How much memory do you need to run Windows, Mac OS X, or Linux apps?

What is RAM?

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 thousands of times 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.

How Much RAM Do I Have?

If you are using a Windows-based PC
  1. Locate the Computer icon in the Start menu
  2. Right-click the Computer icon and select Properties from the menu
  3. You should be able to see the information about the size of the hard drive and the operating system to find the amount of RAM in megabytes (MB) or Gigabytes (GB).
If you are using a MAC System
  1. Open the Apple menu and then click About This Mac.
  2. Select More Info
  3. Go to Hardware overview. The System Profile screen opens, showing the Hardware Overview.
  4. Go to Current memory information
  5. On the left hand side of the screen, in the Contents section, click Memory.

The Memory Slot information shows your current memory configuration. This information helps you determine which slots are filled with which type of memory and how many slots are still available to install new Kingston memory.

How Much RAM Do I Need?

The baseline for RAM in a computer is 4GB; typically, it will do the job – just don’t expect to have several applications 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 16GB or 32GB.

When assessing your memory requirements, consider three things: the optimum memory configuration of your operating system, your usage patterns and your hardware. You should also check the requirements of individual programs to make sure you’ll be able to run the required software.

Kingston has created a chart to help you assess your optimum memory needs.{{Footnote.N52229}}
Kingston RecommendsFrequent userGamerProfessional user
Memory Requirements
Desktop 4GB + (Windows & Mac) 8GB + (Windows) 8GB+ (Windows & Mac)
Notebook 4GB + (Windows & Mac) 8GB + (Windows) 4GB - System Max
Usage
Email, Web surfing Most games these days require 4–8GB of RAM to run at high settings Graphics design/3D modeling
Download and Manage Photos, Music, Movies and TV 8GB+ Full suite of office products Advanced Features
Full suite of office products(Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project, etc.) High-performance gaming (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project, etc.)
Corporate Software (CRM, Accounting, Manufacturing) Corporate Software (CRM, Accounting, Manufacturing)
Software programming, Design Engineering, Sound Engineering
Advanced Web and Database Development, Production level editing
These recommendations are valid for the following Operating Systems:
MIN RAMMAX RAM
Windows 10
Windows 8/8.1		 1GB (32-bit) or 2 GB (64-bit) 128GB (Win8)–512GB (Win8 Professional and Enterprise)
Windows 7 1GB (32-bit) or 2 GB (64-bit) 192GB
Windows Vista® 1GB (32-bit) or 2 GB (64-bit) 128GB
OS X 10.10 Yosemite 2GB+
OS X 10.9 Mavericks 2GB+
Linux 1GB (32-bit) or 2 GB (64-bit)
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