RAM plays an important role in the performance of your laptop or computer, storing the data for current programs you are running and temporarily storing any files. So, the more programs and files you run, the more RAM you need, yes? Well, not necessarily! The amount of RAM you need to enjoy a fast and responsive laptop or computer can depend on the programs you want to run and the intended use of the laptop.
Often, 8 GB and 16 GB RAM are the most popular options, providing you with plenty of RAM to load your favourite programs and stream movies. But how much RAM do you need, and which option is right for you? That's what we are here to find out. Today, we will show you what 8 GB RAM and 16 GB RAM are best suited for and the features you should consider when deciding which RAM is right for you.
8 GB Vs 16 GB RAM Overview
We will begin with a brief overview of each RAM type so you know what you are looking for before diving deep into the features and specifications of these RAMs.
8GB RAM Overview
8 GB RAM is a standard amount of Random Access Memory (RAM) to have on your laptop or computer. It offers space to store temporary files instead of using SSD or HDD memory. 8 GB RAM is considered a good amount for basic tasks, like word processing and web browsing, making it a suitable option for most students. You will have enough power to run multiple web browsers, stream movies, and play basic games. It's also a good option for work too, especially if your role mainly involves video calls and word-processing tasks.
You can find an 8 GB RAM laptop or computer to suit most budgets, especially if you don't have much to spend on a laptop. It provides you with access to the software you need without waiting ages for it to load.
16 GB RAM Overview
16 GB RAM is the next step up and is considered a better option for gamers! The extra RAM helps you to load and run large files, like modern games, easily. You don't need to worry about buffering or lags, which can impact your gameplay. A big advantage to 16 GB RAM is that you can run several large programs at the same time, allowing you to run photo and video editing apps without issue. This makes 16 GB RAM laptops a good option for creatives like photographers or video editors. You have the additional memory to load pictures and videos quickly, editing them without poor-quality images or time delays.
Form Factor
8 GB and 16 GB RAM come in various form factors, impacting the size and shape of the RAM modules that sit inside your laptop or computer. This shouldn't concern you too much when buying your laptop, but should you ever want to upgrade your RAM or other components, it's worth being aware of the form factor.
Most 8 and 16 GB RAM comes in SO-DIMM for laptops and DIMM for desktops. You can find this information on the specification list for your laptop or computer. By making yourself aware of the form factor will help you replace the RAM in future without worrying about it being compatible with your laptop. As 8 and 16 GB RAM is available in most forms, there isn't anything to worry about too much here.
Technology
RAM technology is a good indicator of the generation of RAM in your laptop, letting you know whether it is the latest generation or an earlier model. Newer generations of RAM tend to have improved performance, making it easier to load and run programs. Of course, some older generations will provide you with the speed you need, but if you are running larger programs, we recommend looking for a newer generation, like DDR4.
DDR4 is the most common and widely used RAM, so you will likely find this listed on your laptop specifications. It has improved performance compared to DDR3 and improved energy efficiency, regardless of the RAM size. You can upgrade to DDR5 if you wish, which allows you to access even faster speeds, but you will need to pay more for this. You don't often see DDR5 RAM in affordable laptops, especially those with 8 GB RAM. If you have a bigger budget and want a faster laptop, 16 GB DDR5 RAM is a fantastic option, especially if you need fast RAM for games or video editing.
Memory Speed & Size
RAM speed is measured in MHz and will show you how quickly data is transferred between your RAM and CPU. The faster your RAM is, the faster programs will load and run, giving you a smoother experience.
You can find both 8 GB and 16 GB RAM in various speed settings, so you can find the right RAM for your needs. We typically see faster speeds on 16 GB RAM, where it is assumed you would benefit from the faster speeds. But you can still enjoy the speed on 8 GB RAM, usually for a lower cost, too.
If you are considering upgrading the RAM in your laptop or computer, you must check the supported memory speed on your motherboard. This will tell you what the optimal RAM speed is for your system, reducing the chance of any issues.
Compatibility
The compatibility of your RAM really applies when you are looking to upgrade the RAM in your laptop or computer. You will need to check that the RAM you choose matches your system's specifications. This means checking your existing technology, form factor, and supported memory speed. Some laptop models might not be able to support 16 GB RAM, and you would need to consider upgrading your laptop to enjoy faster speeds.
When purchasing your laptop or computer, it's worth considering its compatibility. While it might serve its purpose now, will it always? If you need to upgrade and add more RAM, will that be possible? Upgrading the RAM can be cheaper than purchasing a new laptop, so it's worth considering how much value for money and RAM you can get from your purchase!
Web Browsing
Depending on the type of web browsing you are doing, 8 GB RAM can be the perfect option. It will allow you to use multiple tabs for searching the web, studying, or streaming movies. However, if you need to run multiple browser extensions or intensive web browsing, then 16 GB RAM might be your better option. This will provide you with extra memory, so the speed of your laptop does not suffer. You can also use multiple web apps with 16 GB RAM without any issues, so you don't need to worry about buffering or slow load times.
Gaming
A 16 GB RAM laptop or computer is a better option for gaming. Devices with more RAM are able to run and load newer games without any issues. Newer PC games have higher-quality graphics and usually require more memory. While you can play games on 8 GB RAM laptops and computers, you will find that they struggle to run smoothly, especially in 4K. You might notice buffering or slow reactions and lag while playing, which can be incredibly frustrating, especially when playing live online with others.
For occasional gamers, 8 GB RAM is a fine choice. But if you want to make the most out of modern games, we recommend spending more and enjoying 16 GB RAM. You will be surprised at how much of a difference this will make to your games, helping them to run smoother. You will also find that you can play games with other programs running in the background, without them slowing down your gameplay!
Photo Editing
When we consider RAM, photo editing is a feature we often look at. Why? Photo editing, regardless of the software you use, is memory-intensive, and you need plenty of it to successfully edit your photos. We think 16 GB RAM is far better for supporting photo and video editing software.
You will notice that your editing applications will load quickly and can process images faster. This gives you a smoother performance, making it easier for you to edit your images. Whether you are editing photos for work, education, or your own enjoyment, you will find the faster load times make the entire process easier.
With 16 GB RAM, your laptop can handle multiple adjustments and layers more efficiently, an important benefit when photo and video editing. You can still run applications like Photoshop with 8 GB RAM, but you'll find the application takes longer to load. It might struggle to load images quickly, especially if you are running other programs at the same time.
Price Comparison
Unsurprisingly, 16 GB RAM costs more than 8 GB RAM. The extra speed of 16 GB RAM comes with a higher price tag, and we typically see larger RAM on more expensive laptops. 8 GB RAM tends to be a cheaper option, making it a great choice if you are on a tight budget.
We recommend 8 GB RAM laptops or computers if you don't need to run any large files or apps. If you need a laptop to search the web, type and edit documents and stream movies, then 8 GB RAM is more than enough for you. It will allow you to complete these tasks without worrying about your laptop struggling to keep up. You will find you can run multiple applications, too, and open several tabs without the speed dropping.
However, if you need to use photo and video editing apps or want to enjoy gaming, it's worth spending the extra money and enjoying 16 GB RAM. The additional power with larger RAM allows you to run several large programs at once without worrying about buffering or slow speeds. While this comes at a higher price, it allows you to work efficiently without being frustrated or let down by technology.
Find The Best Deals On 8 GB RAM And 16 GB RAM Laptops And Computers At Australian Computer Traders
Both 8 GB and 16 GB RAM laptops and computers are a fine choice, but you should consider your specific needs when deciding which is right for you. Luckily for you, we offer a wide range of both 8 GB and 16 GB RAM refurbished laptops and computers, allowing you to get the RAM size you need at the right price. Why not check out our range today to see what laptop we can offer you?
6 January 2026
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