Is 16GB of RAM Still Enough for a PC in 2026?

Unison

Unison

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Is 16GB of RAM Still Enough for a PC in 2026?

For quite a few years, 16GB of RAM has been considered more than enough for the average PC. But with modern browsers, Windows 11, games and applications becoming increasingly demanding, I'm wondering whether that's beginning to change.

A new PC with 32GB isn't particularly unusual anymore, and some enthusiasts are already choosing 64GB.

Obviously it depends what you use the computer for, but I'm interested in people's actual experience rather than just specifications.

  • How much RAM does your main PC have?
  • Have you ever actually run out of memory with 16GB?
  • Did upgrading from 16GB to 32GB make a noticeable difference?
  • Is 64GB useful outside video editing, virtual machines and other specialist workloads?
  • If you were building a new PC today, would you still consider 16GB?
I'm currently thinking 32GB is becoming the sensible amount for a new machine, even if most people don't actually need all of it yet.

What do you think — 16GB, 32GB or 64GB for a PC bought in 2026?
 
16GB is fine for me, and unless these current silly prices for memory drop, there no chance of me upgrading to anything higher.
 
I built several PCs in 2025 including my own, and I put 32Gb in all of them, looking back that was a wise move on my behalf, and going forward I would put probably 64Gb into them, depending on future proofing a system, what it's used for, and longevity of the machine.

The way prices are atm though, you're going to struggle with the increases for both memory and storage. I've seen articles suggesting the prices won't drop until at least 2028, and even then, possibly not at all. Considering I sold my PC just before christmas for £500 with 32Gb of ram, and now the ram alone is worth that, seems I gave someone a bargain :)
 
Currently have 12GB/500GB but will get 32/64 1TB in my new mini PC
the more the better for me running apps like ON1/PS/Vegas etc
Device name NucBoxG5
Processor Intel(R) N97 (2.00 GHz)
Installed RAM 12.0 GB (11.7 GB usable)
Graphics card Intel(R) UHD Graphics (128 MB)
Storage 381 GB of 477 GB used
System type 64-bit operating system, x64-based processor
Click to expand...
 
I have 3 mini PC's and 2 Laptops all run on 32 Gb but when I bought them they all had windows 11, which I thought prudent at the time but things have changed at my end. All but 1 machine now runs Linux and now would easily run 16GB (if not less maybe 8GB).
I have converted 3 Family older Laptops etc to Linux for them and all of them were using 8GB and I have to say they are all delighted with the outcome no complaints. (Which is alway good) 🙂
 
**OVERRIDE** said:
That's the company I'm looking at, what do think of the fone?
I believe it's full of bloatware and runs it's OS along side android?
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I love them, been with them for a few years,
currently waiting for the sales to get the Xiaomi 17 Ultra 16GB/1TB
Related products
 
My most recent build is a gaming spec' PC with 64Gb RAM built around an ASUS Prime Radeon RX 9070 XT card.
This was a "push the boat out", "last PC build ever" as I wanted to be able to max out FH6 with some room to spare, which it does quite well. It also doubles as an under-desk heater when it gets up to speed.

For the most part, it's a bit overkill as I spend most of my gaming time playing UT2004. Productivity wise, It's been known to struggle slicing some detail rich 3D prints. Not sure if this is an app' or RAM issue, but will look into next time it occurs.

I'm of the mindset that you should futureproof your tech as much as you can afford to.
 
Seedy_r0m said:
My most recent build is a gaming spec' PC with 64Gb RAM built around an ASUS Prime Radeon RX 9070 XT card.
This was a "push the boat out", "last PC build ever" as I wanted to be able to max out FH6 with some room to spare, which it does quite well. It also doubles as an under-desk heater when it gets up to speed.

For the most part, it's a bit overkill as I spend most of my gaming time playing UT2004. Productivity wise, It's been known to struggle slicing some detail rich 3D prints. Not sure if this is an app' or RAM issue, but will look into next time it occurs.

I'm of the mindset that you should futureproof your tech as much as you can afford to.
Click to expand...
Mine was to run solitaire for free MS points :) A little overkill too perhaps.
 
Janobi said:
Apple M1 Pro
16GB
2021 version

She does alright to look at websites and download films. I don't game on PC, hence I sold the gaming PC I built.
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That's still a cracking machine to be fair 👍 An M1 Pro with 16GB is more than enough for browsing, downloading films and everyday stuff.

If you don't game on PC anymore, I don't blame you for selling the gaming rig. No point having an expensive PC sat there using electric just to browse the web 😂
 
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