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Does Cyberpunk 2077 Use a Lot of RAM? A Deep Dive into Memory Requirements

The short answer is yes, Cyberpunk 2077 can use a significant amount of RAM, especially if you aim for high graphical settings and smooth gameplay. However, the exact amount of RAM needed varies greatly depending on your desired resolution, graphics quality, and other system specifications. This article will explore the memory demands of Cyberpunk 2077, providing a comprehensive overview for both casual and hardcore gamers.

RAM Requirements: From Minimum to Ultra

Cyberpunk 2077, with its dense cityscapes, detailed character models, and complex AI, is a graphically demanding game. To run the game at a playable level, you’ll need a solid amount of RAM, but this does not mean everyone needs the most expensive memory kit. Here is a breakdown of the RAM needed for different settings:

Minimum Settings (1080p, Low Quality): CD Projekt Red, the developers, state that the minimum requirement is 8GB of RAM. This allows you to run the game at the lowest settings, typically resulting in lower visual fidelity and possibly lower frame rates. This is the bare minimum, and while technically playable, the experience may not be optimal, especially in densely populated areas.
Recommended Settings (1080p, High Quality): For a significantly better experience at 1080p with high graphics settings, 16GB of RAM is highly recommended. This provides a smoother gameplay experience with fewer stutters and the ability to render more detailed environments.
Ultra Settings (4K, High Quality): Pushing into ultra settings at 4K will require significantly more system resources. The game developers recommend 20GB of RAM for ultra settings without ray tracing. This is an important note, as the game will use more memory if ray tracing is enabled.
Overdrive Mode (Ray Tracing): For the highest visual quality, including ray tracing and “Overdrive Mode,” 24GB of RAM or even more is suggested. This setting is the most memory-intensive and requires a high-end system to maintain stable performance.

The Impact of RAM on Cyberpunk Performance

Smooth Gameplay

Having sufficient RAM is crucial for avoiding game stuttering and ensuring smooth gameplay. Insufficient RAM can lead to the system relying on the hard drive/SSD as virtual memory, which drastically slows down data access and causes significant performance dips.

Loading Times

More RAM translates to faster loading times for the game environment, textures, and other game assets, reducing waiting times in the game. This can have a big impact on the overall player experience as no one likes long loading screens.

Background Processes

When playing, if you want to run other applications in the background (such as web browsers, streaming software, or voice chat), having enough RAM is important. A lower RAM configuration may struggle with multiple applications running simultaneously which could impact performance in-game.

How to Optimize RAM Usage in Cyberpunk

Close Background Applications

Closing unnecessary background applications and processes can free up RAM. This can reduce the load on your system and ensure that Cyberpunk 2077 has the resources it needs.

Manage In-Game Graphics Settings

If you’re experiencing poor performance due to RAM limitations, try reducing the graphics settings. Lowering texture quality, shadow quality, and draw distance can significantly reduce RAM usage.

Check for Memory Leaks

Sometimes, software issues or bugs can lead to memory leaks, where RAM usage steadily increases over time. In this case, restarting the game or updating drivers/game version may help.

Is More RAM Always Better?

While more RAM generally improves overall performance, there are diminishing returns. 32GB of RAM is often considered an overkill for the average user, who primarily uses the computer for web browsing, office work, and light gaming. However, for gamers pushing the limits of the game, with high resolutions and settings, more than 16GB of RAM can make a real difference.

For high-end PC gaming, especially with heavy modding or background applications, 32GB of RAM can provide a smoother experience.

Understanding Minimum vs. Recommended RAM

It’s important to distinguish between the minimum and recommended specifications. The minimum specifications are the absolute bare minimum to get the game running, though not always at a desired state of performance, often with a lot of compromises in visual fidelity. The recommended specifications are intended to provide a more satisfactory experience with higher graphic settings and better performance.

The Role of Graphics Card and CPU

While RAM is essential, it’s not the only factor influencing performance. Cyberpunk 2077 is both graphics-intensive and processor-intensive. Ensure that your graphics card and CPU meet or exceed the recommended specifications for optimal performance. The CPU is used for the AI calculations and other background tasks, while the GPU is used for rendering the graphics.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I play Cyberpunk 2077 with 8GB RAM?

Yes, you can play Cyberpunk 2077 with 8GB RAM, but you will be limited to the lowest graphics settings and likely experience lower performance with stuttering in some scenes.

2. Does Cyberpunk run better with more RAM?

Yes, generally Cyberpunk 2077 will run better with more RAM, up to a point. Upgrading from 8GB to 16GB will have a bigger impact than going from 16GB to 32GB.

3. Does Cyberpunk need more than 16GB RAM?

For high settings or 4K resolution gaming, Cyberpunk benefits from more than 16GB of RAM. The game developers recommend 20GB for ultra settings and 24GB for ray tracing (Overdrive Mode).

4. Is 32 GB RAM overkill for Cyberpunk 2077?

For most users playing at standard resolutions and with no modding, 32 GB RAM might be considered overkill. However, for users with high-end systems playing with heavy mods, it can provide a smoother experience.

5. Can 16GB RAM run Cyberpunk 2077 smoothly?

Yes, 16GB of RAM is the sweet spot for Cyberpunk 2077 for most players, allowing you to run the game at 1080p with high settings or even higher resolutions with some setting adjustments.

6. Does RAM affect FPS in Cyberpunk 2077?

Yes, RAM can affect FPS if you are below the recommended spec. Upgrading to a higher spec may result in smoother gameplay and faster framerates.

7. How much VRAM is needed for Cyberpunk 2077?

The minimum is 3GB of VRAM on your graphics card but the developers recommend 6GB for high settings and higher resolutions, more is better.

8. Is Cyberpunk more CPU or GPU intensive?

Cyberpunk 2077 is both CPU and GPU intensive. It relies on the CPU for AI calculations and the GPU for rendering visuals, so a balanced system is needed for optimal performance.

9. Is Cyberpunk hard to run on PC?

Yes, Cyberpunk 2077 is a demanding game, and a reasonably strong PC is needed to run the game smoothly with high settings. It’s well known for being one of the most graphically demanding PC games.

10. Will faster RAM improve Cyberpunk performance?

Yes, faster RAM can lead to slightly improved performance, mainly if the CPU is the limiting factor. If the bottleneck is the GPU then it will have less of an impact.

11. Is an SSD needed to run Cyberpunk 2077?

An SSD is highly recommended, even though it can run on HDD. This is due to faster loading times and more responsive gameplay than a standard HDD.

12. Why does Cyberpunk 2077 use so much RAM?

The game’s highly detailed open-world environment, intricate textures, complex AI, and advanced graphics features contribute to the game’s heavy RAM usage.

13. Do Cyberdecks impact RAM in Cyberpunk 2077?

No, Cyberdecks in Cyberpunk 2077 do not affect your system’s RAM. They are an in-game cybernetic enhancement that provides combat or exploration benefits.

14. How can I improve Cyberpunk 2077 performance if I have limited RAM?

Lower graphics settings, close background applications, and ensure that you have the latest drivers.

15. What’s the best RAM for Cyberpunk 2077?

The “best” RAM depends on your overall system and budget. For most players, 16GB of high-speed DDR4 or DDR5 RAM is sufficient. If you are aiming for ultra settings or ray tracing, it is recommended to get 20GB or more.

Conclusion

Cyberpunk 2077 is a demanding game, and its RAM usage reflects this. While 8GB of RAM is the bare minimum, 16GB is highly recommended for a smoother and more enjoyable experience. For those aiming for the highest settings and resolutions, 20GB or more of RAM may be required. By understanding your system’s requirements and optimizing your settings, you can ensure that you get the most out of your Cyberpunk 2077 experience.

Does Cyberpunk use a lot of RAM?