16 or 32GB RAM on a gaming PC?

SkyTerran · 31 Oct 2020 at 02:41

Building a gaming PC on a tight budget, RAM is very cheap these days, but will extra 16GB result in any more FPS?

MissChief · 31 Oct 2020 at 02:43

If you’re on a budget 16GB of 3200MHz will be absolutely fine. If your budget is endless or quite high I see no harm in 32GB these days.

Subzero85 · 31 Oct 2020 at 06:09

I personally feel that 32gb would be more preferable, especially with the new consoles coming out, I think we will be finding a lot more newer games requiring extra RAM

tamzzy · 31 Oct 2020 at 07:20

SkyTerran said:
on a tight budget

that automatically answers your own question.
16gb now. ram is easily upgradeable down the line (esp with boards that have 4x ram slots)

mickyflinn · 31 Oct 2020 at 08:28

SkyTerran said:
Building a gaming PC on a tight budget, RAM is very cheap these days, but will extra 16GB result in any more FPS?

No you won't see anymore fps.

redknight333 · 31 Oct 2020 at 20:56

Go 16gb ram, if in future you need can add more ram 8*2 if needs be, make sure they are same pair you have installed, i have just built a new system 10700k for myself and went with 16gb 3200 corsair.

pp111 · 31 Oct 2020 at 22:00

I have 32GB and I so far the PC has not used more than about 14!! However, I would put it down as a future upgrade to get an additional 16GB. For now, just save money and make sure you write down which ram you get so you can get more later.

EsaT · 31 Oct 2020 at 22:08

If you have the budget and want/use web browsers etc on behind the game, then 32GB is future proof amount.
But on lower budget 16GB is enough for now.

Minstadave · 31 Oct 2020 at 22:11

Pretty easy to go over 16GB these days. Just running a browser and MS flight sim sees me well over 16GB. Given 32GB of 3200mhz is well under £100 I'd just splash the cash now.

andy_mk3 · 31 Oct 2020 at 22:13

32GB is preferable. But on a budget, 16GB shouldn't hold you back to a point where it's a problem. I can definitely push over 16GB of usage quite regularly on my PC. But I built an ITX gaming PC for the TV on a budget and that has 16GB in it with no issues.

atomixers · 31 Oct 2020 at 23:57

Unless you’re into Microsoft Flight Simulator then there’s no need for 32GB.
Extra RAM won’t equal extra FPS (at least, not 16 to 32) so save your money. I’ve read that RAM is projected to be cheap for a few months due to decreased demand, so if you get a bit of extra cash over Christmas you can treat yourself then, if you have a 4 slot board.

JollyJamma · 1 Nov 2020 at 09:01

For gaming, 16gigs is fine.

MS simulator is the exception though. That game is crazy.