Increasing the amount of RAM in your Gaming PC is one of the simplest (and in many cases most cost-efficient) upgrades available. Adding more RAM can help improve overall performance, especially for multi-tasking or data intensive workloads. This guide will help with picking out upgrades as well as determining how much RAM you actually need.
What is RAM?
RAM is short for Random Access Memory and in this context refers to Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) modules which are installed in your PC. Most desktop computers will use Dual In-Line Memory Modules (DIMMs) which tend to come in kits of 1, 2, or 4 modules. Most NZXT Gaming PCs will ship with either one or two 2-module kits or a single 4-module kit.
Whenever a program is loaded by your PC, data from the application is loaded into the RAM for quick and easy execution and modification. It may help to think of your computer as someone working at a desk.
- The CPU plays the role of the worker, ready to access data and work (run programs).
- The data and programs are your tools and materials at the desk, such as papers, pens, etc. To use these we are going to need some space to work and eventually space to put them away.
- Storage (SSDs, HDDs, Network Storage, etc.) are the drawers and filing cabinets near the desk, storing large amounts of data and programs until they need to be used.
Finally we get to the role of the RAM, which is the top of the worker's desk or table, it has less capacity than the storage but everything can be readily accessed and worked on.
For more information, check out the guide linked below:
The main reason you'll upgrade your RAM is to improve your ability to run larger programs or multiple programs at once (also known as multi-tasking). One common case for this is people who game and stream at the same time and may want to have additional RAM to cover the overhead of running the game, the streaming software, and some browser windows to monitor their community all at the same time.
| NZXT Gaming PC Warranty & Upgrading |
| All NZXT Gaming PCs ship with a 2-year Limited Warranty from the date of purchase. This warranty does not cover issues caused by upgrading, adding, or changing components in your PC. It is recommended to not change any components in your PC until after the warranty period has ended. |
How do I pick out a RAM upgrade?
When picking out a RAM upgrade, there are a few questions that you can ask to find the right parts for your needs.
- How much RAM do I need?
- Do I want to replace my current RAM, or add more?
- Do I have any open slots available?
- How important is stability vs. capacity?
- What RAM is supported by the motherboard manufacturer?
The first question is going to be the most important for many people, which is best covered under our guide linked below:
How much RAM do I need?
For a quick reference, 16GB is the general recommendation for light use and entry-level gaming (1080p @ Medium-high settings), 32GB is more ideal for multi-tasking, content creation, and higher resolution gaming, and 64GB is useful for high level multi-tasking as well as professional work such as Computer Aided Design (CAD), 3D Modelling, professional video editing, data analytics, and AI development. 64GB and higher is generally not necessary for most Gaming-oriented PCs.
Why should I replace my RAM instead of adding more?
A big question that will come up for some people is why someone would replace a smaller RAM kit (i.e. a 2x16GB kit) with a larger capacity (i.e. 2x32GB) rather than simply add another kit of the smaller RAM. There are a few reasons for this choice, but most come down to stability.
Above: our desk example has gone from single-channel (one module) to dual-channel (two modules).
For most Gaming PCs, RAM will come in match pairs and operate in dual-channel mode where the two modules work together as a single pool of memory normalized speed and latency to the CPU. This allows the CPU to address both modules at once an effectively double the amount of transfers it can do at once.
Above: our desk example has gone from one dual-channel configuration to include a second match pair.
When you add a second set of memory you do double the capacity, but this also means the CPU must work harder to reach all of the data available. More work means more chance for errors and therefore can have a negative impact on stability.
Above: our original dual-channel configuration with larger modules, resulting in twice the capacity with less work.
By instead simply increasing the size of the desk (RAM), the CPU gains access to more capacity but with less increase to the amount of work necessary to access data which in turn means less impact on stability.
If you do choose to use multiple dual-channel sets, it is recommended to use a kit designed for this such as a 4-module kit.
| 4-module Kits & Quad-channel Memory |
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Some memory manufacturers will sell memory in 4-module Kits. These can be use in dual-channel configurations and may offer greater stability than purchasing two separate 2-module, but are primarily used for systems that support quad-Channel configurations.
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What RAM is officially supported by my motherboard?
Not all RAM is manufactured equal, even within the same manufacturer and model family. Various factors such as the DRAM modules, power delivery circuity, or even the physical layout of the printed circuit board (PCB) used for the DIMM can introduce their own quirks to the system. Because of this, many motherboard manufacturers will test out different RAM kits and publish a Qualified Vendors List (QVL).
QVLs are a valuable guideline for picking out compatible memory for your PC, however it is not a definitive lit of every module that is compatible with a given motherboard. Because of this, it's also recommended to check other user builds using sites like PCPartPicker to see what other builds have used with your particular board.
| My memory is on the QVL, but it's still not stable! |
| In some rare circumstances you may come across a kit of RAM that is listed on a QVL and should be compatible on paper, but still runs into issues for your particular install. This can be due to a number of factors such as the memory controller on the CPU, manufacturing tolerances with the motherboard and RAM, or even a running change/revision of the RAM modules that does not match the original kit tested for the QVL. Just like with off-list memory, your experience may vary with QVL memory. |
What do RAM specs mean?
While looking through RAM upgrades you may see a few specific specs listed that have a minor or major impact on the price. The chart below can help de-mystify some of this information:
| Spec` | Definition |
| Capacity |
The physical amount of RAM that is added to the PC by the module, usually as (capacity x modules) For example, a kit listed as (2x16GB) is a 32GB kit consisting of two 16GB modules. |
| Speed |
The speed at which the memory is validated to be able to transfer data at. This is generally listed as mega-transfers per second (MT/s), however many memory manufacturers will erroneously report this as MHz. Most memory modules will report their highest validated speed, but will run at lower speeds unless configured in the BIOS either manually or by enabling memory speed settings such as Intel® XMP or AMD EXPO™. |
| CAS Latency (CL) |
Column Access Strobe (CAS) Latency is a measure of how many clock cycles the memory controller takes to receive data after sending a request. For this, lower numbers are better but lower CAS latency tends to come at a major price premium. For more information on CAS Latency, check out this article: What is RAM? |
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