How does the RAM of the iPad Pro impact its gaming capabilities

Impact of RAM on Gaming

1. Memory Usage: Most games on the iPad do not use the full capacity of the available RAM. For example, in a comparison between an iPad Pro with 8GB RAM and one with 16GB RAM, games like Assassin's Creed Mirage and Resident Evil 4 did not utilize more than 8GB of RAM, suggesting that the additional RAM in the 16GB model was not fully utilized by these games[1]. Similarly, Divinity: Original Sin 2 only used about 2.7GB of RAM at peak usage[1].

2. Performance Differences: While more RAM can theoretically support smoother multitasking and more complex tasks, the actual gaming performance difference between 8GB and 16GB RAM models may be minimal for many games. For instance, Death Stranding showed slightly improved frame pacing with 16GB RAM, but this difference might not be noticeable to most users[1]. In contrast, games like Resident Evil 4 and Divinity: Original Sin 2 showed no significant performance differences between the two RAM configurations[1].

3. GPU and CPU: The GPU and CPU are more critical factors in determining gaming performance on an iPad. The iPad Pro models with higher storage (1TB or 2TB) not only have more RAM but also often come with more powerful CPUs, which can significantly impact gaming performance[5][8]. The GPU, being integrated, plays a crucial role in handling graphics-intensive tasks, and modern iPad Pro models have powerful GPUs capable of running demanding games smoothly[6].

4. Optimization and Port Quality: The quality of the game port and how well it is optimized for the iPad can greatly affect performance. Even with more RAM, poorly optimized games may still experience issues like poor frame pacing or stuttering[1].

Conclusion

In summary, while more RAM can support better multitasking and potentially improve performance in very demanding applications, its impact on gaming is generally less significant unless the game is specifically optimized to utilize more memory. The GPU and CPU capabilities, along with game optimization, are more critical factors in determining the overall gaming experience on an iPad Pro. For most users, an iPad Pro with 8GB RAM can handle gaming well, especially if they are playing single-player games and keep other resource-intensive apps closed[4]. However, for those who need to run multiple demanding applications simultaneously or want future-proofing, the higher RAM models might offer some advantages.