How Much VRAM Do You Really Need for Modern Gaming?

When shopping for a new graphics card, one of the most crucial factors to consider is VRAM (Video Random Access Memory). This often-overlooked component can significantly impact your gaming experience. Whether you’re eyeing an upgrade or debating between options, understanding VRAM’s role can help you make a more informed choice. In this article, we’ll dive into how much VRAM you need for various gaming scenarios and why it matters.

Key Takeaways

• 16 GB VRAM is ideal for high-end gaming at 1440p or 4K, especially with features like ray tracing enabled.
• 12 GB VRAM is usually sufficient for high settings at 1440p and some 4K gaming.
• 8 GB VRAM is becoming the minimum for gaming, especially at 1080p with medium to high settings.

Why VRAM Matters

VRAM is the memory used by your graphics card to store textures, models, and other visual data. The more VRAM you have, the more data your card can handle, which often translates to better performance, especially in visually demanding games.

What Happens When You Run Out of VRAM?

Running out of VRAM can lead to several issues:

• Performance Drops: Games may experience significant drops in frame rates.
• Stuttering: You might notice inconsistent frame times, leading to a choppy experience.
• Missing Textures: Textures may not load properly, resulting in blurry or missing details.

To help you understand VRAM needs better, let’s look at some popular games and their VRAM requirements.

How Much VRAM Do Different Games Need?

1. Horizon Forbidden West

For this visually stunning game, the difference between 8 GB and 16 GB VRAM is striking:

• 1440p, Very High Settings: The 16 GB version performs up to 40% better and provides a smoother experience compared to the 8 GB version.
• DLSS Upscaling: With 16 GB VRAM, you’ll see about 50% better performance, reaching an average of 73 FPS compared to 49 FPS with 8 GB.

Recommendation: At 1440p with high settings, 8 GB is acceptable. For very high settings or 4K gaming, aim for at least 16 GB.

2. Cyberpunk 2077

This game is notorious for its high VRAM demands, particularly with ray tracing:

• 1080p, Ultra Settings: 8 GB is usually enough, but enabling ray tracing pushes usage to 11 GB.
• 1440p, Ultra Settings with Ray Tracing: Requires about 12 GB.

Recommendation: 12 GB is ideal for high settings at 1440p with ray tracing enabled. For 4K gaming with the highest settings, 16 GB is recommended.

3. Forza Motorsport

• 1080p, Ultra Settings: 10.3 GB of VRAM is used, making 8 GB insufficient if you want the highest settings.
• 1440p: Up to 11 GB required.

Recommendation: 12 GB VRAM should be sufficient for high settings at 1440p, and 16 GB is recommended for 4K with ray tracing.

4. The Last of Us Part 1

This game needs more VRAM than many realize:

• 1080p, Ultra Settings: Requires more than 8 GB of VRAM.
• 1440p: 12 GB is generally enough.

Recommendation: At 1440p with high settings, 12 GB should be sufficient. For 4K gaming, 16 GB is preferable.

5. Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora

• 1080p, Ultra Settings: Uses 10.7 GB of VRAM.
• 1440p: Up to 12.6 GB.

Recommendation: For smooth performance at 1440p, 16 GB is ideal. 8 GB can handle lower settings but will experience frame time issues.

6. Hogwarts Legacy

• 1080p, High Settings: 8 GB VRAM is usually enough.
• 1440p and Ultra Settings: Issues with missing textures and stuttering may occur with 8 GB.

Recommendation: For high settings at 1080p, 8 GB works. For 1440p and especially 4K, aim for 12 GB or more.

7. Starfield

• 1080p and 1440p: 8 GB VRAM is generally adequate.
• 4K: Might require 12 GB for ultra settings.

Recommendation: 8 GB is enough for 1080p and 1440p, but 12 GB is preferable for 4K.

8. Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2

• 1080p, High Settings: More than 8 GB VRAM is needed.
• 1440p: 12 GB is recommended.

Recommendation: 12 GB for 1440p with high settings, and potentially 16 GB for 4K.

9. Ghost of Tsushima

• 1080p to 4K: Performs well with 8 GB, even at very high settings.

Recommendation: 8 GB should suffice for 1080p and 1440p. For 4K with additional features, consider 12 GB.

10. Alan Wake 2

• 1080p, Medium and High Settings: 8 GB can work but struggles with ray tracing.
• 1440p and 4K: 12 GB is required for optimal performance and ray tracing.

Recommendation: At 1440p, 12 GB VRAM is recommended. For 4K, 16 GB is better for high settings and ray tracing.

Final Thoughts

As games continue to evolve, their VRAM requirements are increasing. While 8 GB of VRAM might be sufficient for current mid-range gaming, the future of gaming demands more. Investing in a graphics card with at least 12 GB VRAM is a wise choice for most gamers, while 16 GB is ideal for the best performance and future-proofing, especially if you’re into high-resolution and ray tracing.

Make sure to evaluate your gaming habits and the types of games you play when deciding on the amount of VRAM. Whether you’re gaming at 1080p or pushing the limits at 4K, choosing the right amount of VRAM will ensure a smoother and more enjoyable gaming experience.