RAM (Random Access Memory) provides fast access and temporary storage for data in computers. RAM sits in-between the processor and permanent data storage, like an HDD/SSD. When a computer is turned on, the processor requests data (such as the operating system) from the HDD/SSD and loads this into RAM. RAM is significantly faster than even the fastest SSDs, so having more RAM capacity to hold applications and data near the processor helps make computing quick and efficient.
Windows 7 and older
Windows 8 and newer
The Memory Slot information shows your current memory configuration. This information helps you determine which slots are occupied, the type of memory and the number of slots that are still available to install new Kingston memory.
The base memory installed in many computers is 4GB or 8GB. While 4GB or 8GB may be enough for the OS and a few applications, don’t expect to multi-task or have large files open at the same time without affecting performance. A mid-range configuration may require double that and high-end gaming systems and workstations need as much as 64GB or more to run smoothly.
When assessing your memory needs, consider three things: the minimum memory capacity requirements of your operating system, the motherboard channel architecture requirements (do modules need to be installed in groups of 2 or 4?) and the memory demands of the applications you typically use.
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| Basic User | Professional User | Gamer / Enthusiast User | |
|---|---|---|---|
| PC/Laptop | 4 - 8GB - 16GB | 16GB - 32GB - 64GB+ | 32GB - 64GB - 128GB+ |
| Example Uses | E-mail, light internet browsing (less than 6 internet tabs) | E-mail, heavy internet usage (6+ internet tabs) | High-performance gaming |
| Light multi-tasking (2-4 applications) | Heavy multi-tasking (4+ applications) | Heavy multi-tasking (4+ applications) | |
| Office / school applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc) | Full suite office applications | Streaming, content creation | |
| Graphics design/3D modeling | |||
| Corporate software applications (CRM, Accounting, Manufacturing) | |||
| Software programming, design engineering, digital audio workstations, video editing, advanced web and database development, production level editing, data sciences |
| Minimum RAM | Maximum RAM | |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 10/11 Enterprise (x64) Windows 10/11 Education (x64) Windows 10/11 Pro for Workstations (x64) Windows 10/11 Pro (x64) Windows 10/11 Home (x64) |
1GB (32-bit) or 2GB (64-bit) | |
| Windows 8 Enterprise (x64) Windows 8 Professional (x64) Windows 8 (x64) |
1GB (32-bit) or 2GB (64-bit) | |
| Windows 7 Ultimate (x64) Windows 7 Enterprise (x64) Windows 7 Professional (x64) Windows 7 Home Premium (x64) Windows 7 Home Basic (x64) |
1GB (32-bit) or 2GB (64-bit) | 192GB 192GB 192GB 16GB 8GB |
|
Windows Vista Ultimate |
1GB (32-bit) or 2GB (64-bit) | 128GB 128GB 128GB 16GB 8GB |
| 8GB | ||
| macOS 10.15 Catalina macOS 11 Big Sur |
4GB | |
|
macOS 10.14 Mojave |
2GB | 128GB |
| Linux – Ubuntu | 4GB |
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