Does RAM improve performance when gaming?

A

alexjb

Member
Hello :)

I'm building a new gaming computer and I have 8gb ram for it, I was just wondering though, what exactly does RAM do please? Will 16GB RAM be a lot quicker than 8GB for gaming?

Or if it doesn't improve gaming, what does it improve?

My graphics card is 660 ti which is very good for gaming

But will 16gb ram improve it further?

Thanks! :)
 
wolfeking

wolfeking

banned
16GB will not improve it. Really 8GB will not be all that much better than 4GB as most games are still 32 bit.

What RAM does improve is calculations, and physics operations in CAD programs when you do that kind of thing. Also means that you can have more running at once. Really you don't need more than 8GB if you had to ask this question. Those that do need more generally know they need more and don't have to ask how much RAM they need.
 
A

alexjb

Member
wolfeking said:
16GB will not improve it. Really 8GB will not be all that much better than 4GB as most games are still 32 bit.

What RAM does improve is calculations, and physics operations in CAD programs when you do that kind of thing. Also means that you can have more running at once. Really you don't need more than 8GB if you had to ask this question. Those that do need more generally know they need more and don't have to ask how much RAM they need.
Click to expand...

thank you :) I've never understood RAM or much about computers but I'm near getting the final components for my first build and was considering getting 16GB ram :) but it would be pointless? :) The game I wish to play is Planetside 2 that's just come out and the requirements to play are very high, my acer aspire 5552G laptop - amd phenom II X4 N930 4GB DDR3 Memory AMD Radeon HD 6470M doesn't run it on the lowest of settings, but I know it's in the beta stage and they will make it less requirements I hope :) thanks :)
 
spirit

spirit

Moderator
Staff member
RAM just gives you a higher ceiling so you can run more things simultaneously.

8GB for gaming is all you need. Wouldn't get 16GB unless you absolutely have to.
 
mrjack

mrjack

VIP Member
As the others pointed out, it isn't necessary to get more than what you've already got for it. But if you happen to have a lot of RAM that isn't being used, then you can make RAM disks, which would improve loading times. You could put a part of the game or the entire game on a RAM disk and have severely reduced loading times (Skyrim, Battlefield 3). RAM disks are excellent for games with large worlds (Elder Scrolls, Just Cause, GTA etc.).
 
A

alexjb

Member
mrjack said:
As the others pointed out, it isn't necessary to get more than what you've already got for it. But if you happen to have a lot of RAM that isn't being used, then you can make RAM disks, which would improve loading times. You could put a part of the game or the entire game on a RAM disk and have severely reduced loading times (Skyrim, Battlefield 3). RAM disks are excellent for games with large worlds (Elder Scrolls, Just Cause, GTA etc.).
Click to expand...

thanks for all your answers :) I have not heard about ram disks before, thanks! :) will look into them, I think 8gb ram will be enough for me :) but if I can afford 16gb I might try that out :) so 16gb ram is good if you wish to listen to music and play games at the same time? or two games at the same time? thanks :)
 
A

alexjb

Member
spirit said:
RAM just gives you a higher ceiling so you can run more things simultaneously.

8GB for gaming is all you need. Wouldn't get 16GB unless you absolutely have to.
Click to expand...

Thank you :) I think I will stick with 8gb it should be plenty :) my laptop has 4gb and it's good so I'm sure double that will be great :) thanks :)
 
A

adamsocialgo

New Member
8gb is good enough for games as people have mentioned. I have only needed to upgrade my ram for use with music and video editing software or with CAD design softwares.
 
A

alexjb

Member
adamsocialgo said:
8gb is good enough for games as people have mentioned. I have only needed to upgrade my ram for use with music and video editing software or with CAD design softwares.
Click to expand...

thanks :) 8gb seems good but for some reason my computer blue screens and says memory management, and I'm starting to think that maybe my 8gb ram is causing this problem? I'm considering going for 16gb hoping that it will fix this problem :)

but everyone says 8 is enough, so I'm worried that my RAM must be faulty?:confused:
 
Aastii

Aastii

VIP Member
The capacity of memory will not cause a bsod. It is possible you have a faulty stick, but this has nothing to do with the capacity of that module
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top