16GB vs 32GB RAM: Which is Right for You?

Random Access Memory, or RAM is an important part of any laptop or computer. It stores your data and programs temporarily, determining how quickly they load and run. The amount of RAM you need varies depending on how you use your laptop or computer, with 16 GB and 32 GB RAM being the most popular around gamers, photo and video editors.

But which is right for you? That's what we are here to find out! We will show you the features you need to consider when deciding which RAM is right for you.

16 GB Vs 32 GB RAM Overview

Let's start with an overview of each RAM type so you can see what you are looking for before taking a closer look at their features and specifications.

16 GB RAM Overview

16 GB RAM laptops or computers are a fantastic option for students, moderate gamers, or anyone working across various word-processing software. 16 GB of RAM allows you to run large programs, keep multiple web tabs open, and play games. You can enjoy the newest game releases and use photo editing software, but 16 GB RAM can sometimes struggle when you have large games and programs running at the same time.

16 GB RAM laptops can be a lower price than 32 GB RAM laptops, making them a good option for anyone with a tighter budget.

32 GB RAM Overview

32 GB RAM laptops come with double the RAM and are considered the better option for gamers and full-time photo or video editors. With the additional RAM, your laptop or computer can edit high-resolution images and switch between filters and editing tools without any buffering or lag. You won't need to worry about slow speeds ruining your work.

32GB RAM offers more space for high-resolution games, too, without worrying about closing down other applications or slow speeds. While 32 GB RAM laptops and computers can be expensive, we recommend them for anyone who needs the extra space and speed, whether for work or play.

Form Factor

16 GB and 32 GB RAM come in different form factors, which impact the size and shape of the RAM module inside your computer or laptop. This shouldn't concern you too much when making your purchase, but you will need to be aware of it if you ever decide to upgrade your RAM.

16 GB and 32 GB RAM comes in DIMM for desktops and SO-DIMM for laptops. You can check the form factor of RAM on the specification list for your laptop or computer. By knowing the form factor, you can easily replace the RAM without worrying about its compatibility with your laptop or computer.

Technology

The RAM technology is a good indicator of the generation of RAM your laptop uses. You can use this to determine if it is the latest version of RAM or not. Newer generations come with improved performance, which makes it easier to load and run programs. Older generations will provide you with the speed you need, but for larger and more intensive programs, we recommend opting for a newer generation of RAM, like DDR4.

DDR4 is the most widely used and common RAM, and is the one you will likely find listed on your laptop's specifications. DDR4 comes with improved performance compared to DDR3 and even improved energy efficiency, which can help improve your battery life and prevent overheating. You can also consider DDR5, which is usually found in large RAM and more expensive laptops.

You can find 16 GB and 32 GB RAM laptops with both DDR4 and DDR5, helping you find the right choice for your budget and needs.

Memory Speed & Size

We measure RAM speed in MHz, which shows you how quickly data is transferred from your RAM to CPU. The faster your RAM is, the faster programs load and run. 16 GB and 32 GB RAM come in various speed settings, helping you find the right RAM for your needs. Typically, 32 GB RAM will have faster speeds, whereas it's assumed you need the increased speed. You can still find fast speeds at 16 GB, too, usually for a lower cost.

If you are planning to upgrade the RAM in your laptop or computer, you need to check the supported memory speed on your motherboard. This tells you the optimal RAM speed for your system, so you don't need to worry about any issues down the line.

Compatibility

RAM compatibility only applies when you upgrade the RAM on your computer or laptop. You will need to check the RAM you choose matches your system's specifications, looking at its existing technology, form factor, and supported memory speed. Not every laptop model can support 32 GB RAM, so you might need to consider upgrading your laptop for faster speeds.

Web Browsing

Web browsing does not tend to use much of your memory, so 16 GB or 32 GB RAM will be more than enough for your needs. 16 GB RAM is perfect for basic web browsing tasks, such as checking emails, using websites, streaming movies, or doing some online shopping. You can even open multiple tabs and switch between them without slow response times.

However, if you tend to keep your web browser tabs open while running other large programs, you might notice that your system slows down. To help with this, you can either close some of your programs down, which makes it harder to multi-task or upgrade to 32GB RAM, which can handle multi-tasking and large programs easily.

Gaming

Whether you choose 16 GB or 32 GB RAM, you don't need to worry too much about your gaming performance. If your laptop or computer is being solely used for gaming, the RAM should be considered, but the specifications of your CPU and GPU will be more important.

For occasional to moderate gamers, 16 GB RAM is perfect. It will load and run most new releases easily, allowing you to game in 4K without worrying about lag or buffering. You might need to close down other large programs, like Photoshop, before loading your games, though, as these can slow down your device.

Professional gamers or those who game daily might want to consider a 32 GB RAM laptop. The additional RAM ensures that large and high-resolution games run smoothly, and you won't need to worry about closing down any other programs to keep your gameplay smooth.

Photo Editing

Photo editing software needs a large RAM to offer fast speeds and help you run the large software without any buffering or lag. Both 16 GB and 32 GB RAM is suitable for photo editing, but 16 GB RAM laptops can struggle when you are working with larger files. If you have high resolution images, advanced filters, or multiple layers, then 16 GB RAM laptops and computers can start to struggle, You might notice delays when previewing images, slower response times, or that the software lags when switching between tools. This isn't a massive issue if you don't work with photo editing software often, but if you regularly use photo or video editing for work or school, it's worth considering a 32 GB RAM laptop or computer.

With the added RAM, you can work with larger files and complex projects without worrying about lag or buffering. You will also be able to keep larger portions of image data in memory, so you don't need to swap between RAM and storage devices as often, making it quicker for you to process images and load previews. You will also be able to leave other programs running in the background without worrying about your photo editing software suffering.

Price Comparison

32 GB RAM tends to be more expensive than 16 GB RAM, offering twice the RAM speed. You usually find 16 GB and 32 GB RAM in more expensive laptops designed for gaming or intensive video editing tasks. 16 GB RAM laptops and computers will be cheaper, and you can usually find a good price, especially if you make the most of seasonal sales. We think you should consider the features and specifications of the laptop or computer before deciding which RAM suits your needs.

Find The Best Deals On 16 GB RAM & 32 GB RAM Laptops And Computers At Australian Computer Traders

16 GB RAM and 32 GB RAM laptops and computers have plenty of space and power for the latest games, photo editing software, and all the streaming or web browsing you need. The biggest difference when deciding between the two to consider is the resolution of images and games you are working with and whether you mind waiting for slower response times. If you have lots of 4K images and videos to edit, the 32 GB RAM is the better choice, while 16 GB RAM is suitable for lower resolutions and moderate gaming.

Whichever option you decide to choose, we have a variety of refurbished 16 GB and 32 GB RAM laptops and computers to help you find the perfect option for your budget.