When looking for a gaming laptop, one of the most important factors to consider is how much RAM it has. RAM is important because it helps your computer run more efficiently, especially when playing games. So, how much RAM do you need in a gaming laptop? This blog post will answer all of your questions and help you decide how much ram you need in a gaming laptop!
Table of Contents
What is RAM?
RAM stands for “random access memory.” It is a type of computer memory that can be accessed randomly, meaning that any piece of data can be accessed without having to go through the entire memory. RAM is used to store temporary data that your computer needs to access quickly. This includes data from programs that are currently running, as well as data that has been cached by the browser.
How Much Ram Do You Need in a Gaming Laptop?
Now that you know what RAM is, how much do you need in your gaming laptop? The answer to this question depends on a few factors: the type of games you plan to play, how many programs you plan to have running at the same time, and how much multitasking you plan to do.
If you plan to play games that require a lot of system resources, such as first-person shooters or racing games, then you will need at least 16GB of RAM. If you are only going to be playing less resource-intensive games, like World of Warcraft or Minecraft, then you can get away with as little as four or eight gigabytes of RAM.
It’s also important to consider how many programs you’ll have running at the same time while gaming. If you’re the type of person who likes to chat with friends on Discord or Skype while playing, then you’ll need more RAM than someone who only plays the game. In general, you should aim to have as much RAM as possible to avoid any potential slowdowns.
How Does RAM Affect Gaming?
The amount of RAM in your gaming laptop will have a direct impact on how well the game runs. More RAM means that more information can be stored in the memory, which can lead to smoother gameplay and shorter load times.
How much RAM a game needs depends on the game engine, the resolution, and how many textures and models are used. For example, games with lots of assets and large maps will need more RAM than smaller games.
Does Adding More RAM Equal Better Gaming Performance?
In most cases, adding more RAM to your gaming laptop will increase performance. However, it’s not always the case. If you already have a lot of RAM installed and don’t experience any problems with your current setup, adding more may not do much for you.
What’s the Ideal Amount of RAM For PC Gaming?
Let’s look at some common RAM configurations in gaming desktops and gaming laptops:
4GB: Having 4GB of RAM is the bare minimum you can get away with for gaming. This is only enough to run some of the less demanding games out there.
8GB: Nowadays, this is the minimum amount of RAM you should get for gaming. You’ll be able to play most games without any problem, but the laptop might struggle with some of the latest games.
16GB: This is the new sweet spot for gaming laptops. It’s enough to run any game without any problem, and you’ll also have some headroom for future games.
32GB: If you’re a power user or want to future-proof your laptop, 32GB of RAM is the way to go. You’ll be able to run any game or application without any problem.
64GB: This is overkill for almost anyone. If you work professionally with massive files, for example, video editing or rendering, it might be a good idea. But for the average gamer, it’s overkill.
Is It Possible To Upgrade the RAM In A Gaming Laptop?
Yes, it is possible to upgrade the RAM in a gaming laptop. However, how much you can upgrade it for gaming will depend on the motherboard and how much RAM is already installed.
In most cases, you can upgrade the RAM by one or two slots. So, for example, if your laptop has an eight-GB module installed, you could install a 16GB module for a total of 24GB. Some gaming laptops have two ram slots and allow for a maximum of 32GB. Some budget laptops and almost all traditional laptops have their RAM soldered to the motherboard, so they can’t be upgraded.
Another thing to consider when upgrading the RAM is the RAM frequency. The frequency is measured in megahertz (MHz) or gigahertz (GHz). The higher the frequency, the faster the data transfers between the RAM and other components. Most gaming laptops use DDR4-2400 MHz or DDR4-2666 MHz memory modules. Before upgrading, check what kind of RAM is compatible with your laptop.
Other Hardware Components Besides The RAM that Will Affect Gaming Performance
Having enough RAM is important, but it’s not the only factor that determines how well a laptop will perform when gaming. You also need to consider the graphics card, the processor, and how much storage you have.
The graphics card is probably the most important component for gaming laptops. It determines how good the visuals will be in games. Therefore, a good graphics card is a must for gamers.
The processor is also important. It affects how quickly the games will run and how smoothly they will play. So make sure to get a gaming laptop with a fast AMD Ryzen processor or an Intel Core i5, i7, or i9 series processor for best gaming performance.
Storage is also important for gaming laptops. A slow hard drive will make games take longer to load. A solid-state drive is the best option for gamers since it’s much faster than a traditional hard drive.
Is It Possible to Upgrade the CPU and GPU in a Gaming Laptop?
Upgrading the CPU and GPU is usually not possible in a gaming laptop. The reason is that they are often soldered to the motherboard, which makes it very difficult to replace them. It’s best to buy one that already has the specs you want.
What’s the Difference Between RAM and VRAM?
RAM (random access memory) is used to store data that is currently being used by the computer. VRAM (video RAM) is a type of RAM specifically designed for video cards. It stores information about the textures and other graphics data displayed on the screen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 4GB RAM enough for gaming?
No, most modern games require at least 8GB RAM, but you can get away with less if you’re only playing older and non-demanding games.
Can I upgrade my RAM later?
Yes, you can upgrade your RAM later, but it’s best to get a gaming laptop that already has the specs you want to avoid any issues down the road.
Is It Worth Investing in 16GB of RAM?
Yes, 16GB of RAM is worth investing in if you want to future-proof your gaming laptop. It’s the sweet spot for most games and will ensure that you don’t have any issues down the road.
What is the Best Type of RAM for Gaming?
The best type of RAM for gaming is DDR4 RAM, and it’s best to get a laptop that already has this type of RAM installed.
Is More than 16GB of RAM Overkill?
More than 16GB of RAM may be overkill for some gamers, but if you want to future-proof your gaming laptop and have the best possible gaming experience, then it’s definitely worth investing in more RAM.
How much RAM is too much?
There is no such thing as too much RAM, but if you are only looking to game on your laptop and don’t plan on doing any other resource-intensive tasks, then 32GB of RAM should be more than enough for you.
Conclusion
To run most games smoothly, you’ll need at least 8GB of RAM. If you want to play the latest games while still having some room to grow, go for at least 16GB of RAM.
When it comes to how much RAM you need in a gaming laptop, more is always better. However, if you’re on a budget, you can get by with less. Just keep in mind that you may have to upgrade sooner than you would if you had more RAM.
Did you find this article helpful? Then, check out our article about how to cool down a laptop while gaming or about this article about the best gaming laptops under 600 USD to get more great tips!