Computer RAM or Random Access Memory, or simply memory is a vital piece of the jigsaw puzzle which makes up the innards of a PC. To flog our tired analogy one last time, look at RAM as a playground where children play.
A spacious playground (more RAM) will enable lots of children (programs) to play (run) comfortably. The reverse is true. Keep in mind that RAM doesn’t necessarily make your PC faster. For that to happen would require a team effort from the likes of a juiced up CPU, Graphics card and other factors.
So then, how much RAM does your PC need? To be honest, that depends on what you need the RAM for, be it regular usage, gaming, professional work and what not. Before you make the all-important decision to upgrade your RAM, these are a few salient points to consider. You might even find that you don’t even need more RAM as it is.
How much Computer RAM does your PC have?
The quickest way to know how much RAM you have is to head over to the Task Manager. Right click on your Taskbar and select Task Manager . Click on Performance and select Memory to see how much RAM you have. Alternatively, you can type Task Manager in the Windows Search Window (Hint: press the Windows button first) to access it.
More advanced software such as CPU-Z and HWInfo will give you a more detailed rundown of the state of affairs when it comes to your RAM. Matter of fact, we put up and excellent write-up to that effect. Basically what this software does is to show you what type of RAM is compatible with your PC just in case you need to upgrade.
As we wait for the arrival of DDR5 RAM, the next best thing at the moment happens to be DDR4. That said, not all computers are compatible with DDR4, as some only work with DDR3 or DDR2. If you must know, each generation of RAM is faster and more power-efficient than the last.
Related:
- Computer RAM Upgrade: How to find compatible RAM for your PC
- DDR5 vs DDR4 vs DD3 vs DDR2 SDRAM: features and specs comparison
How much Computer RAM does your PC need?
There’s no clear cut answer to this one, as everybody has their own needs and preferences However, if we might make a conjecture, budget PCs ship with a modest 2GB of RAM. That capacity doubles to 4GB for entry-level machines. 8GB of RAM is considered ideal for most regular PC users. Professionals e.g. designers and gamers hit that sweet spot at 16GB, but if they want more RAM, 32GB and over isn’t unheard of.
Optimum RAM for Operating Systems
A 32-bit Windows operating system running on 32-bit architecture has a maximum capacity of 4GB of RAM which it can utilize. If you add more than that, your RAM will lie idle and unused due to limitations of the operating system. For this reason, 2GB to 4GB is ideal for a 32-bit machine. If you have more than 4GB of RAM and your PC has a 64-bit architecture, you can comfortably install a 64-bit Windows operating system, preferably Windows 10.
Strangely enough, the minimum amount of RAM for Windows machines from Windows 7 all through to 10 is 1GB of RAM for 32-bit architecture and 2GB RAM for 64-bit architecture. Even so, more RAM is recommended for better performance.
Linux machines are more forgiving of less RAM. Ubuntu, the most popular Linux distro recommends only 2GB of RAM. The reason behind this is that Linux distros (e.g Ubuntu, Mint, OpenSUSE, e.t.c) have lower system requirements than Windows operating systems.
Related: What’s the difference between 32-bit vs 64-bit architecture in Windows? Here’s a clue: Ones & Zeros
RAM for Gamers
More than RAM, gamers need to have a good graphics card to render the resolution and graphics on top of a good CPU. But even so, RAM is an important factor we cannot push aside. FYI, we are not talking about the Microsoft Solitaire Collection that ships with your operating system. Playing PC games with 4GB of RAM isn’t unheard of, and a bunch of games have no problem with that. That said between 8GB and 16GB is ideal for gamers.
Most games actually recommend 8GB of RAM as ideal, e.g. Grand Theft Auto V, Hitman, Fallout 4, The Witcher, The Division, e.t.c. I wouldn’t say that it’s overkill if you get 16GB or more especially when you are also streaming live games. But even so, you can be excused for going all-out if it’s within your means. After all, Windows 10 supports up to 1terrabyte of RAM.
Video and Photo Editing
Adobe Creativity Cloud recommends about 8GB~16GB of RAM for a smooth performance, although 4GB can scrape by in a pinch. Barely. Most other graphics design software recommends the same. Less than that and we recommend taking anger management classes or yoga.
But if you are talking about something as simple as editing a video or some images using the Photos app, you can make do with your 4GB of RAM or less comfortably. Things get hairy when you go professional and are working with heavy programs that need a spacious playground to simply load on RAM.
Office Suites
Microsoft Office Suite is a yardstick when it comes to rating productivity of all other office suites. However, as we settle into Office 2019, I believe I am not alone reminiscing at the simplicity of Office 2013 which was roughly 700MB size for starters. Where Office 2013 used less RAM and loaded faster, Office 2016 and 2019 are RAM hoggers.
For Office 2013, 2GB of RAM is more than sufficient to run smoothly. Office 2016 and above will require a 4GB minimum. Disregard what Microsoft says on their website about 2GB. They clearly have never run Office on a budget laptop. For one thing, there’s this Microsoft Office Click-to-run service always running in the background and using system resources whether or not you are using Office.
Other Office Suites like LibreOffice, WPS, Open Office can scrape by with a modest 2GB of RAM. Google Docs for its part works in a browser and it’s deceptively heavy itself. Oftentimes, RAM usage spikes whenever we use Google Spreadsheets for an extended period of time. And we have 6GB on this Acer machine. Go figure.
PC RAM for Browsers
Google Chrome, the most popular browser has a less flattering reputation as a RAM hogger. What’s more, the more tabs you open, the more RAM is required as each tab has its own instance in the task manager. The same goes for Opera which is basically Chrome itself under the hood. Opera adopted Google’s Blink technology to the point that you can actually run Chrome Webstore extensions comfortably in Opera. The bottom line is that browsers are usually RAM heavy, especially when you go to websites that have a lot going on.
Based on PC user complaints, 2GB RAM is adequate if note a tard little to browse on a computer and still do other tasks. The PC will slow to a crawl as is to be expected. Browsing will need at least 4GB of RAM which is just perfect for a snappy performance.
In summary
- 1GB : Minimum recommended for installing 32-bit Windows operating system. I wouldn’t recommend using only 1GB of RAM for any reason. It’s just too bad.
- 2GB: Minimum recommended for installing 64-bit Windows operating system. You can scrape by with 2GB of RAM. You can browse websites, open Email, using an Office Suite, and whatever else. However, your PC will be slow if it bites off more than it can chew. Make sure you don’t run too many apps simultaneously though.
- 4GB : Most entry-level laptops come with 4GB RAM. Most applications load much faster than with 2GB RAM. 4GB is the ceiling for 32-bit operating systems which won’t be able to utilize any more additional RAM.
- 8GB : The sweet spot for most PCs for productivity software including browsers, office suites, photo and video editing software, PC games and more.
- 16GB : Perfect for professional work using RAM-heavy software such as Adobo Creativity Cloud, 2D/3D CAD software, and PC games (simultaneously live-streaming)
- 32GB For PC enthusiasts and custom-built workstations.
Featured image: Digitaltrends
Sydney Mugerwa is a seasoned consumer tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with a passion for reviewing the latest gadgets and smart devices. From smartphones and wearables to smart home products and cameras, Sydney breaks down the complexities of consumer tech, making it easy to understand through detailed reviews and how-to guides. His mission is to simplify tech jargon and help readers make informed decisions in the ever-evolving world of technology.
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Talkio Mobile , Uganda’s newest telecommunications service provider, is excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Banana Life Investments, a leading chain of mobile phone and retail shops. This strategic alliance aims to bring Talkio’s innovative telecom services closer to Ugandans.
This collaboration will leverage Banana Life Investments’ extensive retail network of 26 stores strategically located across Uganda in major malls, towns, and cities to provide customers with unparalleled convenience. Through this partnership, Talkio Mobile will offer its full suite of services, including SIM cards, airtime, and exclusive product offerings at any Banana Life Investment location.
This partnership is more than a business initiative—it’s a shared commitment to transforming lives. By integrating Talkio Mobile’s forward-thinking services & nationwide reach with Banana Life Investments’ retail footprint, the two brands are setting a new standard for customer convenience and inclusivity.
READ ALSO: 5 Things You Need to Know About Talkio Mobile: New Telecom Company in Uganda
“This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission of connecting Ugandans to innovative and transformative telecom solutions,” said Vianne Allan Ahura, CEO of Talkio Mobile. “By leveraging Banana Life Investments’ trusted presence and nationwide footprint, we are not only expanding our agent network but also bringing our services closer to the communities we serve. This collaboration ensures that our online customers can now enjoy a seamless offline experience right at their doorstep. Together, we are empowering Ugandans with the tools they need to stay connected, grow their businesses, and unlock new opportunities.”
Solomon Ssemuyaba, the assistant general manager at Banana Life Investments, echoed this sentiment: “We are proud to join hands with Talkio Mobile to deliver innovative, customer-centric solutions. This partnership represents our shared vision of fostering a connected future for Uganda. Together, we are redefining what convenience and accessibility mean for our customers.”
The partnership goes beyond retail distribution, introducing joint initiatives aimed at value addition and personalized service. Customers can expect seamless access to:
- SIM Card Sales : Available at all Banana Life Investments locations.
- Talkio phone number bookings : Book your preferred Talkio number at any Banana Life Investments location.
- Airtime Services : Recharge easily through in-store purchases.
- Customer Support : Friendly and knowledgeable staff trained to assist with Talkio Mobile products and services.
Additionally, the two companies plan to launch promotional campaigns and expand services to even more locations, ensuring no Ugandan is left behind in the digital transformation.
Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]
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The Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona , the world’s largest exhibition for the mobile industry, has just concluded. This annual event gathers leading technology brands to unveil groundbreaking mobile, AI, and digital solutions innovations. At MWC 2025, TECNO showcased a range of AI-driven products, reinforcing its commitment to cutting-edge technology.
The key launches included:
- CAMON 40 Series – AI-powered smartphones with One-Tap FlashSnap and advanced mobile imaging features.
- MEGABOOK S14 – The world’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring AI-enhanced multitasking and Snapdragon® X Elite.
- MEGABOOK T14 Air & K15S – Lightweight ultrabooks with AI capabilities and extended battery life.
- TECNO AI Glasses Series – Smart eyewear integrating AI imaging, translation, and AR display.
Jan Stryjak, Associate Director at Counterpoint Research, shared, “In the past year, we have observed significant advancements in the field of AI. AI will continue to drive transformative changes in our daily lives. In this critical period for the economic development of emerging markets, TECNO’s AI technologies are unlocking potential for diverse needs.”
“The application of AI technologies is crucial and urgent in emerging markets. We’re committed to bridging the digital gap between emerging and mature markets,” said TECNO CMO, Laury Bai. “TECNO is taking a practical approach to make AI more accessible, ensuring users in emerging markets can access AI and cutting-edge technologies.”
Laury Bai, TECNO CMO
Driven by its commitment, TECNO has forged a robust partnership with MediaTek, establishing a joint AI laboratory dedicated to accelerating advancements in AI. At the event, James Chen, Vice President of Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek, emphasized, “The synergistic R&D efforts between TECNO and MediaTek are set to democratize AI technology. Our collaboration powers a seamless, interconnected AI experience, bringing users a future of truly connected intelligence.”
James Chen, Vice President, Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek
CAMON 40 Series Powered by AI One-Tap FlashSnap Revolutionizes Smartphone Snapshot Photography
TECNO’s Global Product Launch Officer, Olivier Mas, officially unveiled TECNO’s next-generation AI-driven products. Attendees at TECNO’s launch event witnessed the highly anticipated debut of TECNO’s new CAMON 40 Series, a device that embodies TECNO’s legacy of excellence in mobile imaging. Featuring One-Tap FlashSnap Mode and TECNO AI, the series sets a new benchmark in smartphone photography, delivering exceptional snapshot capabilities and AI-enhanced user experiences.
Olivier Mas, TECNO Global Product Launch Officer
The CAMON 40 Series exemplifies a commitment to innovation that transcends hardware and software, extending into strategic partnerships that deliver cutting-edge AI solutions to emerging markets. Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud, remarked, “Our collaboration with TECNO on the CAMON 40 Series is a standout example. Leveraging Google Cloud’s capabilities, we’ve introduced groundbreaking features such as Ask Ella, AI Image Generator, AI Writing, and AI Translate. I am particularly impressed by the industry-leading and competitive edge of some of these innovations. For instance, TECNO’s AI supports text translation in 136 languages, voice translation in 44 languages, and photo translation in 51 languages. We are excited to further strengthen our partnership with TECNO, unlocking limitless potential to bring advanced yet practical AI capabilities to emerging markets in a convenient and secure manner.”
Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud
The CAMON 40 Series’ innovative One-Tap FlashSnap leverages AI to enhance imaging capabilities, revolutionizing mobile photography. AI optimizes camera startup and continuous shooting for instant captures, while AI-powered multi-frame processing intelligently reduces noise and enhances details, delivering sharper, more refined images. Additionally, the BestMoment algorithm analyzes motion patterns, automatically selecting the optimal frames for precise, high-quality shots in dynamic scenarios, ensuring users an unparalleled mobile imaging experience.
TECNO CAMON 40 Demonstrates the Cutting-Edge FlashSnap Capability
To delve deeper into the imaging prowess of the CAMON 40 Series, TECNO invited Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK, to share the image performance of CAMON 40 Pro. Frédéric highlighted, “The CAMON 40 Pro 5G has demonstrated exceptional imaging and performance capabilities in our rigorous evaluations. We’ve been particularly impressed with photo performance being the best for devices under 600$, and the 1st eligible device to our Smart Choice Label.”
Onsite photo of Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK
Beyond its advanced rapid-capture functionality, the integration of TECNO AI further enhances the device’s capabilities. Intelligent imaging, a 360° AI Call Assistant, and productivity tools elevate creativity and efficiency. Powered by MediaTek’s latest chipsets, the series ensures smooth performance, fast processing, and extended battery life. With a sleek, durable, and water-resistant design, it seamlessly blends style with practicality for modern users.
MEGABOOK S14, the World’s Lightest 14-inch OLED Laptop, Inspires Creators and Game Lovers
The MEGABOOK S14 is TECNO’s first OLED laptop and the industry’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring a 2.8K OLED display and incredibly weighing only 899g (31.7oz). The laptop is equipped with the outstanding power of the Snapdragon® X Elite compute platform, the flagship chipset for AI PCs from Qualcomm Technologies, and integrates TECNO’s world’s first self-developed edge-side large-scale AI model, to achieve AI-enhanced multitasking.
World’s Lightest 14-inch Laptop MEGABOOK S14
Specifically designed for next-gen AI productivity, TECNO AI enhances the Ella AI Assistant, AI-powered PPT generation, AI-driven image search, smart albums, and offline meeting transcription with multilingual support. The External Graphics Dock, equipped with a powerful NVIDIA graphic card, delivers scalable, high-performance capabilities for design, gaming, and content creation. The laptop’s 2.8K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate ensures exceptional visuals, while DTS:X Ultra dual 2W speakers, Wi-Fi 6E, fingerprint login, and PC Manager optimize connectivity and user experience.
TECNO’s strategic partnership with Qualcomm Technologies was a highlight of the TECNO AI Ecosystem Product Launch event, demonstrating a shared vision for the future of AI PCs. Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm, took the stage to discuss the integration of Qualcomm’s cutting-edge PC chipset into the new MEGABOOK S14 laptop, underscoring TECNO’s commitment to delivering high-performance computing solutions.
Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm
In addition, TECNO also introduced several standout new products. The featherlight 999g (35.2oz) ultrabook MEGABOOK T14 Air, features high-speed storage and LPDDR5 memory, while the ultra-thin, all-metal MEGABOOK K15S, equipped with a powerful 70Wh battery and supported by a 65W PD GaN charger, offers a smarter and more long-lasting user experience. Both devices are empowered by TECNO AI with advanced AI capabilities such as AI Album and AI Voice Assistant, making them perfect companions for all aspects of life.
The Next Game-Changing Tech Innovation: See the World with the TECNO AI Glasses Series
TECNO’s new AI Glasses Series also took center stage with the introduction of TECNO AI Glasses Pro and TECNO AI Glasses, reimagining eyewear with cutting-edge imaging, intelligent interactions, and a sleek aesthetic. The TECNO AI Glasses feature an aviator design, while the Pro model showcases a browline style, both embodying timeless elegance and modern fashion.
TECNO AI Glasses Redefine the Way People See the Future
Equipped with a 50MP high-definition camera, the series integrates an OV50D sensor, a 100° ultra-wide-angle custom lens, and an AI ISP imaging chip, forming a mobile-grade imaging system. This system lets users capture stunning, high-resolution photos with advanced AI noise reduction and HDR capabilities. With real-time translation supporting over 100 languages, TECNO AI’s Ella empowers accurate translation even for less common languages, as well as voice control, AI-powered object recognition, and intelligent information summaries for ultimate convenience.
Additionally, the AI Glasses Pro features a MicroLED display with 7th-gen resin waveguide technology, offering a 30° field of view, over 1,500 nits of brightness AR display, and a lightweight, ultra-thin design. The AR display allows users to effortlessly enjoy features like translation display, navigation, information prompts, and teleprompting.
Equipped with a 250mAh battery, these glasses offer over 11 hours of music playback and 8 hours of mixed use with just 30 minutes of charging. An advanced ultra-linear speaker, bass enhancement, and spatial sound deliver an immersive audio experience, while Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 ensure seamless connectivity.
With these innovative launches, TECNO is setting new standards in mobile imaging and AI-enhanced technology, shaping a more connected and empowered future for consumers in emerging markets. Once again, TECNO has showcased its cutting-edge innovation on the global stage at MWC. With the brand essence of “Stop at Nothing”, TECNO’s relentless pursuit of innovation is making AI-powered technology more accessible, allowing consumers to experience the future ahead of time.
Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]
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