That slight pause when you share your screen on a video call. The stutter when you switch back to your browser. If this sounds familiar, the culprit is probably a lack of memory in your laptop – and it’s a problem that being stuck with 8GB of RAM can no longer solve.
8GB had a good long run. In the late 2000s, it was the default spec on premium machines, and even when relegated to budget models years later, it generally got the job done.
That era is over. In 2025, 16GB or better is the only sensible option for anyone who cares about their laptop’s everyday performance, longevity or real-world multitasking.
The memory bottleneck
If you’ve experienced the symptoms above, that lag and stutter is because your machine has run out of RAM and has been forced to use your SSD as slow, emergency memory – a process that tanks system performance and responsiveness.
Part of the problem is that modern software eats memory like I eat ice cream. Web browsers cache more than they used to, and creative tools hoard RAM for live previews and AI features you might not even want.
Your favorite apps (or the ones you have to use for work) like Chrome, Teams and Slack are built to purposefully load up on memory in an attempt to keep the experience snappy.
And that’s the underlying issue. Leaving memory sitting unused is wasteful. But running out is even worse.
Modern operating systems work wonders with memory management, but that’s a magic trick that only goes so far. If you start with 8GB, the OS can’t conjure extra capacity out of thin air, and the once snappy experience grinds to a stuttery crawl.
The problem is worst on the sort of budget laptops that typically offer 8GB as an option. When RAM is in short supply, the low-spec CPU and SSD need to step up and take on more load, but they simply can’t maintain the pace needed to keep things feeling fast.
Where 8GB still makes sense
16GB is always going to be better, but there are some times when 8GB is tolerable if you keep your expectations modest. Older-generation Apple-silicon MacBook Airs with 8GB of RAM can often handle light-duty use and can be a good buy for younger students.
Chromebooks are also simple enough that the choice isn’t between 8GB and 16GB, but between a functional 8GB and a barely usable 4GB.
There’s also the issue of integrated graphics, as on many laptops the graphics processing unit (GPU) shares system memory. Fire up a game, a 3D-accelerated app or even just connect an extra monitor or two, and you forfeit a chunk of RAM to graphics.
With 8GB, that leaves too little for everything else. With 16GB or better, you have headroom that keeps the system responsive when the GPU comes calling.
Upgradability is important too, and while some laptops can have memory added down the line, most now ship with soldered-on memory that can’t be upgraded. If you buy 8GB today, you will be locking in a short shelf-life for your device.
Stretch to 16GB and you’ll extend its useful years, delay your next replacement and save money over the life of the device.
Even Apple finally embraced 16GB. After years of defending 8GB on entry-level devices, the Mac maker’s laptops now start with 16GB. That is about as clear a signal as you’ll get for what the memory minimum should be for a modern laptop.
Buying advice
Treat 16GB as the baseline for general use. That happily covers study, office work, web, media, light photo edits and a few pro tools. If you compile code, edit high-resolution video, run local AI models or keep dozens of heavy apps active, 32GB is a critical upgrade that shouldn’t be skipped.
Storage choices matter too, but the fastest SSD cannot compensate for insufficient memory.
Retailers will still push 8GB to anchor lower price points. In fact, we wrote about this same issue way back in 2021, yet many manufacturers still use 8GB as the base spec. My advice is to skip these models and wait for a sale that brings 16GB within reach, as the extra cost buys a smoother day-one experience and fewer compromises tomorrow.
Think of the frustration and opportunity cost of time spent closing tabs, rebooting apps or apologizing for choppy calls.
In 2025, an 8GB laptop is a false economy. Invest in more memory now, or pay for it with your patience later.
Our buying guides
Need a new laptop but aren’t sure where to start? We have a range of buyers’ guides that can help you find the perfect machine for your needs.
Still suffering with an 8GB laptop? What’s the one app or task that consistently brings your machine to its knees? Share your story in the comments below.
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lindsay.handmer@futurenet.com (Lindsay Handmer)
