How much RAM does a laptop need?

For people who are not computer savvy, the concept of “RAM” evokes an association with the ability to store data on a hard drive for a long time, which is actually determined by internal memory. The mentioned memory determines the amount of data that the system can “hold in its head” at the same time. The speed of the laptop indirectly depends on it, or more precisely, at what amounts of information used it will begin to slow down.

How much RAM does a 2019 laptop need for comfortable work?

The required amount of memory, both internal and RAM, depends on the purpose of the laptop. Possible amounts of RAM and areas of activity in which it will be convenient to use them:

• 1 GB is incredibly small. This is not enough even for simple operation of the computer itself on Windows 7 or 10. Operating systems consume approximately 1.1 and 1.7 GB, respectively, although for the tenth version, which is famous for poor optimization, this is not the limit. This level of memory is suitable for a bank terminal (although they are terribly slow) or a computer running XP;
• 2 GB is also not enough. It’s worth remembering right away that 1.5 or more is consumed by the very activity of the system. The remainder is barely enough to maintain text documents (Microsoft Word is heavy, will not work) and operate the browser with one or two tabs.You can run games on an emulator for Sega or Nintendo DS; they are not resource-demanding;
• 4 GB is the minimum size. Allows you to use most office programs, do simple work in light 3D editors and play most games released before 2012 at maximum graphics settings. Just don’t turn on everything at once - a large number of open applications will invariably cause the page file to launch, which will significantly increase the response time;
• 8 GB is average. Suitable for almost all games (of course, graphics card and processor parameters allow), if not at maximum settings, then at medium settings (true for all software released up to 2018 inclusive). Office work is supported without problems, browsers with hundreds of open tabs slow down for half a second (it’s the browser engine’s fault, not the memory), but they work;
• 16 GB – large volume, enough for all games and for any office activities, it will allow you to play while simultaneously keeping several browsers open and keeping background programs running;
• 16+ GB – any quantity above 16. This amount of memory is needed only for working in heavy 3D editors, creating 3D films with “cluttered scenes” or any other actions that are not within the scope of interests of ordinary home PC owners.

Useful tips

If Freezes occur – don’t immediately blame the RAM. It happens that there is enough RAM, but the conducting capacity of the processor is not enough, or the video card (if we are talking about games) is weak. In addition, how the user handles the computer and surfs the Internet is of great importance.If Actions are carried out without caution, regular virus checks and daily clearing of the browser cache, then a large amount of memory will not save you - the laptop will slow down due to virus and background applications.