How Much RAM Do I Need For Gaming?

One question is getting much attention among the gamers of today. And that is, How much Ram do I need for gaming?

Well, this is a kind of vague question. Because the capacity and the generation of RAM needed for gaming depends upon which type of games you want to play.

For example, if you are playing a high-end graphics game, then obviously you will have to install bigger RAMs. However, if you are likely to run smaller-scale games then lesser RAM will also work fine.

But in this article, we will be covering the topic in general terms. Neither touching the upper limit nor the lower.

So, here almost all of your queries about RAM will be tackled and answered.

What is RAM?

RAM is an abbreviation of Random Access Memory. It is among the most essential parts of a computer. That means if you don’t have any RAM, your computer will never start. This is where the computer stores its temporary data to reach easily, and after the closure, this data automatically gets discarded.

That’s why using larger capacity RAM benefits you in performing heavy tasks. For instance, 3D modeling, Simulation, and of course gaming as well.

How does RAM work on a Computer?

The main function of RAM is to store some temporary but very important data while you work on your computer.

Whether you are performing heavy graphical professional work like 3D designing, Computer Simulations, game development, or Heavy Gaming as well, your RAM will be in constant function.

As we all know, a lot of functions are performed inside of a computer and all the communication work is the responsibility of the processor. Hence, it becomes difficult for the CPU to collect the required information from the Hard Drive every time. Consequently, making the processes much slower.

So, to make the process faster, some of the very important and frequent information is stored in the RAM temporarily, and whenever it is needed, the processor collects it from the RAM instead of approaching the Hard Drive.

Role of RAM in Gaming

Obviously, the function of RAM does not change whether you are using it for gaming or any other purpose.

But let’s study the role of RAM in gaming a little bit deeper.

Have you ever felt that while you play a game on PS4, it’s much faster and smoother than the previous version of the console, i.e., PS3?

That’s due to the bigger size of RAM installed in the PS4. The same goes for gaming PCs. However, you get more freedom for increasing the RAM of your PC as compared to the consoles. Because PCs are always customizable.

So, when you start a game, it starts in your RAM first rather than your Hard Drive.

Why?

Because it’s much faster and stores the temporary items.

Hence, bigger RAMs are very important for a better and faster gaming experience. Because it doesn’t only allow you to store larger temporary data but also makes the read-and-write process faster.

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Most Common Sizes of RAM Available

Before heading to purchase RAM, you must be aware of the most popular sizes of RAM available in the market and what purpose each size serves.

So, basically there are a lot of different capacity RAMs available, as low as 128 MB and as high as 256 GB, but here we will be discussing only the sizes which are the most popular and specifically for gaming.

Have a look!

8 GigaBytes

In the world of gaming, 8 GB RAM is the least you should get. If you opt for anything lower than this, you will experience lagging, slower speeds, poor graphic settings, and much more!

You can purchase 8 GB RAM in different ways. For example, you can get 4 RAMs of 2 GB each. Or you can also get 2 RAMs of 4 GB each and so on.

16 GigaBytes

16 GB of RAM is the most mediocre size of RAM to date. You can play a number of heavy games with this size of memory, along with being able to use hi-tech computer programs as well.

Nowadays, a lot of people are opting to get 16 GB of RAM for their gaming laptops and desktops as well.

So, spending a good amount of money on this capacity of RAM will never get you to regret it in the future.

32 GigaBytes

Well, today 32 GB of RAM is considered to be too much for a PC. However, this statement seems a little bit true because there are no gaming consoles that use somewhere even near 32 GB.

But always remember that the sky’s the limit!

If you invest your money today in buying as high as 32 GB of RAM, you will not have to upgrade the techs of your PC in the near future.

Moreover, we want you to understand that there are also higher than the above-mentioned sizes of RAMs available. For instance, 64GB, 128GB, 256 GB, etc. But these sizes are too much for gaming. These RAM capacities are only used in industries that handle huge sizes of data.

How Much RAM do I Need for Gaming?

After keeping in view all the above-mentioned facts, we have come to the conclusion that for gaming you need RAM of either 8 GB or 16 GB. To choose between the two is completely up to you.

Because if you go anywhere less than 8 GB, you will instantly start to experience lagging issues, much slower processing of games, and lower framerates.

However, for a nice gaming build PC, anything higher than 16 GB will be too much for the purpose and it will cost you high as well.

So, 8 to 16 GB RAM is the best for gaming.

Because along with RAM, you also have to look for purchasing powerful GPU and other components too if you want some perfect gaming experience on your PC.

How to Check your RAM?

As you have completely learned how much RAM you need for gaming. Now it’s time to check your current RAM and decide whether you should buy more or not.

So, here is a quick guide on how to check how much RAM you have in your PC.

For Windows 10 Users:

In windows 10, checking the RAM is as simple as it is. All you need to do is follow the given steps.

First of all, open Settings from the Start Menu.
Now go to System and then, About.
Now under the Device Specifications section, look for “Installed RAM”

Against Installed RAM, is written the current amount of RAM in your PC.

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For Windows 7 Users:

Checking how much RAM you have in your PC is a little bit different in Windows 7. Follow the steps to check your RAM in Windows 7.

Click on the Start Menu or simply press the Windows Button.
Now, in the Start Menu, find Computer and Right-Click on it.
After right-click, go to Properties.

Once you click on the Properties, you will see a pop-up window. In this window, under the System section, you will see Installed Memory written somewhere. Against the Installed Memory is written your currently installed RAM.

For MAC Users:

Checking RAM in Mac is the easiest among all. To check how much RAM you have on your Mac, follow these steps.

Right-click on the Apple icon in the top-left corner of your Mac screen.
After that, select About This Mac.

That’s it!

As soon as you click on About This Mac, you will be shown a screen. In this screen, under the Overview tab, you will see your currently installed RAM denoted by Memory.

Key Takeaways

Hopefully, after reading the whole guide, your question is, How much RAM do I need for gaming? has been satisfactorily answered.

And the answer to that question is, you need anywhere between 8 GB to 16 Gb of RAM for gaming.

However, we have also covered many things as well. So, let’s take a recap of what has been discussed. Below, you will short the key takeaways of the whole guide.

RAM stands for Random Access Memory and it is one of the basic components of a computer. That means without RAM, a computer can never operate.

The working procedure of Ram is quite simple. All it does is store the very important data in it temporarily. So the processor does not have to approach the Hard Disk every time to collect that data.

The role of RAM in gaming is that it provides you with the optimum speed of gaming by storing temporary data in it. Consequently, saving you from lagging issues, graphics issues, etc.

We have also explained in detail how to check how much RAM you have on your Mac and PC. Refer to the last section of the guide to learn that.