RAM is crucial for computer performance and a smooth gaming experience. But how does it work? And how much is sufficient?
Choosing a game, players examine the system requirements to see if their dream title will run on their hardware. This information includes various parts of your computer, like storage, operating system, and type of integrated graphics card in your notebook. But one of the most important is the often quite mysterious RAM.
Consoles (like the PlayStation 5 with its 16GB RAM) have a certain amount of it built in, while in the case of a gaming PC, there is always the option to add a little more to reach the desired effect. But how much do you need? And is 16GB RAM enough to run any game? To answer these questions, we need to explain what RAM does for your gaming experience.
What is RAM?
RAM (Random Access Memory) is the short-term memory that stores information used by the computer. It handles all running programs and processes by constantly organizing data necessary for the games’ proper function, the operating system, and more.
Each computer also has an HDD or SSD hard drive meaning long-term memory – but direct transfer from this source is inefficient and lasts longer. RAM is a factor between your hard disk and running applications, enabling quicker data reading – which we can understand as faster ‘chatting’ between all components. That is why the slower performance of some programs or games may indicate too little RAM and a CPU overload.
Why do I need RAM for gaming?
Matched RAM means faster data loading, more frames per second, and a better gaming experience. Older games don’t need much RAM, as many titles from years ago only used 512MB to 1GB. However, the situation gets more complicated with newer titles because most of them require at least a few gigabytes.
Fortunately, RAM is expandable if there are free slots on the motherboard. But it is always worth remembering it is not the only parameter determining the game’s performance. And in the case of slowdowns, stutters, or errors, it is also essential to check others, like the processor, graphics card, or operating system.
What type of memory for games?
Like many other components in your device, RAM has a history of development that we can divide into specific dual-channel generations. Each type determines the technology – DDR and DDR 2 are outdated and insufficient, but DDR3 or DDR 4 may answer your needs.
Newer RAM generations run at lower voltages, manage less power, and offer higher clock speeds (meaning higher CPU frequency). DDR4 is the standard, but if you’re using an older device, DDR3 will be completely fine. There is also the new RAM generation — DDR5 — which you can find in the latest desktop PCs using CPUs like Alder Lake or Raptor Lake from Intel.
How much RAM do I need?
4GB – In tablets, 4GB will be great for reading ebooks, but for gaming or watching your favorite shows on streaming services, 8GB may be a better choice. This amount of RAM can also be good in laptops for users who focus on tasks other than gaming, treating the latter activity more casually.
Titles like Fortnite or World of Warcraft can hit around 40 to 60 FPS with 4GB, and that’s not a disappointing result.
8GB – This is the minimum recommended capacity for satisfying gaming. Among the best 8GB RAM games to play, you can choose from fun recommendations like Red Dead Redemption 2, Battlefield 5, Horizon Zero Dawn, Metro Exodus, and more.
- 16GB – With a quality graphics card, this capacity is enough to accomplish everything you need. Play recent games with other apps running in the background, and they won’t affect the fantastic gameplay experience. With 16 GB, you can freely run Elden Ring, Far Cry 6, Dying Light 2, or Cyberpunk 2077, enjoying the uninterrupted performance and everything the game can provide.
- 32GB – This is the best choice for those who want to play new titles, stream, listen to music, and run more apps in the background without worrying about computer performance. With this portion of RAM, you can play your favorite games at around 100 FPS and feel ready for the system requirements of any upcoming titles. But consider that having too much RAM has some cons, like higher costs.
Summary
As you can see, the RAM depends on what kind of gamer you are. If you don’t use your computer for anything other than Office applications and playing good old classics, 4GB will be enough. But we sincerely recommend 8GB or 16GB of RAM, as these specific capacities can significantly relieve the processor’s work while running streaming services, launching several applications, and gaming with a satisfying level of frames per second.