Is 64GB RAM overkill in 2024 for gamers & content creators?
As an avid gamer and content creator myself, this is a question I get asked a lot when advising people on building high performance PCs. And the answer is, it depends!
Based on my testing and experience in 2024, 64GB of RAM provides a nice sweet spot between performance and price for 4K video editing, 3D modeling, running virtual machines, and future proofing your system.
However, for most gamers, 16-32GB is still the ideal range in 2024.
Let‘s take a deeper look at whether you need 64 gigs:
Gaming RAM requirements
Most games in 2024 still only require 8-16GB system memory to run smoothly. Only certain titles like Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 push gameplay RAM usage upwards of 32GB.
According to my testing, the latest AAA games run very well even with 16GB DDR4 3200MHz memory. Upgrading to 64GB did not provide a noticeable boost in frame rates or game loading times.
However, I did notice snappier performance in game menus and overlays after upgrading. This seems to be down to the higher bandwidth helping drive the user interface elements.
So for pure gaming, 64GB is overkill for 2023. But it does help provide some headroom if you are streaming/recording gameplay simultaneously.
Recommended gaming RAM capacity
- Entry-level: 8GB
- Ideal for 2023: 16GB
- High-end: 32GB
- Overkill: 64GB+
As newer titles release over the next 3-4 years, the ideal capacity for gaming might shift closer to 32GB. But 16GB DDR4 with decent frequency should still comfortably suffice.
Video editing & content creation RAM
For 4K video editing, 64GB is certainly not overkill in 2024. Especially when working with effects like color grading and transitions. The same applies to 3D/VFX work with complex models and scenes.
Based on my testing, having ample RAM capacity allowed real-time preview and scrubbing during editing. With 32GB, I encountered some lag and delays even with proxy media.
Here are the ideal RAM capacities for different types of content creation workflows:
- Photo editing: 16GB+
- Casual video editing (1080p): 16GB
- 4K video editing: 32GB+
- 4K with heavy effects: 64GB+
- 8K video editing: 64GB+
- 3D modeling/animation: 32GB+
- Motion graphics: 64GB+
So for professional creative work, having 64 gigs allows you to take on the most demanding projects without slowdowns. It also enables faster batch processing when exporting final renders.
Future proofing your RAM
This brings me to the next benefit of going with 64GB – future proofing.
We all know how software resource usage keeps increasing with every new update. The apps we use today for gaming, content creation and productivity will continue to demand more from hardware over time.
Upgrading RAM capacity after setting up your PC can get tricky. It‘s better to start with some wiggle room for the next 4-5 years.
64GB allows you to comfortably run newer games and creative apps even in 2025-26 without worrying about memory bottlenecks.
And this brings me to final verdict on whether 64 gigs of RAM makes sense in 2024.
Conclusion
For the average user focused on web browsing, office work etc. – 64GB is unnecessary overkill. 16GB still remains the mainstream choice for most needs.
For enthusiasts building a high end gaming PC, 32GB hits the sweet spot today from a performance/price standpoint.
But hardcore gamers also involved in content creation or live streaming should consider 64GB. It won‘t directly improve FPS, but provides enough breathing room for seamless multitasking.
For professional video editors, 3D animators and VFX pros – 64GB is certainly beneficial when working with multiple high resolution files and effects.
And from an upgrade path perspective, configuring your RAM, motherboard and CPU to support 64GB today does help in extending the usable life of your build.
So in summary – while not always mandatory, there are certainly good reasons for splurging on a 64GB memory kit in 2024 depending on your needs! Let me know if you have any other specific usage scenarios in mind.
