Choosing the right amount of RAM to play on your computer depends on several factors, and we help you find the answer
If you like to play on the computer or want to buy a machine to have fun with the latest releases, you may have already wondered how much RAM is needed to play. The answer: it depends on several factors (and we help you find the answer).
To ensure that your games work well, you need the right amount of RAM.What is RAM and what does it do?
In summary, the RAM memory a volatile memory (does not store content after being turned off) that stores data from applications running on the computer, including the operating system itself. It is extremely fast compared to non-volatile storage, such as hard drives. The amount of RAM is directly linked to the smooth functioning of heavy applications, such as games and editing programs.
The base consoles of this generation (Xbox One S and Playstation 4) have 8GB of RAM each, while the line tops, Xbox One X and PlayStation 4 Pro, have 12GB and 9GB (1GB of auxiliary memory), respectively. It is necessary to take into account that these consoles have super optimized operating systems and do not allow major modifications by users or running applications in the background unlike conventional computers.
As they do not vary much in relation to the hardware and the graphical configuration in which they will run, console games usually get the most out of the amount of RAM offered to them. This does not happen on computers, which, in addition to running much more robust operating systems, also run several applications in the background.
First of all, keep in mind that RAM is only one variable in a number of factors that combined results in your game running at a good resolution and frame rate per second. We are not taking into account such important factors as the graphics processing power of the video card and gross processor – these matters, however, may come into a special next.
How much RAM do I need?
8GB RAM: the minimum (and maybe only what you need) to play modern games
Let's face it here: you won't want to buy a machine to play with only 4GB of RAM, although some modern games still require 4GB as a minimum requirement. Modern operating systems like Windows 10 by itself you will already consume a good part of that memory, leaving little free for the games.
8GB of RAM enough to run most games in recent years, like GTA V, Fortnite, Far Cry New Dawn, Forza Horizon 4, League Of Legends, Overwatch, The Witcher 3, Assassins Creed Odyssey, Gears 5, DOOM and others. However, it is good to keep in mind that your computer may not have a “slack”, since 8GB of RAM will be shared with other applications.
16GB of RAM: more than enough to play now and in a few years
If you want a computer to hold the ends for a good long time, 16GB of RAM is a sure choice. The vast majority of games tend to scale and make better use of the amount of memory available. In addition, the operating system itself also benefits from the extra memory.
The overwhelming majority of current games have recommended requirements with amounts between 12 and 16GB of RAM. That amount more than enough to run everything. If you think about making streams, for example, 16GB of RAM allows you to run other heavy applications with OBS it's the Chrome.
Going beyond 16GB
Spending over 16GB of RAM is only interesting if you have the money and want a machine that really stands the test of time. The next generation of consoles is coming at the end of 2020 and with it, new standards of hardware for game development. There are still no rumors about the amount of RAM in the future Xbox and PlayStation, but we can risk at least 16GB. More RAM, of course, means more slack for the operating system (and that's an indisputable advantage), but it shouldn't have significant impacts on running games.
Our Tests
We tested some games on a computer equipped with a graphics card NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 6GB, processor Intel Core i7-7700, 256GB SSD and different amounts of RAM. Check out the results:
Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice
Graphics: Very high
8GB RAM60 frames per second maximum. In this graphical configuration, the game clearly chokes on 8GB of RAM. The ideal here is to lower the setting to medium.
16GB RAMThe game runs much closer to 60 frames per second here than with 8GB of RAM. It is not consistent, but customizing the graphic settings helps.
Notes: It is important to check the optimization of the game for the platform and always keep the drivers updated.
Beyond: Two Souls
Graphics: High
8GB RAM60 frames per second most of the time, with possible inconsistencies. A fine adjustment in the graphic settings helps to obtain more consistent performance.
16GB RAM60 frames per second locked, without inconsistencies.
Overwatch
Graphics: peak
8GB RAMThe game consistently delivers over 60 frames per second even with 8GB of RAM. Reflection of a very well performed optimization.
16GB RAMAs expected, the game continues to deliver more than 60 frames per second.
That is, the difference between 8 and 16GB of RAM is noticed in graphic configurations close to the high and very high, especially when the focus reaches 60 frames per second.
And you, how did your experience in relation to the amount of RAM used in computers with a focus on games? Tell us in the comments!
