Computer memory requirements: How much memory do you need?

When it comes to adding system memory, the general rule of thumb is the more, the better. On average, doubling the amount of memory in your system will give you ample "space" to work and will make an obvious difference in overall speed. This is especially with today's memory-hungry applications such as office programs, multimedia editing packages, and graphics-intensive games. More memory allows you to run more programs at once, and your favorite programs will be easier to use.

What do you use your computer for?

If this is what you do Here's how much memory you need
Casual user
Internet browsing, e-mail and listening to music
1GB-2GB
Frequent User
Internet browsing, email, word processing, simple graphics programs and flash games, music and watching videos, multitasking.
2GB-4GB
Power User/Student
Internet browsing, email, word processing, photo editing, video editing, graphics programs and gaming, intensive multitasking.
4GB-8GB
Professional User/Gamer/Graphic Designer
High performance gaming, multimedia editing, high-definition video, graphics design/3D modeling, intensive multitasking.
8GB-16GB

 

Operating system Minimum requirements We recommend
Microsoft Windows® 7 64-bit 2GB 4GB-8GB
Microsoft Windows® 7 32-bit 1GB 4GB
Microsoft Windows® Vista™ 64-bit 2GB 4GB-8GB
Microsoft Windows® Vista 32-bit 1GB 4GB
Microsoft Windows® XP® Professional 512 MB 2GB-4GB
Windows XP Home 512 MB 1GB-3GB
Windows 2000 512 MB 1GB-4GB
Mac® OSX Leopard 1GB 2GB-4GB
Mac® OSX Snow Leopard 1GB 2GB-4GB
Mac® OSX Lion 2GB 8GB

 

Operating System Minimum requirements We recommend
Adobe® Acrobat® 6.0 Standard 64MB 128MB
Macromedia® Studio MX™ 2004 256MB 512MB
Microsoft FrontPage® 2003 128MB 512MB
Adobe Illustrator® CS 128MB 512MB
Pinnacle® Studio™ Version 9 128 MB 1GB-1,5Go
Adobe Photoshop® CS 128MB 1GB-1,5GB
Adobe Premiere® Pro 256MB 1GB et plus
Adobe After Effects® 6.0 128 MB 1GB-1,5GB
 
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