How Much RAM Do You Really Need?

If you have ever gone to buy a computer or a smartphone, you may notice the term RAM. It is one of the features that people bring up when they are discussing system performance, but what do you really need? Should you get 4GB, 8GB, 16GB, or go all out with 32GB or more?

Let’s go over it in a way that makes sense; not from a marketing point of view, but from a real-world standpoint of how you use your device every day. This guide is to help you out in figuring out what exact amount of RAM you need for your usage, which in turn will prevent you from spending on features you won’t use.

What is RAM, Really?

Before diving into the numbers, let us first make sure we are on the same page regarding RAM.

As you grow in size, the number of papers and equipment you have out at a time increases. Once you are finished with something, you put it away (in your file cabinet, hard drive, or SSD).

More RAM means that your system is able to handle multiple tasks at once, which also results in a more responsive machine; this is very noticeable when you are multitasking.

And the catch is: just because you have space for a large desk, that doesn’t mean you should get it if what you mostly do is work with one or two pieces of paper at a time. That’s where we see how you use that space.

Why Does RAM Matter?

When your machine runs out of RAM, it uses your storage drive (hard disk or SSD) as an alternate space; this is known as “paging” or “swapping.” Also, regardless of how fast your SSD is, it is still by orders of magnitude slower than RAM. That is why low RAM often causes lag or complete freezing, and that spinning wheel of death which grinds your work to a halt.

So, sufficient RAM guarantees:

Faster app switching, Smoother web browsing, Better gaming and video editing performance and Efficient multitasking without freezing.

But how much is enough?

Determining Your RAM Needs: By Application

Let us go over RAM requirements for each user type.

1. Basic users (4GB to 8GB).

If you have a computer or device of the smartphone variety for:

Browsing the web, Watching YouTube or Netflix, Sending emails, Writing documents, Using social media etc.

Then 3 to 5GB of RAM, which is what you will see in most smartphones and budget laptops. Also, see that 8GB is not out of the question for a budget laptop which may have a dedicated graphics card.

But if you are the type of user that has 10 tabs open at the same time, you are listening to music, and also are very much into multitasking between different applications, 8GB is what you will want; it is fast becoming the norm even for casual computer users.

Example:

In an office setting, which is our model of ideal, 8GB is used for professionals that are typing up emails, inputting into spreadsheets, and running video conferences.

Students working on essays and doing internet research; 8GB at ease.

2. Daily Multitaskers (8GB to 16GB).

If you habitually:

Have many browser tabs open, Work on Google Docs, Sheets, and Zoom at the same time, Use Photoshop for light editing, Play lightweight games.

Then go ahead to use 16GB of RAM. Although your operating system runs on 8GB fine, for smooth multitasking, which also leaves out the occasional stutter, you will want to have 16GB in today’s modern workflows.

Example:

Freelancers that work online with multiple tabs and apps do best at 16GB.

People who use music production software like FL Studio, which also has other apps open at the same time; 16GB desired.

3. Players (16GB to 32GB).

Most games report they require a great deal of RAM to play. Do they really?

For the present day, 16GB is the go-to for most games. It’s enough for the game itself, Discord, a browser for guides, and also for streaming software like OBS.

That said, if you’re into:

High-end AAA games, Massive mod support (like in Skyrim or GTA V), Simultaneously gaming and live streaming

Then go for 32GB. Also, it is not just for future proofing; it does in fact improve performance in very memory-intensive situations.

Example:

Casual gamers = 16GB fine.

Gamers that stream, record, or mod a lot; 32GB ideal.

4. Professional Grade (32GB to 64GB+).

If you’re working professionally with:

4K video editing, 3D rendering, Virtual environments which run different operating systems on your computer, Large-scale photo editing which uses massive RAW files. Then 32GB or more makes sense.

Video editors who work with 4K or higher resolutions can see themselves using up to 32GB of RAM with programs such as Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects, or DaVinci Resolve.

For large-scale projects, and when you are using multiple resource-intensive apps at the same time, 64GB and above isn’t excessive; it may be exactly what you need to prevent your machine from falling over mid-project.

Example:

Professional video editor; 3D animator; 32GB to 64GB+.

Software developers that use many VMs; 32GB+ recommended.

5. Future Proofing and Overkill.

Also, at present, do we have to go that high as in 128GB and above? Well, to be honest, for the large part, if you are not putting together a workstation for very specific uses which include things like science simulation or professional film production, that is way beyond what 99.9% of users require.

It’s true that we tend to think the more we have the better, but at the same time, think of this: empty RAM is just sitting there doing nothing. We put our money out for way more than we need often, which is like getting a sports car to run to the grocery store. Sure, it may be exciting, but is it practical? Usually not.

What RAM does one need?

We have been mostly talking about computers, but smartphones do require RAM as well. What we did not mention is that for mobile devices, needs are usually lower, which is a result of better memory management in mobile operating systems.

Here’s a quick smartphone guide:

4GB: For budget Android phones; does what you need it to do for basic tasks but may lag when you try to run too many at once.

6GB to 8GB: For mid-range phones. Good for social media, light games, and app switching.

12GB to 16GB: Top-of-the-range Android phones. For power users and gamers. Too much for the average user.

iPhones: They usually require less RAM, which iOS provides, which in turn makes a 6GB iPhone outperform a 12GB Android in day-to-day use.

Signs You Need More RAM

Not sure of the RAM you need? See if your computer is showing these signs:

1. Sluggish Performance: Particularly when switching between programs.

2. Apps Closing Unexpectedly: In particular for smartphones.

3. Lag During Video Calls: If video is delayed but your connection is fine, it may be your RAM.

4. High Memory Usage Warnings: Task Manager (Windows) and Activity Monitor (Mac) reporting issues.

5. Browser Freezing: Also with many tabs open.

If you are in the midst of these problems, a change may bring about great improvement.

Does your computer run faster with more RAM?

It’s a common thought that adding RAM will in turn speed up your entire device. What is in fact true is that if your present RAM is the issue for your performance, that may change. But if you have enough RAM for what you usually do, adding more won’t, which in turn will not make your device speed up magically.

RAM is a factor, but it’s not the only one.

What RAM does your software require?

Here is a rundown of what popular apps and their RAM requirements:

Google Chrome (intensive use): 8GB – 16GB.

Microsoft Office: 4GB – 8GB.

Adobe Photoshop: 16GB.

Adobe Premiere Pro (4K): 32GB+.

Gaming (AAA Titles): 16GB – 32GB.

Virtual Machines: 32GB+.

Blender (3D Rendering): 32GB+.

Android/iOS Apps: 4GB – 8GB

DDR4 vs DDR5: Does what kind of RAM matter?

In another twist to the RAM issue:

DDR4 is very much a mainstay and affordable.

DDR5 is an updated version which features faster speed and better performance.

For the large part, we see little difference which you as a casual user will notice. But if you are buying that new system right now or in the near future, go for DDR5 for better future-proofing.

Conclusion

So, which amount of RAM do you really require? I report:

4GB: For everyday use in budget phones.

8GB: Suitable for basic tasks and students.

16GB: For everyday gaming and for most players.

32GB: For creators, for professionals, and for streamers who also mod.

For professionals in content creation, heavy virtual machine users, or very specialized fields.

Here is what it is all about: match your true needs to your budget. Out of the marketing hype, stay clear of features you don’t really need. RAM is a key component; as is the case with all tech items, it just has value to your individual lifestyle.

Buy into what is right for you. Also, above all else, have fun using your device as it was intended to be used.