Size matters! Especially when it comes to gaming in 2023. In this article, we’ll be taking a look at how much RAM you need for the latest AAA titles.
Remember the days when 8GB of RAM was the gold standard for gaming? Well, times have changed. More and more games are recommending 16GB of RAM or higher, with some such as Starfield requiring at least 16GB as a minimum.
Back in the day, 8GB could comfortably run most titles without breaking a digital sweat. But here’s the plot twist: Games have been super-sizing themselves. Those eye-popping graphics, immersive open worlds, and multi-layered simulations require more memory than ever before.
The need for high-capacity RAM doesn’t stop there either. Think about it: you’re not just running a game; you’re streaming your gameplay, video chatting with your teammates, and maybe even alt-tabbing to check out a gaming guide. All those tabs and tasks are memory hogs, too. So, while 8GB might have been a comfy sofa to chill on, it’s starting to feel a bit cramped with all the gaming baggage you’re carrying these days.
How to Choose and Upgrade to the Best RAM for Your PC | Overclockers Academy
In this episode of the Overclockers UK Academy, Briony covers everything from DDR4 vs DDR5 to capacity, speed, and even overclocking!
RAM 101: Getting Acquainted with Your PC’s BFF
What Is RAM?
So, what does this mysterious acronym actually mean? Random Access Memory, often referred to as just memory or RAM, is your gaming PC’s best friend forever. Seriously, this little chip does some heavy lifting when it comes to your gaming adventures.
Imagine Your Gaming Desk
Think of your gaming setup like a big ol’ desk, where you do all your gaming magic? You’ve got your monitor, keyboard, mouse, and a stack of game boxes (or a digital library, whatever floats your boat). Now, imagine RAM as the desk space you use to spread out your game materials. It’s your active workspace, where you keep the stuff you’re currently using.
Is RAM Important For Gaming?
When you fire up a game, it’s like opening a treasure chest full of graphics, sounds, and virtual worlds. All this amazing content needs a place to hang out while you’re playing. That’s where RAM comes in. It’s like a super-fast storage area that holds the game data your PC needs right now. The more RAM you have, the more stuff you can have ready for instant use.
Tabs, Windows, and More
Picture this: you’re not just gaming; you’re also streaming your playthrough, keeping an eye on a chat window, and maybe even checking out a YouTube tutorial on how to romance Astarion. Each of these tasks needs a spot on your virtual desk, and RAM is what keeps everything organised and within arm’s reach.
After three years in early access, Baldur’s Gate 3 is finally available to play. Check out all the key details on gameplay, official PC spec, and more in our blog post.
RAM ≠ Storage
Hold up, don’t confuse RAM with storage. Storage is like your game library—you keep all your games, movies, and files there. But RAM? RAM is the temporary playground where you throw your current gaming session. It’s like comparing a backpack (RAM) to your bedroom closet (storage). You wouldn’t carry everything you own in your backpack, right? That’s why we need both.
TL;DR:
RAM (Random Access Memory) is like your PC’s active workspace, storing data needed for your gaming session. It’s not your game library, but a quick-access playground for graphics and sounds. Unlike storage, RAM’s speed ensures smooth gameplay by swiftly delivering resources.
So How Much Ram Do I Actually Need?
A simple question with a not-so-simple answer. How much RAM you need depends on a few key factors.
I Just Want To Play AAA Games: 16GB is the answer for you. With 16GB of RAM, you should be comfortable for a little while. We’d recommend going for the fastest speed RAM your CPU and Motherboard can support in a dual-channel layout. What’s more, so long as you opt the same model RAM you can usually upgrade to 32GB later.
I Want to Stream or Edit Videos and Play Games: You absolutely can stream or edit videos with 16GB of RAM. However, if you’re looking for serious performance, then you’ll want to consider 32GB. Especially if you’re going to be streaming the latest performance hungry games, such as Starfield or Baldur’s Gate 3 (Love you Astarion <3 ).
I Need an Editing Workstation: If you’re a power user of performance-hungry apps such as the Adobe Suite, then you’ll want to consider a minimum of 32GB of RAM, with 64GB recommended for heavy workflows.
But What About 8GB 🥺?
Alright, hold on, because 8GB isn’t completely obsolete. If you’re sticking to less demanding games or you’re content with turning down the graphics settings a notch, 8GB can still hold its own. You’ll be able to rock those nostalgic indie games and classics without much fuss. Plus, if you’re not planning on running a bunch of resource-heavy applications in the background, you might just scrape by.
Do I Need Dual Channel RAM?
Technically you don’t, and having just one 16GB stick leaves you space to upgrade to up to 64GB on a four-slot motherboard. However, having dual-channel RAM can improve stability in games and provide a slight boost in performance. Notably, some games such as Escape From Tarkov have a history of running poorly when only one stick of RAM is installed no matter the PC’s specification.
A dual-channel RAM kit will almost always cost a similar amount to a single stick with the same capacity. This means there’s no cost benefit to going single either.
DDR4 vs DDR5 What’s The Difference?
Alright, gaming rookies, let’s tackle the DDR4 vs DDR5 showdown in plain English. RAM is like your gaming PC’s speed juice, and DDR4 and DDR5 are different types of this juice.
DDR4 has been around for a while, like your trusty old bike. It gets the job done but it’s no longer the top dog when it comes to speed. DDR5 is the new kid on the metaphorical block with a turbocharged engine. It is faster and smoother, loading games quicker and providing extra performance in the most demanding titles.
Whether you can use DDR4 or DDR5 memory will depend on your CPU’s compatibility. DDR5 uses an entirely new connector meaning you’ll also need a DDR5 compatible motherboard. If you’re still not sure which is right for your gaming PC then check out this article below.
If you’re still not sure whether DDR4 or DDR5 is right for your gaming PC then check out this article below.
Time To Upgrade?
Let’s be honest. It’s been a while, right? Maybe it’s time to treat yo’ self and your PC to some more memory! If so, Overclockers UK has you covered! We stock an extensive range of DDR4 and DDR5 RAM kits that are perfect for getting the best performance in the latest AAA games.
Corsair Vengeance RGB EXPO 32GB (2x16GB) DDR5 Dual-Channel Kit
- 32GB capacity
- 2 x 16GB RAM modules
- DDR5 standard
- Supports AMD EXPO
TeamGroup Delta 32GB (2x16GB) DDR5 Dual-Channel Kit
- 32GB capacity
- 2 x 16GB RAM modules
- DDR5 standard
- 6200MHz RAM speed
Not a fan of upgrading your own PC? Prefer a customisable pre-built gaming PC with a three-year parts and labour warranty? Our extensive selection of customisable gaming PCs are the perfect solution. What’s, more, there’s even pre-built, pre-tested, and ready-to-ship for next-day delivery options.
At Overclockers UK, we have our exciting range of pre-built PCs – Refract Gaming – and they have been updated with shiny new tech!
OcUK Gaming Empath – AMD Ryzen 7 7700X, RTX 4070 Gaming PC
- AMD Ryzen 7 7700X Eight Core Processor with 5.4GHz Boost
- 32B DDR5 5600MHz Dual Channel Kit
- Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 12GB Graphics Card
- 2.5Gb LAN, WIFI 6 & Bluetooth
- Ideal For VR Gaming
Learn More About Your PC’s RAM
Ready To Game?
Now you’re all upgraded, it’s time to get gaming. Make sure to let us know in the comments how much RAM your PC is kitted out with.
*Prices correct at time of writing and PC specs are subject to change.
- 8 min read
Robert Mullane
Author
When not working, you'll find me in VR or losing in bottom-tier Valorant matches. I write about all topic's tech and gaming with a particular focus on representation in gaming, virtual reality, and LGBTQ+ themes. If you're still not fed up with me, you can also catch me over on the Overclockers UK TikTok and YouTube accounts.
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