How to Build a Gaming Computer With the Right Amount of RAM

RAM (random access memory) is your computer’s short-term storage where it keeps the parts of a game that it needs to quickly access. This allows it to operate at high speed without having to constantly pull data from your hard drive or solid state drive (SSD). In the case of games, RAM is also used to render the graphics and audio that you see in a game, so a higher capacity can improve performance by reducing lag or stuttering when playing.

A gaming computer that’s built with the right amount of RAM will be able to play the latest releases at their recommended system requirements or better. This is especially important as game system requirements are always on the rise, and what was once considered a minimum requirement will soon be a standard for many titles.

In general, it’s best to use a dual stick kit of RAM to install in your gaming PC. This allows the two sticks to run in matched pairs and utilize DDR mode, which doubles the data rate, providing improved bandwidth for faster processing. This will also prevent your CPU from becoming overloaded when running memory-intensive applications, which can lead to slower overall performance.

You should prioritize RAM with a capacity of 16GB or higher. Having this much capacity will allow you to run more applications at the same time, and it will also ensure that your PC can handle demanding games without stuttering or freezing. If you’re concerned about how much RAM you need to run a specific game, it’s always possible to upgrade your system’s RAM later by adding another DIMM stick to an empty slot on the motherboard or inserting a larger DIMM into an open SO-DIMM socket on laptops, Intel NUC mini-PCs, and some Mini-ITX small form factor motherboards.

Aside from the capacity and speed of your RAM, you’ll want to prioritize a kit that comes with a heatsink and fan to help keep it cool while operating at high speeds. This is particularly important if you’re overclocking your RAM, which will require it to be cooled to achieve its maximum performance potential. Using a heatsink can reduce the risk of overheating and help protect your CPU from damage if the voltage is too high.

If you’re interested in a kit of RAM that can do more than just perform well, consider one that has RGB lighting. These modules can light up your gaming rig, and they come with a software application that allows you to assign different colors to each individual stick for even more customization options. Just be sure that the RGB memory is compatible with your motherboard brand before purchasing.

As of this writing, the best gaming computer RAM is DDR4. It’s cheaper than DDR5, which can be difficult to find on the market, and it’s broadly compatible with most motherboard brands. It’s also worth noting that it can get quite hot, so you’ll need to make sure that your computer has sufficient airflow in its case and around the RAM sticks.