Is 16GB of RAM Enough for a Laptop These Days?

I’m choosing between the ASUS Zephyrus G16 (2024) with 16GB of RAM and the Alienware M16 R2 with 32GB. Both have an Intel Core Ultra 9 and an RTX 4070 GPU. I’ll be using the laptop for work, school, and gaming. I’m leaning towards the ASUS for its portability, but the Alienware might perform better for multitasking and gaming due to the extra RAM. Upgrading to a model with more RAM is out of my budget. Is 16GB sufficient, or will I regret not opting for 32GB later?

In 2025, I wouldn’t recommend getting a laptop with less than 32GB of RAM. It’s likely to become the standard, and upgrading later might not be an option if the RAM is soldered to the motherboard.

16GB is adequate for most tasks today, but 32GB would be more future-proof.

Rory said:
16GB is adequate for most tasks today, but 32GB would be more future-proof.

Thanks! That confirms my thoughts. Which laptop would you recommend considering these points?

The Zephyrus would be perfect if it came with 32GB. Its only shortcoming compared to the Alienware is the RAM.

Jaime said:
The Zephyrus would be perfect if it came with 32GB. Its only shortcoming compared to the Alienware is the RAM.

Considering it has only 16GB compared to the Alienware’s 32GB, would you still recommend it?

@Hayden
For general schoolwork, 16GB is sufficient, especially if you’re not running the latest high-demand games.

Jaime said:
@Hayden
For general schoolwork, 16GB is sufficient, especially if you’re not running the latest high-demand games.

I mainly play Skyrim and might try Starfield, which I’ve heard can be quite demanding. Do you think the ASUS could handle that?

@Hayden
It’s a tough call. The Zephyrus offers better screen quality, portability, battery life, and speakers, but the Alienware might perform better in more demanding games due to its higher RAM.

I’d go with 32GB, it’s the better choice for long-term usability.

As long as the RAM isn’t permanently attached, you can usually upgrade it cheaply later on.