Gaming memory, also known as RAM (Random Access Memory), stands as a pivotal factor for gamers striving to elevate their gaming experience to new heights of speed and smoothness. If your laptop exhibits glitches and delayed responsiveness during gaming sessions, it might be worth considering an upgrade in RAM capacity. Every gamer aiming to enhance their gaming journey should install a sufficient amount of memory capable of handling the demands of most modern games. RAM enhances system responsiveness and frame rates, yet it's crucial to note that it's not the sole component influencing overall gaming performance. Other factors, such as the operating system, SSD storage, processor, and graphics card, also play significant roles.
Unraveling the Workings of RAM
RAM serves as a computer's short-term storage, facilitating rapid access to data and acting as a buffer between the processor and the solid-state drive/hard disk. Solid-state and hard drives function as long-term storage, where information is permanently stored. When launching a game on your laptop, all pertinent data needed during gameplay is loaded into RAM. Consistently retrieving information from solid-state drives or hard disks may prove inefficient. Sufficient RAM reduces the number of data fetches from storage, resulting in faster game and application performance.
Determining the Ideal RAM Capacity for Gaming
The required amount of RAM depends on the specific games you wish to play, as RAM requirements vary for different game types and formats. To ensure a comfortable gaming experience for specific games, familiarize yourself with the developers' minimum system requirements.
However, meeting a computer's minimum system requirements doesn't guarantee a seamless gaming experience. Newer games may still experience frame rate delays or overall low performance. Game developers typically provide "recommended requirements" for RAM capacity, with some even specifying "high" or "ultra-high" memory volumes. When choosing RAM capacity, it's advisable to plan for future needs, especially if you anticipate growing RAM requirements in upcoming games.
Lastly, assessing your computer's upgrade capabilities is essential. In most PCs and laptops, RAM is installed in pairs, and their motherboards feature two or four slots. Selecting the optimal set or module kit is crucial for maximizing memory performance.
RAM Priorities for Gaming Laptops
The required RAM volume isn't solely determined by the games you wish to play but also by the number of background applications you have running. Older games may run smoothly with 8 GB of RAM. However, for enthusiasts diving into modern games, a memory upgrade to 16 GB undoubtedly enhances the gaming experience. But what about concurrently running applications like Chrome or Discord in the background? Achieving optimal performance might necessitate 32 GB of RAM. While 32 GB may seem excessive, a large memory capacity significantly boosts PC performance. This underscores why many gamers invest in substantial RAM upgrades, opting for 32, 48, or even 64 GB. Modern games now recommend no less than 16 GB of RAM. Thus, if your computer serves multiple purposes or you wish to future-proof for upcoming releases, 32 GB of RAM emerges as the optimal choice.
Laptop RAM Ratings
Investing in the priciest RAM isn't a must, but approaching the selection process casually is ill-advised. To spare you hours of comparing hundreds of RAM models, we've curated the top 15 modules for 2021. Our selection encompasses DDR3 and DDR4, excluding older generations that have become outdated.
We've categorized them into budget-friendly, mid-range, and top-tier segments, each featuring 5 models. RAM pricing, with rare exceptions, directly correlates with capacity and frequency:
Budget-Friendly Range
- RAM with frequencies up to 2400 MHz and capacities up to 8 GB.
- Available as individual sticks.
Mid-Range Memory
- Moderate frequencies (2600-3600 MHz) with capacities ranging from 8 to 16 GB.
- Includes both individual modules and 2-stick kits.
Top-Tier RAM Modules
- Fast RAM and kits with capacities of 32 GB and beyond.
The presence of heat sinks and RGB lighting minimally impacts RAM cost and is even found in budget modules.
SoDIMM DDR4 4GB 2666 MHz eXceleram (E404269S)
Commencing our top picks is memory that immediately stands out for its frequency. However, the essence lies in the timings: the frequency surpasses 2400 MHz, but the CL19 latency is the highest for 2666 MHz. Despite this, given its affordability, this RAM is an excellent choice for a regular laptop that isn't tasked with demanding operations. Notably, eXceleram provides a remarkable 120-month warranty for their modules, including this one (note that overclocking voids the warranty).
DDR3 4GB 1866 MHz LoFury Black HyperX (Kingston Fury) (HX318LC11FB/4)
For those building a new computer or upgrading a laptop, it's advisable to steer clear of third-generation memory. However, this model suits well for replacing or expanding the RAM on an old PC. Its lower frequency is compensated by low CL11 latency.
DDR4 4GB 2400 MHz eXceleram (E40424A)
Designed for home PCs not demanding high performance, this RAM ensures affordability without sacrificing essential speed and latency. While there are cheaper options, compromising frequency and latency can impact responsiveness. eXceleram's offering, though not the fastest, maintains CL15 latency at 2400 MHz. It's worth noting that 4 GB of RAM is insufficient for modern systems; a minimum of 8 GB is recommended for comfortable usage.
DDR4 8GB 3000 MHz HyperX Predator RGB HyperX (Kingston Fury) (HX430C15PB3A/8)
This RAM can be purchased without reservations. It offers decent speed and adequate capacity for modern computers, suitable for both work and gaming. Additionally, it features RGB lighting, contributing to system customization.
SoDIMM DDR4 8GB 3000 MHz NOX Series Apacer (EV.08G2Z.GGE)
Apacer, a leader in the RAM market, presents the NOX series optimized for gaming tasks. While its timings are higher than the average DDR4, it aligns with standard laptop specifications. High frequency in laptops leads to increased heat, challenging to dissipate without additional cooling.
DDR4 16GB 3866 MHz Black Kudos PRO eXceleram (EKPRO4163818C)
An evolution of the Red Kudos memory, this model utilizes superior chips to operate at a higher frequency. Though it lags behind in radiator quality compared to Patriot and Corsair counterparts, for this frequency, cooling is less critical.
DDR4 16GB 3600 MHz Ballistix White RGB Micron (BL16G36C16U4WL)
Crucial Ballistix https://www.newegg.com/ballistix-16gb-288-pin-ddr4-sdram/p/N82E16820164216, from Micron, boasts high-quality chips, ensuring superior performance. Apart from technical prowess, its white radiators and RGB lighting contribute to an aesthetically pleasing system. While the price for 3600 MHz RAM is average, it delivers excellent value.
How Much RAM Do You Need for Gaming?