There's no point in denying it: Windows in general, and the most popular programs that run on that operating system, absolutely love RAM memory. However, many users on a tight budget are forced to optimize the specifications of a new computer, or alternatively, carefully upgrade what they already have. So, if you're asking yourself how much RAM memory you really need, this article might help you find the answer...
Escaping the Swap Trap
A fairly common (and sometimes economical) configuration offered by most laptop manufacturers is 4 GB of RAM with a 500 GB hard drive, or even a terabyte. From a technical point of view, both parameters meet the Windows 10 requirements, but Windows 10 is not the same as it was five years ago. The combination of multiple updates, programs that devour RAM like Google Chrome, a 5,400 RPM hard drive, and the operating system's obligation to dump content into the swap space, guarantee that poor laptop ends up crawling.
Of course, this situation isn't exclusive to laptops: some desktop computers can feel the lack of RAM memory very intensely, but the underlying question remains: How much do we really need? In general, we face one of the biggest "it depends" moments in the world, yet we're always willing to accept the challenge.
How Much RAM Do You Need?
If you visit specialized forums, gaming portals, and YouTube channels dedicated to hardware, you'll notice that there's a certain global consensus around 8 GB of RAM as a minimum for a computer running Windows 10, but the story doesn't end with a simple number. Advanced parameters like memory frequency, timings, and the use of dual channel have gained a lot of relevance in recent generations of platforms.
The specific case of dual channel is one of the most delicate for the budget-conscious user: the most economical motherboards tend to offer two slots for RAM memory, but to take advantage of dual channel, both need to be occupied. The "problem" is that it sacrifices upgrade potential, because if the future plan is to take the system to a larger capacity, the two existing modules will have to come out.
On the other hand, installing a single module allows you to preserve that upgrade capacity, but it leaves the computer in single channel. What does this mean? For a standard desktop terminal, the impact won't be too big. Instead, if the user is interested in gaming, the performance loss could reach 20 percent (even more if you depend on integrated video, which also uses RAM memory).
When Upgrading Isn't Possible
It can definitely happen: some laptops offer no possibility of expanding the amount of RAM memory, and only deliver what comes soldered on the motherboard, defined at the factory. The best strategy to reduce the impact of swap is divided into two parts: install a solid-state drive, and use more efficient programs. With swap being inevitable, you need the storage unit to be as fast as possible, but the software and your usage dynamics must also help. No matter how fast the SSD is, opening 30 Chrome tabs and a dozen background programs will bring it to its knees.
Unusual Memory Sizes
Now, what happens if the RAM size ends up being unusual? Say, 6, 10, 12, or even 24 GB. In the past, Intel adopted the concept of triple channel for its high-performance platforms, so it's not that unusual to find PCs from that era with 12 GB (3x4 GB) or 24 GB (3x8 GB) of RAM. But if your computer has 4 GB in a single module and your budget allows you to add 2 GB... you should give it a try.
As a general rule, mixing modules of different sizes and frequencies is not recommended since conflicts could arise between them; however, success stories are very numerous. Personally, I've used a computer with 12 GB of RAM (1x8 GB + 1x4 GB and different frequencies) for years, without errors or complaints from the operating system. If you decide to try it, make sure the overall frequency is that of the slower module (for example, with a 1,600 MHz module and another at 1,866 MHz, the global configuration should be 1,600), and leave the timings on automatic.
The Bottom Line
As time goes by, the question "How much RAM do I need?" will lose meaning for a single reason: consumption will keep increasing, and the final answer will be "All you can buy." But if you're looking for a summary...
- If there's no possibility of upgrade, try to get an SSD to replace the mechanical disk, and choose more efficient software. Don't rule out replacing Windows 10 with Windows 8.1 (it has support until 2023), or alternatively, installing some flavor of Linux.
- Don't be afraid of unusual RAM sizes. Conflicts between modules can happen, but "not recommended" doesn't mean "forbidden", and any additional RAM memory is welcome.
- At the time of writing these lines, 8 GB as a minimum for modern systems, with emphasis on the dual channel if you plan to use integrated video (e.g., the Ryzen APUs). Many games still run without a hitch with 8 GB, but any more elaborate idea of gaming practically imposes a base of 16 GB. Rendering, high-definition video... the sky is the limit.
I hope this has helped clear up doubts about RAM memory in your system. Now, if you're asking about video memory... that's another story. Good luck!
