For years, 16GB of RAM was the accepted standard for a gaming PC. However, with increasingly demanding games and the rise of multitasking, 32GB of RAM is becoming the new sweet spot for optimal performance. The good news? RAM prices are lower than ever, making this upgrade more accessible than you might think.
Games like Microsoft Flight Simulator, Cyberpunk 2077, and Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 list 16GB as their minimum RAM requirement. While technically playable at this level, these titles, and many others, truly shine with 32GB or more. This additional memory allows the system to hold more game data in RAM, resulting in significantly reduced loading times, smoother gameplay, and fewer performance hiccups.
Open-world games, in particular, benefit from increased RAM. These expansive environments require vast amounts of image data. With more system memory, less data needs to be cached or retrieved from slower storage devices, resulting in a smoother, more immersive experience.
Beyond gaming itself, background applications also consume system RAM. Web browsers, communication software like Discord, and essential system processes all contribute to memory usage. With only 16GB, these applications can quickly push the system to its limits, impacting gaming performance. 32GB or more provides ample headroom for these background tasks to run concurrently with demanding games without compromising frame rates or responsiveness.
Streamers, who often run resource-intensive broadcasting software alongside their games, will find the extra RAM particularly advantageous. 32GB ensures smooth gameplay and uninterrupted streaming, allowing for a high-quality viewing experience for their audience.
While the amount of RAM is crucial, speed also plays a vital role. Slow RAM can bottleneck performance, causing issues similar to having insufficient memory. When upgrading, consider both capacity and speed, seeking a balance between performance and price. Both DDR4 and DDR5 offer 32GB kits at affordable prices, readily available from retailers like Amazon.
Upgrading to 32GB of RAM is a worthwhile investment for any serious gamer. With the current affordability of RAM and the significant performance gains, it’s a future-proof upgrade that will enhance your gaming experience for years to come. This upgrade ensures smooth performance in current titles and provides the headroom needed for the next generation of demanding games.
