How Much RAM Do I need for Programming?

I have heard that for gaming laptops, 8GB of RAM is the magic number, anything more is overkill. Though I will use my notebook for writing programmes in school, most likely C++. Is it necessary to upgrade to 12GB?

 

8GB indeed is enough, so is 12. I would just go with 16GB anyways, just to be sure. Besides, RAM ain't that expensive (unless you go for 32GB, 1866MHZ, 2133MHz etc.), so why not get 16?

 

depends on how much virtualization you are going to do, and how you are going to program, for the question 8gb should be enough for you

 

... if he has to ask, 100mb is probably enough

 

Yeah, seriously. I haven't seen any of my school code reach over 100MB even, let alone anything in the GB range.

8GB is the "magic number" since that's simply the norm that you will find in a lot of laptops these days (though business-class laptops tend to start at 4GB, and Dell's business laptops start at 2GB). But anyway, OP if all you're doing is your typical, simply coding projects that you'll find in a BS-level CompSci degree, 8GB is plenty overkill. Even my X61t with 4GB of DDR2 RAM is more than enough for the stuff you typically see. Only reason why you should be concerned with anything above 8GB is if you're running multiple virtual machines at once.

 

In school you will very likely not be needing much RAM, only small projects. Even larger projects typically don't need more than 4, but it's not uncommon to need 16. I'd say use 4 minimum, 8GB is a safe bet. I've compiled very large projects and never had to use more than 8GB.

You're clearly taking your first programming class, which means you'll probably need almost no RAM at all for programming. Enough to run whatever IDE you use, and like... 1MB for compiling/ running lol

 

The question is not how much you need for programming (now...) it is how long the notebook is expected to be in use...

If you are replacing the system with a (then) current notebook in less than ~ a year, then you can live with the 8GB (you seem to already have).

If you have an IB or SNB, quad core platform, have Windows 8 x64 (Pro recommended...) and your notebook supports it (two dimm slots):

Then, if you are hoping to keep the system for the next few years: max out the ram to 16GB as that is ~$90 right now... you will enjoy the increased responsiveness of your system over that length of time (i.e. the 'ownership' period) and it will allow you to grow into your system and also give you some breathIing room as to 'when' to upgrade to your next setup.

While 16GB RAM will also benefit a 'lowly' dual core IB/SNB low voltage 'u' cpu - it won't 'future-proof' it as much as an i7 quad will benefit or at least an i5 w/hyperthreading will.


Sure, with 4 or 8GB installed now you will save the cost of the ram (vs. 16GB or more) - but if you'll be using the system over the next several years, you will be 'paying' for the cost savings in a slower and slower setup with each passing month/year (the idea here is not to spend your money - it is to have a 'balanced' a system as possible).


As for the gaming (note: I don't 'game' at all) - I have seen RAM (over 8GB...) make huge improvements to a system's gaming (re: min fps). There are also a few articles on the web that also hint that even for gaming; you shouldn't stick to the minimum (4GB) manufacturers include, nor should you settle for 'just' doubling it to 8GB either.

More is always better - and when 'more' comes this cheap (vs. the cost of the rest of the system/setup/software/etc.), it is wise to spend it as early as possible to enjoy it as long as possible (vs. maxing out the ram just before you sell it anyways - and almost certainly at a higher cost than it is available for now).


Hope this helps.


Good luck.

 

Thanks for all the responses. I'll stick to 8GB then.