When choosing a laptop, one of the common concern is the choice between 8gb RAM vs 16gb RAM. Both of these Random Access Memory sizes can provide topnotch performance based on the processes you're going to run.
LAPTOP PHOTO | LAPTOP NAME | EXPERT RATING | PRICE |
---|---|---|---|
Dell G3779-7934BLK- PUS Gaming Laptop | |||
HP 2019 Premium 17.3 Inch Flagship Notebook Laptop |
The choice between an 8 GB RAM and a 16 GB RAM falls in two aspects. First, knowing what you actually need and second, what you're willing to pay for.
8GB ram is enough for learning programming and creating smaller apps and programing. But if you want build more than this than you should (Acc. To me) need to check out 16GB ram (preferably Desktop). Ram: 8gb – 16gb Screen: 13.3' FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS BrightView micro-edge WLED-backlit multitouch – 13.3' diagonal 4K (3840 x 2160) UWVA BrightView micro-edge AMOLED multitouch Storage: 256GB. Lenovo Ideapad S540 (Intel Core 8th Gen i5-8265U, 15.6 inch 8GB, RAM, 1TBHDD + 128GB SSD, Win.
Here, we'll give you an idea about how RAM spaces perform and to whom it suits well.
What is RAM?
If you don't have the money to splurge on right now, choose an upgradeable 8 GB RAM laptop that you can tweak once you have the budget for a bigger RAM. Best 17 Inch Laptops – 8 GB/16GB RAM. If you're looking for the best 8 GB and 16 GB RAM laptop, here are our recommended units together with our top pick in the end.
Your laptop has three different memory types: the hard drive, the Random Access Memory, and the Video Random Access Memory. RAM or Random Access Memory pertains to the temporary memory so the processes can easily retrieve the data as long as the computer is on.
Once you turn your laptop on, all the OS and software information will be reloaded to your RAM. It will be removed once you turn the laptop off.
When the RAM isn't enough to accommodate all the software data in use, it will result to slow operation of the device. This is why individuals with RAM-intensive applications opt for higher RAM.
RAM shouldn't be confused with the hard drive memory. Think of it as your office desk. Your RAM allows you to spread documents at once so you can use it simultaneously. Meanwhile, your hard drive is a collection of shelves and drawers where you store files that are currently not in use.
RAM spaces and how it works
Not familiar with the differences in RAM sizes? Here's how each RAM fares in performance:
2 GB: This RAM is usually found on average smartphones and tablets. Older laptop models will have this but it will have very slow performance even with basic word processors.
4 GB: This is the entry-level of laptop RAM spaces. It's fine for basic tasks like Windows and search engines. Still, editing applications and other RAM-intensive software will be slow in this RAM.
8 GB: This is way better than 4 GB and will work well on gaming, Windows, and even in Mac OS. It's the middle ground for people who need more RAM but can't spend a ton of money.
16 GB: It's perfect for serious gamers and those who perform professional work in their laptops. This RAM space can accommodate most RAM-intensive applications.
32 GB+: So far, this is the highest RAM you can get on your laptop. This is ideal for workstations with very demanding processes and enthusiasts that need a different level of computing performance.
Processes that consume more RAM
Each application that you run in your laptop will consume a certain space on your RAM. The moment you boot your device, it will start to use up your RAM space.
The most RAM-demanding application is the operating system itself. Your browser comes next, more so if you have multiple extensions and bookmarks.
Some games and video and photo editing software will consume more. The more complex the application becomes, the more RAM it uses.
While browsing, a graphics-heavy website will eat more RAM compared to a plain HTML page. This is also the same comparison to the Minesweeper and PUBG computer games.
So how much RAM do you actually need?
8gb RAM vs 16gb RAM? If you're a serious gamer, an 8 GB RAM will be good, but it will be more rewarding if you invest in a 16 GB version. But if you just want a seamless performance for your simple tasks, the best i7 8gb RAM laptop will be unbeatable.
For Chromebook users, RAM wouldn't be a big issue. These laptops work and store files on the cloud. Besides, Chromebooks are designed only for simple processes including schoolwork and basic home browsing.
If you're using MacBooks, 8 GB is the entry-level choice. You'd get more performance if you upgrade to 16 GB.
If you don't have the money to splurge on right now, choose an upgradeable 8 GB RAM laptop that you can tweak once you have the budget for a bigger RAM.
Best 17 Inch Laptops – 8 GB/16GB RAM
If you're looking for the best 8 GB and 16 GB RAM laptop, here are our recommended units together with our top pick in the end.
HP 2019 Premium 17.3 Inch Flagship Notebook Laptop
This 17-inch unit from HP bears the brand's flagship design. It has a 1600 x 900 WLED backlit display paired with the basic Intel Graphics 620, DTS Studio Sound, and a DVD/CD burner.
The HP 2019 Notebook laptop runs in an Intel i5-7200U processor but you can choose your CPU based on how intensive your processes will be. Currently, it's available in i5 and i7 Intel and 7th gen and 8th gen versions.
Its RAM is also as versatile as its processor. You can choose from 8 GB, 12 GB, 16 GB, or 32 GB depending on what you need. With this, the 8gb RAM vs 16gb RAM isn't an issue. It's also available in HDD and SSD storage with varying memory sizes.
Connection-wise, you will enjoy 2x USB3.1, 1x USB 2.0, 1x HDMI, 1x RJ-45, and 1x headphone/microphone combo.
This laptop is highly customizable. Even its colors are flexible that you can choose from black, silver, or blue based on your liking. Just remember that the higher the RAM and hard drive size becomes, the pricier it gets.
All of the versions of this laptop runs in Windows 10 and has a 3-cell 31 WHr battery. This laptop has a moderate weight of 5.29 lbs. which is very understandable due to its large screen size.
✔️Versatile RAM, hard drive, keyboard customization
✔️1600 x 900 high res display
✔️1-Year UpgradePro Limited Warranty
✔️Lightweight than most 17-inch laptops
❌The sound quality can make use of some improvements.
If you want to start with an 8 GB RAM that's upgradable to 32 GB, the Dell G3779-7934BLK-PUS laptop is for you. It runs in an Intel Core i7 8th generation High-Performance Graphics that's perfect for serious gaming.
In case you want to save some money, this laptop is also available in an i5 version with the same generation and RAM size.
Its memory is equally powerful with 128 GB of SSD boot paired with a 1 TB of 5400 RPM SATA HDD storage. This laptop also boasts a 17.3-inch display with a LED-backlit display and IPS anti-glare feature.
Dell claims this best i7 8gb RAM laptop to be graphically superior for higher game settings. It's possible with the built-in NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti graphics card with 4 GB of VRAM size. This laptop has a better screen resolution of 1920 x 1080p.
Since this is made for gaming, the Dell laptop comes with dual fans that keep it cool under extreme processes. Also, it has the SmartByte technology that ensures that your streaming content is always crystal clear and seamless.
When it comes to the ports, you will have 1x HDMI 2.0, Thunderbolt 3, RJ-45, 2x USB2.0, 1x SD card, and a headphone slot. It also has a blue backlit keyboard.
All of these are in a small and thin package of just 25 mm. So far, it's one of the slimmest designs Dell has made for their 17' laptops. However, it's a bit heavier than the HP laptop above at 7.20 lbs.
✔️Thunderbolt 3 C-port to connect up to a 5k display
✔️25 mm thin, perfect for on-the-go users
✔️Dual fans for serious gaming
✔️SmartByte technology for easy streaming
✔️RAM upgradable up to 32 GB
❌Weak lighting in some areas
❌No DVD/CD reader option
OUR TOP PICK
If you want the most powerful 17' laptop in the market, don't miss the LG Gram 17' Thin and Light Laptop. Although slim, it boasts a high-res display of 2560 x 1600p and an Intel Core i7 8th generation processor. Moreover, it's paired with a 512 GB SSD storage.
It has 16 GB of RAM perfect for just about any intensive applications including gaming, editing, and multi-tasking. It's also made to withstand strong force with its military-grade chassis made from nano carbon magnesium that's tougher than most laptop shells.
Thanks to its 72Wh battery, the LG Gram can run for as much as 19.5 hours. It's light in weight, but heavyweight in performance. Add the Thunderbolt 3 port and you'll have endless visual probabilities with this laptop.
Aside from this hardware, the LG Gram also has a fingerprint reader that cuts the need to enter a password. It also has the Window Hello that gives a secure, easy, and quick way to unlock your laptop.
✔️MIL-STD-810g durability level
✔️Up 19.5 hours of battery life
8gb Ram For Programming Keypad
✔️High-res IPS 16:10 display
✔️Super lightweight at 2.95 lbs.
✔️SSD storage
Is 8gb Ram Enough For Programming
❌Average speakers
❌The SATA SSD is a tad slower than most
Best Games For 8gb Ram
Conclusion
So 8gb RAM vs 16gb RAM? It depends on what you actually need. But aside from knowing the RAM size, you should also factor in the performance of the hard drive, processor, and OS to purchase the best 17-inch laptop.