Buzz
In the 1990s, billionaire Bill Gates once famously stated that humans would never need more than 640KB of memory on a computer. Perhaps at that time, with the new DOS operating system just released, not only Bill but none of us could have imagined computers needing as much memory as they do now.
After over 30 years, the exact necessary RAM capacity for a computer remains a hotly debated topic in the tech world. While RAM isn't cheap, after 8GB, it may be time for 32GB to become the standard memory on personal computers.
Demand has Surpassed 32GB
Before declaring 32GB RAM as the next standard in the future, it's essential to assess whether it's genuinely necessary for consumers. Currently, 8GB and 16GB RAM are the standards across many devices and fundamentally, they perform admirably for users' tasks.
However, survey results bring many surprises based on statistical data. Some users with demanding graphic tasks, such as rendering 4K or 8K videos, require higher RAM to work smoothly, multitask multiple applications, or open multiple files simultaneously. That's why some users consider upgrading to 32GB RAM.
Furthermore, some users aren't concerned about how much RAM their device has; they prioritize smooth and swift processing of large applications and files. With the use of a high-end CPU, we need sufficient RAM to provide data for its operation.
Games Increasingly Demand More RAM
Currently, gamers also need higher memory to customize graphics settings to the highest or simply to ensure smooth gameplay. Titles like Star Citizen require a minimum of 16GB RAM, while Spider-Man Remastered demands up to 32GB RAM to utilize ray tracing features, and games like Elden Ring also set minimum RAM requirements at 12GB.
Clearly, games requiring 16GB RAM will see upgrade waves, and users will need larger RAM to adapt to these titles.
Standardizing 32GB RAM capacity will provide comfort for users in all tasks, eliminating RAM bottlenecks. For users regularly engaging in heavy tasks, processing large files, or graphic-related work, 32GB RAM is recommended. While 16GB RAM is ample, there will be times when we surpass that threshold. The question remains whether 32GB RAM is excessive when not fully utilized, but it seems all calculations have been made by manufacturers.
The Multitasking Conundrum
Operating systems like Windows 11 or macOS are smart enough to optimize your usage reasonably. That's why we use 8GB, 16GB, or even 32GB of RAM without seeing much idle RAM compared to before. Nevertheless, it significantly enhances smooth operations, at least in terms of multitasking and background processes.
Issues related to RAM capacity and RAM congestion are widespread on desktops, laptops equipped with low RAM. This somewhat affects users' multitasking and daily usage experience.
Who Needs 32GB RAM?
If you're an IT/Coder enthusiast or a professional video editor or photographer, equipping 32GB RAM is relatively essential to ensure smooth task operations instead of experiencing delays with 8GB or 16GB RAM. For professional gamers who frequently play heavy, high-graphics games, having 32GB RAM is also crucial for delivering an excellent gaming experience.
However, 32GB RAM is necessary only for customers with high RAM-consuming needs. Currently, 8GB or 16GB RAM still adequately meet regular usage needs, basic tasks, office work, or light graphic editing. Hence, we should balance tasks and choose the most suitable RAM for ourselves.
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