Is 16GB of RAM enough for heavily modded gaming with an RX 9070 XT?
Asked by
MellowCedar42
I'm planning a new gaming PC with an RX 9070 XT and a Ryzen 7 7800X3D. DDR5 memory is surprisingly expensive, so I'm wondering whether 16GB (2x8GB) would be enough for high-settings racing games with mods and a heavily modded Cyberpunk 2077. I'm coming from console gaming and haven't really explored modding before. Would I be better off buying 32GB now, or starting with less memory and upgrading later?
Answers
It depends on the game and the number of mods. A lightly modded game or something like a typical racing simulator may run acceptably on 16GB, but a heavily customized Cyberpunk installation can hit the limit fast. If you’re building a new AM5 system, 2x16GB DDR5 around 6000 MT/s is a common balanced choice.
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If 32GB is completely out of reach, one 16GB stick is a possible temporary option, but it will run in single-channel mode and may reduce performance. Add a matching stick later rather than mixing another random kit. For DDR5, two sticks are generally preferable to four, since four modules can be harder to run reliably at higher speeds.
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For the games and modding you’re describing, 32GB (2x16GB) is the sensible target. Cyberpunk with a large mod setup can push past 16GB quickly, and running Chrome, Discord, or other programs at the same time makes the limit even more noticeable. Buy a matched 2x16GB kit from the start if you can.
QuietMango88: Some lighter racing games will be fine with 16GB, but heavily modded games are exactly where the extra capacity starts paying off.
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Answers are reviewed before publication.
BrightWalrus6: The 7800X3D can soften some performance differences, but dual-channel memory is still the better setup overall.