How much RAM do you need for your computer?

If you’re frustrated by unresponsive programs, lagging load times, and a generally slow computer, lack of RAM is probably to blame. Random access memory, or RAM, is the key to your computer working properly. This is especially true with today's memory-hungry applications - such as office programs, multimedia editing packages, and graphics-intensive games. 

Now, add in how much multi-tasking we do – listening to music while working, streaming a movie while downloading files, editing a spreadsheet with dozens of browser tabs open in the background. RAM is what makes all of this possible.  

Even web browsers like Chrome can be notorious memory hogs due to each browser tab refusing to share memory with each other as this makes browsing more secure. So, RAM can be important for privacy, too.  

Learn more about how to find computer memory (RAM) that is compatible with your computer.

 
So how much RAM does your computer need? Can you function with only 4GB of memory, or do you need to upgrade to 64GB of memory? Let’s find out!
 

Almost everything you do on a computer relies on having sufficient memory. This includes moving your mouse cursor, which uses a minimal amount of RAM, and multitasking across multiple apps, which uses more RAM. There are many processes constantly running in the background, such as system updates and security software, that also consume RAM.

That is not to say that RAM is the only source of memory storage; solid state drives (SSD) or hard drives (HD) are also used for memory storage. While RAM is used for short-term storage, such as undoing a previous action, SSDs or HDs are used for long-term storage, such as saving a document.

To put it simply, the more things you do on your computer, the more GB of RAM you need. As time goes on you will likely need to increase your computer memory as newer programs demand more memory bandwidth.

More RAM means your computer can do more tasks simultaneously at full speed. When you don’t have enough RAM, your computer may have to use your storage drive temporarily to keep working. Modern SSDs are very fast, but they are still slower than RAM. 

Computer manufacturers often sell models at a range of price points, some of which don’t include the maximum possible RAM the computer can use. For example, if a desktop computer can hold 32GB of RAM, it often comes with 4GB or 8GB of RAM. This is one of the many reasons why a memory upgrade delivers such great results: there is almost always room for improvement. In this case, adding more RAM is an easy and cost-effective upgrade which will improve the performance of your PC.

RAM modules come in different speeds too. Double Data Rate (DDR) memory is the most common form of RAM. DDR4 and DDR5 are the most common types available today. To find out more, here is everything you need to know about DDR5 RAM.

RAM also has a clock speed, which is a measure of how fast it can work. For example, 6,400 MHz RAM operates twice as fast as 3,200 MHz RAM. This may not be noticeable when you are browsing a website, but it can make a noticeable difference when using demanding applications like games or 3d software. 

Not sure how much RAM is in your computer? We can help you find out!

More RAM means your computer can do more tasks simultaneously at full speed. When you don’t have enough RAM, your computer may have to use your storage drive temporarily to keep working. Modern SSDs are very fast, but they are still slower than RAM. 

Computer manufacturers often sell models at a range of price points, some of which don’t include the maximum possible RAM the computer can use. For example, if a desktop computer can hold 32GB of RAM, it often comes with 4GB or 8GB of RAM. This is one of the many reasons why a memory upgrade delivers such great results: there is almost always room for improvement. In this case, adding more RAM is an easy and cost-effective upgrade which will improve the performance of your PC.

RAM modules come in different speeds too. Double Data Rate (DDR) memory is the most common form of RAM. DDR4 and DDR5 are the most common types available today. To find out more, here is everything you need to know about DDR5 RAM.

RAM also has a clock speed, which is a measure of how fast it can work. For example, 6,400 MHz RAM operates twice as fast as 3,200 MHz RAM. This may not be noticeable when you are browsing a website, but it can make a noticeable difference when using demanding applications like games or 3d software. 

Not sure how much RAM is in your computer? We can help you find out!

• Click the Windows logo or Start button on the taskbar
• Right-click Computer
• Click Properties

• Click the Go menu option, then Utilites
• Double-click on Activity Monitor
• Click on the Memory tab and check the colors in the Memory Pressure graph. Green means you have enough RAM and red means you need more.
• Yellow means you might need more RAM, but this could depend on the activity you are doing, so check this periodically, but you can always upgrade to be sure.

You can also use our System Scanner tool to analyse how much memory your computer has and can support.

Generally, we recommend 8GB of RAM for casual computer usage and internet browsing, 16GB for spreadsheets and other office programs, and at least 32GB for gamers and multimedia creators. How you use your computer influences how much RAM you need, so use this as a guideline.

4GB of RAM is the bare minimum memory needed to run a base computer model. That said, the bare minimum may not provide a productive use of your time as your system will likely slow down every time you run two or more programs like internet browsing, email and some word processing simultaneously. So, unless you are running a legacy system, we generally recommend running your system with 8GB of RAM.

8GB of RAM is the amount of memory we recommend for casual computer users. If your usage includes internet browsing, email, lots of office programs, flash games, and multitasking – this level of memory should be sufficient.

16GB of RAM is the amount of memory we recommend for intermediate users looking for extra speed and smooth functioning. This may be especially beneficial if you tend to have several programs open and running, simultaneously. This is also a good level of RAM for casual gamers and standard business professionals.

32GB of RAM is the amount of memory we recommend for serious gamers, engineers, scientists, and entry-level multimedia users. This level of RAM allows for these memory-hungry programs to run smoothly, even as your computer ages. Therefore, It’s not too much, it’s just right. Fast DDR5 RAM will give your system an extra boost.

64GB of RAM is typically recommended for top-end users. If you’re a professional user of RAM-intensive programs, like AAA games running at the highest refresh rate and resolution, 3D modelling applications, 4K or 8K photo or video editing software, you may want to future-proof your computer’s memory by installing at least 64GB of RAM.

Although a computer will run an operating system (OS) with the minimum requirements, the response time and multitasking capabilities will be poor. Any future upgrades might require higher minimum requirements, as well. You will want more than the minimum requirements

The minimum system requirements for almost every app continue to increase, but it’s possible to set your computer up with enough memory to avoid having to continuously upgrade. Maxing out your installed RAM will likely suffice until the end of your computer’s life, so it’s in your best interest to be proactive and add more RAM as needed.

Updating your OS is often a time to upgrade your memory. Because your computer’s OS uses hardware resources like RAM to run properly, the OS has a significant impact on overall performance. Typically, a newer version of an OS demands more memory than its predecessor. Adding more memory when you upgrade your OS ensures a smoother transition, prevents potential problems, and optimizes the performance of your system.

Also, new software often requires more memory than its predecessors, particularly productivity applications, such as photo editing software, video editing programs, and games. Similarly, new hardware components like video cards, storage, and even the processor require sufficient memory to deliver their promised level of performance.

If you’re purchasing an inexpensive computer with minimal memory, you may want a memory boost. Before paying a higher price for more preinstalled RAM, check out the available upgrades. You might save money while significantly boosting performance.

RAM is one of the most affordable and easiest components to upgrade.

We have guides on how to install RAM on a desktop, and how to add more RAM to a laptop. 

Use our Crucial® Upgrade Selector or System Scanner tool to find out how much RAM your system currently has and how much it can hold. We can help you find a 100% guaranteed compatible upgrade for your system. 

We also have an article on how to make sure your new RAM is compatible with your computer.

When it comes to adding system memory requirements, the general rule of thumb is the more, the better. On average, doubling the amount of memory in your system will give you sample "space" to work and will make an obvious difference in overall speed. This is especially true with today's memory-hungry applications such as office programs, multimedia editing packages, and graphics-intensive games for which more RAM is needed. More memory allows you to run more programs at once, and our favorite programs will be easier to use. But how much memory (RAM) does your computer actually need?

When deciding how much memory you need, consider what you use your computer for, the operating system needs, and any software you use that is particularly memory-hungry. Installing the right amount of RAM will enable you to multi-task with ease.