How much RAM do I need for gaming?
Partager
The amount of RAM you need for gaming depends on a few factors, such as the type of games you play, your system's other specs (like CPU and GPU), and how much multitasking you do. Here's a general breakdown of what you need for different gaming setups:
1. 8GB of RAM:
- Ideal for most gamers playing 1080p at medium to high settings.
- This amount is generally enough for casual gaming and most titles released in the last few years, including games like Fortnite, League of Legends, and Minecraft.
- If you're only gaming with minimal multitasking (like a browser open in the background), 8GB will suffice.
When to Choose 8GB:
- Casual gamers on a budget.
- Playing less demanding or older games.
2. 16GB of RAM:
- Recommended for most modern gaming setups, especially if you're playing at 1440p or 4K, or using high settings.
- It's also great if you like to stream, record, or run background applications (like a browser, Discord, etc.) while gaming.
- 16GB is perfect for AAA titles like Cyberpunk 2077, Red Dead Redemption 2, or Call of Duty, where game performance benefits from having more RAM, especially in open-world games with large assets.
When to Choose 16GB:
- Serious gamers who play modern, resource-intensive games.
- If you run background tasks (streaming, Discord, etc.).
- If you plan to future-proof your system for the next few years.
3. 32GB of RAM:
- 32GB is generally overkill for gaming alone, but it can be useful if you're doing heavy multitasking, streaming, or using other resource-heavy applications like video editing or 3D rendering alongside gaming.
- This amount of RAM can be beneficial for high-end gaming at 4K with multiple apps running in the background, as well as for professionals who need to handle large projects while gaming.
When to Choose 32GB:
- If you're streaming and running heavy apps while gaming.
- For content creators who multitask with video editing or 3D rendering.
- If you're future-proofing your PC for next-gen games or heavy multitasking.
Summary Table:
| RAM Size | Use Case | Recommended for |
|---|---|---|
| 8GB | Casual gaming, light multitasking | Most basic gaming, less demanding games, budget builds |
| 16GB | Modern gaming, multitasking, streaming | AAA gaming, streaming, high settings |
| 32GB | Heavy multitasking, content creation, professional gaming setups | Streaming+gaming, video editing, future-proofing |
Conclusion:
For most gamers, 16GB of RAM is the sweet spot, offering excellent performance for modern games and multitasking without breaking the bank. If you're gaming at 1080p/1440p with high settings, 16GB will handle it all smoothly. 32GB is typically overkill unless you’re also streaming, editing, or multitasking heavily. 8GB can still work for light gaming, but if you're looking for longevity and smooth gameplay, 16GB is the way to go.
