Over the years computer gaming has been gaining more popularity. Gamers have started switching to computer gaming for the ability to completely customize the hardware of their computer for immersive experiences.

Yes, 8GB of RAM can run some games on your computer. Depending on what games you want to play, 8GB RAM should run games that do not store a lot of data on the RAM. It is recommended to install more RAM for better performance of your computer. 

So you may be wondering if you should install more RAM or just play the game on 8GB RAM? Keep reading to find out more about RAM…

How Much RAM Do You Need For Gaming?

To determine how much RAM you need in your computer, you may want to choose the games you want to play. This will help you decide whether adding more RAM to your computer will be necessary for top performance of those games. 

4GB RAM 

4GB RAM is the lowest amount of RAM you can buy for your computer. There are games that will run with 4GB RAM, although it is not very common for gamers to run games on 4GB RAM.

It is likely that 4GB RAM would only be able to run computer programs and run a game with poor performance.

4GB RAM is most commonly used for:

  • Normal web browsingBasic app usage

This means it is the lowest amount needed for a working computer to run basic functions.

8GB RAM

8GB RAM is most commonly placed into factory built computers since it is the standard for running most programs installed on a computer.  

8GB RAM will be enough to run a very standard game that does not require a lot of data storage. 

It is most commonly used for:

  • Heavy multitasking (such as having multiple heavy applications open at once)Light gaming (Running games that do not require much data storage)

Now, let’s see what 16GB RAM can get you gaming wise.

16GB RAM 

Factory built computers do not commonly come with 16GB RAM. Therefore, this option may be available by adding more RAM inside your hardware. 

16GB RAM is great for gaming and is the recommended standard according to game developers. Most people will play games with 16GB RAM since it is a very popular RAM amount.

16GB RAM is most commonly used for:

  • Normal gaming Light video editing

Now, let’s talk about 32GB RAM.

32GB RAM

32GB RAM gives your computer professional-level performance with absolutely no slowdowns. This amount of RAM has to be installed and does not come already in your hardware.

32GB RAM is commonly used for:

  • Hardcore gamingHeavy video editingProfessional 3D design and programming

If your computer experiences frame rate lag or slow loading, your computer may need more RAM to run the games at their full potential. Adding more RAM will provide enough space for the game to preload the data to be retrieved when needed.

How to Install More RAM for PC Gaming

Now that you can determine what kind of games you would like to play and what performance you want out of your computer, you can now start thinking if you would like to install more RAM into your computer. 

Here is how to install RAM into your computer:

  • Shut down your computer and unplug it from the outlet.Discharge any staticLocate your RAM slots and remove the old RAMTake your new RAM and insert it in the RAM slotsPut the case or panel back on your computer and turn on your computer

If this process seems difficult for you, you can always take your computer to a computer repair shop and pay someone to have the RAM replaced. 

Many popular games will run on 8GB RAM (since it is the standard). However, it is recommended that they run on 16GB RAM for no interruptions or game lagging. 

These are all games that have  a minimum requirement of 8GB RAM to run that the game developers recommend 16GB RAM to get full immersion game experience with no delays:

  • Rise of the Tomb RaiderGod of WarAssassin’s CreedRed Dead Redemption 2 ARK: Survival EvolvedGrand Theft Auto VEarthfallMass Effect: AndromedaBattlefield 1

There is a website that can determine whether the game can run with your computer’s specific specifications. This would be valuable to test before purchasing a game that may not run. 

Conclusion

So in conclusion, 8GB RAM is enough for gaming if you’re only playing games that don’t require much data storage. If you want to play games with more sophisticated graphics without any interruptions or lagging, then you will most likely need a higher GB of RAM.