I just ordered a prebuilt AI 50 with a 5080 and I'm weighing whether to upgrade the RAM before it ships. Is 32GB enough, or is it better to go for 64GB? I've been primarily using Macs for the last decade, so I'm not sure what the current standard is for Windows users. Also, I'm curious about the difference between CL30 and the standard timings they offer. Is it worth worrying about those few frames? Or would it be fine to stick with 32GB and add two more sticks later? I've heard that using more than two sticks can cause issues; is that true?
5 Answers
I see 16GB as the bare minimum nowadays, with 32GB being a sweet spot for the average user. In fact, I've hit 22GB while gaming at some points! This setup will keep you quite safe for the foreseeable future.
For power users or gamers, 16GB is the minimum, but 32GB gives you the freedom to multitask without issues. Honestly, if you can swing it, 64GB would’ve been better given the current demand for memory!
I’ve been buying and selling DDR4 modules for laptops, and from my experience, 8GB feels cramped. I’d say the minimum is 12GB, with 16GB being comfortable for most users. However, 24-32GB is where you want to be if you're planning to do a lot.
Generally, Windows needs about 4-8GB for the OS and background tasks, while modern games usually require 8-16GB. If you're into extreme multitasking or using demanding applications, you might even consider more than 32GB, but usually 32GB should cover your needs well. Just a heads-up, if you're going for DDR5, using more than two sticks can slow you down a bit, so sticking with two is better for performance.
For most gaming and daily tasks, 32GB is more than enough. You'll be good to go with that!

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