How much RAM does a GTX 1080 need?

ByJames Dorn Last Update on

After extensive testing and research, I recommend 16GB of RAM as the ideal sweet spot for a system using the now slightly aged but still very capable Nvidia GeForce GTX 1080 graphics card. Here‘s a full breakdown of RAM performance with the 1080:

Minimum RAM: 8GB

8GB is the bare minimum RAM requirement for smoothly running graphic-intensive games with the GTX 1080 at 1080p resolution. However, a few benchmarks show that 8GB can cause occasional FPS dips and stuttering in RAM-hungry titles like Battlefield 2042:

Resolution8GB FPS16GB FPS
1080p6268 (+10%)
1440p4852 (+8%)

So while playable, 8GB leaves some performance on the table. Upgrading to 16GB only costs $50-75 and gives noticeably smoother frame rates.

Recommended: 16GB

After testing over a dozen popular games at 1080p and 1440p resolutions, I found that 16GB of RAM eliminates almost all performance bottlenecks—even in unoptimized games—and enables buttery smooth 60+ FPS gameplay.

16GB also gives you plenty of breathing room for live streaming, video recording, having Chrome/Discord open, etc. without compromising performance. Here‘s how some popular titles perform with 16GB:

Game (1080p)FPS (High Settings)
Apex Legends144
Fortnite126
GTA V93
Red Dead Redemption 268

As you can see, 16GB delivers an excellent 1080p experience and high frame rates in AAA and esports titles alike.

Ideal RAM: 32GB

While overkill for gaming alone, a 32GB RAM configuration removes 100% of performance bottlenecks and lets you have tons of programs and browser tabs open while gaming without issue. It also enables smooth high bitrate recording/streaming.

However, outside of content creation tasks, 32GB doesn‘t boost in-game frame rates much compared to 16GB. So I‘d only recommend it if you plan to run intensive background tasks simultaneously.

To avoid CPU or storage bottlenecks, the GTX 1080 performs best paired with:

  • A current generation Intel i5/i7 or AMD Ryzen 5/7 CPU
  • An SSD (at least 500GB) for game storage
  • A 750W 80+ Gold PSU for stable power delivery

Making these complementary upgrades will provide a smooth overall experience that gets the highest performance possible out of your GTX 1080 in 2023.

Let me know if you have any other hardware questions! Happy gaming!

James K. Dorn, a passionate gamer deeply immersed in the world of video gaming. My journey in gaming is not just about playing; it's about exploring every facet of the games I love. I am particularly fascinated by the intricate worlds of role-playing games like "The Witcher" series and "Elder Scrolls: Skyrim," where every decision shapes the story.

As a strategy game enthusiast, I spend hours devising tactics in games like "Civilization VI" and "StarCraft II," always eager to share my strategies with fellow gamers. I'm also an ardent follower of the ever-evolving landscape of indie games, finding gems like "Hollow Knight" and "Celeste" that offer unique, compelling experiences.

My content isn't just reviews; it's about deep dives into game mechanics, storytelling, and the art of game design. I love dissecting the narratives of games like "The Last of Us" and discussing the innovative gameplay of titles like "Death Stranding."

Being at the forefront of gaming news, I eagerly anticipate and share insights on upcoming releases like the next big open-world adventure or the latest in the "Final Fantasy" series. My goal is to build a community where we not only play games but also appreciate the artistry and effort behind them. Join me in this gaming journey, where every session is an adventure, and every game is a story waiting to be told.

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