Memory by use
| What you do | Memory to buy |
|---|---|
| Web, email, documents, streaming on a Chromebook | 8 GB |
| Everyday work and study on Windows or macOS | 16 GB |
| Gaming | 16 GB, or 32 GB for the newest large games |
| Photo editing, light video editing, programming | 16 to 32 GB |
| 4K video editing, 3D work, virtual machines, local AI models | 32 GB or more |
Why 8 GB is no longer enough on Windows
Windows 11, a browser with a dozen tabs and a video call can use more than 8 GB on their own. When memory runs out the laptop starts using the SSD as overflow, and everything slows down. An 8 GB Windows laptop feels old much sooner than a 16 GB one.
Check whether the memory can be upgraded
In many thin laptops the memory is soldered to the board and cannot be changed. If that is the case, buy for the next four or five years, not for today. Every review on this site lists the upgrade options; the MacBook Air 13 (M5), for example, cannot be upgraded after purchase.
Is more memory always faster?
No. Memory you do not use does nothing. Going from 16 GB to 32 GB will not make a browser or a word processor quicker. Spend the difference on a better processor or screen unless your work fills 16 GB.