So you‘re looking to build or upgrade your computer. One key question looms large – just how much RAM do you actually need? Is it worth springing for a spacious 64GB memory kit or can you safely get by with 32GB?
This article will walk you through everything to consider in deciding whether 64GB or 32GB better fits your budget and needs. We‘ll dive into real-world performance differences, look under the hood at specs, and also peek back at some highlights from RAM‘s long evolution.
By the end, you‘ll have all the knowledge to pick your ideal RAM capacity with confidence. Let‘s dive in!
RAM Explained – Why It Matters for Performance
Before weighing 64GB against 32GB specifically, it helps to level-set on exactly what RAM is and why it‘s so vital for system performance.
RAM, or random access memory, stores the data and programs actively in use by your computer‘s CPU at any given moment. This allows the processor to access them much faster than pulling from storage on a hard drive or SSD which is magnitudes slower.
Having enough RAM capacity ensures that your full working datasets can reside in memory so the CPU can operate on them at full speed. If RAM fills up, excess data gets swapped out to storage through a process called paging or thrashing. All that reading and writing bogs things down terribly.
Upgrading the total RAM allows more to run in memory simultaneously before performance suffers. Think of RAM as short-term workspace and storage as long-term filing cabinet. You want ample room on your desk before having to walk back and forth!
Real-World Performance Changes from More RAM
But just how much daily performance gain does springing for 64GB instead of 32GB of RAM actually net you? Truthfully, outside specific workloads, not a ton. Let‘s explore why.
Diminishing Returns Set In – Unlike upgrading from 8GB to 16GB RAM which is hugely impactful, going from 32GB to 64GB brings smaller returns for average users. You likely won‘t perceive or measure much speedup in normal workflows. The extra unused RAM literally does nothing until those capacities are hit.
You‘ll Never Hit Limits – Managing browser tabs, office apps, streaming video alongside gaming or creative programs rarely consumes over 16GB simultaneously, much less 32GB. You‘d need to be running multiple virtual machines and huge databases to push beyond. For most, there‘s overhead to spare.
However, if regularly working in statistical programming like R or Python loading huge datasets, the 64GB insurance can pay off. But odds are software bottlenecks hit before hardware, so optimize code before blaming RAM.
Comparing 64GB vs 32GB RAM Specs
Even if practical performance differences feel marginal outside specialized use, 64GB memory kits do give you an edge in underlying technical specifications versus 32GB sticks. Let‘s compare some example hardware configurations.
Sample 64GB RAM Kit
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 64GB (2 x 32GB) |
| Speed | 3600 MHz |
| Latency | CL16 |
| Pins | 288-pin |
| Voltage | 1.35V |
Sample 32GB RAM Kit
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 32GB (2 x 16GB) |
| Speed | 3200 MHz |
| Latency | CL14 |
| Pins | 288-pin |
| Voltage | 1.35V |
Observing the technical specifications, the 64GB kit here operate at a faster 3600 MHz clock speed compared to 3200 MHz on the 32GB kit. But it does have marginally higher CL16 latency versus CL14.
In real world usage, small latency differences like this get drowned out by other bottlenecks. But the extra bandwidth and capacity headroom give flexibility to manage more demanding workloads smoothly.
Recommended RAM Based on Usage
Determining ideal RAM capacity comes down your intended computer usage. Here are some suggestions on sufficient RAM by primary use case:
General Home/Office Use – 8GB is plenty for light tasks like email, browsing, office apps, streaming media simultaneously. 16GB provides breathing room for dozens of Chrome/Edge tabs.
PC Gaming – 16GB works for most gaming setups smoothly running latest titles. 32GB becomes recommended if you also stream/record gameplay. 64GB only needed for hardcore competitive esports gamers.
Creative Work – 16GB suffices early on, but 32GB+ better facilitates smooth 4K+ video editing, 3D rendering. Helps avoid slowdowns as project complexity ramps.
Software Development – 16GB is comfortable for most coders. But 32GB+ allows running multiple IDEs, virtual machines, containers at once if you need.
Data/Business Analysis – Working in Tableau, Python, R? You‘ll want 32GB+ to crunch big datasets without paging, ideally 64GB+ for billions of rows.
There‘s no substitute for simply having more free memory capacity than your workload regularly requires. 64GB definitely provides that buffer even for demanding technical applications. But it comes at a premium price if idling most of the time.
The Evolution of RAM Over the Decades
To appreciate why even basic modern computers ship with upward of 4GB of RAM as standard, it helps to understand the rapid pace of advancement in memory technology over decades.
1940s – The very first concept of random access memory arose using CRT screens to store bits as electrical charges. Extremely crude by modern standards but revolutionary for the era.
1950s – Magnetic core RAM becomes the leading form of computer memory, storing data in magnetized ferrite rings. Far faster than punch cards and tape storage of the time.
1960s – Magnetic core RAM capacities finally reach multiple megabytes, considered an incredibly large capacity then. Remained dominant form of memory through the 60s.
1970s – The invention of DRAM memory chips by Intel in 1970 brings solid-state RAM powered by tiny capacitors on ICs rather than magnetic materials. Wilkinson Sword later licenses DRAM to manufacture the first 16Kb RAM stick in 1975.
1980s – Ongoing manufacturing improvements allow packing more memory cell into less silicon area, steadily raising RAM capacities and lowering cost-per-kilobyte each year through the 1980s.
1990s – New EDO DRAM and SDRAM standards deliver major speed boosts via faster clock rates and memory prefetching to feed the CPU more smoothly. This enhanced "bandwidth" begins equaling capacity in importance.
2000s – DDR and successive DDR2/3/4 RAM generations push clock rates ever higher through precisiontuning of signal timing and voltages, peaking at over 5 billion transfers per second today! Costs decline exponentially.
To 64GB And Beyond! Pros vs Cons
We‘ve covered a ton of ground on the nature of RAM, it‘s history, and how 64GB and 32GB variants differ. Let‘s recap the key pros and cons of going big with a 64GB memory upgrade:
Pros
- Great for running demanding workstation apps
- Minimizes disk paging when running 100+ Chrome tabs
- Video editors never hit memory limits mid-project
- Provides headroom as software grows more RAM hungry
- More future-proof than 32GB kits
Cons
- Overkill capacity for typical home/gaming PC usage
- Often costs 50-100% more money for unused RAM
- Latency can be fractionally slower at highest densities
- Needs supporting motherboard with enough slots/channels
So while drool-worthy on paper, outside very specific workloads, most users will never remotely tap even half of a blazing 64GB RAM setup for daily tasks. But for those manipulating huge databases, virtual environments, 4K+ media – go big or go home!
Conclusion – Balancing Needs and Budget
At the end of the day, while 64GB RAM kits deliver blistering specs and fluid workflows for everything from video editing to software development, most typical home and office users will hardly tax even 16GB doing everyday tasks.
Upgrading from 8GB to 16GB makes a very noticeable difference in snappiness loading dozens of browser tabs and applications simultaneously without slowdown. And 32GB RAM presents a sensible sweet-spot for most high performance gaming rigs and workstations suitable for productivity, design and analysis needs.
But if building an ultimate video production battlestation or giant RAM disk, the 64GB+ club beckons for sheer smoothness! Just be sure first that your other hardware components don‘t slow you down first.
I hope mapping out the differences between 64GB vs 32GB RAM options helped provide some clarity! Let me know if any other questions come up.
