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8GB vs. 16GB RAM: Full Comparison and Winner!

8GB RAM vs. 16GB RAM infographic

8GB vs. 16GB RAM: Full Comparison and Winner!

8GB vs. 16GB of RAM isn’t the usual comparison. Obviously, more RAM would be better, so we’re going to look at the comparison from a few different angles. We’re going to look at what 16GB can do that 8GB can’t. When does 8GB stop being enough?

What are the differences in performance and available features?

We’ll look at what we can and can’t do with this amount of RAM.

Choosing Between 8GB RAM vs. 16GB RAM

The choice is fairly straightforward. The answer depends on how much stress you put on your computer. It depends on how many apps you try to run at the same time. It depends on how many new apps you open while you already have so many open. pros and cons are minimal.

The answer really depends on how often your computer freezes. RAM is the free and fluid memory that programs use in real-time to make changes.

Flash memory vs RAM

RAM is volatile memory that needs a constant electrical charge.

Unfortunately, there is only so much that can go around. If we run out, then the entire system freezes until it starts flowing again. RAM is like the circulatory system carrying oxygen around the body.

There always needs to be enough to go around or the entire system fails. 8GB is enough for the usual programs, but it gets used up pretty quickly when larger programs are up and running.

8GB vs. 16GB RAM: Side-by-Side Comparison

8 GB RAM16GB RAM
Form factor:SO-DIMMDIMM
RAM memory technology:SO-DIMMDDR3
Computer memory size: 8 GB16 GB
Memory Speed:2666 MHz1866 MHz

8GB

Patriot Viper Steel DDR4 8GB 3000MHz Performance Memory Module - PVS48G300C6
$22.99
  • Capacity: DDR4 8GB Single Module
  • Base Frequency: PC4-17000 (2133MHz); Tested Frequency Profile 1: PC4-24000 (3000MHz)
  • Base Timings: 15-15-15-36; Tested Timings: 16-18-18-38
  • COMPATIBILITY: Tested on the latest Intel & AMD platforms
  • Custom design and series: All aluminum heat shield featuring gunmetal grey sides with diamond- cut viper logo and black top.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
03/11/2024 08:41 am GMT
Pros!Cons!
Typically already installed.Quickly runs out of steam when gaming or using multiple programs.
Strong enough to run Windows and some simple games

16GB

Best Overall
Corsair VENGEANCE LPX 16GB
$40.99
  • 16GB DDR4 RAM
  • Memory speed: 3200 MHz
  • Optimized for wide compatibility with the latest Intel and AMD DDR4 motherboards
  • A low-profile height of 34mm
  • Features an aluminum heat spreader
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
03/10/2024 10:56 pm GMT
Pros!Cons!
Significantly greater ability to run games and multiple programsCould be a waste if you don’t need that much RAM.

8GB vs. 16GB RAM: Key Differences

The key difference is the volume of RAM. The amount of RAM available is the only difference. It’s mostly similarities between the two options. There aren’t really any pros and cons. Anyone would just rather have more RAM if you had the choice between the two.

Although, It’s not really that necessary unless you play video games or run a bunch of programs at the same time.

Our Hands-On Experience

I’ve worked with both levels of RAM. 16GB is nice to have, but that’s not always an option. 8GB has taken care of the job almost without fail. In short, it’s nice to have more than you’ll need with 16GB, but it’s nice to always have as much as you’ll need with 8GB.

8GB vs. 16GB RAM: Which Is Best?

Patriot Viper Steel DDR4 8GB 3000MHz Performance Memory Module - PVS48G300C6
$22.99
  • Capacity: DDR4 8GB Single Module
  • Base Frequency: PC4-17000 (2133MHz); Tested Frequency Profile 1: PC4-24000 (3000MHz)
  • Base Timings: 15-15-15-36; Tested Timings: 16-18-18-38
  • COMPATIBILITY: Tested on the latest Intel & AMD platforms
  • Custom design and series: All aluminum heat shield featuring gunmetal grey sides with diamond- cut viper logo and black top.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
03/11/2024 08:41 am GMT

16GB is best, but it might not always be necessary. 8GB is a reliable amount of RAM for standard use. I wouldn’t rely on it for gaming, but it’s fine for laptop use.

The similarities and differences don’t really matter because it’s just different amounts of memory for laptop or desktop computers. The individual strength of each level shows the similarities and differences in their capabilities.

Computer memory RAM DRAM SRAM
Your computer’s memory is integral to your computer’s ease-of-use when running applications.

The pros and cons are clearly visible which shows you if 8GB is enough or if you need more. It’s likely that you’ll need more than 8GB unless you only need to accomplish the simplest of tasks. 16GB of RAM is the clear winner.

WINNER: 16GB RAM

Best Overall
Corsair VENGEANCE LPX 16GB
$40.99
  • 16GB DDR4 RAM
  • Memory speed: 3200 MHz
  • Optimized for wide compatibility with the latest Intel and AMD DDR4 motherboards
  • A low-profile height of 34mm
  • Features an aluminum heat spreader
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
03/10/2024 10:56 pm GMT

The increased capacity that 16GB of RAM provides over 8GB makes it the clear winner. 8GB of RAM may be suitable for basic functions, but it quickly seizes up when multiple programs try to operate at the same time. You might not always need 16GB of RAM but you’ll be happy to have it when push comes to shove.

Avoiding the frustration of a frozen system when facing a deadline is easily worth the extra cost of more RAM. Having a dependable system is more valuable than the sum of its parts.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between 8GB and 16GB RAM?

Ignoring the obvious answer, we should be asking a different question. What can 16GB of RAM do that 8GB of RAM can’t? 8GB is usually enough to handle most anything unless you include gaming. I’m not saying that you can’t try to play games with 8GB of RAM, but you might become frustrated with your performance. You would expect lag and even freeze with some of the games that require more of your system’s resources.

Is there a big difference between 8GB and 16GB RAM when it comes to gaming?

That is the difference for gaming. Speed is paramount for gaming. 8GB is usually included with the standard laptop. It’s a reasonable amount of RAM, and 8GB is sturdy enough to handle most tasks. I just wouldn’t rely on it for gaming. It’s better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it. 16GB gives you far more breathing room than 8GB ever would.

How much faster is 16GB RAM than 8GB?

Reliability is really the name of the game. It’s not about speed. It’s about not freezing up. 16GB has the capacity to handle a large enough amount of data so as not to freeze. 8GB can handle a lot, but sometimes that’s not enough.

Is 8GB RAM enough for a laptop?

8GB is more than enough for average laptop use. For general programs, games, and the internet 8GB is more than enough. When people start to open too many programs that need a large amount of RAM, that’s when the system starts to freeze up. As long as you only use your laptop for average business practices, 8GB will be just fine.

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