What do we recommend if you’re using a gaming PC with 16GB of DDR4 RAM in 2024?
It isn’t as simple as just saying “upgrade to DDR5.” You will need a processor that supports the standard, such as the latest 13th or 14th Gen Intel Core processor or an AMD Ryzen 7000 or 8000 CPU. You’ll also need a motherboard that supports the processor and DDR5 memory. This will probably represent a major upgrade, and while there are advantages to using the latest technology, the timing for such an upgrade can be tricky.
At Computex 2024, AMD revealed that its Ryzen 9000 processors will be launching later this year, which makes considering an upgrade from AM4 to AM5 a tricky proposition until we know more. Admittedly, the X3D variants won’t be launching for a while yet, so the likes of the Ryzen 7 7800X3D still have a place on any prospective upgrade wish list. Still, until the new chips are available, it’s reasonable to wait and see on this front.
Intel is expected to launch its new 15th Gen “Arrow Lake” desktop processors later this year as well, making it just as tough to go all-in on a new 14th Gen Intel Core processor from the blue team. Unlike the current generation, Arrow Lake is supposed to represent a significant shift from the previous generation, including dropping DDR4 support.
There’s always something around the corner to make buying a new PC or upgrading your current one tricky, but given that we’re expecting new chips from both Intel and AMD right now, it’s understandable to want to wait and see what they’re both going to offer before pulling the trigger on a new platform.
Essentially, you’d be forgiven for sticking with your current DDR4 platform even though there’s plenty of evidence that the performance of DDR5 is far superior. If you’ve not been keeping an eye on such things, the same 13900K processor and RTX 4090 graphics card saw up to a 31% improvement by switching from DDR4 to DDR5. That’s massive.
So, what is the best course of action if you’re sitting on 16GB of DDR4 right now?
Upgrading to 32GB of DDR4 would be our recommendation. 32GB of RAM will improve your average frame rates in plenty of games, and you may also see improved fidelity as higher resolution textures can be used where before you’d run out of space. You will tend to see improved minimum frame rates too, which will equate to a smoother overall experience.
By way of example, independent testing by Digital Foundry saw the minimum 1% frame rates in Hogwarts Legacy jump from 40fps using 16GB of DDR4-3600 up to 59fps with 32GB of DDR4-3600. That’s a significant improvement and one that will make for a more immersive experience overall.
When it comes to specific recommendations, the likes of this low-profile 32GB VENGEANCE LPX DDR4-3200 C16 kit make it a winner in all kinds of systems.
Alternatively, if you like RGB LEDs, then this 32GB VENGEANCE RGB PRO DDR4-3200 C16 kit adds a bit of bling to proceedings.
If you’ve got an AM4 platform, then the VENGEANCE RGB RS DDR4-3200 C16 memory kit is worth considering.
These kits won’t just improve things in games either; more serious workloads will benefit from the extra capacity. Multi-tasking will be smoother too, whether that’s running all your office apps at the same time or simply running Discord and having a few browser tabs open while you game.
Whatever your plans for future upgrades, it’s likely game developers will keep embracing larger memory capacities. 32GB is now the recommended memory capacity for PC gamers, and it’s worth getting your machine up to date to make sure you have the best gaming experience.
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