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- High-speed memory is necessary for games to ensure smooth performance.
- Having more RAM speed reduces latency, reduces stutters, and improves overall framerates.
- DDR5 makes memory bandwidth vital in gaming PCs.
- Open-world and fast-paced games demanding high graphics benefit the most from fast memory speeds.
A little while ago, RAM speeds were often overlooked in gaming setups. Most gamers focused on CPU and GPU strengths. It was believed that the better your CPU and GPU were, the better your system performance would be. However, this was not the case. Modern games have started to demand more and more from a gamer’s setup.
It has become clear by seeing modern titles push hardware to the limits and game engines becoming more complex that the performance impact of high-speed RAM is now vital. People started implementing faster RAMs, which helped them to address issues such as lag and stuttering. This also helped the load times become much faster and helped the overall system responsiveness.
Game Engines Now Demand More
Simple rendering and fixed assets are a thing of the past. Modern game engines, such as Unreal Engine 5 and Unity, now require a lot more to run games smoothly. They stream assets in milliseconds, use real-time lighting, and more.
These advancements in gaming tech require rapid communication between the CPU and memory to ensure that there is no lag and stuttering. In games that demand more and rely heavily on asset streaming, such as open-world RPGs and large-scale shooters, this difference in performance is noticeable in the form of smooth transversals and fewer micro stutters.
The Role of Memory Speeds
One thing that most people assume is that the GPU is the primary driver of frame rates. However, this is not entirely true. The GPU does indeed act as the major unit for smooth frame rate production, but RAM also plays a vital supporting role. The GPU feeds information to the CPU, and if the CPU is held back by slow memory access, it could become a bottleneck.
This bottlenecking becomes noticeable, especially in games that demand high CPU power. Faster RAM allows the CPU to read instructions faster and keep the frame rate at a steady pace. It does so by reducing latency and increasing bandwidth. Benchmarks show that faster RAMs, 6000 MHz or beyond, improve processing speeds by up to 5-15% as opposed to lower-speed memory kits at 2400 MHz.
DDR5 Has Raised The Bar
After DDR5 came into the market, the importance of high-speed RAM has only grown. DDR5 offers higher bandwidth and improved efficiency as opposed to DDR4. This allows the CPU to handle more tasks simultaneously and helps manage faster GPU data streams. For gamers, this means a significant improvement in FPS.
Open-World Games and Streaming Assets
Open-world games benefit significantly from fast RAM. Titles such as Cyberpunk 2077, Starfield, and Elden Ring rely heavily on continuous background loading of textures, AI data, and world geometry. Slow memory can lead to frequent stuttering and glitching as the CPU struggles with the asset-loading demands from the games.
These issues can result in a break in player immersion, turning an otherwise beautifully crafted experience into a frustrating one if the issue is too significant. To deal with this, players should go for RAM that is at least 16 GB.
Competitive Gaming and Balanced Builds
For esports and competitive gamers, every millisecond counts. High-speed RAM may just give them the slight advantage they need to bag themselves a win. Shaving off a few milliseconds may make a real difference in MOBAs or fast-paced shooter gamers. These small shavings may not mean that much on paper, but when you combine the overall effect, they can lead to a significant advantage.
However, just upgrading your RAM won’t magically improve your overall system. A major mistake gamers make while building their setups is that they pair high-end GPUs with low-end RAM. This leads to many issues, such as those mentioned earlier.
Final Thoughts
Gamers have to learn that when you are purchasing high-end CPUs and GPUs, high-speed RAM isn’t an option; it is a necessity. Always get components of the same caliber that go well with one another, as one slow component could hold back others. Remember, if you want a good setup, always be mindful of the compatibility of components with one another.
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[Comparisons Expert]
Shehryar Khan, a seasoned PC hardware expert, brings over three years of extensive experience and a deep passion for the world of technology. With a love for building PCs and a genuine enthusiasm for exploring the latest advancements in components, his expertise shines through his work and dedication towards this field. Currently, Shehryar is rocking a custom loop setup for his built.
Get In Touch: shehryar@tech4gamers.com
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