No, 32GB of RAM is generally not considered overkill for most users today.
No, 32GB of RAM is generally not considered overkill for most users today.
For gaming purposes I wouldn't consider it a must on DDR4, though some recent titles at higher settings suggest more than 16GB. It might be worth looking into for a new build. On DDR5, it's essential since 8GB modules are likely set to 1Rx16, which isn't ideal. Two 16GB sticks are the first configuration that works well. For non-gaming tasks, you only need it if necessary—otherwise, it's not required.
Similar to earlier shifts in the DDR era—DDR to DDR2, then DDR2 to DDR3, and so on—the current progression hasn't reached that stage yet.
For performance-focused builds, I’d recommend DDR5. If you prefer AMD processors, there’s no alternative. Though Intel still backs DDR4 now, I think it could only matter if you have plenty of old DDR4 modules available. At the moment, I wouldn’t upgrade to a new one.
Thanks to both of you, @porina and @SorryClaire for the valuable input! ^^
Aligns with previous discussions about what qualifies as "enough." Until recently, 16GB was considered sufficient, but expectations are rising as needs grow. Planning ahead is wise—opting for 32GB now helps ensure smooth performance over time, regardless of future software or applications. Keep in mind that each OS update raises the minimum RAM requirement, making older systems like 2GB or even 7GB increasingly challenging to run efficiently. Win 10 on such low specs is nearly unfeasible, while Win XP still functions but at a performance penalty. With the transition to Windows 11 and upcoming Windows 12, it makes sense to consider higher capacities now. If budget allows, 64GB could be a practical long-term investment.
Balanced setup, around 24gb would suit most needs. Some titles require significant memory and video memory. Occasionally the game alone can run on 7-8gb RAM. Closing background apps helps, but keeping tabs open may cause issues if your page file is small (<3gb). I experienced this with Rise of the Tomb Raider—16gb RAM and 3gb page file worked fine with a safe SSD. Windows warned me about insufficient RAM; once I expanded the page file to 8-16gb, performance improved. For single-purpose use, 16gb is acceptable. If multitasking, opt for 32gb. DDR4 RAM is now affordable—go with 32 for better stability. For your situation, 16gb could work, but 32 is safer.