8GB RAM might be enough for a gaming laptop but the right RAM size will always depend on your specific needs and preferences!
Every gamer seeks the ideal laptop that delivers top-notch speed and performance, and RAM plays a critical role in determining both.
What is RAM?
RAM enables quick access to data from active applications, improving responsiveness and reducing lag. Generally, more RAM means better performance.
A Look at Different RAM Sizes
Many different types of RAM sizes exist. From 8GB RAM to 64GB and higher, you can find a suitable RAM size for your gaming laptop. Below is a brief look at some of these different sizes and what kind of gaming they are suitable for.
8GB RAM: Ideal for basic-level computing and gaming.
16GB RAM: Suitable for intermediate users and mid-level gaming.
32GB and higher RAM: The perfect choice for high-end gaming.
Is 8GB RAM Enough for a Gaming Laptop? / RAM Requirements for Gaming Laptops
If you use your gaming laptop for basic/entry-level gaming or running basic gaming apps, 8GB RAM is suitable. However, if you have demanding gaming needs, want to run the latest AAA titles, and multitask, we recommend a higher alternative for enhanced performance.
The Recommended RAM Size for Smooth Gaming
“How much RAM should I get for gaming?” and “what is the minimum RAM required for gaming?” are frequently asked questions with simple answers.
If you want to play smoothly and run a few apps in the background, 16GB RAM is the recommended minimum. However, for a gamer with more intensive and rigorous needs, 32GB RAM or higher may be beneficial.
Ultimately, whether an 8GB RAM laptop for gaming is a better option or a laptop with 16GB RAM or more will depend on your specific needs, preferences, and use.
Benefits of a Larger RAM Size for Gaming
- It allows you to multitask while playing your desired games.
- With more RAM, you can efficiently run a game server such as Minecraft while playing it on the same PC.
- A larger RAM size, like 32GB RAM, allows your PC to handle large textures and assets more effectively, reducing load times and keeping frame rates steady.
- It enables your system to keep up with texture mods that consume a lot of memory.
- It ensures improved performance in memory-intensive games.
- More RAM (32GB or higher) can reduce stutter when streaming more complex game worlds.
- Higher RAM will allow you to run less optimised games swiftly.
- A greater RAM size will future-proof your system.
5 Things That Affect a Gaming Laptop’s Performance Besides RAM
Alongside the correct RAM size, the following also affect the performance of a gaming laptop:
- Graphics card (GPU)
- Processor (CPU)
- Display
- Storage
- Cooling system
3 Best Gaming Laptops for Budget Gamers in 2024
Acer Aspire 5 5 A515-57G (NX.KNZEK.001)
An excellent gaming laptop for gamers on a budget!
Specifications
- Intel Core i5-1235U 10-Core Processor
- 15.6 in Full HD, 1920 x 1080 Max. Resolution
- 8 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050 Graphics
- Windows 11 Home
- USB 3.2, HDMI, USB-C
- Grey Colour
Features
Gamers unwilling to compromise on gaming laptop specifications and looking to enjoy high-end gaming but are on a restricted budget should explore the Acer Aspire 5 5 A515-57G at Box!
Boasting an Intel Core i5-1235U 10-core processor with a 3.30GHz processor speed, this incredible Acer gaming laptop offers power and speed, smoothly handling entry-level, mid-range, and often advanced games. Additionally, it has an adequately sized 15.6” Full HD display with a 1920 x 1080 max. resolution, providing amazing colours, contrasts, clarity, depth, and sharpness in every game. In addition, it has sufficient 8GB RAM and 512GB SSD and integrates NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2050 graphics, which is enough for running day-to-day and often advanced games optimally. Simultaneously, it features USB 3.2, HDMI, and USB-C ports and weighs only 1.77 kg, allowing gamers to take it on the go and use it easily. At the same time, it has built-in speakers and an integrated webcam that further elevate use.
ASUS TUF Gaming A15 (FA507NU-LP103W)
A budget-friendly 8GB RAM gaming laptop with solid performance!
Specifications
- AMD Ryzen 5 7735HS Hexa-Core Processor
- 15.6 in Full HD IPS Display, 1920 x 1080 Max. Resolution
- 8 GB RAM, 512 GB SSD
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 Graphics
- Windows 11 Home
- HDMI, USB 3.2
- Black Colour
- 1-Year Warranty
Features
The ASUS TUF Gaming A15 is another 8GB RAM gaming laptop that offers solid performance under budget. It is a gamer’s favourite because of its cost-effective price tag, powerful performance, and uninterrupted use.
With an AMD Ryzen 5 7735HS hexa-core, 3.30GHz speed processor, 8GB RAM, and 512GB SSD, the ASUS TUF Gaming A15 ensures efficient and smooth gaming experiences. Additionally, it features a 15.6” Full HD IPS display with a 1920 x 1080 max. resolution, providing clear and sharp image quality, constant gameplay, better viewing angles, vivid colours, and reduced motion blur, significantly boosting gaming experiences. Concurrently, an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 GPU offers ray tracing and DLSS support, remarkable 1080p and 1440p performance, improved power efficiency, and enhanced visuals. It runs on Windows 11 Home, has a 90 Wh battery capacity for long hours of gaming without recharge, and supports HDMI and USB 3.2 ports, Bluetooth 5.3, and wireless LAN. Also on board are built-in speakers, an integrated webcam, and a backlit keyboard.
The ASUS TUF Gaming A15 is reasonably priced and has a 1-year warranty at Box.co.uk.
Acer Nitro 16 AN16-73 (NH.QQSEK.002)
More high-end, more robust!
Specifications
- Intel Core i7-14650HX 16-Core Processor
- 16-in. WUXGA IPS Display, 1920 x 1200 Max. Resolution
- 16 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Graphics
- Windows 11 Home
- USB 3.2, HDMI, USB-C
- Black Colour
- 1-Year Warranty
Features
A 16GB RAM gaming laptop, the Acer Nitro 16 AN16-73 is an impressive choice for gamers looking to enjoy a more power-packed performance while keeping costs low. It incorporates 16GB RAM and a massive 1TB SSD, ensuring seamless speed and storage. Additionally, it has an Intel Core i7- 14650HX 16-core processor with an unbelievable processor speed, providing unbeatable power and speed. With the Acer Nitro 16 AN16-73, you can effortlessly run AAA titles and play demanding games without interruption. Compared to the two laptops above, the Acer Nitro 16 AN16-73 has a larger 16-inch WUXGA IPS display with a 1920 x 1200 max. resolution, offering ample screen real estate vibrancy, detail, sharpness, and accuracy, ensuring focused gaming experiences. In addition, it has a spectacular NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 GPU. Windows 11 Home powers it and supports USB 3.2, HDMI, and USB-C ports, and Bluetooth. Additional features include built-in speakers, an integrated webcam, and a backlit keyboard.
Other popular gaming laptops in 2024 are:
- Lenovo Legion 5 (83DG00DSUK)
- Medion Erazer Major X20 (30035515)
- HP OMEN 16-u1003na (A2DF2EA#ABU)
- Razer Blade 16 (RZ09-0510TWM4-R3W1)
- MSI Titan 18 HX A14VHG-004UK (9S7-182221-004)
Conclusion
A gaming laptop’s RAM plays a critical role in determining its speed and performance. The general rule of thumb with RAM is that the higher, the better! Many different types of RAM sizes exist, such as 8GB RAM, 16GB RAM, 32GB RAM, 64GB RAM, and larger.
Gamers on a budget often wonder if 8GB RAM is enough for a gaming laptop. While 8GB RAM is sufficient for basic, entry-level gaming, RAM sizes greater than 8GB RAM are better for running demanding games and intensive gaming. If you are a gamer who wants a gaming laptop for running the latest AAA titles and for multitasking and gaming at one time, choose a laptop with at least 16GB RAM or higher.
A gaming laptop with more RAM (say 32GB RAM or higher) offers many benefits. It allows you to multitask while gaming and run a game server and play it on the same PC. At the same time, it efficiently handles large textures and assets and enables your laptop to keep up with texture mods that take up a lot of space. Additionally, 32GB RAM or larger ensures improved performance, the optimal running of less optimised games, and futureproofing.
Besides RAM, a gaming laptop’s GPU, processor, display, storage, and cooling system also play a fundamental role in determining its overall performance.
If you are a gamer looking for the best gaming laptops under budget, our top picks for 2024 at Box are the Acer Aspire 5 5 A515-57G (NX.KNZEK.001), the ASUS TUF Gaming A15 (FA507NU-LP103W), and the Acer Nitro 16 AN16-73 (NH.QQSEK.002). Other top choices, but not necessarily budget ones, are the Lenovo Legion 5 (83DG00DSUK), the Medion Erazer Major X20 (30035515), the HP OMEN 16-u1003na (A2DF2EA#ABU), the Razer Blade 16 (RZ09-0510TWM4-R3W1), and the MSI Titan 18 HX A14VHG-004UK (9S7-182221-004).
Whether looking for a cheap gaming laptop or an advanced and premium one, you can choose from a wide range at Box! Box is an unparalleled online tech store in the UK that offers an extensive range of gaming laptops, including the ones mentioned in this article and others. Our collection includes daily, casual, and business laptops and a comprehensive range of desktops, phones, tablets, monitors, accessories, components (best laptop RAM and more), and other tech. Browse us to find the perfect tech product for your needs!
RAM: Upgrade your laptop’s speed and elevate your game!