Furniture

How much RAM you actually need

Close-up of RAM memory modules installed in a motherboard DIMM slots, with a second spare stick held in a hand

RAM is where your computer keeps everything it's working on right now, so the amount you have decides how much you can do at once without slowdown. Most shoppers either buy too little or pay for capacity they'll never touch.

Here's a simple way to work out what your own setup actually needs.

Everyday Use

Neatly arranged PC RAM memory modules and a small tidy desk set-up on a white wall and wooden floor, illustrating how mu

For browsing, email and general home use, 8GB gets by but feels tight with several tabs open. Gaming and day to day work is comfortable on 16GB, which is why it's become our most common build spec.

Editing video or running several programs at once calls for 32GB, so your drive never has to step in as overflow.

Speed Matters

Stylish home office living space with a gaming PC desk, ergonomic chair, monitor and shelf of PC parts on a blue wall

Beyond the gigabytes, fit two matched sticks instead of one for dual channel speed, a free upgrade that many pre-built machines skip. If you're not sure what your own PC can take, bring in the model number and we'll check it for you.

Parts we would put in our own machines, checked before you pay.

71 Pilgrim Avenue
Chevy Chase,
MD 20815

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