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Does RAM affect gaming?

A

Amnesiac1

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Oct 11, 2010
412
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Will a 4GB iMac that is top-of-the-line in every other regard (i.e., best processor available, SSD + 2TB, best graphics card, etc. -- essentially, all the best BTO options utilized except for the RAM options) still run a game as well as the same machine with more RAM?
 
I think that depends on what the game's RAM requirements are.

Let's say the game requires 2GB of RAM to function optimally. If you have more than 2GB free, the game should run just as well as it would on the same machine with more RAM (that also has more than 2GB free).
 
Amnesiac1 said:
Will a 4GB iMac that is top-of-the-line in every other regard (i.e., best processor available, SSD + 2TB, best graphics card, etc. -- essentially, all the best BTO options utilized except for the RAM options) still run a game as well as the same machine with more RAM?
Click to expand...

It always depends on the memory footprint of the game you are playing, and how much memory your system requires at the same time for other tasks. Generally the more memory, the better the performance. Each game as different requirements for RAM, as well as other hardware specifications.
 
is the game 32 bit? if so, it can't use more than 2GB of RAM regardless. 32 bit limit is 4GB, 2GB for the OS and 2GB for apps.
 
If you run other programs plus a game at the same time, then you should consider more. Since 8gb is around 90 bucks, it won't cost much anyways.
 
But if I close all programs before playing a game, will 4GB suffice in most cases?
 
Does anyone have a link to a video of someone installing 8GB of RAM on top of the 4GB that came with their iMac?
 
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