Random access memory, commonly known as RAM or simply “memory,” is a vital component of any computing device. Modern PCs, tablets, and phones typically come with 2GB to 32GB of RAM, with some even exceeding that. However, adding more RAM won’t automatically make your computer faster if you already have enough. It’s a waste of money that could be spent on other upgrades for your PC. Games that require 16GB of RAM won’t run faster with 32GB, but ensuring background tasks have sufficient memory can improve performance in demanding applications. This guide will walk you through determining the appropriate amount of RAM for tablets, laptops, desktops, and gaming machines. We also have a separate guide for smartphone RAM needs.
For most PC and laptop users, 16GB of RAM is an excellent starting point. It provides enough memory for most modern games, handling multiple web browsing tabs simultaneously, and even running demanding applications like video editing suites. While you might need more or get away with less, 16GB is a solid target if you’re unsure about your RAM requirements.
Here’s a breakdown of common RAM quantities and their suitability for different users:
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4GB:
Found in low-end Chromebooks and some tablets, this is only worth considering if you’re on a tight budget.*
8GB:
Typically installed in entry-level laptops. It’s sufficient for basic Windows gaming at lower settings but quickly becomes insufficient for more demanding tasks.*
16GB:
Ideal for Windows and macOS systems, it’s also excellent for gaming, especially with fast RAM. However, some games still require more.*
32GB:
The sweet spot for professionals and high-end gamers. It’s enough to handle any game while remaining affordable.*
48GB:
Using non-binary memory kits can save money if 32GB isn’t enough, and 64GB is unnecessary.*
64GB and more:
Primarily for enthusiasts and specialized workstations. Engineers, professional A/V editors, and similar professionals need this amount and may even require more depending on their needs.Remember, buying more RAM than you need won’t provide any performance gains; it’s essentially wasted money. Invest in the amount you actually need and allocate the remaining budget to more crucial components like the CPU or graphics card.
Understanding RAM
RAM serves as a small, extremely fast storage space that complements the cache on your CPU. This ensures quick access to as much information as possible, far faster than retrieving data from your SSD or hard drive. As you open programs, RAM stores data they need for rapid access. When you boot a game, many of its elements are loaded into memory for immediate accessibility.
Different programs require varying amounts of RAM, but all applications will consume at least a small amount. This cumulative use can lead to slowdowns if you don’t have enough RAM. While you can still launch applications, running out of RAM will hinder their access to the ultrafast storage that RAM provides for quickly accessing needed data.
It’s also possible to have too much RAM. For example, if you only use 12GB of RAM under the most demanding conditions and have a 16GB kit, upgrading to a 32GB kit won’t impact your performance if all other aspects are equal. This is effectively wasted money.
Therefore, it’s essential to choose a capacity that slightly exceeds your needs without going overboard. You can always buy more RAM without negatively impacting performance, but it’s like buying a four-bedroom house and only using two rooms.
Differentiating System RAM and Video RAM
System RAM should not be confused with the dedicated memory used by discrete graphics cards. High-end 3D games rely on video RAM (VRAM) to temporarily store image data like textures. Most current-generation graphics cards utilize either GDDR6 or GDDR6X memory. GDDR7 memory is on the horizon. Meanwhile, system RAM is identified by its generation, with DDR4 and DDR5 being the most common in recent computers. DDR6 is in development but not readily available.
RAM also has a speed rating and a series of numbers known as its “timings,” which relate to its latency. While memory speed and timings are important for maximizing computer performance, most gamers and workers prioritize having sufficient RAM.
RAM Requirements for Different Devices
Tablets:
Tablets aren’t designed for heavy-duty software tasks, so their RAM needs are relatively low, similar to many smartphones. However, with the rise of multitab browsers and more complex software, the latest tablet generations come with significantly more RAM than their predecessors. Current spec options typically range from 2GB to 16GB of RAM, with other factors like battery life and processor speed often taking precedence. Our preferred tablets feature between 8GB and 16GB of RAM, although budget models have less. While some models have 4GB of RAM, opting for more RAM will result in a more responsive tablet.Laptops:
Most laptops come with 8GB of RAM, with high-end machines packing 16GB, even up to 32GB for powerful gaming notebooks. As games and applications demand more RAM, even mainstream laptops offer 16GB options, so consider configuring your new laptop with more RAM if you anticipate needing it. You’d only need to exceed 16GB for specific tasks like editing massive video or photo files or playing highly demanding games. However, prioritize CPU and GPU performance first if you want to maximize your investment’s return. Most people don’t use laptops for such tasks, but if you do, buying sufficient RAM is crucial. Upgrading RAM in a laptop is more challenging (or even impossible in some recent models) compared to a desktop, so getting the right amount from the start is essential. For Chromebooks, which primarily rely on cloud-based apps and offer limited storage space, you won’t need much RAM and 8GB is sufficient. This is especially true since some Chromebooks allow you to download Android apps directly using the Google Play Store.Gaming PCs:
For gaming PCs, 16GB of RAM is the ideal starting point, but it’s so affordable that anyone building a new gaming PC should consider 32GB instead. Although 8GB was sufficient for many years, new AAA PC games require at least 16GB, with some demanding as much as 32GB, though these are rare. While few games will fully utilize 32GB of RAM, many will saturate 16GB on their own, leaving little for background applications. If you plan to stream or run multiple applications alongside your games (OBS Studio, a web browser, etc.), 32GB provides more breathing room. Top-tier gamers may even consider 48GB with a non-binary memory kit.RAM Speed vs. Capacity
While adding more RAM won’t improve performance if you already have sufficient capacity, the same doesn’t hold true for RAM speed. Currently, DDR4 is the standard across most desktops, laptops, and tablets, although many new AMD and Intel PCs come with DDR5 memory. Each DDR generation offers a range of speeds, with DDR4 starting at DDR4-1600 and reaching DDR4-3200, while DDR5 starts at DDR5-4000 and reaches DDR5-8000. The number at the end indicates the memory’s speed.
The benefit of faster memory is straightforward: More cycles per second mean the module can read and write data faster. For DDR4 memory, kits running at 3,600MHz are considered among the best, as they work natively with Intel and AMD CPUs and offer excellent performance. Going higher can offer some benefit, but it requires tweaking settings to get the most out of it, especially on AMD PCs. For DDR5, the faster the memory, the better, but as you reach the extremes, the cost increases significantly faster than performance. Different applications respond differently to faster memory, with variations even between Intel and AMD. However, if you’ve purchased or plan to buy faster RAM sticks, enabling the XMP/EXPO profile in your BIOS will maximize their benefits.
Upgrading RAM: Easy and Inexpensive
RAM isn’t expensive, and it’s the easiest component to upgrade in a desktop PC, often even in laptops. Buying a generous amount is wise, but don’t go overboard. There’s little reason for a gamer to exceed 32GB for now, and no need to exceed 16GB if all you want to do is watch Netflix. If your system eventually becomes RAM-limited, you can simply add more. Even if you’re not comfortable upgrading it yourself, the cost of installing RAM at your local PC store should be around $40 to $60.
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally, we recommend 16GB as the appropriate amount of RAM for most users. However, the specific amount you’ll need will depend on your computing needs and budget. If you’re a casual user who doesn’t plan on gaming or video editing much, 8GB of RAM should suffice. But if you’ll be gaming or working on video projects, 16GB of RAM should be your starting point at the very least.
Having too much RAM won’t necessarily harm your computer. However, it’s generally considered a poor purchasing decision because having significantly more RAM than you use won’t speed up your computer. Excess RAM is more of a waste of money since it goes unused.
According to Microsoft, the minimum RAM requirement for Windows 11 is 4GB. Therefore, 8GB of RAM should be more than enough to install Windows 11. Our guide on how Windows 11 uses RAM delves into this topic in more detail.
