Necessary amount of RAM

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  1. Posts : 45
    Windows 7 64 bit
       #1

    Necessary amount of RAM


    I know that the general concensus, at least to a degree, is the more RAM, the better. But realisitically, what would the absolute least amount necessary be? I ask because I'm considering an all-in-one Dell which comes with 4 GB of RAM & no option to add more during the ordering process. Is 4 GB enough, considering I'm not going to be using any memory intensive programs?
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  2. Posts : 12,012
    Windows 7 Home Premium SP1, 64-bit
       #2

    It's fine for most users.

    I have 4 and rarely use more than 3.

    Windows 7 will run tolerably well on 2--or even less.
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  3. Posts : 742
    MS Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit SP1
       #3

    For 32 bit windows 7 you will need a maximum of 4 GB. But if you have 64 bit Windows 7, 4 GB should be ok initially, you will be better off with 6 GB or 8 GB for running multiple applications and VMs.
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  4. Posts : 7,730
    Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 64-Bit
       #4

    Windows 7 system requirements - Microsoft Windows

    Bear in mind these are minimum requirements, but quite honestly, you'll be fine with 4GB.

    You say the Dell ordering process won't let you choose more than 4GB. Is this because you are ordering a computer with a 32-bit operating system?

    If so, I think you should reconsider and go for a 64-bit machine. You'll then have the option to upgrade your RAM in the future.
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  5. Posts : 742
    MS Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit SP1
       #5

    If you are using the computer just for internet browsing, chatting on messenger and using MS Office applications only then you will be fine with a 32 bit windows 7 and 4 GB RAM.

    But if you want to use intensive applications like Photoshop, AutoCAD and other heavy applications, it is better to invest on a 64 bit Windows 7 machine with memory expansion capability up to at least 8 GB.
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  6. Posts : 45
    Windows 7 64 bit
    Thread Starter
       #6

    It is a Windows 7 64 bit machine. I had emailed Dell before I started this thread and they answered me after I started the thread. They basically told me that the computer is available in three prices. I could get 8 GB of RAM if I wanted to get the top of the line and pay $1300. Somehow, $700 for 4 GB of RAM and a bigger had drive seems just a tad bit on the outrageous side to me. At any rate, I emailed them back and asked if I could add RAM at some later time. They said that it's possible, but it is a difficult process as it is not a regular PC.

    For informations sake, the computer I am refering to is the Dell Inspiron One 2320 non touch screen.
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  7. Posts : 12,012
    Windows 7 Home Premium SP1, 64-bit
       #7

    You have already said you will not be using memory-intensive programs.

    For that reason, I would go with 4.

    If you decide you need 8 at a later date, deal with that then.

    But I certainly would not buy RAM from Dell under any circumstances. As you discovered, they will charge you triple or quadruple.
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  8. Posts : 353
    Windows 7 Ultimate
       #8

    Windows 7 runs smooth on my 1.5GB. Running Firefox with two tabs, Malwarebytes and MSE only uses up 600mb of my RAM.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 194
    Windows 10 x64
       #9

    4GB is fine ... I'm running a backup program right now, surfing the web, and have a WMWare image of XP running as well. Only used 2.5GBs of RAM at the moment out of my 8GB.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 7,730
    Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 64-Bit
       #10

    Run the Crucial Memory Scanner.

    SDRAM, DDR2 and DDR RAM memory upgrades from Crucial.com

    It'll advise exactly which configuration is best for your computer and it'll be a lot cheaper than Dell
      My Computer


 
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