Yes, upgrading RAM can affect gaming performance, but the impact depends on several factors, including the game itself, your current system setup, and how much RAM you’re upgrading to. Here’s a breakdown of how and when RAM upgrades impact gaming performance:
Current Amount of RAM
- 8GB or Less: If your system currently has 8GB or less, upgrading to 16GB can have a significant impact. Many modern games require more than 8GB of RAM to run smoothly, especially if you’re also multitasking or running background applications while gaming. Inadequate RAM can lead to stuttering and lag because the system has to rely on slower storage (like an SSD or HDD) when it runs out of memory.
- 16GB: For most modern games, 16GB is considered the sweet spot. Upgrading from 8GB to 16GB usually provides a noticeable improvement in frame rates, stability, and load times. However, moving from 16GB to 32GB often has minimal effect on gaming performance unless you’re doing heavy multitasking or using memory-intensive applications in the background (like streaming or running virtual machines).
- 32GB or More: Going beyond 32GB generally has little to no impact on gaming alone, as most games do not utilize more than 16GB. However, for content creators, streamers, or those who use demanding applications alongside gaming, 32GB or more can improve system responsiveness.
RAM Speed and Latency
Memory speed and latency can also impact gaming performance, especially with newer CPUs and memory-sensitive games.
- Faster RAM (Higher Frequency): RAM with higher frequency (e.g., 3200 MHz or 3600 MHz vs. 2400 MHz) can lead to slight performance boosts, particularly in games that are CPU-bound or rely heavily on memory bandwidth. This is more noticeable in AMD Ryzen processors, which benefit from faster RAM speeds due to their Infinity Fabric architecture.
- Lower Latency: Lower latency RAM (measured by CAS latency or CL) can improve data access times, leading to marginally better performance in games. However, the performance gain from lower latency is often small compared to frequency improvements.
Game and System Demands
Certain types of games and setups benefit more from additional RAM:
- Open-World Games: Games with large maps, like Red Dead Redemption 2, Cyberpunk 2077, and Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, benefit from more RAM as they load large amounts of assets and textures.
- Multiplayer and Sandbox Games: Games with large maps and complex mechanics (like Battlefield, GTA V, or Minecraft with mods) often consume more memory, making a 16GB setup preferable.
- Multitasking and Streaming: If you’re streaming, running a game, and using additional software like OBS, Discord, or Chrome, more RAM can help keep everything running smoothly by reducing memory bottlenecks.
Impact on Frame Rates and Stability
- Frame Rates: Upgrading from 8GB to 16GB can yield a measurable increase in FPS, especially in games that heavily depend on system memory. However, the difference between 16GB and 32GB often results in minimal FPS gains (usually within a 1-5% range).
- Smoothness and Load Times: A RAM upgrade typically improves system stability, reduces stuttering, and speeds up load times in games. These changes are often more noticeable than FPS gains, as they enhance the overall gaming experience by making gameplay feel smoother.
When RAM Upgrades Make Sense for Gaming
- If You Have 8GB or Less: Upgrading to 16GB can improve performance and future-proof your system.
- If You Multitask or Stream While Gaming: 16GB or more will make gaming and multitasking smoother.
- If You’re Using Faster or Newer CPUs: Faster RAM can improve overall system responsiveness, especially with CPUs that are optimized for higher memory speeds, like AMD Ryzen processors.
