HOW MUCH RAM SHOULD YOU GET FOR A GAMING LAPTOP?
If you’re a serious gamer, one of the most important things you need to consider when buying a laptop is how much RAM you should get. After all, a gaming laptop with insufficient RAM can lead to poor performance and a frustrating experience. But how much RAM do you really need for gaming? In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about RAM for gaming laptops.
What Is RAM?
Before we dive into the specifics of how much RAM you need for a gaming laptop, let’s first define what RAM actually is. RAM stands for Random Access Memory, and it’s a type of computer memory that temporarily stores data that your laptop needs to access quickly. When you’re using your laptop, your computer is constantly moving data in and out of RAM in order to perform tasks.
How Much RAM Do You Need for Gaming?
The amount of RAM you need for gaming depends on a few factors. First, it depends on the types of games you play. Some games, like Minecraft or Stardew Valley, require very little RAM. Other games, like Battlefield or Call of Duty, require a lot more.
Second, it depends on the settings you want to play your games on. If you’re playing on low or medium settings, you’ll need less RAM than if you’re playing on high or ultra settings.
Finally, it depends on what else you’re doing while you’re gaming. If you like to have multiple programs running in the background while you game, like Spotify or Discord, you’ll need more RAM than if you just have the game running.
How Much RAM Do Most Gaming Laptops Come With?
Most gaming laptops come with at least 8GB of RAM, which is enough for most casual gamers. However, if you’re a serious gamer, you’ll want to look for a laptop with at least 16GB of RAM. This will give you enough memory to run most games on high or ultra settings, as well as any other programs you might want to have running in the background.
Should You Get More Than 16GB of RAM?
If you’re a really serious gamer, you might want to consider getting more than 16GB of RAM. This will give you even more memory to work with, which can be helpful if you’re playing very demanding games or running lots of programs in the background.
That being said, getting more than 16GB of RAM is usually not necessary for most gamers. It can also be quite expensive, so it’s important to weigh the benefits against the cost.
Does RAM Speed Matter for Gaming?
RAM speed can have a small impact on gaming performance, but it’s not usually a major factor. Most gaming laptops come with RAM that’s fast enough to handle most games without any issues.
That being said, if you’re building a custom gaming PC, you might want to consider getting RAM with a higher clock speed. This can help improve performance, especially if you’re overclocking your CPU or GPU.
Can You Upgrade RAM on a Gaming Laptop?
In most cases, you can upgrade the RAM on a gaming laptop. However, it’s important to check the specifications of your laptop before you buy it to make sure that it’s upgradeable. Some laptops have soldered RAM, which means that you can’t upgrade it.
Conclusion
The amount of RAM you need for a gaming laptop depends on the types of games you play, the settings you want to play them on, and what else you’re doing while you’re gaming. Most gaming laptops come with at least 8GB of RAM, but serious gamers should look for laptops with at least 16GB of RAM. Remember to consider your budget and other components as well when deciding how much RAM to get for your gaming laptop.
FAQs
Is it better to have more RAM for gaming?
Generally, more RAM is better for gaming, especially if you’re playing more demanding games or running multiple programs in the background.
Can you have too much RAM for gaming?
It’s possible to have too much RAM for gaming, but it’s not a common issue. Most gamers don’t need more than 16GB of RAM.
Does RAM affect FPS?
RAM can have a small impact on FPS, but it’s not usually a major factor. Other components like the CPU and GPU are more important for FPS.
Can adding RAM improve gaming performance?
Adding more RAM can improve gaming performance, especially if you’re currently running out of memory. However, it’s not a guaranteed solution, and other components can also impact gaming performance.
How do I know if I need more RAM for gaming?
If you’re experiencing lag or stuttering while gaming, or if you’re running out of memory while running multiple programs, you might need more RAM. Checking the minimum and recommended system requirements for the games you play can also give you an idea of how much RAM you need.
