PC requirements

Alien Swarm System Requirements

Alien Swarm needs at least Pentium 4 3.0GHz, 1 GB for XP / 2GB for Vista of RAM and DirectX 9 compatible video card with 128 MB, Shader model 2.0. ATI X800, NVidia 6600 or better graphics. For the recommended experience you want Intel core 2 duo 2.4GHz, 1 GB for XP / 2GB for Vista of RAM and DirectX 9 compatible video card with Shader model 3.0. NVidia 7600, ATI X1600 or better graphics.

Verified Sources: Steam store listing
Alien Swarm minimum and recommended PC specifications
Component Minimum Recommended
Operating system Windows® 7 / Vista / Vista64 / XP Windows® 7 / Vista / Vista64 / XP
Processor Pentium 4 3.0GHz Intel core 2 duo 2.4GHz
Memory 1 GB for XP / 2GB for Vista 1 GB for XP / 2GB for Vista
Graphics DirectX 9 compatible video card with 128 MB, Shader model 2.0. ATI X800, NVidia 6600 or better DirectX 9 compatible video card with Shader model 3.0. NVidia 7600, ATI X1600 or better
Storage At least 2.5 GB of free space At least 2.5 GB of free space
Not sure how your PC compares? Use the Can I Run It checker — pick your CPU and GPU and it tells you which column you land in.

Other platforms

Alien Swarm is also available on these systems, where hardware is fixed and no per-PC check is needed:

Quick answers

Running Alien Swarm on PC

Can my PC run Alien Swarm?
Compare your CPU, GPU and RAM against the minimum column below. If your parts match or beat every minimum row, the game will launch — though you may need to lower settings. Matching the recommended column is what gets you 60fps at 1080p.
How much storage does Alien Swarm need?
At least 2.5 GB of free space
What is the difference between minimum and recommended specs?
Minimum means the game starts and is playable, usually at 30fps on low settings at 1080p. Recommended is the developer's target for a smooth 60fps experience at high settings.