Is 8GB RAM Enough For Gaming? [Complete Guide]
As a gamer, it can be difficult to know if you have enough RAM on your computer. There are many factors that decide how much memory is needed for gaming, and everyone has their own opinion on this topic.
One question we get often is, "is 8GB of RAM enough for gaming?" To answer this, we will need to look at what kind of games they want to play and what hardware they currently have installed on their PC. Let's break down some more details about this topic below.
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Is 8GB RAM Good For Gaming?
Yes - if your system isn't used for demanding tasks like video editing or heavy multitasking, then there's no problem using 8GB RAM with gaming computers.
The average gamer only uses about four gigs during normal gameplay, making even high-end builds running on 16GB suitable for serious gamers. So, 8 gigs are more than enough for gaming - even if you're running multiple applications or programs in the background.
The amount of RAM needed for gaming also depends on what kind of games you're playing.
If you play FPS games like CS GO, Battlefield, Overwatch, or Titanfall then 8GB is enough for gaming. The same goes for MOBA-type games like League of Legends and Dota 2 - which are even less memory-intensive than other types of games. However, if you plan on playing graphically demanding MMORPGs like The Elder Scrolls Online or World of Warcraft, then definitely purchase a computer with 16GB RAM.
You can run The Elder Scrolls Online on a low-end PC if you have 8GB of RAM - but the framerates will be significantly lower. On a high-end machine though, 8GB gives off almost ideal FPS without lagging.
What Is The Minimum Amount Of RAM Needed For Gaming?
The minimum amount of ram needed for modern-day video games varies based on the game's size and scale, along with other system requirements. Still, overall, four gigabytes should be sufficient to play most titles without any problems whatsoever.
While some games do operate smoothly at higher settings when they are being run off a six GB configuration, it isn't necessary unless your main priorities revolve around high-performance visuals over smooth gameplay.
If that's what you want, then it may not hurt bumping up to 8 GB build now before prices rise further still as we move into the future. It's always best to aim for an eight GB RAM configuration if the budget allows, as it'll definitely make a difference in modern titles and will give you added flexibility with other programs as well, such as web browsers, music players, or photo editing software.
With that said, anything over twelve gigs is almost certainly unnecessary unless your priority rests solely on maxing out games at extreme resolutions like those found on ultra-wide curved monitors.
The more money you're willing to spend now means less hassle down the line when new technologies emerge and even better performance becomes possible - but we aren't quite there yet, so save your cash.
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Is 16GB Too Much For Gaming?
Some gaming computers are available today that boast sixteen gigabytes of ram, allowing for some extra breathing room when it comes to multitasking or running resource-intensive programs.
However, most games don't even utilize more than four gigs of memory at any given time - making this configuration virtually obsolete in terms of improving performance while gaming.
Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule. If you want an ultra-smooth experience without worrying about bottlenecking your system with too few resources, then 16GB is definitely a viable option worth considering over eight gigs.
But keep in mind that prices will rise exponentially as we reach closer towards 32 GB territory, which really isn't necessary unless you're working on something like huge video editing projects or virtual reality development where every last bit counts!
8GB vs 16GB RAM For Gaming
There's no doubt that the more ram a system has, the better it is going to perform in general. However, this doesn't mean that you need 16GB of RAM for gaming or even 12GB.
If your budget isn't allowing, then don't worry - 8 GB will be sufficient and give you plenty of headroom for running multiple applications at once while also being able to run games smoothly on higher settings when needed.
Is 8GB DDR3 RAM Enough For Gaming?
Yes - a gaming computer with an 8 GB DDR3 RAM configuration will be fine for both mid-level and high-end games as long as it's not being pushed to its limits. It'll also have plenty of room left over when multitasking or running applications in the background.
The bottom line is that if you're building a top-notch rig, then 16GB is definitely worth considering, especially if your budget allows but don't feel like this is necessary unless your priorities lie primarily within maximizing graphics fidelity at ultra settings without having to worry about bottlenecking any components along the way. And keep in mind that prices will rise exponentially from here on out, so plan accordingly!
If your system isn't going to be used extensively for demanding tasks such as video editing or virtual reality development, then one can definitely get away with a more affordable 8GB configuration - make sure that it's DDR-1333 / PC-1600. Anything slower, and you're going to see performance go down the drain as games become less optimized for older hardware over time.
How Much RAM Do I Need?
Regular Use
If you're planning on using your computer primarily for general tasks such as internet browsing, email, and word processing, then any amount of RAM will suffice.
But if you plan on multitasking with somewhat resource-intensive applications like streaming music or playing HD movies in the background at the same time - it's best to aim for a minimum of four gigs.
Gaming & High-End Applications
Gamers looking to play mid-level titles or older games should be fine with an 8GB DDR-1600 configuration without worrying too much about bottlenecking performance. However, those wanting access to newer triple-A releases will want something closer to sixteen gigs as that'll allow them more headroom when running web browsers, music players, and other less intensive programs while also having enough memory to spare when it comes to running games.
VR and Development For virtual reality development, you'll definitely want at least twelve gigabytes of DDR-1600 RAM, with a minimum amount of 8 gigs being recommended for most titles.
This is especially true if your priority lies within maximizing the experience by increasing graphics fidelity as much as possible without having to worry about bottlenecking any components along the way.
Those working on applications that require more than four gigs will need even more than this. Still, those looking strictly for gaming purposes should be fine getting away with an 8 GB configuration - make sure that it's DDR-1333 or faster in order to avoid latency issues over time which can lead to reduced performance overall.
Final Words
We’ve already learned that the amount of RAM a device has can affect performance. But what about games? The answer is surprisingly simple: 8GB should be sufficient for most people, but it depends on your usage habits and which type of game you play.
For those who want to know more about this topic, we recommend reading our blog post here. Let us know in the comments if you have any questions or would like some additional information!
Michael Restiano
I lead product content strategy for SaltMoney. Additionally, I’m helping our broader team of 4 evolve into a mature content strategy practice with the right documentation and processes to deliver quality work. Prior to Instacart, I was a content strategy lead at Uber Eats and Facebook. Before that, I was a content strategist at SapientNitro, helping major Fortune 500 brands create better, more useful digital content.
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