Comparing 8GB and 12GB RAM for a Ryzen 3 3200U laptop APU
Comparing 8GB and 12GB RAM for a Ryzen 3 3200U laptop APU
I compete in esport games, they work well but could use more power. Right now I have 2x4gb (dual channel) at 2400mhz. Thinking about upgrading—swapping one 4gb stick for an 8gb would make a big difference, since with 8gb VRAM is allocated for games and Windows. Any ideas?
Opt for more RAM whenever possible, particularly if you currently have only 8GB.
For a Ryzen processor with built-in graphics, having more RAM is advantageous. A minimum of 12GB is recommended since the integrated GPU on the Ryzen 3 3200u consumes about 2GB, leaving around 10GB available. Increasing beyond this amount doesn’t significantly improve performance but won’t cause issues either.
Upgrade to 12gb if possible. Set VRAM to a lower value, such as 256mb, to save space when the GPU isn't in use. Gaming will dynamically allocate the required VRAM, adjusting based on available memory. For example, with 6gb needed, switching from 8 or 16gb won't noticeably impact performance. If the system requires 10gb, you can still run the PC but the remaining 2gb will be stored on the SSD as a pagefile, causing sluggishness since SSDs are slower than DDR. The same applies to the GPU: if a game demands 4gb VRAM but your GPU only has 2gb, the excess will be written to memory.
It depends on your setup. Swapping to 4GB sticks in dual channel usually works, but you might need a dual-channel configuration. If not, you could buy two identical sticks for full support.
You're welcome to think I have an SSD, but appreciate the details.
My knowledge of desktop Ryzen ensures compatibility even with dual-channel setups. I have three 4GB sticks installed, and it continues to function properly.
Even for AMD? I understand, but I have sufficient space and don’t mind slow loading or startup times.