How much RAM do I need? A guide for creative professionals

MacBook Pro M3 on a table
(Image credit: Future)

When you choose a new laptop or desktop computer, one of the most important things to look at is RAM (Random Access Memory).

RAM is your computer's short-term memory, used to store data that the processor needs to access quickly. Broadly speaking, the more you have, the faster your computer should run. It's measured in gigabytes, shortened to GB.

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Tom May
Freelance journalist and editor

Tom May is an award-winning journalist and author specialising in design, photography and technology. His latest book, The 50th Greatest Designers, was released in June 2025. He's also author of the Amazon #1 bestseller Great TED Talks: Creativity, published by Pavilion Books, Tom was previously editor of Professional Photography magazine, associate editor at Creative Bloq, and deputy editor at net magazine.