How to Choose RAM for Gaming PC - Read This Before Purchase

RAM or Random Access Memory is an essential component of a gaming PC. It's responsible for storing and accessing data that your computer uses to run programs and games. Choosing the right RAM for your gaming PC can be a daunting task, but with the right information, you can make an informed decision. So, go through our blog, “How to Choose RAM for Gaming PC- Read This Before Purchase” Here, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about choosing the best RAM for your gaming PC or laptop.

What does RAM do for Gaming?

RAM plays a crucial role in gaming by temporarily storing content and variables in its memory to quickly transfer data from the storage device to the CPU. When you launch a game, the RAM receives data from the running game, which is stored in an SSD or hard drive. Constantly pulling data from the storage device can slow down the process, but RAM's faster storage speed aids in transferring the game's data quickly.

Insufficient RAM can result in poor data transfer and slow the gaming experience. This can lead to lower frame rates, choppy textures, longer loading times, and an overall poor gaming experience. But it's not just the RAM that can affect your gaming experience. Other components like the CPU, GPU, and hardware or software defects can also lead to poor data transfer and a bad gaming experience.

Considering Factors While Choosing RAM for a Gaming PC

• Motherboard Compatibility:

Make sure to check if the RAM you're considering is compatible with your motherboard and processor before considering capacity and frequency. Incompatible RAM won't work, and RAM with incorrect specifications can lead to underperformance. Consider the following things:

Type of Module:

RAM is typically installed in a computer in the form of memory modules or sticks that are inserted into the motherboard's memory slots. It's important to note that not all RAM is compatible with every system. Incompatible RAM either won't fit properly or won't function as intended.

Modern motherboards in computers typically support DDR4 RAM. It's important to understand that DDR4 is not interchangeable with the previous generation of SDRAM, DDR3. For example, you cannot replace 8GB of DDR3 RAM with 16GB of DDR4 RAM.

SDRAM and DDR4:

Computers use Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (SDRAM), which is synchronized with the processor's frequency. Over time, SDRAM has improved to offer benefits such as faster transfer rates, lower power consumption, and more stable data transmission.

The current standard for modern computers is DDR4 SDRAM, which stands for Double Data Rate 4. DDR4 features faster data transfer rates, larger capacities, and lower voltages than the previous generation.

DDR4 is not backward compatible because it has different timings, voltage, and pin count than previous generations like DDR3. To prevent accidental installation, DDR4 modules have a different key notch placement.

Finding compatible memory is easy by checking the documentation for your system or processor, running a system profiling utility, or using an online memory compatibility tool.

Form Factor

Two types of RAM modules are commonly used in computers. DIMM, which stands for Dual In-line Memory Module, is a larger module designed for desktop motherboards. Whereas SO-DIMM or Small Outline Dual In-line Memory Module means a smaller module planned for laptops, mini-PCs, and some Mini-ITX SFF or small form factor motherboards.

• Capacity:

RAM’s capacity is measured in GB or gigabytes. If you are planning to use your gaming PC for gaming and other high-performance tasks, you will need at least 8GB of RAM. However, if you want to play games at higher settings or run multiple programs simultaneously, you should opt for 16GB or more.

• Frequency:

RAM frequency is measured in MHz. Higher frequency RAM can process data faster, which can improve your gaming performance. However, it's important to note that the performance gain is minimal, and you might not notice a difference between 3000MHz and 3600MHz RAM.

• Speed:

RAM speed is measured in mega transfers per second (MT/s) and is often referred to as megahertz (MHz), although it's not the same as clock speed. Faster speed ratings indicate a quicker response to read and write requests, leading to better performance.

• Overclocking:

Overclocking can push your high-performance RAM beyond stock specifications. One easy way to overclock is through Intel® Extreme Memory Profile (Intel® XMP), which adjusts voltages, timings, and frequency to enhance performance when selected in the BIOS of a supported motherboard. These settings have been tested and certified for stability. Some motherboards also allow tweaking of memory profiles and manual fine-tuning of settings in the BIOS.

• Timings:

RAM timings measure the latency or delay before RAM executes commands. These timings are given as a set of numbers such as 16-18-18-36, with each number corresponding to a specific test. Comparing RAM modules based on timings can be complex as the duration of each cycle matters as much as the total number of cycles. Timings are important to overclockers who can manually lower timings in the BIOS to improve performance. However, for most gaming PC users, RAM capacity and speed are the most important considerations, and memory timings aren't usually a high priority.

• Cooling and Aesthetics:

Cooling is an utmost essential thing for your memory or any other component. So, ensure that your memory can have the exact airflow. While memory heatsinks can improve the look of your setup, they are often only for aesthetics. RAM only generates significant heat when operating at unusually high speeds, so heatsinks are generally unnecessary unless you're seriously overclocking your RAM. Memory modules with RGB lighting can also enhance the look of your system, but it's important to ensure that they are compatible with your motherboard brand.

• Installation

When buying RAM, check how many memory slots your motherboard has and purchase sets of two or four modules accordingly. Desktops usually have four slots, while laptops have two. Enthusiast-class PCs and workstations may have more, and the number of slots on unique setups like NUCs (Next Units of Computing) and SFFs (Small Form Factors) will vary.

Make sure the RAM in a laptop is accessible and not soldered onto the motherboard before upgrading it. If you install a 2x16GB kit rather than a 4x8GB kit on a desktop, it will leave two slots empty for upcoming upgrades. Install at least one pair of RAM modules in symmetrical slots with the same capacity and ideally the same speed to take advantage of the increased bandwidth provided by dual-channel RAM.

Final Words:

You must have become confident about how to choose RAM for a gaming PC after reading this blog. The ultimate decider while choosing the RAM for your gaming PC is your budget, and purpose of use. Ensure that the specifications of the RAM match your specific needs. In case, you have some additional queries, please check the FAQ part.

FAQ

How much RAM do you need for gaming?/ What RAM should I buy for gaming?/ What is the ideal RAM for PC gaming?

The amount of RAM you need for gaming depends on whether you plan to focus on gaming or multitask while gaming. For gaming, 8GB is the baseline, but 16 GB RAM for gaming PC

 is recommended for future-proofing. If you plan to multitask while gaming, consider 32GB. If you have a budget and professional needs, Windows 10 Home and the latest Intel Core i9 processors support up to 128GB of RAM. Check your processor's memory specifications for the "Max Memory Size." Please check the following table to know the RAM requirement for some recent advanced PC Games.

Advanced PC Games	RAM Needed
The Watcher 3	6 GB
Hitman 2	6 - 8 GB
Assassin's Creed Odyssey	8 GB
Call of Duty Modern Warfare	8 GB
Forza Horizon 4	8 GB
Red Dead Redemption 2	8 GB

What RAM speed do you need?

When choosing RAM, it's important to balance capacity and speed. DDR4 RAM speeds begin at 1600MHz, which is considered slow from today’s perspective. Faster RAM can improve game performance and frame rates, although the impact can vary from game to game. It's worth checking benchmarks to see if the upgrade is worth it. Faster RAM can also boost frame times and other spheres of system performance like boot times. The Intel Core i9-10900 processor supports 2933MHz at stock specifications.

What do you mean by dual-channel RAM?

Dual-channel memory lets the CPU's memory controller exchange data with RAM through two channels, enhancing available bandwidth. Most motherboards with two DIMM slots will automatically enable dual-channel mode, but for motherboards with four slots, you must install the memory symmetrically to use the same channel. It's important to ensure every stick of memory has the same speed, capacity, and timings for ideal performance. If possible please avoid mixing and matching different module specifications. 

How much RAM for a gaming laptop?

For basic tasks such as browsing the internet, lightweight work applications, or older games, 2-4GB of RAM can be sufficient. However, for mid-range gaming and most work applications, 8GB of RAM is recommended. Several advanced PC games list 8GB of RAM or more as the lowest system requirement.

What is the price range of 8 GB RAM in Bangladesh?

It will range from around BDT 2400 to BDT 4000.

What is the price range of 16 GB RAM in Bangladesh?

It will range from around BDT 7000 to BDT 21000.

What is the price range of 32 GB RAM in Bangladesh?

It will range from around BDT 9,300 to BDT 14000 or more.

What RAM should I buy for my PC?/ How to choose RAM for a laptop?

Please read this blog- “Things to Consider Before Buying a RAM - Choose the Best One.” to get the details.

How to choose RAM frequency?

Please read this blog- “Things to Consider Before Buying a RAM - Choose the Best One.” to get the details.

“More RAM means better performance”- is it true?

It's important to find the right balance when it comes to RAM. Installing more RAM than necessary can be a waste of resources, as the extra RAM will go unused. It's like trying to fill 100 liters of water in a 50-liter container or using a 500-liter container to store 100 liters of water. While having extra RAM for future needs is a good idea, in many cases, most of the RAM goes unused. It's important to assess your needs and install the appropriate amount of RAM for your specific use case.