What is RAM needed for?

It would seem that there is physical storage in the form of an HDD or SSD where all programs are installed. Why then such difficulties? The problem is that drives cannot provide the required speed for processing and accessing data, so the operation of software and the operating system would be accompanied by constant delays. And during multi-tasking, when the user wants to run several applications at the same time, the computer would simply fall into a coma.

Random Access Memory (RAM) is a temporary storage that provides quick access to the necessary data while applications are running. RAM is a kind of intermediate link between the disk, where the game is installed, and the CPU, which processes the necessary information. When the program is launched, the necessary data is unpacked from HDD (SSD) to RAM, where it is stored in free access for the CPU until the end of the gameplay.

It is worth noting that RAM also helps extend the life of SSD, eliminating the need to use the page file.

What characteristics affect the performance of RAM?

RAM has its own set of characteristics that can affect the overall performance of computer hardware and mobile devices. So often even a large amount of RAM may not be enough to ensure lag-free gameplay. If you are planning to assemble a PC, modernize it or get a new tablet (smartphone) for gaming, you need to pay attention to the type, frequency and timings of the RAM.

Only modern memory types – DDR4 / DDR5 for PCs and LPDDR4 / LPDDR5 for mobile devices provide stable gaming experience. They are characterized by high data transfer rates, support the optimal clock frequency of 4800 – 6000 MHz, the ability to overclock and optimize timings. Thus, the advanced 8 GB DDR5 with 6400MHz clock speed will be much more efficient than the outdated DDR3 with 2400 MHz clock speed even at 16 GB.

More detailed information about the operation of RAM and the factors for its selection for certain tasks can be studied in this article.

DDR5 RAM

How much RAM is needed to gaming on a smartphone or tablet?

Companies offer a wide variety of games designed specifically for Android and iOS mobile operating systems. Depending on the genre and complexity, they may require a certain performance from a smartphone or tablet. However, these platforms remain highly flexible, able to adapt to a wide range of hardware and operate on nearly any device without requiring prior configuration. However, budget and mid-range devices may experience lag when playing top games. Despite offering lower-quality content and gameplay compared to traditional computer gaming, mobile devices require significantly less RAM for smooth and freeze-free gaming.

The actual amount of RAM depends on the specific game. For the simplest applications in the genre of puzzles, arcades, card games, a minimum of 3 – 4 GB is enough. Bright examples are Cut the Rope, Blendoku 2, Aquavias, Swiped 2, Bridge Construction Simulator, Minecraft and others. More advanced games in the style of MOBA, MMORPG, simulators may require from 8 to 12 GB of RAM, as they are characterized by complex graphics, mechanics and variability of interaction with the user. Here we should remember the popular Fortnite, PUBG, Call of Duty Warzone, GRID Autosport, Dota, Lords Mobile and others.

RAM with backlight

How much RAM is needed to play games on a computer?

The gameplay on the computer is radically different from the mobile. Only here it is possible to feel the fullness and all the advantages of gameplay, graphics, storylines, to get real interactivity and communication in real time. For such a pleasure you have to pay a lot, because you will need a powerful hardware. It is necessary to have not only a good CPU and graphics card, but also sufficient RAM.

Here again it all depends on the specific game, but 8 GB is considered the absolute minimum. This will be enough to run World of Tanks, Black Desert, League of Legends, War Thunder, Lineage II, Dota 2. However, some modern games require much more RAM, so the optimal recommended capacity would be 16 GB. With this approach, you can already practice World of Warcraft, Fortnite Battle Royale, Cyberpunk 2077, Project CARS 3, Battlefield 2042 and many others.

If you are going to get down to the business of gaming, record or stream your gameplay, try out all the novelties of the entertainment industry, do not think about modernization for the next few years, it is advisable to equip your PC with 32 GB of RAM. The best option would be to use a set of two 16 GB sticks.

RAM for games

Important! It is worth considering that much depends directly on the computer assembly, the size and resolution of the monitor, as well as the desired level of realistic graphics — low, standard, high, ultra or even 4K. It is necessary to take into account the capabilities of the graphics card, as its insufficient performance will lead to the use of additional RAM memory. Do not forget about the fact that a certain part of the RAM is constantly used for the operating system, background applications and services. For Android, this figure is about 1 GB, and for desktop PCs running Windows — about 2 GB.

The best thing to do when assembling or modernizing a PC, buying mobile gadgets is to immediately provide a sufficient RAM reserve (about 20%). This way you will be able to avoid the equipment running at the limit of its capabilities, prolong its service life and easily run any gaming novelty at maximal performance.