How Much RAM Do Gamers Need? 16GB vs. 32GB vs. 64GB

Summary

In this video, we explore how much RAM gamers need in 2024, with the answer being 32 GB as the sweet spot for most gaming setups. After testing over 30 modern titles with a high-end system, we find that 32 GB is ideal for smooth performance in AAA games, while 16 GB can still work but with some limitations. Although 64 GB may seem tempting, it's currently unnecessary for gaming. Background tasks and memory prices are also considered, with 32 GB offering the best value for performance. The video provides insights on optimizing your system for gaming without overpaying for excess RAM.

Takeaways

• 😀 RAM needs for gamers are changing, and the answer is no longer static, with 16 GB often being insufficient for modern AAA titles.
• 🖥️ Testing memory capacities is difficult, as factors like memory frequency, timings, and ranks also affect performance beyond just the raw capacity.
• 💻 Dual-rank memory configurations, such as using four RAM modules instead of two, can significantly boost performance even in games that don't require more than 16 GB.
• 🔧 The system setup used for testing includes a Ryzen 7 7800X 3D, a GeForce RTX 490, and 64 GB of DDR5 6000 memory, representing an optimal high-end gaming configuration.
• 🎮 Popular AAA games like *Hogwarts Legacy*, *The Last of Us Part One*, and *Star Wars Jedi: Survivor* are memory-hungry and require more than 16 GB of RAM for optimal performance.
• 🧐 Testing reveals that 16 GB of RAM is still sufficient for many games, but may show signs of stress in newer titles or during intensive gaming sessions.
• ⚡ Games like *Hogwarts Legacy* can run smoothly with 32 GB of RAM, showing minimal frame-time issues, while 16 GB may cause occasional stuttering or spikes in performance.
• 📉 Running games with less than 16 GB of RAM (e.g., 8 GB) results in significant performance degradation, with poor frame time performance that makes gameplay frustrating.
• 💰 For new gaming builds in 2024, 32 GB of DDR5 RAM is the sweet spot, offering plenty of headroom for demanding games without unnecessary cost for most users.
• 🔋 Background tasks, like running Chrome or Discord while gaming, can increase memory usage. A typical office PC may use over 17 GB of RAM even before launching a game, which can affect performance if only 32 GB is available.
• 💡 The price difference between 16 GB and 32 GB of DDR5 memory has decreased significantly, making 32 GB more affordable and the recommended choice for new gaming systems.

Q & A

Why is RAM considered crucial for gaming performance?

RAM is essential for gaming performance because it stores the game data that is needed for quick access during gameplay. Insufficient RAM can cause slowdowns, stutter, or crashes, particularly with more memory-demanding games.

How does the transition from 16GB to 32GB of RAM affect gaming performance?

Increasing RAM from 16GB to 32GB can improve performance in memory-heavy games by preventing slowdowns and stutter. While many games still run fine with 16GB, modern titles are starting to require more, especially with high graphics settings.

What is the impact of using a dual-rank memory configuration in gaming?

Dual-rank memory configurations, using four modules instead of two, can lead to better performance. This is because dual-rank setups allow for more efficient data handling and faster access times, improving gaming performance, even in games that don't require more than 16GB of RAM.

How does memory rank affect gaming performance?

Memory rank influences the bandwidth and efficiency of memory access. A dual-rank configuration provides more bandwidth than a single-rank configuration, which can improve performance in certain games by reducing bottlenecks in data transfer.

Why isn't benchmarking the best way to determine how much RAM gamers need?

Benchmarking alone doesn't always reflect real-world gaming performance, especially with system memory. The performance impact of additional RAM can vary greatly depending on the game and system configuration, making benchmarks less reliable than actual memory usage testing in different gaming scenarios.

What role does VRAM play in determining system memory needs?

VRAM is used by the GPU to store game assets such as textures and models. If VRAM is insufficient, some of this data spills over into system memory, increasing the RAM usage. This can lead to slower performance, particularly in games with high-resolution textures and advanced graphical settings.

Is 32GB of RAM necessary for gaming in 2024?

Yes, 32GB is considered the sweet spot for gaming in 2024. It provides ample memory for most AAA titles, allows for smoother gameplay, and ensures that background tasks don't interfere with gaming performance. It is also cost-effective compared to higher-capacity kits.

Can 16GB of RAM still be sufficient for gaming in 2024?

Yes, 16GB of RAM can still be sufficient for many games, especially less demanding titles. However, for newer AAA games or those with high graphical settings, 16GB may be limiting, and gamers may experience stuttering or lag as memory usage approaches or exceeds 16GB.

What happens when you run out of RAM while gaming?

When your system runs out of RAM, Windows uses the page file on your SSD or hard drive to swap out less critical data. This slows down performance significantly, especially when switching between applications or multitasking while gaming.

Is it worth upgrading to 64GB of RAM for gaming?

For most gamers, upgrading to 64GB of RAM is unnecessary. While 64GB might be beneficial for users with specific needs like content creation or heavy multitasking, gaming today does not require more than 32GB, and opting for 64GB would be an unnecessary expense for most users.