As we head into 2025, the debate over how much RAM is necessary for gaming remains a hot topic. With advancements in technology, especially with DDR5 now widely available, the question has evolved: Do you need more RAM for modern gaming, and if so, how much? Let’s break it down, considering both DDR4 and DDR5 RAM to help you make an informed decision.
The Basics: What is RAM and Why Does it Matter?
RAM (Random Access Memory) is a critical component in any gaming setup. It serves as temporary storage for the data your system needs to access quickly while you’re gaming. The more RAM you have, the more data your system can handle efficiently, which can result in smoother performance, especially when multitasking or running demanding games.
Testing Methodology
To determine how much RAM is actually necessary, we conducted tests on two different setups. For DDR4 memory, we used an AMD Ryzen 7 5800X processor paired with 16 GB, 32 GB, and 64 GB of RAM. For DDR5 memory, we tested on an AMD Ryzen 7 7700X system with 32 GB, 48 GB, and 64 GB of RAM. The games we tested included Black Myth: Wukong, Cyberpunk 2077, Fortnite, and Warzone.
DDR4 vs. DDR5: Does It Make a Difference?
We didn’t set out to compare DDR4 and DDR5 directly, as they cater to different market segments and platforms. However, our tests reveal that the differences primarily appear in the minimum frame rates (FPS), where higher RAM capacity offers smoother gameplay, particularly for demanding titles. Let’s dive into the results.
Test Results: How Much RAM for Gaming in 2025?
For DDR4:
- 16 GB of RAM delivered an average of around 50 FPS in Black Myth: Wukong, with a max of 58 FPS and a noticeable dip to a minimum of 13 FPS. This caused occasional stuttering, especially when background applications were running.
- 32 GB provided a slight improvement in the average FPS (around 52 FPS), but the key improvement was in the minimum FPS, which jumped to 43, reducing stutter significantly.
- 64 GB didn’t show much difference from 32 GB in terms of average FPS, maintaining around 52 FPS, but the minimum FPS remained stable at 43.
For DDR5:
- 32 GB delivered an average of 71 FPS with a minimum of 21 FPS in Black Myth: Wukong. This setup offered smooth performance, but stutters were noticeable when multitasking.
- 48 GB increased the minimum FPS to 54, providing a more consistent experience, even during heavy gameplay or with multiple applications running in the background.
- 64 GB didn’t improve the average FPS significantly but did boost the minimum FPS to 58, ensuring buttery-smooth gameplay even under demanding conditions.
Cyberpunk 2077: A Detailed Look
In Cyberpunk 2077, a highly demanding game, the difference between RAM capacities became more apparent. Using DDR4 memory, 16 GB was perfectly sufficient, delivering a stable 92 FPS on average, with minimal frame drops. However, when moving up to DDR5, 32 GB provided an average of 133 FPS with a minimum of 114 FPS. The jump to 48 GB and 64 GB didn’t significantly increase the FPS, indicating that for games like Cyberpunk 2077, 32 GB of DDR5 RAM is more than enough.
Multiplayer Games: Fortnite and Warzone
In fast-paced multiplayer games like Fortnite and Warzone, the results showed that 16 GB of DDR4 was capable of running the games smoothly with average FPS hovering around 215-220 for Fortnite and 95 FPS for Warzone. However, the minimum FPS dipped significantly, causing occasional stutters. Upgrading to 32 GB of DDR4 offered more stable minimum FPS without much change in the average, which indicates that for competitive gaming, 32 GB of RAM might be the sweet spot.
Conclusion: How Much RAM Do You Need in 2025?
Based on our tests, here’s a breakdown of how much RAM you need for gaming in 2025:
- 16 GB of DDR4 is still sufficient for most gaming scenarios if you’re on a budget, but you might experience occasional stutters, especially in more demanding games.
- 32 GB of DDR4 or DDR5 is the sweet spot, offering smoother performance, especially for modern titles or if you tend to multitask with background apps.
- 48 GB or 64 GB of DDR5 is overkill for gaming alone, but if you’re also doing content creation or heavy multitasking, it may be worth considering.
For the majority of gamers, 32 GB of RAM, especially DDR5, will future-proof your setup for the next few years. If you’re upgrading or building a new rig, investing in 32 GB will ensure you can handle anything gaming throws at you in 2025 and beyond.
