One question that comes up when either when choosing a new PC or building your own is how much RAM do I actually need?  This answer has changed over the years based on system requirements for games and applications, but thankfully the answer can be figured out based on what you plan to do with your PC.

As outlined in the chart above, 16 GB is a good starting point for most PCs, especially for light use or 1080p Gaming @ 120 FPS.

If you're getting into content creation, want to pursue more intensive game settings (i.e. 1440p or super-high framerates), or are looking to do heavier multi-tasking such as gaming and streaming from the same PC then making the leap to 32 GB is recommended.

Finally, if your plan is to handle more intensive or professional workloads (8K+ video rendering, 3D modelling, Computer Aided Design (CAD), Data Analytics, or AI development then 64 GB is going to be a a strong recommendation.

64 GB and higher is generally not necessary for PCs focused on gaming.  By focusing on how much memory you need instead of chasing a bigger number, you can allocate the money that would have gone to excessive memory to more impactful parts such as a better graphics card or processor.

While these baseline recommendations are helpful, it is always best practice to also check the Recommended System Requirements for any programs or game you are looking to use.

Can I add more RAM to my NZXT Gaming PC?

All NZXT Gaming PCs are built using standard, off-the-shelf components.  This makes them easy to upgrade with the same parts you would buy as if you were building your own custom PC.  It is worth noting however that we do not recommend changing your RAM during the system's warranty period.

If you are looking to expand the amount of RAM in your PC, we recommend one of two routes:

• Replace the RAM in your system with a compatible kit of higher capacity.
  • For systems in warranty, please retain the original memory modules for troubleshooting and warranty purposes.
• Expand the RAM by adding a second kit of the same make and model to match specifications.
  • While it is possible to mix RAM kits, tolerances in manufacturing and specifications may result in reduced stability while mixing RAM kits.

For the best stability results, it's generally recommended to use a 2-module set rather than use 4 modules as additional RAM modules can result in reduced overall stability.  For example, if your system shipped with a 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) kit we would recommend switching to a 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) kit rather than adding an additional 2 x 8 GB kit.

Why use two higher capacity sticks instead of adding two more lower capacity sticks?

While it is possible to add two more modules of the same model and spec as the pre-installed kit, doing so comes with the drawback of increasing the work the memory controller must do to address the RAM.  This can result in reduced stability and performance related issues such as preventing the use of higher frequency memory profiles (XMP & EXPO), or lead to crashes such as the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD).

To explain this, think of your CPU as a worker set at a pair of desks.  In a dual-channel configuration, the desks are set at either side and the contents of the desk (data) can be accessed evenly across the desks.

By adding another pair of desks however, the spacing increases and requires additional work to reach the data.  This travel not only means that reaching the data can take longer, but the increased effort to keep up means there's more chances for an accident to occur due to fatigue.

Instead of adding another set of desks, we can instead increase the surface area of our two desks by 200%.  We get the same amount of functional space, but the actual travel distance and effort is greatly reduced.  There is still an increase in effort, however compared to the alternative it is much more effective to go with bigger rather than more.