How much RAM do you need for normal computer operation?

RAM, which is usually referred to as RAM or RAM, is one of the most important parts of any computer. But how much does it need for a good work of the device? Current new PCs and similar devices offer values ranging from 2 GB to 16 GB or more.

The amount of memory required depends on two factors - what you intend to do and how much you are willing to spend.

Introduction to RAM

Memory capacity is often confused with long-term storage offered by a solid-state or mechanical hard drive. Sometimes even manufacturers or retailers mix these concepts. To understand how much RAM you need for normal operation of the device, you need to understand what its value is.

A table is a useful analogy to consider the difference between RAM and memory. Think of RAM as the top of the table. The larger its surface, the more papers you can expand and read right away. Hard drives are more like boxes under the table, capable of storing documents that you do not use.

The more RAM your system has, the more programs it can process simultaneously. RAM is not the only determining factor, and you can technically open dozens of programs simultaneously, even with a very small amount of RAM, and this will slow down your system. Now imagine the table again. If it is too small, it becomes cluttered, and your work will slow down when you try to find any paper that you need at any particular moment. You will be forced to often dig into boxes to place something that does not fit on the surface of the table, and also to get the necessary papers.

A computer with a large amount of RAM runs noticeably faster, but only up to a certain point. Having a large table will not help you if you only have a few articles to read.

Optimal ratio

How much RAM do you need for your device? Your goal is to have enough RAM for all the applications that you use on that particular device. If it is too small, work slows down. Too much RAM can only mean that you paid a lot of money for something that you can never use.

Difference from other characteristics

Standard RAM should not be confused with video memory, but these concepts are closely related to computer graphics cards. High-performance 3D games are based on video memory (VRAM), often expressed as GDDR5, while the standard memory is called RAM or DDR3. In fact, most manufacturers very well identify VRAM and do not confuse it with other parameters. Therefore, to determine how much RAM is needed for GTA 5, for example, you need to consider both of the above indicators in the aggregate.

Heavy applications

The biggest services on most home computers are the operating system itself and the web browser. You can not make Windows or MacOS use less memory, but more RAM on your computer means that you can open more tabs in Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer, etc. In addition, some websites use more operational Memory than others. Simple text news almost does not take up resources, while something like Gmail or Netflix requires a bit more power.

Programs tend to use more RAM, because they increase the complexity of the work. In the chat program or in the game (for example, Minesweeper), almost no RAM will be used, while a giant Excel spreadsheet or a huge Photoshop project can use more than one gigabyte. Professional and engineering software is designed to solve very complex projects and, as a rule, consumes most of the memory of all programs. Modern 3D games can also use quite a lot of RAM and VRAM. In other words, your need for how much RAM you need to install depends on the programs you use.

How much RAM do you need? Some recommendations

• RAM 2 GB: good only for tablets and netbooks.
• RAM 4 GB: Minimum for budget systems Windows and MacOS.
• 8 GB: Great for Windows and MacOS.
• 16 GB: Most likely, too much; Ideal for medium-level workstations.
• 32 GB or more: only for enthusiasts and specialized workstations.

For a tablet

It is assumed that the tablets will not deal with the complex tasks of the software, so their memory needs are generally quite low. However, since browsers with multiple tabs and more complex software continue to evolve, tablet needs are becoming more similar to the needs of laptops. Current parameters of the specification usually vary from 2 to 16 GB of RAM, and the speed of the processor plays an important role in determining the range.

For example, iPad Air 2, which has about 2 GB of RAM, pays a lot of attention to the universal processor. And a device like Microsoft Surface Pro can accommodate up to 16 GB of RAM, because users of this device may want to run a large number of professional software, as well as a desktop OS.

And this gives you guidelines for choosing RAM - why do you use your tablet? If you are browsing only one site at a time and do not use the device for any large projects or working software, then the 4 GB RAM is likely to be sufficient. However, if you also use the tablet as your primary PC, you must equip it with the necessary RAM. As a rule, this means that you need 4 to 8 GB.

Choosing RAM for laptops

How much RAM do you need for a laptop? New laptops have from 2 GB to 16 GB of RAM, while elite gaming models offer up to 32 GB. As mentioned earlier, the needs for tablets and laptops converge, but most users feel comfortable with the launch of more complex programs on laptops, which means that RAM plays a more important role here.

For something like a Chromebook that works mostly in the cloud and has very little storage space, you do not need a lot of RAM. It's enough to choose 4 GB of RAM, especially since you can use the Google Play Store to download Android applications directly on your computer.

How much RAM do I need for Windows10 and new MacBook versions? You should think about increasing this number to a standard 8 GB. Most of the best laptops come with this value for a good reason. Of course, if you do a lot of graphic work or want to open several tabs at once, you might want to consider increasing the RAM to 16 GB. This is especially true for gamers - the question of how much memory is needed for games, always remains relevant.

Fixed computers

RAM in stationary computers is cheap, so it's pretty easy to find a PC with a large amount of memory at lower prices. In addition, more RAM on a PC can be useful because people prefer to use them longer than tablets or laptops.

How much RAM do you need for a PC? 8 GB is a good value to start with. Upgrading to 16 GB is recommended for enthusiasts, hardcore gamers and the average workstation user. Serious workstation users can upgrade to 32 GB. Even talking about how much RAM you need for games, you can make sure that too much parameters are not required.

All that is more is the edge of extreme specialties, equipped to handle huge amounts of data, huge video files or niche programs intended for researchers, corporations or government.

Please note that the amount of RAM, as well as the type and speed supported by your system, will depend on your motherboard.