I'm in the market for a new GPU and I'm debating whether I really need one with 16GB of graphics RAM. I primarily play strategy games like Hearts of Iron IV and Total War: Warhammer, and the most demanding games I touch are things like Elden Ring and Night Rains. Since I don't typically play AAA first-person shooters, do I stand to gain significantly from investing in a card with 16GB, or will 8GB be sufficient for my needs?
3 Answers
If you're mostly into older or less demanding games, an 8GB card should work well. Just know that as games get heavier, you'll want something with more VRAM to keep up. I upgraded to a 12GB card because my 8GB was struggling with newer titles—just something to think about!
Many players find 8GB sufficient for strategy games. I've got a 4060 that handles everything at 1080p without any issues. It'll probably be fine unless you plan to push for higher resolutions or more demanding titles in the future. Just keep in mind that with tech aging quickly, having 16GB might allow you to game longer without needing an upgrade.
It really depends on the resolution you play at. If you're running 1080p, 8GB will do just fine for your games, but if you're looking at 1440p or higher, then a 16GB card could be a better choice for future-proofing. Strategy games usually don't max out VRAM anyways, so evaluate your setup first!
Exactly! It's all about future proofing. Today's games might not need a lot, but with how fast graphics demands change, better to overestimate than underestimate.