Is 32GB of system RAM overkill? (2024)

This isn’t a straightforward question, as it depends on what you’re using your PC for. If all you’re doing is browsing the internet, then 16GB is fine, and any more is probably overkill. It’s when you start doing more demanding tasks that extra memory makes a difference. It’s more granular than just gaming, video editing, or rendering too. What specific games are you playing? What resolution are you targeting? What settings are you using? Are you handling 8K video?

Is 32GB of system RAM overkill? (1)

When it comes to gaming, 16GB has been the optimal amount of RAM to have for a long time. This was because most games not only had this as the capacity for the recommended game settings, but for the optimal performance too. Games rarely demanded anything more.

That’s increasingly not the case however, and a number of AAA titles have recently released that demand 32GB of system RAM for the best settings at 4K. The likes of Hogwarts Legacy, Redfall, Returnal, Diablo IV, and many more won’t offer the best gaming experience with just 16GB of RAM, so it could well be time to upgrade.

For high-end content creation, 16GB hasn’t been optimal for a long time. More memory just makes everything smoother and more responsive, as well as allowing you to handle large data sets that much easier. That’s true whether you’re dealing with high-resolution video, images, models, or textures.

In summary: 16GB is no longer enough if you want the optimal gaming experience, particularly at the highest resolutions and settings. 32GB will quickly become the minimum memory specification you’ll want to upgrade to in 2023 to protect you for the future of gaming and more serious pursuits.

Check out the full range of CORSAIR DDR5 memory for more information.

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Is 32GB of system RAM overkill? (2024)

FAQs

Is 32GB of system RAM overkill? ›

32GB of RAM is considered high and is generally overkill for most users. For most everyday use and basic tasks such as web browsing, email, and basic office work, 8GB of RAM is more than enough. Even for gaming or video editing, 16GB is typically sufficient.

Is 32GB RAM pointless? ›

Are you not limited on RAM? If no, it's entirely pointless. Offhand answer is that 16 GB suffices for most games alone, and 32 GB is more than enough for most games plus multi-tasking.

Does having 32GB of RAM make a difference? ›

More memory just makes everything smoother and more responsive, as well as allowing you to handle large data sets that much easier. That's true whether you're dealing with high-resolution video, images, models, or textures.

Is 32GB of RAM needed or will I be fine with just 16GB? ›

For gaming PCs, 16GB of RAM is the best place to start, but it's so cheap that anyone building a new gaming PC should consider 32GB instead. Although 8GB was enough for many years, new AAA PC games demand at least 16GB and some as much as 32GB — though those are very rare.

Is 32GB RAM too much for gaming? ›

32GB of RAM may sound like a lot, but having a surplus of available capacity can make a huge difference in performance and proves why so many gaming enthusiasts spend more money to add 32GB, 48GB, or even 64GB to their systems. The latest game releases are already starting to recommend a minimum 16GB of RAM.

Is there a point to 32 GB of RAM? ›

You should therefore definitely give your computer 32GB of RAM if you frequently play games with medium to high graphics requirements. This RAM capacity is also recommended if you perform many tasks on your PC at the same time and want your computer to run as smoothly as possible.

Does extra RAM speed up a PC? ›

Whether you decide to upgrade your memory or your storage, you will see a significant increase in your PC's performance. By adding more memory, your slow computer that struggles to perform multiple tasks at once will experience faster recall speeds.

Is 32GB RAM future proof? ›

32GB RAM - Advantages & Disadvantages

Maximum future-proofing: 32GB of RAM is the current maximum amount of RAM most motherboards and Operating systems can handle, meaning you'll be able to run almost all current and future applications without any issues.

Is it better to have 2 32GB or 4 16GB RAM? ›

THE SHORT ANSWER

Modern desktop platforms tend to favor memory configurations with fewer memory modules. When comparing a 2x32GB memory kit and a 4x16GB memory kit, they both offer the same total capacity, however, a 2x32GB memory kit may have options for faster speed ratings than a 4x16GB memory kit.

What are the disadvantages of increasing RAM size? ›

Adding too much RAM will eventually jeopardize the computer's performance, even when you have enough of it. The additional RAM will start applying the law of diminishing returns at a certain point, meaning you won't get much value from it.

What happens when you have 32 GB of RAM? ›

Increased performance: With 32GB of RAM, your device can handle more data and processes at once, resulting in faster performance and less lag. Better multitasking: With more RAM, you can run multiple programs and applications simultaneously without experiencing any slowdown.

When should I use 32GB RAM? ›

32GB of RAM is the amount of memory we recommend for serious gamers, engineers, scientists, and entry-level multimedia users. This level of RAM allows for these memory-hungry programs to run smoothly, even as your computer ages. Therefore, It's not too much, it's just right.

How much RAM do I really need? ›

The amount of RAM memory you need for your computer depends on the type of tasks you plan to perform. For basic everyday use such as web browsing and document creation, 4GB or 8GB is usually sufficient. For more intensive tasks such as gaming or video editing 16GB or even 32GB of RAM is better.

What are the benefits of upgrading RAM from 16GB to 32GB? ›

It will also help in reducing lagging and delivering a smoother gaming experience! Future-Proofing: As game graphics and complexity continue to evolve, having 32GB of RAM ensures your system can handle the demands of future titles without needing another upgrade soon.

What is overkill in PC? ›

when it comes to PC building, but do you know what overkill actually means? To sum it up, overkill basically means that you bought something. you'll never ever need. In other people's eyes, overkill means that the parts they chose were well over. anything needed in today's game.

Is 32GB RAM enough for 4K gaming? ›

32GB ensures that your system can comfortably handle current Games at high resolutions like 1440p and 4K, as well as multitasking and other demanding applications.

Is 64GB RAM overkill for gaming? ›

Future-Proofing

In the case of 64GB DDR4 RAM, the question of whether it is overkill depends on several factors. As of the latest point of view, 64GB DDR4 RAM may be considered overkill for most users, as the majority of applications and games do not require that much memory to run smoothly.

Is 64GB RAM overkill for gaming in 2024? ›

Is 64gb RAM enough for gaming? Absolutely; 8GB is still enough for many games, and 16 covers basically everyone. The only people who realistically need more than 16GB are professional content creators working with huge images and high-resolution video.

Is 32GB RAM enough for gaming without a graphics card? ›

With 32GB of RAM, you should be able to run today's games at the highest resolution with few drops. You should also be able to run other applications in the background, including live streaming, editing software, and your favorite internet browser.

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