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Why RAM Is a Crucial Component for Any Gaming Laptop

RAM (Random Access Memory) is a crucial gaming PC component. Adding more RAM to your system can boost system responsiveness. It also adds more FPS (frames per second), a significant advantage in competitive gaming titles.

RAM is measured in gigabytes (GB). The higher capacity of gaming laptops means applications can store more data. With increased capabilities like 16GB, 32 GB, or 64GB, more gaming applications can run smoothly.

In this blog, let’s highlight the RAM requirements of different gaming models.

How Does RAM Work?

The primary purpose of RAM is to store short-term data that a gaming workstation needs to operate properly. Unlike a hard disk drive or SSD (Solid-state Drive), which stores infinite data, RAM offers you room for resetting the system.

It’s a volatile memory and only stores data when it has power. This is unlike a non-volatile HDD or SSD. These programs are loaded into RAM temporarily when it comes to use.

  1. Temporary Storage: RAM is a type of volatile memory, meaning it stores data temporarily while the computer is powered on. When you open an application or a file, the operating system loads it into RAM to make it quickly accessible to the CPU (Central Processing Unit).
  2. Fast Data Access: RAM is much faster than other types of storage, such as hard drives (HDDs) or solid-state drives (SSDs). It allows the CPU to access data and instructions at nanosecond speeds.
  3. Random Access: RAM is “random access” because it allows gaming laptop PCs to access stored data roughly in the same amount of time. This contrasts with storage devices like HDDs, which have longer access times when data is not located near the read/write head.

How Much RAM Do You Need?

  • 4GB RAM: It’s ideal for low-end Chromebooks and some tablets. Having at least 4GB of RAM allows you to load up a reasonable number of browser tabs. Using email and working with applications like MS Word or playing casual games is enough.
  • 8 GB RAM: This is installed in every entry-level notebook. 8GB RAM is ideal for basic Windows gaming at lower settings. But high-voltage games rapidly run out of steam.
  • 16 GB RAM: It is specially designed for Windows and MacOS systems. This can also suffice with multiple games.
  • 32 GB RAM: This is a sweet spot for professionals like graphic designers, video editors, etc. Gamers can also enjoy some performance improvements in demanding games.
  • 64 GB RAM: This is for gaming enthusiasts and purpose-built gaming workstation laptops.
  • 128GB RAM: Yeah! It exists. This is an overkill capacity. 128GB RAM lets you edit 8K resolution videos and handle multiple RAM-demanding games simultaneously.

RAM-Heavy Applications:

The operating system and web browser typically consume most of your device’s RAM. However, games like World of Warcraft, Call of Duty Warzone, Apex Legends, and Fortnite consume more RAM than anything else.

With more RAM capacity in your system, you can simultaneously have more browser tabs like Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. Complex websites also use more RAM compared to others. The same thing happens with a chat program like Minesweeper, which almost uses no RAM.
Conversely, an Excel spreadsheet, a vast Photoshop project, or a graphics-intensive game like Wolfenstein: Youngblood may use gigabytes.

Professional applications hog most of the RAM outside of games and general browsing. Video editing software like Adobe Premiere and digital audio workstations(DAW) are RAM-hungry tools.

If you’re using tools like Premiere or Pro, upgrading to 32GB RAM capabilities is a great idea.

How Much RAM Do You Need for Gaming?

Typically, 16GB of RAM is the best place to start with a gaming PC. Although the 8GB RAM capabilities are sufficient to handle many AAA games like Cyberpunk 2077.

Only some games, even the latest titles, need 16GB RAM capacity. For a vast majority of users, 16GB will suffice.

Moreover, if you plan to stream or run multiple applications and run OBS Studio, a web browser, you need 32GB RAM.

If you have a budget and need more RAM for 3D modeling and other professional applications, you should opt for 128GB, the ultimate capacity.

Typically, a good RAM capacity improves frame times or steadiness of the frame rates. This is presented as the benchmarks’ 1% and 0.1% low values (averages of the slowest 1% and 0.1% of frames recorded).

Read Also: How Do Work Laptops Transform Your Workflow?

Conclusion:

If you’re a gamer and use your laptop solely for gaming , then 16GB RAM easily suffices. On the other hand, if you’re a content creator where your PC is more of a workstation to edit high-fidelity videos or process 3D effects, then you should opt for 32GB RAM.

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