If you’ve been gaming for a while, you’ve probably faced random lag, stutter, slow loading screens, or even sudden game crashes. And at some point, someone must have told you: “Bro, upgrade your RAM!”

But does upgrading RAM really increase gaming performance?
Short answer: Yes — but only in specific situations.
Long answer: Let’s break it down clearly so you know exactly whether it will help your setup or not.
What RAM Really Does in Gaming
RAM (Random Access Memory) is your PC’s quick-access workspace.
When you play a game, RAM stores:
- Textures
- Player data
- Map details
- Background processes
- Temporary files your game needs to run smoothly
If RAM fills up, your system uses disk storage (HDD/SSD) as backup memory — and this is extremely slow compared to RAM.
That’s when you feel:
- Sudden fps drops
- Stuttering in open-world games
- 2–3 second freezes during combat
- Slow swapping between apps
So RAM does matter — but it’s not the only thing that boosts FPS.
Will Upgrading RAM Increase Gaming Performance?
✔️ Yes, RAM upgrades can improve gaming performance when:
- You currently have 4GB or 8GB RAM
- You play heavy modern games like GTA V, Cyberpunk, Assassin’s Creed, and Elden Ring
- You multitask: Chrome + Discord + OBS recording + Game
- You use mods (especially in games like Skyrim, Minecraft, and GTA)
- Your system keeps hitting 90–100% RAM usage
In these situations, RAM upgrades can:
- Boost FPS by 10–30% (depending on the game)
- Reduce stutters dramatically
- Make loading screens smoother
- Improve open-world streaming
- Make your PC feel overall lighter and faster
❌ No, RAM upgrades won’t help if:
- Your GPU is too weak
- Your CPU is old and bottlenecking
- You already have 16GB RAM and don’t multitask much
- You expect RAM to magically fix low FPS
- You’re on a laptop with integrated graphics (RAM won’t boost GPU power)
Once you cross 16GB, improvements are tiny unless you’re:
- Streaming
- Editing videos
- Running heavy background apps
- Playing highly modded games
That’s why knowing your bottleneck is the key.
Also Read: Which Gaming System Should I Buy? (TheHakeGamer’s Recommendation)
How Much RAM Do You Actually Need for Gaming in 2025?
| RAM Size | Performance Level | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 4GB | Outdated, very poor | Old games only |
| 8GB | Bare minimum | Casual or older titles |
| 16GB | Best for 95% gamers | Modern AAA games |
| 32GB | Heavy multitasking | Streamers, modders |
| 64GB+ | Overkill for gaming | Professional editors |
For most gamers in 2025:
16GB (Dual Channel) is the sweet spot.
RAM Size vs RAM Speed — What Matters More?
RAM has two important factors:
- Capacity (8GB, 16GB, 32GB)
- Speed (3000MHz, 3600MHz, 5200MHz etc.)
Which matters more?
- If your RAM is too low, SIZE matters most.
- If you already have enough RAM, SPEED helps more.
Faster RAM improves:
- FPS in CPU-based games (Valorant, Fortnite, CS2)
- Game loading times
- Smoothness during big fights
You don’t need the fastest RAM — but don’t buy slow ones either.
Single Channel vs Dual Channel RAM
This is one of the most ignored but important factors.
Single Channel
- One RAM stick
- Lower bandwidth
- Lower performance
Dual Channel
- Two RAM sticks working together
- Boosts performance by 10–20% in many games
- Gives smoother gameplay overall
If you’re upgrading, choose:
2 sticks of 8GB (16GB dual channel) instead of
1 stick of 16GB (single channel)
Signs You Should Upgrade RAM
You need a RAM upgrade if:
- Your games crash randomly
- You see “Low Memory” warnings
- Your PC freezes during open-world scenes
- RAM usage stays at 90–100%
- Switching tabs while gaming feels slow
- OBS or Discord lags during gameplay
If at least 3 of these happen, upgrading RAM will help you instantly.
How to Check If RAM Is Your Bottleneck
Here’s how you confirm it yourself:
Method 1: Task Manager
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc
- Go to Performance → Memory
- Start your game
- Alt+Tab and check RAM usage
If it’s above 85–90% → You need more RAM.
Method 2: MSI Afterburner
Monitor RAM, CPU, and GPU usage while playing.
Whichever hits 100% first is the bottleneck.
How to Choose the Right RAM (Easy Buying Guide)
✔️ DDR4 or DDR5?
- Check motherboard compatibility.
- DDR5 is faster and more future-proof but also expensive.
- DDR4 is cheaper and still great for gaming.
✔️ Capacity
- 16GB for gamers
- 32GB for streamers or modders
✔️ Speed
- DDR4: 3000–3600 MHz
- DDR5: 4800–6000 MHz
✔️ Brand
- Don’t mix different RAM brands or speeds.
- Use a matching pair for better stability.
✔️ Laptop RAM
- Check if your laptop has a free slot.
- Many thin laptops have non-upgradeable RAM.
Also Read: When Does Halo Come Out on PS5? Latest Updates and Expected Release
Final Verdict — Will Upgrading RAM Boost Gaming?
Yes, upgrading RAM can increase gaming performance — but only if RAM is the real bottleneck.
If you have:
- 4GB or 8GB → RAM upgrade gives a big boost
- 16GB → you’re already fine
- 32GB+ → only helpful for multitasking
For smoother gameplay:
Get 16GB Dual Channel RAM — it’s the best value upgrade in 2025.
RAM improves:
- Smoothness
- Loading times
- Stuttering
- Multitasking
But it won’t boost FPS if your CPU or GPU is weak.
So always check your bottleneck first.
Jogameplayer – Helping You Optimise Your Gaming Setup
At Jogameplayer, our goal is to help gamers build better setups, choose smarter upgrades, and enjoy lag-free gameplay. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, our guides simplify tech so you make the right decision — every time.
FAQs
Does RAM increase FPS?
Yes, but only if your current RAM is low. Once you hit 16GB, FPS gains are small.
Is 8GB RAM enough for gaming in 2025?
No. Games are becoming heavier. 16GB is the new standard.
Does 32GB RAM improve performance?
Only if you multitask or mod heavy games. For normal gaming, 16GB is enough.
Will RAM improve graphics quality?
No, graphics quality depends on your GPU — not RAM.