelope for troubleshooting and performance targets.

What the specs actually imply for PC players​

Why an eight‑core minimum matters​

The minimum CPU choices (Intel Core i7‑9700, Ryzen 7 2700X) are notable because they are eight‑core parts. That’s an explicit gating decision: the engine’s streaming, AI, physics, and background systems are tuned around parallel workloads that benefit from multiple cores. In practice, that means:
  • Many older 4‑ and 6‑core systems common in midrange builds will not meet the published minimum and could suffer stutters, long asset‑streaming pauses, or CPU‑bound bottlenecks even at low settings.
  • The practical door‑opener to even “playable” CPU performance is an 8‑core (or equivalent multithreaded) CPU. Upgrading a CPU is more consequential here than merely chasing higher clocks.

VRAM and GPU class — texture pools now matter​

The minimum GPU class centers around the RTX 2070 / RX 5700 XT — roughly the high midrange of the prior generation — and the stated VRAM floors (≈8 GB minimum, 12+ GB recommended) mean texture pools, resolution targets, and post‑processing effects will be limited on smaller cards.
  • If your GPU has ≤8 GB VRAM you’ll likely be forced into lowered texture settings and higher resolution scaling to avoid memory paging or stuttering.
  • Native 4K or high‑resolution texture packs become practical only on cards in the 12+ GB class (RTX 3080 / RX 6800 XT and above).

RAM: 16 GB minimum, 32 GB recommended — why the jump?​

The move to 32 GB recommended reflects two things: larger streaming working sets and the expectation that many players will multitask (streaming, recording, browser tabs, voice apps) while gaming.
  • 16 GB remains a viable baseline for single‑app gaming at lower resolutions when background apps are minimized.
  • For high settings, multitasking, or heavy modding, 32 GB reduces the risk of paging and stuttering as the OS and engine compete for working memory.

Storage: SSD required and a large install footprint​

A 100 GB install with an explicit SSD requirement signals heavy streaming demands. Large, rapidly streamed texture sets and world assets need the throughput an NVMe SSD provides.
  • Players with limited SSD capacity will need to plan for this footprint plus day‑one patches and DLC — reserve additional headroom beyond the headline 100 GB.

Upscaling and vendor tech (DLSS 4 and friends)​

Gearbox’s PC roadmap for Borderlands 4 relies on modern upscalers and frame‑generation tech to make higher frame rates achievable on fewer native GPU cycles. NVIDIA’s DLSS 4 (including multi‑frame generation) and equivalent AMD/Intel upscalers are part of that story.
  • Upscalers can materially cut the GPU rendering cost and effectively lower the hardware bar for 1440p/60 and higher framerates — but they change fidelity and motion characteristics, and they can require driver and hotfix coordination at launch.

Practical performance expectations by resolution​

  • 1080p / 30–60 FPS (Playable): Expect this to be achievable on many recent midrange GPUs if you use Performance/Balanced upscaling and meet the CPU core and SSD requirements. Minimum‑spec systems will likely rely on aggressive upscaling.
  • 1440p / 60 FPS (Comfortable): The recommended GPU class (RTX 3080 / RX 6800 XT) or equivalent with 12+ GB VRAM is the practical target for native or quality‑upscaled 1440p at higher settings. Consider 32 GB RAM for headroom when multitasking.
  • 4K / 60 FPS (High/Ultra): Native 4K is aimed at flagship silicon; upscaling and frame generation can lower the entry point somewhat, but ray‑traced or ultra texture settings will push you toward very recent GPUs.

Upgrade recommendations — where to spend money​

If your goal is to match Gearbox’s recommended experience without overspending, prioritize upgrades in this order:
  1. Storage: NVMe SSD — fast NVMe storage is non‑negotiable for both minimum and recommended experiences; upgrade first if you’re on a SATA SSD or HDD.
  2. CPU: 8 cores (or better) — if you have fewer than 8 cores, get an 8‑core/16‑thread CPU; this fixes engine‑level stalls and prevents CPU bottlenecking.
  3. GPU: VRAM first — choose a GPU with 8–12+ GB VRAM depending on target resolution: 8 GB for 1080p, 12+ GB for 1440p/4K ambitions.
  4. System RAM: 16 → 32 GB — add RAM if you multitask or stream; 32 GB is the recommended headroom for high settings and content creation.
Sample builds (conservative guidance):
  • Budget (1080p, upscaling): 8‑core CPU, RTX 2060/3060 class or AMD equivalent (8 GB), 16 GB RAM, 500 GB NVMe SSD.
  • Midrange (1440p / 60): 8+ core CPU (i5/i7 or Ryzen 5/7), RTX 3070–3080 or RX 6800 class (10–12 GB), 32 GB RAM recommended, 1 TB NVMe SSD.
  • Enthusiast (4K / high): High‑end CPU (i7/i9 or Ryzen 7/9), RTX 3080+ / RX 6800 XT+, 32 GB RAM, 1 TB+ NVMe SSD.

Day‑one tuning and settings tips​

  • Match texture quality to VRAM. If your GPU sits at ~8–10 GB VRAM, cap textures accordingly and avoid Ultra texture pools.
  • Try Balanced/Quality DLSS / upscaler presets first. Performance modes help but can introduce motion or artifact trade‑offs; balance fidelity against framerate.
  • Use resolution scaling before crippling post effects. Lower resolution with a quality upscaler, then selectively reduce shadows, ambient occlusion, and screen‑space reflections.
  • Close heavy background apps. On 16 GB systems especially, browsers and capture apps can push you into paging — close them for smoother playback.
  • Update GPU drivers at launch. Expect vendor hotfixes that specifically optimize for Borderlands 4 in the first days after release.

Troubleshooting common problems​

  1. Stutters/hitches: Check VRAM usage; lower texture pools and enable upscaling. Verify NVMe SSD health and free space.
  2. Crashes on startup: Update Windows, GPU drivers, and verify game files through the launcher/store. Reinstall runtimes if needed.
  3. High memory usage: Increase system RAM or reduce background app load; enable high‑performance power plans sparingly.
  4. Input lag after enabling frame generation: Try toggling frame generation and upscaler presets — frame generation can increase perceived smoothness but also add latency in some scenarios.

Strengths in Gearbox’s approach​

  • Clear performance envelopes. The Minimum/Recommended tiers are explicit and map to real GPU/CPU classes, which helps players plan targeted upgrades.
  • Modern feature support. Support for DLSS 4, frame generation, and vendor upscalers gives players a practical path to higher framerates without immediate GPU replacement.
  • SSD and core requirements align with streaming needs. By demanding SSD and multi‑core CPUs, Gearbox reduces the chance of severe texture pop‑ins and mid‑scene hitching on systems that meet the spec.

Risks, caveats, and things to watch​

  • Higher visible entry floor. Requiring eight cores at minimum excludes a meaningful portion of older midrange rigs (6‑core and fewer), raising upgrade costs for many players.
  • Driver and launch volatility. New upscalers and frame‑generation tech frequently require vendor driver hotfixes; expect day‑one and week‑one stability patches. Early adopters may experience regressions.
  • Install size creep. The 100 GB baseline is large and will likely grow with updates and DLC; players on constrained SSDs should plan extra headroom.
  • Unverifiable or changing numbers. Pre‑launch and launch windows can produce slight deviations in published numbers (e.g., minor RAM or install adjustments) — monitor official support pages for updates. Treat the published table as guidance, not immutable law.

Should you buy on PC, console, or wait for Switch 2?​

  • If your rig meets the recommended spec (RTX 3080 / RX 6800 XT, 32 GB RAM, NVMe SSD), PC is the obvious choice for best visuals and modding.
  • If you’re on a machine that only meets or falls below the minimum and you do not plan to upgrade, a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X|S playthrough will likely be smoother out of the box. The experience on consoles will be better optimized for their fixed hardware.
  • For portable play, the Nintendo Switch 2 version (scheduled for later release) may be attractive if you can stomach waiting — but expect compromises in fidelity compared to PC/console launch.

Final verdict — what Windows PC players should do right now​

Borderlands 4’s published PC requirements represent a deliberate push toward a modern‑PC baseline: more cores, more RAM, and fast NVMe storage. That choice supports richer streaming, denser world data, and modern rendering features — and it aligns with how AAA PC development has evolved in the last two years.
For most players:
  • If you already have an NVMe SSD and a GPU with 8+ GB VRAM plus an 8‑core CPU, you should be able to play — tuning via upscalers will help if you lack top‑end silicon.
  • If your system is older or you’re on 6‑core/GTX‑class hardware, plan for either a targeted upgrade (SSD + 8‑core CPU first) or consider playing on console at launch.
Borderlands 4 asks more of PCs than its predecessors, but it also gives players the tools (vendor upscalers, quality presets) to reach good experiences without mandatory flagship hardware. That balance is practical — if sometimes painful for owners of older midrange builds. Keep an eye on the first round of patches and vendor driver notes for Borderlands 4 optimizations; those will materially affect launch‑window performance and the final user experience.

Borderlands 4’s PC system requirements are a clear signal: this is a forward‑leaning AAA PC release that rewards modern hardware and sensible upgrades — but it will require patience, driver updates, and careful tuning from players who aren’t already on the recommended tier.

Source: Game Informer Here Are Borderlands 4's PC Specs And System Requirements
 

Borderlands 4’s PC system requirements have arrived, and they mark a clear shift: Gearbox and 2K are treating the PC edition as a modern‑hardware first release, demanding eight CPU cores, a large SSD footprint, and mid‑to‑high‑end graphics hardware even at the stated minimum tier. (support.borderlands.com)

Background​

Borderlands has long balanced chaotic, loot‑heavy gameplay with fast streaming of assets and dense environments. The new entry leverages Unreal Engine 5 and modern PC rendering features, and that technical ambition is reflected in the official PC support matrix published on Gearbox/2K storefront and support pages. The developer lists both a Minimum and Recommended specification set that place explicit emphasis on core count, VRAM and SSD storage. (support.borderlands.com)
Those published numbers have been picked up across the hardware press and summarized by outlets reporting on the pre‑launch window, giving us a consistent record to examine. Independent reporting and Gearbox’s own support documentation align on the headline figures, which makes the requirements reliably verifiable at the time of publication. (gamingbolt.com)

Official PC system requirements — verified summary​

Below is a concise, verified presentation of the published PC requirements as shown on the official support and storefront pages. Each numbered item is cross‑checked against the developer’s Steam/Epic storefront and the Borderlands support documentation.

Minimum (developer‑published)​

Recommended (developer‑published)​

These entries appear verbatim on the game’s Steam product page and on the Borderlands support article, and they have been consistently reported by mainstream press outlets. That parallel reporting makes the specs the canonical baseline for planning upgrades, purchasing decisions, and troubleshooting. (store.steampowered.com)

What the numbers actually mean for Windows PC players​

The raw spec list is useful, but players want to know the practical implications: Will my PC run the game, what settings are realistic, and which upgrades deliver the most value?

1) The eight‑core minimum is a hard gating decision​

Gearbox’s minimum CPU examples (i7‑9700, Ryzen 7 2700X) are eight‑core parts. That is not simply marketing language: it signals the engine’s runtime relies on parallelized streaming, AI, physics and I/O tasks that benefit from physical cores. For many consumers, that means:
  • Systems with 4 or 6 cores (still common in earlier mainstream desktops and laptops) may fall below the developer’s stated minimum and could suffer stutter, long asset‑streaming pauses, or even be technically unsupported. (support.borderlands.com)
  • Upgrading the CPU to an 8‑core (or equivalent multithreaded) part typically yields a larger real‑world improvement in stability and consistent frame pacing than chasing marginal single‑thread gains. (gaminghq.eu)

2) VRAM floors and texture pools​

The minimum GPU list (RTX 2070 / RX 5700 XT) corresponds to a roughly high‑midrange class from the previous GPU generation. More importantly, Gearbox calls out 8 GB VRAM as a minimum and 12+ GB for the recommended tier.
  • VRAM directly constrains texture resolution and the size of texture pools the engine can keep resident, so GPUs with ≤8 GB are likely to see texture downscaling, pop‑in, or forced resolution scaling to avoid video memory paging. (store.steampowered.com)
  • For native 1440p or 4K with high texture settings, 12+ GB VRAM cards are the pragmatic target. (gamingbolt.com)

3) Memory: why 16 GB minimum but 32 GB recommended​

Sixteen gigabytes is now the baseline for many AAA titles. Borderlands 4’s recommended 32 GB likely reflects:
  • Larger streaming working sets in an open/seamless world.
  • The increasing reality that many gamers run overlay apps, browsers, streaming/recording software concurrently; that additional background load drives up working set pressure. (support.borderlands.com)
If you stream, record, or multitask heavily while gaming, 32 GB reduces paging and reduces the risk of stutter during asset‑heavy moments.

4) SSD requirement and the 100 GB install footprint​

Decking an explicit SSD requirement alongside a 100 GB install is meaningful:
  • SSDs (preferably NVMe) provide throughput and low seek latency that mitigate streaming hitches when the engine pulls many assets quickly.
  • Players should plan additional headroom beyond 100 GB for day‑one patches, future DLC and the Windows pagefile; a practical planning target is reserving ~140–160 GB on the drive you’ll install the game to. (support.borderlands.com)

Performance tech: upscalers, frame generation and drivers​

Gearbox is shipping the PC edition with modern vendor upscalers and frame‑generation tech in mind. NVIDIA’s DLSS 4 (Multi‑Frame Generation) is explicitly supported and will be a key lever for NVIDIA users to chase higher framerates without buying the absolute top‑end GPU. (theverge.com)
  • Upscalers (DLSS, FSR, XeSS) can drastically reduce native GPU load by rendering at a lower internal resolution and reconstructing a high‑quality final image. This usually preserves visual fidelity while easing performance pressure.
  • Frame generation (e.g., NVIDIA framegen) can increase perceived smoothness and effective framerate, but it adds complexity: possible added input latency in some scenarios and vendor driver dependence for stability and tuning. Expect driver hotfixes tuned specifically for Borderlands 4 in the launch window. (theverge.com)
Driver maturity will matter more than usual during early weeks: new upscalers and frame gen modes often require rapid vendor patches to optimize visual quality and minimize artifacts.

Practical guidance — what to upgrade first​

If your goal is to run Borderlands 4 well, spending money in the most effective order yields more value.
  1. SSD (NVMe) — required: Replace an HDD with an NVMe SSD if you have one; the SSD requirement isn’t optional. This fixes major streaming and loading problems. (support.borderlands.com)
  2. CPU — aim for 8 physical cores: If your system has fewer than eight physical cores, a CPU upgrade (or a new platform that gives you an 8‑core CPU) will address stutter and pacing issues first. (gaminghq.eu)
  3. GPU (VRAM matters): For 1080p with upscalers, an 8 GB‑class card is workable; for 1440p/4K or higher texture fidelity, target 12+ GB VRAM cards (RTX 3080 / RX 6800 XT or better). (gamingbolt.com)
  4. RAM: Move to 32 GB if you routinely stream or run heavy background apps; 16 GB is the minimum for the baseline experience. (support.borderlands.com)
Budgeting note: if you must choose between a faster single‑thread CPU and moving from 6 to 8 cores, prefer the 8‑core option for this title given the explicit core floor.

Settings and tuning — day‑one checklist​

  • Start by matching texture quality to your VRAM: if your card is 8–10 GB, cap texture pools; avoid Ultra textures at high resolutions. (store.steampowered.com)
  • Use balanced/quality presets for DLSS/FSR/XeSS first; test multi‑frame generation cautiously because of potential artifacts or latency tradeoffs. (theverge.com)
  • If framerate is unstable, drop to 1440p or 1080p and apply quality upscaling before drastically reducing global visual fidelity. This preserves image quality while improving performance. (worthplaying.com)
  • Close heavy background apps on 16 GB systems: browsers and capture suites often push memory pressure and thread contention. (gaminghq.eu)

Risks, caveats, and things to watch​

  • Higher visible entry floor: By listing eight cores at minimum and mid‑to‑high VRAM GPUs as the baseline, Gearbox effectively excludes a significant portion of older midrange rigs from a supported experience. That will frustrate some players and could reduce immediate PC adoption relative to consoles. (gaminghq.eu)
  • Launch volatility: New upscalers and frame generation tech frequently require vendor driver hotfixes and quick game patches. Early adopters should expect some instability during the first days/weeks until drivers and patches mature. (theverge.com)
  • Install size creep: The headline 100 GB base install will likely grow with day‑one patches, hotfixes and future DLC; players with constrained SSDs should plan for extra space. (support.borderlands.com)
  • Unverifiable or changeable details: Pre‑launch windows occasionally see minor spec adjustments (RAM advice, minor storage tweaks). While the existing Steam and support pages are authoritative now, always re‑check official support pages for late changes. Any mid‑launch revisions by Gearbox would supersede earlier public listings. (store.steampowered.com)

Who should buy on PC now, wait, or play on console?​

  • Buy on PC now if: you already meet or exceed the recommended specs (8+ core CPU, RTX 3080 / RX 6800 XT class GPU, 32 GB RAM, NVMe SSD) and want the best visual fidelity and modding/community tooling at launch. (store.steampowered.com)
  • Wait and watch if: your PC is near or below the minimum (six‑core CPU, ≤8 GB VRAM, HDD). Driver hotfixes, community‑made presets, and early patch notes in the first two weeks could materially improve the experience for borderline systems. (windowscentral.com)
  • Play on console if: you’re on a much older PC and want a stable, tuned experience without immediate upgrade costs — the game releases on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S and will have tailored console profiles for those platforms. The Nintendo Switch 2 version is slated for a later release window. (windowscentral.com)

Upgrade scenarios and cost‑effective paths​

Here are three sample upgrade strategies targeted to common player goals.

1) Maximum value for 1080p / streaming players​

  • NVMe SSD (if on HDD), 500 GB+ — mandatory.
  • CPU: any 8‑core part (used 8‑core Intel or Ryzen 7 can be cost‑effective).
  • GPU: contemporary 30/40/50 series 8 GB class card with DLSS/FSR support.
  • RAM: 16 GB if you don’t stream; 32 GB if you stream/record.
    Prioritize the SSD and 8 cores first — the GPU can be balanced by upscaling at 1080p. (gaminghq.eu)

2) Mainstream / 1440p at 60+ FPS​

  • NVMe SSD, 1 TB.
  • CPU: i7‑12700 / Ryzen 7 5800X or modern equivalent.
  • GPU: RTX 3060 Ti → RTX 3070 class or AMD equivalent (aim for 10–12 GB VRAM).
  • RAM: 32 GB recommended if multitasking.
    This setup trades cost and native fidelity sensibly and benefits from upscalers when pushing higher framerates. (gamingbolt.com)

3) Enthusiast / native 4K​

  • NVMe SSD, 1 TB+.
  • CPU: high‑end 8+ core (modern i7/i9 or Ryzen 7/9).
  • GPU: RTX 3080 / RX 6800 XT or better (12+ GB VRAM).
  • RAM: 32 GB.
    Native 4K and high texture pools will be practical here; DLSS/FSR can still be used to hit very high framerates. (store.steampowered.com)

Strengths in Gearbox’s approach​

  • Clear support table. The Minimum/Recommended entries are explicit and map to real, commonly recognized CPU/GPU classes — helpful for consumers and system builders. (store.steampowered.com)
  • Modern feature support. First‑class support for upscalers and frame generation provides a practical performance lever to keep the game accessible across a range of GPUs. (theverge.com)
  • SSD and core requirements match streaming demands. The combination of core count, RAM and SSD requirements reduces the likelihood of mid‑game hitching on systems that meet the spec. (support.borderlands.com)

Key risks and criticisms​

  • Raised entry cost for PC players. The eight‑core minimum and VRAM floor will force some players to upgrade earlier than they may have planned. (gaminghq.eu)
  • Launch fragility. The interplay of brand‑new upscalers and driver support means early adopters may face bugs and performance regressions until patch cycles stabilize. (theverge.com)

Final analysis​

Borderlands 4’s published PC requirements are deliberate: Gearbox has pushed the series into a modern‑PC envelope that expects fast storage, multiple CPU cores, and appreciable VRAM. That decision enables larger, more seamless worlds and higher fidelity texture streaming, but it also raises the visible entry floor for many existing midrange PCs.
For Windows PC players, the takeaway is practical and immediate: meet the SSD requirement first, verify your CPU has eight physical cores, and then balance GPU and RAM upgrades to match your target resolution and capture/streaming habits. Upscalers like DLSS 4 will be the most powerful lever to avoid an expensive GPU refresh, but they depend on vendor drivers and tuning that may continue to mature after launch.
These published specs are confirmed on the developer’s storefront and support pages and corroborated by multiple independent outlets; they should be treated as the authoritative guidance for now, with the caveat that real‑world performance will still depend on driver updates, day‑one patches and community tuning over the weeks following release. (store.steampowered.com)
In short: Borderlands 4 aims high technically — and for players who want to hit the target visual and performance marks, sensible, prioritized upgrades (SSD → 8‑core CPU → VRAM‑suitable GPU → 32 GB RAM if needed) will deliver the best return on investment.

Source: Instant Gaming News https://news.instant-gaming.com/en/articles/14777-the-pc-requirements-for-borderlands-4-have-been-revealed/
 

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