Does USB RAM Help With Gaming? The Truth About Boosting FPS

ByTB-Team

In the world of gaming, performance is everything. Every gamer wants to squeeze the most out of their system, aiming for smooth gameplay and quick response times. But what happens when your computer starts lagging or struggling to keep up with the latest games? A common question I hear is: Can USB RAM help with gaming performance? Let’s dive into that topic and explore whether adding memory through a USB drive can be the magic solution you need, or if it’s just another myth in the gaming world.

Understanding USB RAM: What is It?

Before we tackle the main question, let’s clear up what we mean by USB RAM. Technically, USB drives don’t provide RAM (Random Access Memory) in the same way your computer’s internal memory does. RAM is a volatile type of memory that stores and processes active tasks and data for immediate use. A USB drive, on the other hand, is a form of external storage (flash memory), primarily used for long-term data storage.

That being said, there is a feature called ReadyBoost on Windows systems, which allows you to use a USB drive to assist your system’s memory. However, it’s not a direct substitute for physical RAM.

Can USB Drives Boost Gaming Performance?

Now, let’s get to the core question—can a USB drive improve gaming performance? The short answer: Not really. But there are nuances worth exploring.

  • ReadyBoost can help in very specific cases, but only for older systems running on low RAM (typically less than 4GB). If you’re playing older or less demanding games and your system is struggling, ReadyBoost might give you a small performance boost. However, it’s important to note that this works best for systems with HDDs (hard disk drives), not SSDs (solid-state drives).
  • For gaming, the key to performance lies primarily in three things: physical RAM, CPU power, and GPU performance. While ReadyBoost helps with general system speed by caching files, it won’t improve frame rates or reduce load times in modern games that demand high performance. Why? Because games rely heavily on direct access to physical RAM and a powerful GPU for rendering.

USB RAM vs Physical RAM for Gaming

So, how does USB RAM compare to actual physical RAM when gaming? The difference is night and day.

  1. Speed: Physical RAM operates at a much faster speed than a USB drive. RAM is directly connected to the motherboard and communicates with the CPU at lightning speed. USB drives, even the fastest ones, are significantly slower. Therefore, in gaming, where fast data access is crucial, a USB drive won’t keep up.
  2. Latency: Physical RAM minimizes latency, making it ideal for handling large textures, game environments, and real-time inputs. A USB drive’s latency, due to its indirect connection, will introduce delays, which could result in even more lag rather than fixing the issue.
  3. Gaming Requirements: Modern games typically recommend 8GB to 16GB of physical RAM for optimal performance. Trying to supplement this with a USB drive won’t meet these demands, especially for graphically intense games like Cyberpunk 2077, Call of Duty, or Fortnite.

When Might USB RAM Be Useful?

While using a USB drive as RAM won’t give you the boost you’re looking for in gaming, there are situations where it could help improve your general computer usage:

  • Older systems: If your PC is running an old HDD and lacks sufficient RAM, ReadyBoost can help with multitasking and reduce overall system lag. However, this benefit is mainly seen in applications that don’t require as much processing power as modern games.
  • Lightweight gaming or office tasks: If you’re playing very low-demand games or performing light tasks (such as web browsing or document editing), you might notice some marginal improvements.

Alternatives to USB RAM for Better Gaming Performance

If you’re serious about improving gaming performance, forget the USB RAM idea and focus on upgrades that make a real difference. Here’s what you should consider:

  1. Upgrade Physical RAM: If your system has low RAM (e.g., 4GB), upgrading to 8GB or 16GB will give you a noticeable boost in gaming performance. More RAM means your system can handle larger game files and multitask more efficiently.
  2. Invest in a Solid-State Drive (SSD): Upgrading to an SSD will drastically improve load times, making your games start faster and reduce any in-game stuttering caused by slow storage access. SSDs are superior to HDDs in speed and performance, even without touching your RAM.
  3. Optimize Graphics Settings: If upgrading hardware isn’t an option right now, try lowering your game’s graphics settings, such as texture quality or shadow detail. This can reduce the load on your system and make gameplay smoother.
  4. Upgrade Your GPU: For high-performance gaming, your graphics card (GPU) is critical. If you’re playing modern games on an older card, consider upgrading to a newer model to see drastic improvements in graphics quality and performance.
  5. Cooling and System Maintenance: Overheating or lack of maintenance can throttle performance. Regularly clean your system, update drivers, and ensure adequate cooling to keep everything running smoothly.

Conclusion: Is USB RAM Worth It for Gaming?

So, does USB RAM help with gaming? In most cases, the answer is no. While using a USB drive for ReadyBoost might slightly improve performance on older machines with limited RAM, it’s not a solution for gamers looking to optimize their system for modern, resource-heavy games. The real answer lies in upgrading your hardware, especially focusing on physical RAM, SSDs, and your GPU.

If you’re serious about improving your gaming performance, it’s best to invest in proper hardware upgrades rather than relying on USB drives. Save your money for components that will genuinely boost your system and elevate your gaming experience.

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