How much RAM do I need?

Tick what you run at the same time. We add it up, leave headroom and round to a kit you can actually buy.

Gaming Most demanding game you play Memory type your motherboard takes Browser tabs open while you work or play Discord / voice chat / music in the background Streaming or recording (OBS) Photo and video editing 3D, CAD and code Virtual machines or Docker running at once Local AI model (weights + KV context cache in RAM)

You need

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Kits in this size

How we work it out: we add up the memory your game and apps use at the same time (a game's recommended RAM already includes Windows), add 15% for spikes and background tasks, and round up to a standard kit size. Real use varies by system and software; these are estimates, not guaranteed minimums. Kit prices are estimates too: check the store for today's price and stock, and your motherboard's memory support list.

RAM calculator FAQ

Is 16 GB of RAM enough for gaming?

Yes for most games today. Several new releases recommend 16 GB as a minimum, so 32 GB is the safer choice for a new build that also runs Discord, a browser and streaming.

Does more RAM increase FPS?

Only when you were running out. Going from 8 to 16 GB can remove stutter in modern games; going from 32 to 64 GB does nothing for gaming.

One stick or two?

Always two (or four) for dual-channel memory. Two 8 GB sticks are faster than one 16 GB stick, especially with integrated graphics.