It is somewhat logical to reason that the higher the RAM on a Laptop the better.
However, there are other factors when considering how much Laptop Memory is enough.
Below is a brief rundown on these factors Laptop Memory Classes and Types Many laptops have gone to DDR3 memory, but quite a few still use DDR2.
DDR3 is a bit faster, but the speed of the memory makes a difference as well Below is a list of the slowest to fastest laptop memory
For one, given that operating systems vary in the amount of Ram they use, this will have an impact on how much Memory your laptop needs.
For Example, Windows Vista uses about 300mb, or 30% of a GB of RAM, while Windows XP requires approximately 150 MB, or 15% of a GB.
Windows 7 requires approximately 216 Mb or 21% of a GB.
However, this is the required memory just to run the OS without other applications.
Thus, for a system running Windows Vista, at least 2GB of Ram is recommended.
Xp and Windows 7 systems, however, can usually do well on 1GB or even 512Mb.
However, if you plan on doing more than general office work and basic internet use, you probably would be well served to get at least 2GB min.
A good way to determine how much you will need is to consider the apps you will be using, if possible.
Add up the memory that each one takes up.
For Example- Operating system+music software+office program, etc and then go over it by at least a 1512MB or 1GB Buyers also need to consider the graphics program, any special video enhancements, and other add ons that may suck up laptop memory.
Also, an often overlooked issue is how fast the processor's frontside bus speed is.
This is very important, because the faster this is the less memory you need.
These days, 800mhz is considered pretty good/above average.
If we consider a 775 mhz bus speed, the general guidelines are 1GB-Min 2GB-Avg 3GB-Good 4GB-Optimum 5-8GB-Great: Some laptops have this installed and/or have this capability for upgrade.
This would only be necessary for high level tasks such as HD gaming, professional video editing, etc.
These are only guidelines however.
Finally, a final thing to check is if there is available space to upgrade to more memory if you ever need it-especially if you are considering a laptop with less than 3GB.
The majority of laptops are listed having an installed memory and maximum memory.
The installed laptop memory is what it comes with and the max memory is the total amount of memory you could install.
For Example, if a Laptop states installed memory is 2GB and the maximum memory is 4GB, then you would be able to have 2GB additional memory installed in the future if you needed it.
However, there are other factors when considering how much Laptop Memory is enough.
Below is a brief rundown on these factors Laptop Memory Classes and Types Many laptops have gone to DDR3 memory, but quite a few still use DDR2.
DDR3 is a bit faster, but the speed of the memory makes a difference as well Below is a list of the slowest to fastest laptop memory
- DDR2 400 PC2-3200
- DDR2 533 PC2-4200
- DDR2 667 PC2-5300
- DDR3 800 PC3-6400
- DDR2 800 PC2-6400
- DDR3 1066 PC3-8500
- DDR3 1333 PC3-10600
For one, given that operating systems vary in the amount of Ram they use, this will have an impact on how much Memory your laptop needs.
For Example, Windows Vista uses about 300mb, or 30% of a GB of RAM, while Windows XP requires approximately 150 MB, or 15% of a GB.
Windows 7 requires approximately 216 Mb or 21% of a GB.
However, this is the required memory just to run the OS without other applications.
Thus, for a system running Windows Vista, at least 2GB of Ram is recommended.
Xp and Windows 7 systems, however, can usually do well on 1GB or even 512Mb.
However, if you plan on doing more than general office work and basic internet use, you probably would be well served to get at least 2GB min.
A good way to determine how much you will need is to consider the apps you will be using, if possible.
Add up the memory that each one takes up.
For Example- Operating system+music software+office program, etc and then go over it by at least a 1512MB or 1GB Buyers also need to consider the graphics program, any special video enhancements, and other add ons that may suck up laptop memory.
Also, an often overlooked issue is how fast the processor's frontside bus speed is.
This is very important, because the faster this is the less memory you need.
These days, 800mhz is considered pretty good/above average.
If we consider a 775 mhz bus speed, the general guidelines are 1GB-Min 2GB-Avg 3GB-Good 4GB-Optimum 5-8GB-Great: Some laptops have this installed and/or have this capability for upgrade.
This would only be necessary for high level tasks such as HD gaming, professional video editing, etc.
These are only guidelines however.
Finally, a final thing to check is if there is available space to upgrade to more memory if you ever need it-especially if you are considering a laptop with less than 3GB.
The majority of laptops are listed having an installed memory and maximum memory.
The installed laptop memory is what it comes with and the max memory is the total amount of memory you could install.
For Example, if a Laptop states installed memory is 2GB and the maximum memory is 4GB, then you would be able to have 2GB additional memory installed in the future if you needed it.