A modern game rig should have at least 16GB of RAM for smooth performance.
A modern game rig should have at least 16GB of RAM for smooth performance.
I’d challenge some opinions; I think 8GB works fine. I’ve managed to run Chrome with over ten tabs and play games simultaneously. Still, 16GB would be ideal if you have the budget.
These are mostly older titles or ones that work across systems. GTA V came out in 2013, CSGO in 2012, and BO3 in 2015. About five years ago, with the rise of Ryzen processors, games began using more multicore and RAM than before. Back then, 8 gigabytes was enough for gaming alone. For productivity, Windows plus games typically needed around 6 gigabytes at most. I moved up to 16 gigabytes in 2016 because of work demands, and since then I haven’t needed more.
The GPU's RAM is the VRAM. That's unique. I believe modern GPUs need a minimum of 8 GB of regular RAM, ideally 16 GB spread across two 8 GB sticks using dual-channel configuration.
Echoing the general consensus that 16gb is enough unless you are intending to have a lot of stuff open at the same time. Future proofing, I suppose, would suggest getting 32gb to be on the safe side. But, unless it's a pressing issue just save the money.