As technology advances, the amount of Random Access Memory (RAM) required for an optimal computing experience is subject to much debate.
In certain professional fields involving digital content creation or data analysis, it is common for computers to require upwards of 32GB of RAM.
However, for more casual use at home, the necessary RAM is largely dictated by the types of activities run on the computer.
For gaming enthusiasts, emerging and current high-end games, such as “Star Citizen” and “Spider-Man Remastered,” set the bar with recommended settings ranging from a minimum of 16GB to 32GB of RAM.
As a result, it is safe to deduce that future games may designate 16GB as the base requirement, thus making 32GB a judicious option to future-proof your gaming setup.
Additionally, everyday applications are not immune to the rising demand for memory.
Common scenarios like having several browser tabs open can lead to significant memory consumption, as modern web pages have a substantial memory footprint. This causes computers with lower RAM to compensate by using slower hard drive storage, which can hamper overall performance.
Modern operating systems, including Windows 11 and macOS, have become adept at utilizing available memory.
They are designed to retain commonly used data and programs in RAM to shorten response times. Consequently, having a larger RAM pool enhances speed, particularly when simultaneously running multiple processor-intensive applications, since today’s multi-core processors demand copious amounts of swiftly accessible memory.
It is advisable to equip your computer with 32GB of RAM if you regularly engage with graphically demanding games or handle multiple tasks on your PC and are aiming for the smoothest possible operation.
For everyday tasks—such as web browsing, office work, or video streaming—16GB of RAM is often a practical starting point.
However, investing in the capacity to easily upgrade RAM proves beneficial for staying ahead of future demands, ensuring your system’s longevity and continued performance.
Gaming & Demanding Tasks | Common Non-Gaming Tasks |
---|---|
32GB RAM – Future-proof for new games and multitasking | 16GB RAM – Adequate for most general usage |
Essential for high setting requirements | Sufficient for smooth operation in standard applications |
Ideal for heavy multitasking across applications | Upgradeable capacity adds value for longevity |
so if i just browse the web and watch videos, guess 8GB should be cool, right?
8GB is fine for basic stuff, but if you ever get into gaming, you’ll want at least 16GB. Trust me!