How many GB of RAM does your computer need?

RAM is also called Random Access Memory, or simply called memory, is one of the most important parts on your computer. But how much RAM is enough?

On current new computers and similar devices, RAM ranges from about 2 to 16GB or more.
The choice of RAM depends on two factors - what do you want to use the computer for? (surf the web, watch good movies, use games, graphic design .) and how much can you afford?

1. Introduction to RAM

Memory capacity is often confused with long-term storage on hard drives such as SSD or HDD. And sometimes manufacturers or retailers do not clear these memory when introducing products.

You can imagine that RAM is the top part of a desk where you are putting the paperwork you need to solve (these papers can be processed at the same time). Meanwhile, the hard drive can be understood as the drawer under the desk where everything can be stored as tools, documents you do not want to use .

On your system RAM can handle multiple programs simultaneously. The larger the RAM capacity, the more your computer can handle multiple programs simultaneously.

But RAM is not a decisive factor to all this, there are dozens of techniques that help open multiple applications at the same time while the machine is equipped with limited RAM capacity but the problem is that this will make the machine work slowly more than usual.

Will the computer with a larger amount of RAM handle faster? This is inaccurate, upgrading RAM capacity just as you expand the table size, it only helps your computer to handle more tasks at the same time rather than speeding up the process.

Only a faster processor (CPU) really makes your device work faster. Large amounts of RAM do not increase the number of files or programs stored on your computer.

The RAM standard differs from standard video memory, which is often integrated with computer graphics cards.

High-end 3D games are based on standard RAM video, often represented as "GDDR3" or similar, while the memory standard is simply called memory, RAM or DDR3 / 4.

2. The applications that consume the most RAM

Perpetrators who consume a lot of RAM on computers are usually operating systems and web browsers. Having more RAM on your computer means you can open more tabs when browsing the web with browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer . In addition, some websites also take up more RAM. Others. For example, a simple message with only the text will take less RAM to handle than web pages with multiple videos and images.

In addition, programs tend to use more RAM because the programs are integrated with more complex features.

A simple chat program or game like Minesweeper hardly consumes any significant amount of RAM, whereas an Excel spreadsheet with huge numbers or a massive graphic project is done by Heavy-duty applications like Photoshop can consume more than 1GB of RAM when operating. Modern 3D games also use a lot of RAM, sometimes up to several GB.

That means the demand for RAM is entirely dependent on the programs you use.

Therefore, you should consider carefully what programs you want to use before choosing the computer with the appropriate RAM.

3. Choose RAM for tablet

Most tablets running Windows will be equipped with 2GB to 4GB RAM. However, this RAM capacity is only enough for basic needs such as opening a few tabs on the browser, browsing mail and watching a video at the same time. If you intend to multitask with heavy applications, you may be frustrated because it is easy to hang or run too slowly.

So if you only need to use basic tasks, 2 GB to 4 GB of RAM is just enough for Windows tablets.

Some of the more advanced tablets run Windows and use chips from Core i3 and above such as Microsoft's Surface Pro series equipped with 8GB of RAM.

If you want to use the tablet regularly for work, upgrading RAM is necessary.

4. Choose RAM for Laptop

Today Laptops are usually equipped with at least 2 GB of RAM (especially low-cost laptops or Chromebooks), some other models of RAM can be up to 8GB, some of the more affordable price laptops are equipped with magnetic RAM 12GB to 16GB.

Minimum RAM level (2GB) is only suitable for tasks like web browsing, email, watching videos or playing some light games (casual games).

4GB RAM is the level of RAM that a Windows or OS X laptop can meet the needs of most users today. If you plan to run dozens of tabs at the same time while browsing the web, or plan to work with heavy-duty applications like high-quality image editing, consider having a laptop with 8GB or more RAM.

The cost of upgrading 4GB RAM to 8GB usually falls to about 100 USD, but it will be more expensive if you want to sync with a faster processor or larger storage. With 12GB of RAM or more is ideal if you want to choose a laptop that can replace desktop computers, usually these are the most advanced models of computer manufacturers.

6. Select RAM for desktop

On some expensive desktops RAM can be up to 64GB or more, these are high-end models and cost quite "acrid".

Normally, few users exploit the full capacity of 16GB of RAM on a desktop computer unless they intend to use video software, 3D images .

Desktop RAM is cheaper than RAM for tablets or RAM for laptops.

If you intend to run dozens of tabs on the browser at the same time or open dozens of text documents, . you might consider upgrading to 12 GB or 16 GB RAM.

7. Conclusion

2 GB RAM is considered the current minimum number and is only suitable for low-end tablets, laptops, Chromebooks to meet the most basic needs of users.

4GB is minimal for Windows or OS X computers, 8GB of RAM will meet most users' needs and if the amount of RAM is larger than these numbers is usually to meet some people's passion. used as a 3D game or graphics, accounting with large data sheets .

You can refer to some of the following articles:

1. Four step instructions for installing more RAM

2. 8 easy ways to free RAM make the machine run faster

3. Get all 4GB of RAM on Windows 7 32-bit

Wish you have moments of fun!