The debate around how much RAM you need for a gaming PC in 2022 is always ongoing, with many people finding they need more across different titles and games. As a result, it’s important to be aware of the specific requirements of your working environment. Knowing how much RAM you should aim for when purchasing a gaming computer in 2022 is key to getting the best possible performance.
In general, if you’re a serious gamer, 16GB of RAM is enough. In today’s market there are more powerful rigs available with up to 64GB, though most competitive gamers won’t need that much. For those on a budget, 8GB can be enough to tackle even the most intense games, although you may need to make a few sacrifices on graphics.
When trying to determine the sweet spot for your gaming PC in 2022, it’s worth considering the type of games you’re playing. If you’re playing fast-paced, graphically-intensive games, you’ll definitely require more RAM than casual gamers that may dabble in older titles. For 15+ frames per second on the latest titles you’ll need at least 16GB RAM.
The price of RAM has declined significantly since the start of this decade, meaning the more you pay for, the better the performance. Faster RAM (e.g. DDR4) will also likely be more costly, but this could pay off if you’re running intensive software. A good way of seeing the cost-effectiveness of RAM is to look at the GHz rating to ensure its processing power meets your gaming PC’s requirements.
When selecting the type of RAM for your gaming PC 2022, it’s essential you select either dual-channel or quad-channel memory configurations. Carefully consider the motherboard specifications when selecting the RAM type as this connection can directly affect the performance of your gaming computer. A fast RAM speed such as 5GHz will also be beneficial in maintaining the performance of your gaming rig.
Finally, it’s worth considering the RAM stick sizes you require. The sizes range from 16gb, 32gb, and even 64gb, and should be based on the type of use you’ll be putting the gaming PC to. In many cases, two 16GB sticks of RAM will be more cost-effective than a single 32GB stick.
Performance Impact on RAM
In terms of performance, the amount of RAM you have in your gaming PC 2022 is a key factor to consider. For most competitive gamers, regardless of the content you’re playing, 16GB of RAM is required for a smooth and efficient gaming experience. Research from various development blogs and forums suggests 8GB of RAM can be enough for low-end and casual gaming. However, 16GB is now the de-facto standard for high performance gaming.
Depending on the type of game you’re playing, the amount and type of RAM you use can have a direct influence over the performance of your gaming PC 2022. Having more RAM lets the processor and GPU access more data in an efficient manner as tasks are continually fed to other components and hardware more smoothly. This is paramount to you, as the gamer, getting the most out of the experience.
It’s also worth considering the type of online gaming you’re engaging in. More modern titles, with their advanced graphics, require more RAM to operate. This is vital if you’re playing at maximum quality and settings, as your frame-rates can easily drop or system performance decrease if you’re running low RAM.
It’s worth noting, however, that RAM requirements can vary from game to game, so it’s important to research a specific title’s needs before investing in additional RAM. Much like a PC build, it’s important to ensure the RAM is compatible to remove any compatibility headaches from the equation.
Upgrading RAM for Gaming PC 2022
Upgrading RAM for a gaming PC 2022 can be a great way to improve overall performance, especially during intensive gaming sessions. The process of upgrading RAM is generally simple; all you need to do is buy a RAM stick according to your motherboard’s Slot and Socket type and install it by following the manufacturer’s instructions.
With the correct tools and a bit of technical knowledge, it’s easy to install more RAM in your gaming PC. It’s sometimes possible to purchase the RAM and installing tools in kit form, though many online stores now feature complete kits that include the tools you need and all relevant instructions.
During the RAM upgrade process, it’s also a good idea to ensure your current RAM sticks are still in working order. Occasionally, one or all of the RAM sticks, can fail or degrade over time, meaning you’ll have to purchase new RAM. Most manufacturers offer warranties on their sticks, in case of any problems.
When looking for new RAM for your gaming PC 2022, you should do your research to ensure you choose sticks that are compatible with your system’s motherboard. This means ensuring the clock speed, memory type, and form factors all meet the minimum requirements.
After you’ve made your purchase, you can install it in the relevant RAM slots. After you’ve secured the RAM in place, turn the system on and check the installed RAM in the BIOS/UEFI settings. If the RAM shows up and is recognized, you can continue to the next stage, which is usually testing the RAM sticks.
Testing & Troubleshooting RAM
Once you’ve installed the RAM, there are a few testing tools you can use to check it functions correctly. It’s important to run a few tests to ensure both RAM sticks are operational, as this will have a direct effect on computer performance.
One of the most popular RAM testing tools is Memtest86: a free and open-source tool for Mac, Linux and Windows systems. This tool will help you troubleshoot any errors with your systems RAM, if you find your performance still isn’t at an acceptable level.
In terms of troubleshooting RAM problems, the main two issues are hardware and software. From a hardware angle, ensuring you’ve correctly installed the RAM is paramount. Issues such as the improper RAM connection to the system can result in your PC not booting properly or at all. Software-based problems can include driver issues not being compatible or even programs crashing or running slowly.
If the RAM is running slowly, you often won’t need to go in-depth: simply increasing the PCs RAM will often suffice. You may also need to update specific drivers, or even remove additional frameworks and programs that are running in the background and eating into your system’s RAM.
Analyzing RAM Performance
A great metric to use when analyzing how your RAM is affecting the performance of the gaming PC 2022 is to look the average frame rate of your game. If your average frame rate is below the optimal level, you should consider upgrading your RAM memory performance.
It’s also possible to check the speed of your RAM through the System Memory Profile, part of the main motherboard menu. If the system memory profile is displaying a slow speed, checking your clockspeed along with the type of RAM should provide some clarity.
If you’re unsure about your current RAM performance it’s often best to invest in new RAM or consult your local IT services for assistance. Some PC services also offer a RAM check-up, which uses various tools and techniques to detect any RAM issues.
When it comes down to it, ensuring the RAM sticks you have in your gaming PC 2022 are performing as expected should lead to an improved gaming experience. If a RAM upgrade is in your future, being sure of the type, amount, and speed you require is a must, but with the right amount of research into what your rig needs, you’re sure to find the right RAM for your gaming setup.
Maintenance & Updates
RAM maintenance and updates are essential in pro-longing the life of your gaming PC 2022. Relatively speaking, hardware components can degrade over time – RAM being no different. To ensure your RAM sticks stay in top condition, it’s worth regularly running maintenance like a routine check-up.
In terms of maintenance, there are a range of tools available that allow you to maintain RAM sticks and even check the current performance. Windows Performance Monitor is an official Windows tool that allows you to maintain various aspects of your PC. If a combination of the tools fails, there are third-party diagnostics that can be used to better diagnose any RAM-related issues.
Firmware updates are also essential for RAM sticks. These updates not only enhance system stability, but can also improve performance as temperatures are managed more efficiently. Updating your RAM firmware via the motherboard menu is generally a straightforward task, though you should refer to the manufacturer’s manual for a specific set of instructions.
Finally, It’s a good idea to regularly test and keep an eye on the performance of the RAM sticks on your gaming PC 2022. If you’re an avid gamer, the best way to monitor RAM performance is to observe the average frames per second performance of your game, which if too low usually means an upgrade is required.
