[Full Guide] How much RAM does a desktop computer need?

Welcome to Blackview (Well-known brand of budget mini PC and work & play laptop) blog. Hope this RAM related guide helps.

RAM (Random Access Memory) is a critical part of any computer because it directly affects how many tasks your computer can handle at once. The more RAM your computer has, the better it performs, especially for multitasking, gaming, or running demanding applications. Here's a simple guide on how much RAM you really need for different uses, for traditional desktops:

• Basic Use (4GB - 8GB): If you use your computer for simple tasks like web browsing, checking emails, watching videos, or using Microsoft Office, 4GB to 8GB of RAM is usually enough. Extending reading: Can you put 8GB and 4GB RAM together?
• Everyday Use and Light Gaming (8GB - 16GB): For general multitasking, video streaming, and some light gaming, 8GB of RAM is a solid choice. If you run multiple programs at once or play more demanding games, 16GB would offer better performance. Extending reading: Can you put 8GB RAM and 16GB RAM together?
• Heavy Use and Professional Work (16GB - 32GB): For video editing, 3D modeling, large spreadsheets, or other resource-intensive tasks, you’ll benefit from 16GB to 32GB of RAM.
• High-End Use (32GB or more): Power users who do serious 4K video editing, software development, or run virtual machines may want 32GB or more of RAM for the best performance.

How much RAM do you need for a Gaming PC?

For gaming, RAM is a key factor, but having too much doesn’t always mean better performance. Here’s what you should aim for:

• Casual or Indie Gaming (8GB): For smaller, less demanding games or casual gaming, 8GB of RAM is sufficient. Most games in this category won’t require a ton of resources - You can check the available RAM in the computer, to check the usage.
• Mainstream Gaming (16GB): For most modern games, 16GB of RAM is ideal. It allows you to run games smoothly while also running other applications like Discord or streaming services in the background.
• High-End Gaming and VR (32GB): If you’re into AAA titles, virtual reality (VR) gaming, or streaming gameplay at high settings, 32GB is a safe bet. It ensures that the most demanding games run without lag and that future games with higher RAM requirements can be handled.

How Much RAM Do You Need for Video Editing?

The amount of RAM you need depends on your video resolution, project complexity, and editing software. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Minimum RAM for Video Editing:

• 8GB – Bare minimum for 1080p editing (not recommended for professional work; may lag with large files or effects).
• 16GB – Decent for 1080p to 4K editing (good for hobbyists and light professional work in Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, or Final Cut Pro).

Recommended RAM for Smooth Editing:

• 32GB – Ideal for 4K editing, multicam projects, and moderate effects (best balance for most professionals).
• 64GB or more – Necessary for 6K/8K editing, heavy After Effects compositing, large VFX projects, or complex timelines.

Factors That Increase RAM Needs:

• Higher resolution footage (4K, 6K, 8K, RAW)
• Multiple applications running (e.g., Premiere + After Effects + Photoshop)
• Heavy effects & color grading (Noise reduction, motion graphics)
• Multicam editing (More angles = more RAM needed)

Best Choice for Most Users:

• 32GB DDR4/DDR5 – Sweet spot for 4K editing in 2024.
• 64GB+ – Only needed for 8K, RED footage, or 3D rendering.

How Much RAM Do You Need for Photo Editing?

The ideal amount of RAM depends on your file sizes, software, and workflow complexity. Below are the guidelines:

Minimum RAM for Basic Photo Editing:

• 8GB – Enough for light editing (JPEGs, small Photoshop/Lightroom projects). May struggle with large files or multitasking.
• 16GB – Recommended for most photographers (handles RAW files, moderate Photoshop layers, and Lightroom smoothly).

Recommended RAM for Professional Work:

• 32GB – Ideal for high-resolution RAWs (50MP+), complex Photoshop compositions (50+ layers), or frequent use of Panorama/HDR merging.
• 64GB+ – Best for extreme workloads (e.g., massive PSDs, 100MP+ files, or running multiple apps like Photoshop + Lightroom + Capture One simultaneously).

Factors That Increase RAM Needs:

• Large file sizes (e.g., 100MP+ RAW files, multi-layer PSDs).
• Advanced tools (Content-Aware Fill, Generative AI, Batch Processing).
• Multitasking (e.g., Photoshop + Lightroom + browser tabs open).

Best Choice for Most Photographers:

• 16GB – Solid for hobbyists and semi-pros.
• 32GB – The sweet spot for professionals and future-proofing.

Note: Photoshop uses RAM differently than video editors—it benefits from fast storage (SSD) and a good GPU too!

To sum up, for most gamers, 16GB is the sweet spot, offering a balance between performance and cost. Going beyond 16GB is mostly useful for future-proofing or extremely high-performance gaming setups.