Is 4GB of Memory Enough for Gaming? Find Out with Sleeper Gaming PC Benchmarks

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Sleeper Build: A Budget Gaming PC
3. Benchmarks for Gaming Performance
   • GTA V: Average FPS and Frame Times
   • Battlefield 1: Average and Minimum FPS
   • Ghost Recon Wildlands: Playability and Frame Rates
   • Deus Ex Mankind Divided: Performance and Recommended Memory
   • Just Cause 3: The Worst Case Scenario
4. The Impact of Memory on Gaming Performance
   • The Importance of Sufficient Memory
   • Upgrading to 8GB of Memory
5. Older Games and Modern Hardware
   • Performance of Older Games on Current Systems
   • Graphics Settings for Older Games
6. Conclusion
7. FAQ: Answers to Common Questions

Modern Gaming: Is 4GB of Memory Enough?

In the world of gaming, having a powerful gaming PC is often considered essential for an enjoyable gaming experience. However, not everyone can afford high-end components and must settle for more budget-friendly options. One such option is the Sleeper build, a super budget gaming PC that costs less than $300. This build consists of an Intel G4400 processor, an Asus RX 460 2GB graphics card, and only 4GB of DDR4 memory. While some may argue that 4GB of memory is insufficient for gaming, the creator of the Sleeper build set out to test its performance and share the results with the gaming community.

The Sleeper Build: A Budget Gaming PC

Before delving into the benchmarks, it's important to understand the concept behind the Sleeper build. This budget gaming PC is designed to provide a playable gaming experience without breaking the bank. With a combination of affordable components, it aims to prove that even with limited resources, enjoyable gaming can still be achieved.

Benchmarks for Gaming Performance

To assess the gaming capabilities of the Sleeper build, various benchmarks were conducted on popular games. These benchmarks included testing the average frames per Second (FPS) as well as analyzing frame times – the time taken by the computer to render each frame. By examining these benchmarks, a clearer picture of the performance of the build can be obtained.

GTA V: Average FPS and Frame Times

GTA V, a fan favorite, was one of the first games tested. The built-in benchmark was utilized, and results showed average framerates ranging from 45-55 FPS, depending on the graphics settings. However, the minimum FPS was quite low, dropping to as low as 3 frames per second. Surprisingly, turning up the settings resulted in smoother gameplay, despite the frame times indicating otherwise. Overall, GTA V on the Sleeper build was deemed as "barely playable" due to frequent jitters and texture loading issues.

Battlefield 1: Average and Minimum FPS

Moving on to Battlefield 1, another popular Game, the benchmarks revealed slightly lower average FPS, ranging from 31.6 on ultra settings to 43 on low settings. However, the minimum FPS remained consistent at around 30 FPS on medium settings. Analyzing the frame times demonstrated a more consistent performance, with occasional slow frames but generally playable gameplay. It is important to note that online multiplayer performance suffered significantly in Battlefield 1, with frame rates dropping below 25 FPS and frequent freezing.

Ghost Recon Wildlands: Playability and Frame Rates

Despite being released after the benchmark testing, the Ghost Recon Wildlands Beta was included as it was known to be forgiving on low-end systems. Benchmarking at low settings, the game offered an average of 43 FPS and never dropping below 27 FPS. However, anything above medium settings resulted in frame rates below the desired 30 FPS threshold. Examining the frame time graph showcased occasional spikes and jitter, but overall, the game was still considered playable on the Sleeper build.

Deus Ex Mankind Divided: Performance and Recommended Memory

Deus Ex Mankind Divided, a visually stunning game that demands significant resources, was next in line for benchmarking. The game's recommended memory was 16GB, making it particularly challenging for the 4GB configuration of the Sleeper build. The benchmarks showed varying average FPS levels, with lows of 0 and highs of 38 depending on the graphics settings. Interestingly, turning up the settings surprisingly resulted in the game running smoother. The frame time graph demonstrated a relatively consistent performance during the benchmark, but more complex sections of the game severely impacted gameplay.

Just Cause 3: The Worst Case Scenario

Subjectively, Just Cause 3 proved to be the most challenging game for the Sleeper build. With framerates as low as 5 FPS and frequent freezing, the game was almost unplayable. This was evident in the frame rate benchmarks, which consistently dropped as graphics settings were increased. The frame time graph further emphasized the severe performance degradation, with some frames taking several seconds to render. Just Cause 3 demonstrated the significant impact of limited memory on gaming performance.

The Impact of Memory on Gaming Performance

Based on the benchmarks conducted on the Sleeper build, it becomes apparent that having sufficient memory is crucial for optimal gaming performance. The limitations of 4GB of memory were evident in the varying frame rates, frequent jitters, and texture loading issues showcased in the benchmarks. Upgrading to 8GB of memory, as suggested by many commenters, was, therefore, a logical step to improve overall gaming experience.

The Importance of Sufficient Memory

When it comes to gaming, having adequate memory is essential. Aggregating enough memory ensures smoother gameplay, stable frame rates, and reduced texture loading issues. It is evident from the benchmarks that 4GB of memory is insufficient for modern gaming requirements, hindering the overall gaming experience.

Upgrading to 8GB of Memory

Acknowledging the limitations of the Sleeper build's 4GB memory configuration, the creator plans to benchmark the system with 8GB of memory. This upgrade is expected to significantly improve gaming performance, providing a more enjoyable experience for users. By investing a little more, gamers can ensure they have a full 8GB of memory, offering better performance in a wide range of games.

Older Games and Modern Hardware

While modern games pushed the boundaries of the Sleeper build's capabilities, older games proved to be more forgiving. Games like Just Cause 2 and Saints Row 3 performed decently across the board with minimal impact on GPU, CPU, and memory. These older games ran smoothly even on modern hardware, allowing gamers to maximize the graphics settings while maintaining a playable frame rate.

Performance of Older Games on Current Systems

The advantage of older games is their compatibility with modern systems. With lighter resource requirements, these games offer smooth gameplay without the need for high-end components. This makes them an excellent option for those with budget-friendly builds and limited memory.

Graphics Settings for Older Games

Due to their compatibility with modern hardware, older games can be played at higher graphics settings. Gamers can enjoy enhanced visuals and improved immersion without the worry of compromising performance. The combination of modern hardware and optimized older games provides an ideal gaming experience for budget-conscious gamers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the benchmarks conducted on the Sleeper build with 4GB of memory clearly demonstrate the limitations of such a configuration for modern gaming. Framerates drop, texture loading issues occur, and gameplay becomes inconsistent. The solution to achieving an enjoyable gaming experience with a budget build is to invest in 8GB of memory. By doing so, gamers can ensure smoother gameplay, stable frame rates, and reduced performance issues. Upgrading to a higher memory configuration is a small investment to make for an overall improved gaming experience.

FAQ

Q: Is 4GB of memory enough for gaming? A: No, 4GB of memory is generally insufficient for modern gaming, leading to reduced performance and gameplay issues.

Q: Will upgrading to 8GB of memory significantly improve gaming performance? A: Yes, upgrading to 8GB of memory provides a noticeable improvement in gaming performance, resulting in smoother gameplay and stable frame rates.

Q: Can older games be played on modern hardware with limited memory? A: Yes, older games are often compatible with modern systems and can be played at higher graphics settings, offering an enjoyable gaming experience for budget-conscious gamers.

Q: What are the recommended graphics settings for older games? A: Due to their compatibility with modern hardware, older games can be played at higher graphics settings, providing enhanced visuals without compromising performance.

Q: Should I invest in more memory for my gaming PC? A: Yes, investing in additional memory for your gaming PC is highly recommended, as it significantly improves overall gaming performance and enhances the gaming experience.

Resources:

• Sleeper Build Video: [Link to YouTube Video]
• GTA V Benchmark Results: [Link to Benchmark Results]
• Battlefield 1 Benchmark Results: [Link to Benchmark Results]
• Ghost Recon Wildlands Beta Frame Rates: [Link to Frame Rate Data]
• Deus Ex Mankind Divided Recommended System Requirements: [Link to System Requirements]
• Just Cause 3 Benchmark Results: [Link to Benchmark Results]