How much RAM do you usually require to speed up your PC

[Procurepod]

Hey, Folks I need to ask about the RAM space i usually required to upgrade the speed of my PC.

[chuckskull]

Moved to memory forum

For new builds I normally recommend 8gb for day to day and 16gb if you're going for a proper gaming build etc. If you're looking to upgrade a computer you already have it's hard to say. If it's starved of RAM it can make a big difference, if not, you'll barely notice. What you use the computer for makes a big difference too.

If you don't know your computer's spec's. Try Speccy https://www.piriform.com/speccy Once we know what you have we can give you a more detailed answer about what effect the RAM will have.

[kalniel]

It's kind of only speeding up by removing a limiting factor. Ie once you have enough RAM, getting more doesn't increase the speed noticeably (depending on usage pattern).

[EndlessWaves]

Yup, you need enough that the data being stored in memory by the programs you're using doesn't have to be constantly swapped in and out.

How much that is depends entirely on those programs and how you use them.

Right now 4GB, 8GB and 16GB are the most popular amounts. Below 4GB can cause swapping for some common tasks, 4-8GB is required for a few more demanding tasks and 16GB is largely only popular so it won't need changing for a few years.

[abaxas]

More != better
More != faster

Caching larger amount of memory usually means more cache trash = higher latency.

It all depends on what you are going to use your computer for.

[J ack]

I'd get 1 stick of 8gb right now since it's fairly cheap. It's good enough for my girlfriends laptop to do casual gaming and any day to day usage she has. I personally went from 4gb to 16gb and I found the difference to be great - being able to play almost any game while having skype/teamspeak etc open was nice. Buying 1 stick of 8gb would allow you to later put in another 8gb if you later found out you required it.