With memory prices currently high, I'm considering buying a 2x8GB DDR4 kit for 16GB total and upgrading later if prices drop. Is 16GB enough for modern gaming, especially while keeping apps like Discord or a browser open, or would it be smarter to buy 32GB now?
3 Answers
A 2x8GB kit is a sensible minimum for a gaming PC, and dual-channel memory is preferable to using a single 16GB stick. Most current games run acceptably with 16GB, although some large simulators and particularly demanding titles can benefit from 32GB. Check the requirements for the games you play most.
For gaming, 16GB is still generally enough, especially if you avoid running lots of demanding programs in the background. Discord and a few browser tabs should usually be fine, but streaming video or keeping many heavy apps open can use enough memory to cause slowdowns.
If the extra cost is manageable, buying 32GB now avoids having to replace the kit later and gives you more room for multitasking. Memory prices don’t always fall on a predictable schedule, so waiting specifically for a price drop could end up costing more. That said, 16GB is not a bad choice if your budget is tight.
So 16GB should be fine for regular AAA games, while 32GB is mainly useful for heavier simulators, mods, or lots of programs running together?
Would games like Titanfall 2 run comfortably with Discord and a browser open?