Random Access Memory (RAM) is one of the essential components of your computer system. It deals with storage and fast or slow your PC will run. Whether you are shopping for a PC for academic activities or a high-end device for gaming activities, RAM will always be a determining factor. There are different RAM sizes, each with distinct merits and demerits.
Irrespective of what you are using your PC for, choosing an 8GB RAM device will always be better than going for a 4GB own. 4GB RAM will cause your device to run slow because it will only depend on the hard drive to access files. 8GB RAM, on the other hand, offers faster speed even when you run other apps in the background.
Your PC’s RAM is temporary and superfast storage for all your device’s active software and apps. A small RAM like 4GB will force your device to rely on the hard drive to execute tasks which will be slow. With 8GB RAM, there is more space, and your device can access those active files quickly from the RAM instead of the hard drive.
4GB RAM – What You Should Know
In recent times, 4GB RAM is very low when it comes to memory size. People now store heavy files and games requiring large space on their devices, and 4GB can’t handle these many tasks. There were periods when 1GB, 2GB, and 3GB were available; 4 GB RAM was considered the best then, but not anymore.
As technology advances, it affects the value of gigabytes, too. 4GB RAM is cheap, but you won’t be able to run different apps and programs at the same time. Hence, there is a need for a larger RAM that will allow you to run different apps on your device without any hassle. For instance, you can’t play a game like PS5 on 4GB RAM; it is impossible.
4GB RAM restricts you from playing some interesting and high-graphic games. This RAM feels like a small bag that you are trying to force many big items inside; it won’t work. Using 4GB RAM on a 32-bit operating system will only give you access to 3.2GB of the entire RAM. However, using it on a 64-bit OS will allow you to use the whole RAM.
You can only enjoy 4GB RAM on a low-budget device or laptop and can’t use it for gaming.
8GB RAM – What You Should Know
Most PC users will always choose 8GB RAM because of its advantages. 8GB provides enough RAM to store files, run apps, and play less detailed games. Most applications don’t need excess RAM, but the issue is that users want to run different apps simultaneously. Users want to open multiple tabs on their browsers, play games, and listen to music simultaneously.
Most users are guilty of this, so investing in larger RAM is essential. If you love multitasking, purchasing 8GB RAM is the best decision. The only issue is that it is more costly than 4GB RAM. The advantage, however, is enormous; 8GB RAM is fast, durable, and creates the required space for different tasks.
Investing in 8GB RAM is worth it, and like the analogy described above, 8GB RAM is a big table where you can conveniently arrange big items without the fear of the table breaking. 8GB RAM is the best for entry-level devices without heavy gaming and space-thirsty applications. With 8GB RAM, you can play basic games.
Differences Between 4GB And 8GB RAM
| 4GB | 8GB | |
| Price | It is less costly | More expensive than lower sizes |
| Memory size | 2133MHz | 2666MHz |
| Gaming | It is not suitable for gaming | It can handle basic and less demanding games. |
| RAM Technology | SDRAM | SO-DIMM |
| Form factor | DIMM | SO-DIMM |
| Memory | 4GB | 8GB |
| Speed | 4GB RAM slows your device down in terms of loading time and overall performance. | 8GB has extra space, short loading time, and exceptional overall performance. |
| Multitasking | It does not allow you to run multiple apps in the background. | Thus, RAM handles multitasking better. It allows you to open different tabs in your browser while playing games and listening to music simultaneously. |
4GB VS 8GB RAM – Which One Is Better
With everything listed above, 8GB RAM is better. 4GB RAM is cheaper but will frustrate you because of its small space and slow activity. Attempting to use 4GB for gaming will cause your device to lag and freeze. However, it is the best for typing, basic editing, and watching movies.
If you want excellent performance with no frustration from your device, the RAM to get is 8GB.
Can You Use 8GB RAM For Gaming?
8GB is the least amount of RAM you need for gaming. With 8GB RAM, you can enjoy averagely-demanding games with a minimum requirement of 4GB and a recommended requirement of 8 GB Examples of such games are Fortnite and Minecraft. However, to play new games like Call Of Duty, you will need to upgrade to 16GB.
It does not mean you can not play Call Of Duty on 8GB RAM, but you may not enjoy it. Playing high-demanding games on 8GB RAM will lead to slow speed and poor performance.
Read: Can Windows 11 Run On 4 GB RAM
4GB RAM For Academic Activities
If you are a student with a low-budget device, 4GB is the best RAM for all your academic activities. 4GB RAM can handle basic web browsing, music, videos, and word processing. However, keeping multiple tabs open on your browser, several Word documents, videos, and still active on video calls will slow your device’s performance down.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. 4GB Or 8GB RAM, Which Should You Get?
If you can afford it, purchase 8GB RAM instead. It offers you more space, fast speed, and the ability to multitask efficiently. 4GB, on the other hand, only allows you to perform some selected tasks. Multitasking on 4GB RAM will slow down your device.
2. Is Upgrading From 4B To 8GB RAM Worth It?
Upgrading from 4GB to 8GB is definitely worth it. First, 8GB will allow your device to access your apps and files from the RAM instead of the hard disk. This will lead to swift task execution and flawless device performance. 8GB RAM also allows you to play better games while you run a few apps in the background.
3. Will Large RAM Destroy Your Device?
You should not use excess RAM than what your device needs as it may negatively affect the overall performance of your computer. Purchase the required RAM to get the best out of your device. Too much RAM will do more harm than good to your computer and its essential components.
4. How Much RAM Do You Need?
The amount of RAM you need depends on what you use your device for. 4GB RAM is suitable for academic activities like watching YouTube videos, editing, writing, and listening to audio. 8GB RAM, on the other hand, is enough for gaming, multitasking, and opening multiple tabs on your browser.
5. Is 4GB RAM Enough SSD?
4GB RAM has nothing to do with SSD. The essence of SSD is to improve your device’s speed, responsiveness, and performance. 4GB may be a small RAM that may not handle heavy files and apps, but it has nothing to do with the functionality of the SSD.
Conclusion
4GB and 8GB are popular RAM sizes, and deciding which one to get depends on your device’s needs. 4GB RAM is enough for basic tasks like light browsing, watching movies, and storing small files. 8GB is enough for less demanding gaming, multitasking, and large file storage.