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 take for the device to work well? Current new PCs and similar devices offer values 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 the long-term storage offered by a solid state or mechanical hard drive. Sometimes even manufacturers or retailers confuse these concepts. To understand how much RAM is needed for the normal operation of the device, you need to figure out 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 lay out and read immediately. Hard drives are more like drawers under a desk, capable of storing documents that you are not using.
The more RAM your system has, the more programs it can process at the same time. RAM is not the only determining factor, and you can technically open dozens of programs at the same time 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 given moment. You will often have to delve into the drawers to place something that does not fit on the surface of the table, as well as get the right paper.
A computer with a lot of RAM runs noticeably faster, but only to a certain point. Having a large table will not help you if you have only a few articles to read.
Optimal ratio
How much RAM does your device need? Your goal is to have enough RAM for all the applications that you use on this particular device. If it is too little, 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, however, these concepts are closely related to computer graphics cards. High-performance 3D games are based on video memory (VRAM), often expressed as GDDR5, while standard memory is called RAM or DDR3. In fact, most manufacturers identify VRAM very well 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 together.
Heavy applications
The biggest services on most home computers are the operating system itself and the web browser. You cannot make Windows or MacOS consume 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 RAM. memory than others. Simple text news takes up almost no 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 was created to solve very complex projects and, as a rule, consumes most of the RAM 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.
- 4 GB RAM: Minimum for budget Windows and MacOS systems.
- 8 GB: Great for Windows and MacOS.
- 16 GB: Most likely too much; Ideal for mid-range workstations.
- 32 GB or more: for enthusiasts and specialized workstations only.
For tablet
It is assumed that tablets will not deal with the complex tasks of the software, so their RAM requirements are usually quite low. However, as multi-tab browsers and more sophisticated software continue to evolve, tablet needs are becoming more and more similar to laptop needs. Current specification parameters typically range from 2 to 16 GB of RAM, and processor speed plays an important role in determining the range.
For example, iPad Air 2, which has about 2 GB of RAM, pays much 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 - what are you using your tablet for? If you view only one site at a time and do not use the device for any large projects or working software, then 4 GB of RAM is likely to be sufficient. However, if you also use the tablet as the main PC, you must equip it with the necessary RAM. Typically, this means that you will need 4 to 8 GB.
Choosing RAM for laptops
How much RAM is needed 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 running more complex programs on laptops, which means that RAM plays a more important role here.
For something like a Chromebook that runs mostly in the cloud and has very little storage space, you won't 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 is needed for Windows10 and new versions of the MacBook? You should consider increasing this number to the standard 8 GB. Most of the best laptops come with this value for a good reason. Of course, if you are doing a lot of graphic work or want to open several tabs at once, it might be worth considering the possibility of increasing RAM to 16 GB. This is especially true for gamers - the question of how much RAM is needed for games always remains relevant.
Stationary computers
RAM in desktop 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 may be useful, as people prefer to use them longer than tablets or laptops.
How much RAM is needed for a PC? 8 GB is a good place to start. 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 is needed for games, you can make sure that too significant parameters are not required.
All that is more is the land of extreme majors equipped to process huge amounts of data, huge video files or niche programs designed for researchers, corporations or the government.
Please note that the amount of RAM, as well as the type and speed supported by your system, will depend on your motherboard.