F5F Stay Refreshed Hardware Desktop The 16GB RAM benchmark is still relevant, though its importance may shift as technology advances.

The 16GB RAM benchmark is still relevant, though its importance may shift as technology advances.

The 16GB RAM benchmark is still relevant, though its importance may shift as technology advances.

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BananaFacts
Junior Member
3
07-02-2021, 04:44 PM
#1
Since joining the PC enthusiast group, most agreed 16GB is perfect for gaming systems. 8GB feels too small and 32GB seems excessive. I’ve had 32GB for years but recently received a temporary 16GB unit through an RMA with G.Skill. It’s surprising how quickly 16GB can fill up—just a few browser tabs, video playback, and a game on the main screen already use 80-90% of my memory. This makes it easy to foresee issues with upcoming releases. Before giving away my 32GB, I thought a single 8GB stick would suffice as a short-term fix. Considering how affordable RAM has dropped (under $100 for a 32GB DDR5 kit), would you still suggest sticking with 16GB for a mid-range gaming PC?
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BananaFacts
07-02-2021, 04:44 PM #1

Since joining the PC enthusiast group, most agreed 16GB is perfect for gaming systems. 8GB feels too small and 32GB seems excessive. I’ve had 32GB for years but recently received a temporary 16GB unit through an RMA with G.Skill. It’s surprising how quickly 16GB can fill up—just a few browser tabs, video playback, and a game on the main screen already use 80-90% of my memory. This makes it easy to foresee issues with upcoming releases. Before giving away my 32GB, I thought a single 8GB stick would suffice as a short-term fix. Considering how affordable RAM has dropped (under $100 for a 32GB DDR5 kit), would you still suggest sticking with 16GB for a mid-range gaming PC?

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banshee45
Senior Member
726
07-04-2021, 05:43 PM
#2
The 16GB spec seems outdated, but it really depends on what you're running. Casual play and even the latest titles usually work fine, but 32GB would be better. Games with many mods tend to need more than 16GB, probably around that level.
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banshee45
07-04-2021, 05:43 PM #2

The 16GB spec seems outdated, but it really depends on what you're running. Casual play and even the latest titles usually work fine, but 32GB would be better. Games with many mods tend to need more than 16GB, probably around that level.

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alerabbit
Posting Freak
840
07-04-2021, 06:43 PM
#3
Many folks are taken aback, yet the logic is clear—when games were built for modern consoles, PC specs naturally increased. Consoles excel at loading data faster into RAM compared to PCs, enabling richer assets despite lower memory counts. Take Spiderman 2: its seamless travel and rapid camera movement highlight this capability. Upgrading to a 7800X3D with 64GB RAM also paid off, as extra memory keeps more game data in cache. Personally, I’d say 32GB is now the baseline.
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alerabbit
07-04-2021, 06:43 PM #3

Many folks are taken aback, yet the logic is clear—when games were built for modern consoles, PC specs naturally increased. Consoles excel at loading data faster into RAM compared to PCs, enabling richer assets despite lower memory counts. Take Spiderman 2: its seamless travel and rapid camera movement highlight this capability. Upgrading to a 7800X3D with 64GB RAM also paid off, as extra memory keeps more game data in cache. Personally, I’d say 32GB is now the baseline.

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Toxic_Ninja_11
Member
67
07-25-2021, 11:08 PM
#4
Only DDR4 fits the picture since those are readily available for a low price. This also allows you to assemble a 5600 + 6600xt/6650 xt system for around $650. The issue with DDR5 is it's not widely used there, so the cheapest options under 5600mt/s are only about $10 less than a 32GB Kingston kit. For DDR5-5600 CL36, you can find a 16GB kit for $600 or less. However, there isn't a 6000cl30 kit for 32GB in that category.
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Toxic_Ninja_11
07-25-2021, 11:08 PM #4

Only DDR4 fits the picture since those are readily available for a low price. This also allows you to assemble a 5600 + 6600xt/6650 xt system for around $650. The issue with DDR5 is it's not widely used there, so the cheapest options under 5600mt/s are only about $10 less than a 32GB Kingston kit. For DDR5-5600 CL36, you can find a 16GB kit for $600 or less. However, there isn't a 6000cl30 kit for 32GB in that category.

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jorgen9
Member
65
07-27-2021, 04:43 PM
#5
Mid range refers to a balance between performance and cost. The definition can shift based on the platform being used. For those focused on speed, DDR5 offers at least 32GB (two 16GB modules) because smaller modules aren't ideal. With DDR4, I'm more flexible, as 16GB (two 8GB modules) works well for budget builds or older systems. The situation is still evolving, and what was sufficient a few years ago isn't the same now. Generally, 16GB seems adequate for most users today, though 32GB is recommended for higher-end gaming.
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jorgen9
07-27-2021, 04:43 PM #5

Mid range refers to a balance between performance and cost. The definition can shift based on the platform being used. For those focused on speed, DDR5 offers at least 32GB (two 16GB modules) because smaller modules aren't ideal. With DDR4, I'm more flexible, as 16GB (two 8GB modules) works well for budget builds or older systems. The situation is still evolving, and what was sufficient a few years ago isn't the same now. Generally, 16GB seems adequate for most users today, though 32GB is recommended for higher-end gaming.

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Atlas_343
Member
103
07-27-2021, 10:29 PM
#6
I’ve been away from the scene for more than two years since I last assembled my PC or performed a major upgrade. The arrival of DDR5 has brought significant changes, making it challenging to stay relevant when planning future platform transitions.
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Atlas_343
07-27-2021, 10:29 PM #6

I’ve been away from the scene for more than two years since I last assembled my PC or performed a major upgrade. The arrival of DDR5 has brought significant changes, making it challenging to stay relevant when planning future platform transitions.

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Sertero28
Senior Member
589
07-29-2021, 05:46 AM
#7
For DDR5 there isn't a significant benefit with 16GB. The issue becomes irrelevant. Windows will also try to utilize more RAM to cut down on SSD usage. Nobody has ever wanted less memory in a computer. This doesn't replace the need for upgrades.
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Sertero28
07-29-2021, 05:46 AM #7

For DDR5 there isn't a significant benefit with 16GB. The issue becomes irrelevant. Windows will also try to utilize more RAM to cut down on SSD usage. Nobody has ever wanted less memory in a computer. This doesn't replace the need for upgrades.

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ktommer
Junior Member
6
07-29-2021, 06:58 AM
#8
The 16GB configuration is clearly outdated. Here’s a concise summary of the updated selections:

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 7600 3.8 GHz 6-core ($199 at B&H)
CPU Cooler: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE 66.17 CFM ($33.90 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock B650M-HDV/M.2 Micro ATX AM5 ($139.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Silicon Power Value Gaming 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL30 ($94.97 @ Amazon)
Storage: Leven JPN600 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 3.0 X4 NVME ($89.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: XFX Speedster MERC 310 Black Edition Radeon RX 7900 XT 20 GB ($779.99 @ B&H)
Case: Lian Li LANCOOL 216 ATX Mid Tower ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Cooler Master MWE Gold 850 - V2 850 W 80+ Gold Certified ($95.99 @ Amazon)

Overall cost: $1533.82 (prices include shipping, taxes, and any available discounts).
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ktommer
07-29-2021, 06:58 AM #8

The 16GB configuration is clearly outdated. Here’s a concise summary of the updated selections:

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 7600 3.8 GHz 6-core ($199 at B&H)
CPU Cooler: Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE 66.17 CFM ($33.90 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock B650M-HDV/M.2 Micro ATX AM5 ($139.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Silicon Power Value Gaming 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6000 CL30 ($94.97 @ Amazon)
Storage: Leven JPN600 2 TB M.2-2280 PCIe 3.0 X4 NVME ($89.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: XFX Speedster MERC 310 Black Edition Radeon RX 7900 XT 20 GB ($779.99 @ B&H)
Case: Lian Li LANCOOL 216 ATX Mid Tower ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Cooler Master MWE Gold 850 - V2 850 W 80+ Gold Certified ($95.99 @ Amazon)

Overall cost: $1533.82 (prices include shipping, taxes, and any available discounts).

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alevy3131
Member
156
07-29-2021, 09:39 AM
#9
These 8GB DDR5 DIMMs in 2x8GB configurations are not recommended—they’re likely underperforming and probably shouldn’t be used at all. Aim for at least 32GB minimum.
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alevy3131
07-29-2021, 09:39 AM #9

These 8GB DDR5 DIMMs in 2x8GB configurations are not recommended—they’re likely underperforming and probably shouldn’t be used at all. Aim for at least 32GB minimum.

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leFrezzy
Junior Member
3
07-31-2021, 09:49 AM
#10
It largely depends on your location. If you're gaming and reside in the West, 32GB might be the minimum suggested. For those in a developing region, gaming, entertainment, and everyday apps will still function on slower hardware with limited memory.
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leFrezzy
07-31-2021, 09:49 AM #10

It largely depends on your location. If you're gaming and reside in the West, 32GB might be the minimum suggested. For those in a developing region, gaming, entertainment, and everyday apps will still function on slower hardware with limited memory.

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