Most of the laptops you will come across on the internet have at least 8GB RAM, which is considered to be the standard size to run any basic operation. But when it comes to gaming, you need more than just basics and can handle the most intensive tasks. So, the real question arises, how much RAM do you need for Gaming?
Now, you will need just enough memory space to be able to get the best out of all the high-end games. But also, you do not need to go overboard; that might act as overkill and be a complete waste of money. Hence, it is necessary to be specific about the memory capacity you choose.
Let us learn more about the RAM capacity you need for gaming.
How Does RAM Work For Gaming?
Before we can get down to the most important question on the capacity you need, let us learn more about RAM and how it actually works for your Gaming needs.
In basic terms, RAM is the memory unit where your PC stores all the data while being in the process. Well, it functions as a short-term memory where any application or game can access the data very quickly, unlike any other SSD storage capacity.
Now speaking of Gaming, you need adequate RAM capacity so that the data sent to the system to run these high-end games are much faster. If the memory is exhausted, your games will start lagging as they will not have the space to store and access the data needed.
Similarly, you will find that your GPU unit has its own dedicated memory named vRAM. It is solely responsible for storing and accessing the data for the graphics on the monitor. To add more here, most of the PC or laptops you will come across have 8GB, 16GB, and 32GB RAM. Depending on your budget and usage, you can determine which seems the best to go with.
How Much RAM Do I Need For Gaming?
As we mentioned, RAM capacity entirely depends on your purpose. Speaking of Gaming, the best you can go for is 16GB of RAM.
It can handle all the high-end games such as Overwatch, Fortnite, Call of Duty, etc., without any lagging whatsoever. Yes, you might have to spend a good amount of money, but the speed and quality that you will get overall have no match. There are multiple options on the web that can provide 16GB RAM with all the features to have the best gaming experience.
However, we are aware of the fact that not everyone can afford to spend a large sum of money on such laptops. So, to make things better for you, the fact of the matter is that you can also run multiple games with 8GB RAM too. It will not only save you money but also acts perfectly well to run high-end apps.
You will also come across laptops that allow you to upgrade their memory unit. If you do get a chance where you can upgrade RAM to 32GB, it may not be the best path to choose. Being a professional gamer, this might work well for you, but for any other casual gamer, it is simply an overkill and a waste of money.
Is Too Much RAM Bad?
In technical terms, no, there is nothing like too much RAM. If you have been using the best of the capacity provided to you by your system, there is no harm in it. It is a fact that if your laptop can only accommodate 16GB RAM, you cannot choose to upgrade it for anything higher.
However, by too much, we can mean that if I only require my laptop for office purposes that will never need more than 8GB RAM, and I am using 16GB RAM, it might be a simple waste of money. In such a manner, we can say that too much RAM is simply lost.
Is 8GB RAM Still Enough?
We have mentioned multiple times how you can stick with 8GB RAM for gaming needs if your budget does not allow for anything higher. But the question is, will it be enough? It depends on your gaming needs.
Yes, it is enough if you stick with basic productivity, apps, or even light gaming. 8GB RAM does support multi-tasking as well in the best manner but not for high-end 4K games. Similarly, it may not be enough if you are thinking of playing Assasins Creed in its best manner since it needs at least 16GB RAM for smooth gameplay.
Is 32GB RAM Overkill?
This is a rather controversial statement and something that multiple gamers or users have different opinions on. Yes, 32GB is considered to be overkill even for playing high-end games. You only need 16GB RAM for games such as PUBG, Fortnite, etc. It is considered to be more than enough to give smooth gameplay.
However, with more and more modern games coming into the market, it is highly likely that you will need 32GB RAM to play such modern games. Certain VR-based games or even Simulator games do require such a massive memory capacity.
Final Verdict
In conclusion, you need 16GB RAM to be able to have the best gaming experience. YOu can get multiple gaming laptops on the web that serve all the purpose. For example, we have Dell Inspiron 15, Lenovo Ideapad, Alienware, and other similar laptops with different brands. Now, the decision entirely depends on your budget.
