To know if increasing the RAM memory helps with smoother streaming of the videos, we need to decode the connection between RAM and video streaming. RAM is a temporary system memory that handles the data or information. And streaming refers to any video content whether it’s live or recorded shared to a computer or mobile via the internet and then played back. Youtube is known to be the first streaming service since 2005.
Since streaming requires you to run multiple processes at a time which demands more amount of RAM. So, having enough amount of RAM in your system ensures smooth streaming of media on your device. This, however, doesn’t claim that adding more and more RAM will help you with streaming as you need sufficient RAM, not an overkill.
Streaming puts an extra load on your system while you are gaming. It will consume a good amount of RAM along with the CPU and GPU power. So, taking as much juice as possible from these components is always a good thing.
So how much RAM is sufficient for streaming? Let’s discuss these queries in detail below:
How Much RAM Is Good For Streaming PC?
When building a streaming PC, RAM is a component that requires your attention as streaming has multiple subjects involved. The amount of RAM your streaming PC will consume is totally subjective to the softwares and games you are playing.
Before you start streaming a game or a video, visit the website of the application and search for minimum requirements. This would give you a general idea of how much ram you would require. You should have some extra space than mentioned on the requirements page. Also, you can always optimize your videos or gameplays to reduce the load on RAM for smoother functioning.
As per my experiences, games like Fortnite and CS: GO can be streamed smoothly with 16Gb of RAM. If you wish to play games like GTA-V, Red Dead Redemption 2, Cyberpunk 2077, etc and perform other tasks at the same time, then going for 16GB to 32GB RAM would be on the safer side.
Opening Twitch, web browsers, or other miscellaneous applications while streaming can cost you an extra 1 GB of RAM. To be at a safe spot, extra RAM should be preferred.
Also Read: Does RAM Affect Gaming?
What If I Don’t Have Enough RAM to Play Games And Stream Simultaneously?
First of all, you need to know, how much is enough RAM for your streaming purposes. This totally depends upon the software and games you are dealing with. Yes, RAM plays a key role when opening multiple processes on a PC while streaming but there are other components that shouldn’t be ignored.
Even if you don’t have enough RAM for streaming, a minimum of 8GB of RAM is a must for streaming. This too might come with multiple strings attached such as lagging and reduced quality. Other things to consider are your CPU and the graphics card. Even with a considerably, low amount of RAM you can stream videos, provided you have the latest CPU equipped with well working GPU.
Generally, your gaming performance will be compromised with less amount of RAM. You will see frequency frame lags and sometimes stuttering can also be there.
Does Streaming Consume A Lot Of RAM?
Streaming requires at least 8GB of RAM at lower resolutions. When streaming high-end games with other multiple processes, the requirement of RAM can go high as 16GB or 32GB. To end the confusion, as said earlier simply visit the website of games to see the system requirements and check if you have some extra RAM.
Most of the lightweight games can be streamed at 8GB of RAM. But as you advance with higher versions, reduced streaming quality becomes an issue. So, Increasing RAM can help with quality streaming only if your system is struggling to stream with current RAM. Adding more RAM without any reason is just overkill.
Which Streaming Softwares Demand Less RAM?
There are multiple applications that are well suited for streaming on a low-end PC. I am listing the best three of them.
OBS is a quite popular application among streaming professionals as it is an open-source platform. This platform is suitable for all operating systems and separate versions for all are available on the website.
- OBS
This application enables you to optimize your low-end PC to make it capable of streaming. Multiple capture modes are available and you can also connect external devices. You need a minimum 4Gb of RAM to run this software.
- XSPLIT
XSplit is a complex streaming software with advanced settings but can stream your videos with a low amount of RAM. This software is paid program that gives you access to all the features. You can avail the free version with a watermark otherwise. The paid version costs around $200 and allows you to open multiple applications at a time. You will require a minimum of 8Gb of RAM for using this streaming application.
- Wirecast
Wirecast is a broadcasting application and has multiple editing tools for your videos. It allows you to show your videos from different angles with its multi-camera setup. Other features include adding scorecards and pre-recorded videos for other platforms. This application demands only 4Gb of RAM to stream your videos.
How To Optimize My System For Optimal Streaming Performance?
You will always require a minimum amount of RAM on your PC for streaming depending upon the games you are playing. The gaps, however, can be bridged by applying certain measures. Here’s how you can optimize your system for the best streaming performance:
- Disabling Video Acceleration
- Installing A Video Accelerator
- Disable Other Internet Connections
- Stream During Low Activity Times
- Monitor Your Internet Speeds
- Update your Computer
Does a Fast RAM Facilitate Streaming?
A slow-speed RAM i.e. 2133 MHz is more than enough for using any streaming software. Most popular games can also be played with this RAM speed. However, a faster RAM will allow you to run advanced games which are designed to work with faster memory clock speeds. A faster RAM is definitely a good investment if want to enhance not only streaming but the overall gaming and general PC performance.
So, having a faster ram that can provide you with optimal performance during streaming should always be preferred. The main role of RAM while streaming is to monitor the playback and pre-load the contents.
You can choose any renowned brand for buying RAM for your streaming PC. The tech specs you should look upon are DDR4 with 3600mHz.
Conclusion
If you are a regular streamer and facing issues while streaming the gameplays, you should surely opt for a new streaming RIG. The recommended RAM for even high-end streaming PCs is 32GB. Before putting the entire blame on RAM, make sure you check out the performance of your processor and the graphics card too.
Thanks for reading!
I am Anshul Rana, an experienced author specializing in PC gear reviews and Windows 10 software tutorials. With a strong passion for technology and an in-depth understanding of the PC industry, I provide insightful and detailed analyses of computer peripherals, gaming gear, and software solutions. My writing style is concise yet informative, making complex topics accessible to both beginners and advanced users. Through my reviews and tutorials, I aim to offer valuable guidance, helping readers make informed decisions to enhance their PC experience and explore the vast possibilities of Windows 10 software.
