Shelby

Shelby Meyer

Written December 07, 2024
AI Enhanced January 08, 2025
Updated -
Category [BUYERS GUIDE] [EDUCATION]

#0028 How much memory do you need in 2024?

memory

It Depends!

How much memory (RAM) you need for your computer depends on what you plan to do with it and how much you're willing to spend. Everyone has their own opinion on this, but one thing most people agree on is that more RAM is always better. Here’s what I recommend based on my experience:

8Gb of RAM

This is the bare minimum Microsoft suggests for Windows 10 or Windows 11, but I wouldn’t recommend it in 2024. As software requirements continue to grow, 8GB might slow you down, especially when you’re running multiple programs. It’s actually hard to find new computers with only 8GB of RAM now, but there are still older Windows 7 machines that were upgraded to Windows 10 with 8GB of RAM.

16Gb of RAM

This is what I would choose for any new computer. It's the sweet spot for most users and is enough to run all games and even a virtual machine (VM). It’s a solid choice for most people.

32Gb of RAM

Now this is perfect for running just about anything and will make your computer last longer before needing an upgrade. It’s great for people who use demanding software or run multiple tasks at once.

64Gb of RAM or more

Best for video editing, streaming or engineering applications. With this much memory, you can easily run multiple VMs and handle heavy workloads. This is overkill for anyone but the most advanced users.

Ultimately, the more RAM, the better (Well, up to a point) — especially if you want your computer to last and perform well for years!

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