How Much RAM Do I Need for Gaming?

To play games effectively, what is the minimum amount of RAM required? Which frequency should be used for the best results? Discover the response in this article’s user-friendly guide.

In 2023, the recommended amount of RAM for gaming is 16 gigabytes. Even with lower capacity, it is possible to succeed, although performance concerns are almost sure to arise. Meanwhile, anything more significant than that is merely an unnecessary luxury unless you additionally use your computer to run RAM-intensive professional applications.

It is no simple effort to put up a gaming rig will-balanced. This is especially true if you are new to the entire thing and have to consider the finer nuances of a build that go beyond the most fundamental components.

RAM is one of these factors that should be considered.

It is easy to understand why some individuals could find this to be a source of confusion because there is a lot of difference in the requirements for memory that are placed on various games, as well as a lot of general misunderstandings circulating about the configurations of RAM.

How much is random access memory (RAM) only required for gaming 2023? Is there anything else that needs to be taken into consideration? Continue reading to find out!

What exactly is RAM?

Let’s begin with the fundamentals: what is random access memory (RAM), and what function does it serve?

RAM, which stands for random access memory, is a form of volatile memory that serves as the “short-term memory” of your computer. Its name comes from the word “random access.” It is ridiculously swift compared to even the quickest SSDs on the market, which enables the central processing unit to quickly retrieve any data necessary for a program’s proper operation.

Random Access Memory (RAM) is an essential component of video game systems since it stores all the data necessary for the gameplay experience. If a computer is being used but does not have enough RAM, a game will undoubtedly begin to slow, which nobody wants to happen.

Which RAM Configurations Are Most Frequently Used?

When you look at today’s personal computers, you’ll see that most of them come equipped with either 8, 16, or 32 gigabytes of random access memory (RAM), most of the time in dual-channel configurations.

We offer models with 8 GB of memory on the low end, which was yesterday’s middle-of-the-road. You will be able to get by in 2023 with a gaming computer with 8 gigabytes of random access memory (RAM). Still, you will have to make some sacrifices and inevitably face performance difficulties while running the most memory-intensive games.

For gaming, the current recommended amount of storage space is 16 gigabytes. There isn’t a single game that can run correctly with more than 16 GB of RAM, which makes his setup excellent for most gaming PCs.

On the other hand, 32 gigabytes of memory is often reserved for enthusiast-grade gaming PCs and general-purpose computers that were not constructed with gaming in mind. If your primary intention for using the computer is to play games, you do not need nearly as much RAM as you already have installed.

RAM is not limited to 32 gigabytes since many standard motherboards can handle up to 64 or 128 gigabytes, and some large form factor boards can support a staggering 256 gigabytes of RAM. Such high-capacity configurations are only truly essential in workstations and servers. There is no purpose in having so much RAM on a standard desktop PC. Workstations and servers are the only places where such high-capacity configurations are necessary.

PCs with 4 GB of RAM (or even less, in certain strange circumstances) are not yet extinct, indicating that 8 GB is not the lower limit. In the meantime, however, 8 GB is not the upper maximum. On the other hand, it should go without saying that personal computers with such a small amount of RAM are not suitable for operating any 3D game that is even somewhat demanding.

How Much Random Access Memory Should You Obtain?

Considering everything discussed, how much Random Access Memory (RAM) should you finally acquire?

Regarding the amount of random access memory (RAM) needed for gaming in 2023, we believe that 16 gigabytes will be the absolute sweet spot for gamers. In addition to being simple on the pocketbook and assuring that you won’t have to update any time soon, it gives you access to all the RAM you require to run even the most recent games without any hiccups.

On the other hand, if you’re having trouble fitting your build into your financial constraints, opting for 8 GB of RAM might be a fantastic choice. This is especially true when you consider how simple it will be for you to expand in the future. Additionally, if the games you plan on playing do not require more than 8 gigabytes of random access memory (RAM), you may save some cash and use it toward something more vital!

And last, 32 gigabytes of memory is an option if you either have the financial means to do so and are concerned about the longevity of your system’s design or if you want to use the system for memory-intensive activities such as video editing or programming. If this is not the case, buying a kit with such a large capacity is not the best use of one’s money.

RAM FAQ

Now that we’ve covered the primary subject of this piece, I’d like to provide concise responses to a few additional questions you might have regarding RAM.

• Should you be concerned about how fast your RAM is?

When it comes to the performance that is evident when playing the game, the speed of the RAM plays a role; nevertheless, its importance is relatively minor. In addition to this, the speed of the RAM is limited not only by the performance of the RAM modules themselves but also by the performance of the CPU and the motherboard; consequently, if you want to hit those high speeds, you might end up having to invest quite a bit more money than is strictly necessary.

• Ought you be concerned about the CAS Latency?

Even while reduced latency is preferable, the performance gains of lower-latency models don’t amount to more than a few frames per second. This is analogous to the situation with RAM speed. As a result, the typical player does not have much reason to be concerned about this matter.

• Should you buy just one stick or several of them?

Multiple RAM sticks of lower capacity offer a reduced overall latency, are less expensive to replace if one fails, and allow you to take advantage of dual-channel speeds. Because of this, you are purchasing RAM in kits consisting of two or four modules rather than a single stick of high-capacity RAM is recommended.

In 2023, is it still worthwhile to purchase DDR5?

DDR5 is more costly, not backward-compatible, with hardware that is older than it, and games are still not generally designed to use its capabilities. Even though it is superior to DDR4 on paper in all aspects, DDR5 does not yet have widespread adoption. Because of this, it is not yet a financially sound decision to invest in it.

Conclusion

Now that we’ve covered everything, it’s time to bring this post to a close; I hope you’ve learned something new and enjoyed reading it! Please don’t hesitate to share your opinions in the comments below.

And if you’re currently putting up a new personal computer, we recommend looking at our custom gaming PC configurations. Again, we have a design that will meet the needs of almost everybody, spanning a broad range of prices and specifications.