Is Buying More RAM a WASTE for Gamers? (2022)

The video investigates whether upgrading RAM is worthwhile for gamers in 2022, using a controlled test bench with a Core i9 CPU and an RTX 3080 Ti to isolate memory as the main variable. It compares 8 GB and 16 GB configurations across both DDR4 and DDR5, at 1080p and 4K, to determine how memory capacity and memory technology affect gameplay. Early on, the host emphasizes RAM’s role in enabling fast asset access for the CPU and GPU, and explains that swapping to slower storage during gameplay can cause FPS drops and hitching. Across multiple titles, including CS:GO, Far Cry 6, Tiny Tina's Wonderlands, Warhammer 3, and Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, the video shows that dual channel configurations generally outperform single channel setups at 1080p, while 4K performance often shifts toward GPU bottlenecks where memory gains are smaller. The results reveal a nuanced picture: doubling RAM can boost 1% lows and perceived smoothness in several titles, but the benefits are not uniform across games or resolutions, and DDR5 can offer advantages particularly in newer titles designed for faster memory. The host eventually frames a practical takeaway: for many players, the smartest upgrade may be a faster dual channel RAM configuration complemented by CPU and GPU improvements, rather than simply increasing memory capacity, especially if you are not playing the newest triple-A titles. The video closes with recommended product links and a reminder that real-world performance can vary by game and system, so upgrading should be aligned with actual usage and future titles expected to leverage higher memory bandwidth.

Topics · hardware · gaming · pc-performance · technology