A comprehensive gaming PC setup involves more than just a top-notch graphics card and a reliable processor. Every component contributes to delivering a seamless gaming experience. While the graphics card and processor have a significant impact, the amount of memory (RAM) in your PC is equally crucial.
From personal experience, upgrading from 16GB to 32GB RAM can be a game-changer. The difference is noticeable, and for many gamers, this upgrade is on the horizon. Now is an opportune time to make the switch.
We’re Witnessing a RAM Evolution
The narrative surrounding memory, including regular RAM and video memory (VRAM) found in graphics cards, has shifted drastically over the past year. RAM, once an overlooked component, has become a hot topic among PC gamers and the media. Understanding how much RAM your PC needs is now essential.
The increasing RAM requirements in games are driving this shift. System requirements are rapidly escalating, with many AAA games consuming over 16GB of RAM during gameplay. Some of the most demanding titles can even exceed 16GB, requiring up to 32GB to run smoothly.
Games like Hogwarts Legacy, Returnal, and Cyberpunk 2077 demand 32GB of RAM for optimal performance. Even older games struggle with heavy mods, pushing RAM usage beyond 16GB. Limited RAM can lead to stuttering, frame drops, and slower load times, affecting the gaming experience.
The evolution in RAM requirements is a runaway train, and it’s not going to stop.
Insufficient RAM may force the PC to use the hard drive or SSD as extra memory through a process called “paging.” While this can provide temporary relief, it pales in comparison to the speed of RAM. The trend towards higher RAM capacities is inevitable, making 32GB almost a necessity in modern gaming.
While 32GB of RAM isn’t a universal requirement yet, it offers breathing room for running additional applications alongside demanding games. As AAA games evolve, the demand for RAM continues to rise, making 32GB increasingly essential for seamless gameplay.
Embracing the Future with DDR5
The affordability of RAM, particularly DDR5, is improving, making it a favorable time to upgrade. The shift towards DDR5 is gaining momentum, with AMD and Intel phasing out DDR4 support in favor of the new standard.
DDR5 is still pricier but worth the investment for enhanced performance.
DDR5 offers faster speeds and improved performance, making it a worthwhile investment despite the higher price tag. As DDR5 becomes the standard for new hardware, DDR4 prices remain reasonable but lack future-proofing capabilities.
Comparing DDR4 and DDR5 pricing reveals the value of investing in 32GB RAM for enhanced performance and future readiness. With DDR5 offering higher frequencies and improved speed, the additional cost is justified for a superior gaming experience.
Seize the Moment
Waiting for further DDR5 advancements isn’t necessary, as current DDR4 and DDR5 options offer significant benefits for gaming PCs. While DDR5 continues to evolve, the performance jump from 16GB to 32GB RAM is substantial and impactful.
32GB RAM has become the new standard for gaming PCs, providing the necessary resources for seamless gameplay and multitasking. With RAM prices at a reasonable level, now is the perfect time to upgrade and prepare your PC for the future.
