How can I tell which RAM will work with my PC?

If you’re using one 16 GB stick and have an open slot, adding a matching 16 GB module with the same speed and preferably the same model may work. However, replacing the old memory with a matched kit is more reliable. Also check whether your motherboard has two or four RAM slots, since that determines whether adding modules is physically possible.

Discord and Spotify can use memory, but 16 GB is still enough for many gaming setups. Check which programs are consuming RAM in Task Manager and try closing unnecessary apps or using Discord in a browser as a test. If memory usage remains well below full capacity when the crash happens, look for a different cause instead of buying RAM immediately.

In Task Manager’s Performance > Memory section, you can see the RAM type, speed, total capacity, and how many slots are occupied. CPU-Z can also show whether your 16 GB is one 16 GB stick or two 8 GB sticks. Check your motherboard model on the manufacturer’s website for its supported memory specifications and QVL list.

First, confirm that RAM is actually the problem. Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager, then check the Memory section while the game and your other apps are running. If usage is near 100%, upgrading may help. If there’s plenty of unused memory, the crashes may have another cause, such as drivers, overheating, or the game itself.

For the safest upgrade, buy a matched 32 GB kit rather than mixing random modules with your current RAM. If you have DDR4, a 2x16 GB kit is usually a good option; if you have DDR5, staying with two sticks is generally preferable because four sticks can reduce the achievable speed. Make sure the kit matches your motherboard and enable XMP or EXPO in the BIOS after installing it.