16 GB is the 2026 baseline
Most recent AAA titles recommend 16 GB. With 8 GB the system pages to disk and stutters even with a strong GPU.
RAM is not always in our automatic verdict, but Steam lists it — here is how to read it.
When 32 GB
Heavy mods (Minecraft, Skyrim), city builders, Baldur's Gate 3 Act 3 or streaming while gaming benefit from 32 GB. It does not replace a weak GPU.
Speed and dual channel
Two modules in dual channel beat one stick. DDR4-3200 or DDR5 depending on platform; check your board QVL when buying a new kit.