Is 8GB of RAM good for gaming? It all depends on what type of gaming you plan on doing. All modern computers come with 8GB of RAM as standard, and it’s plenty for casual gaming. If you plan on doing more intensive gaming, such as high-definition gaming on newer gaming engines, then 8GB may not be enough. Let’s explore what 8GB can do for you and where you may need to upgrade.
8GB of RAM is enough to run most of the games on the market today. This includes popular titles like Fortnite and Overwatch, provided your graphics card is powerful enough. 8GB of RAM will allow you to run these games on medium settings at frame rates between 30 and 60 frames per second (FPS).
One thing to keep in mind is that 8GB of RAM can become quickly overloaded. If you have too many programs running in the background, you can expect your games to start to lag. 8GB of RAM is also not enough for virtual reality (VR) gaming.
If you’re looking to take your gaming to the next level, you may need more than 8GB of RAM. To get the best performance for high-quality gaming, you’ll need at least 16GB of RAM. This is the recommended amount for gaming on new gaming engines such as Unreal Engine 4. For VR gaming, you’ll want at least 32GB of RAM.
If you plan on doing heavy multitasking on your PC, such as streaming while gaming, then you may want to consider getting more RAM as well. It’s also a good idea to upgrade if you plan on upgrading your graphics card. A graphics-intensive game like Far Cry 5 will require a lot of resources, and 8GB of RAM may not be enough.
Finally, it’s worth remembering that adding RAM isn’t always a quick fix for performance problems. Adding more RAM can help in some cases, but it’s better to make sure your computer is running efficiently. Try disabling any unnecessary background processes and make sure your graphics card is running at its optimal speed.
Upgrade Sensitivity
If you’re a casual gamer, 8GB of RAM can get you through most modern games. If your PC is less than two years old, then 8GB should be enough. But if you plan on playing on graphic-intensive games or want to do more than just game on your PC, then you may want to think about upgrading your RAM.
On top of that, 8GB is no longer the sweet spot for gaming PCs. Right now the sweet spot for RAM would be 16GB, which is enough to run modern titles on high settings and to get the most out of games like Fortnite and Overwatch. The extra 8GB of RAM will also allow you to do basic tasks like multi-tasking and streaming.
If you’re serious about gaming and want to get the best results, then you might want to consider upgrading to 32GB. This will give you enough RAM to get the best performance when playing games on new gaming engines, such as Unreal 4 or Unity.
Finally, if you’re still unsure whether 8GB of RAM is enough for your gaming needs, the best way to find out is to test it. Try playing a game on medium settings and see how you get on. If you’re not satisfied with the performance or want to do more intensive gaming, then it might be time to look into upgrading your RAM.
RAM Timings
Another factor to consider when looking at the amount of RAM you need for gaming is RAM timing. RAM timing refers to the time it takes for the RAM to access and process instructions. Having low RAM timings can help to improve your in-game performance, and having higher numbers can cause your game to stutter and lag.
When looking for RAM for your gaming PC, it’s important to pay attention to the RAM timings. The lower the RAM timings, the faster the RAM will be able to access data. For the best gaming performance, it’s recommended that you use RAM with a timings of CL15 or CL14. This will ensure that your RAM is working at its optimal speed.
Finally, when looking for RAM for your gaming PC, it’s important to make sure that the RAM you’re getting is compatible with the motherboard you’re using. Some RAM are only compatible with certain motherboards, so it’s important to make sure you’re getting the right kind of RAM. If you’re unsure, it’s best to consult a professional before making your purchase.
Cost-Benefit
When it comes to cost-benefit analysis of RAM, deciding on 8GB vs 16GB is really a personal preference. 8GB of RAM will get you through most games, but you may experience slowdowns if you’re multitasking or playing more intensive games. 16GB of RAM will allow you to do more and get the most out of your gaming experience.
It’s also worth pointing out that RAM is usually one of the cheaper components of a gaming PC. One 8GB RAM stick might cost you around $50, while 16GB will set you back around $100. While this may seem like a lot of money, it’s nothing compared to the cost of a new graphics card or CPU.
In conclusion, 8GB of RAM is enough for casual gaming and everyday tasks. If you want to get the best gaming performance and want to do more than just game on your PC, 16GB of RAM or more is recommended.
Overclocking
Overclocking is another way to get the most out of your gaming PC. This process involves running the components of your computer at higher speeds than normal, to achieve better performance. This can be done with your CPU, RAM and graphics card, and can provide a significant boost to your gaming performance.
Overclocking your RAM can help improve the speed at which your computer can process instructions. This can lead to smoother gaming and reduced loading times. It’s important to note that overclocking does come with risks, such as temperature increases and the possibility of hardware damage, so it’s important to research the process before attempting it.
When overclocking your RAM, it’s important to look at the RAM timings. As mentioned before, the lower the RAM timings, the faster the RAM will be able to access data. Overclocking your RAM can help to reduce the RAM timings and get the most out of your gaming experience.
Finally, remember to keep an eye on the temperature of your system. Overclocking can lead to increases in temperature, so make sure that you’re using a good cooling solution to keep your components safe.
Bottom Line
Deciding on how much RAM to get for your gaming PC is a personal decision. 8GB of RAM is enough for most modern games, but if you want to get the best performance and do more than just game on your PC, then 16GB or more is recommended. You may also want to consider overclocking your RAM to get the most out of your gaming experience.
It’s also important to remember that RAM isn’t the only component you need to consider when building a gaming PC. A good graphics card, processor and storage drive are also essential for a truly immersive gaming experience.
