How much memory (RAM) does a gaming PC need?

Memory, also called RAM, is one of the easiest parts of a gaming PC to get right. You need enough, but more than enough does nothing. Here is how much to buy, in plain words.

What memory does

Memory is where the PC keeps the things it is working on right now. That means Windows, the game and anything else you have open. If there is not enough, the PC has to keep fetching things from the drive. Games can then stutter or pause.

Memory is not the same as storage. Storage is the SSD or hard drive where your games are kept when the PC is off.

How much do you need?

• 8GB: too little for many games now. Fine for lighter games, homework and the web.
• 16GB: the right amount for most gamers. It plays almost everything well.
• 32GB: worth it if you stream, record, edit video, use big mods or keep lots open while you play. It also gives room for the future.
• 64GB: for heavy work like large video projects. It does not make games run faster.

When more memory is wasted

Once you have enough memory for what you do, adding more makes no difference. The PC simply leaves it unused. So if your budget is tight, 16GB and a better graphics card is usually a smarter buy than 32GB and a weaker one. The graphics card does most of the work in games.

DDR4 or DDR5?

These are two types of memory. DDR5 is the newer type and is used in newer PCs. DDR4 is older and is common in older and refurbished PCs.

You cannot choose freely, because the motherboard decides which type fits. They are not swappable. Both are fine for gaming. The amount of memory matters more than the type for most people.

Two sticks are better than one

Memory comes on small boards called sticks. Two sticks are usually better than one. For example, two 8GB sticks rather than one 16GB stick.

This is called dual channel. It simply means the processor can use two paths to the memory at once, like a road with two lanes instead of one. It helps games, and it helps most on PCs that use built-in graphics.

Adding memory later

Many PCs have spare memory slots, so you can add more later. It is best to match the type and speed already fitted. We build and test our PCs on our own bench in Worcester, and we can tell you what any of them will take.

Next, read AMD or Intel for gaming, or see what a gaming PC under £800 gets you. If you have an older PC, our guide to upgrading or replacing may help.

Questions people ask