● Covered by 1 source · 1 reportMedium impact1 negative
Laptop RAM prices are high, but 8GB is insufficient for modern use
Key points
- RAM prices have risen, adding $200 for an extra 8GB on some laptops.
- 8GB RAM is insufficient, with 80% used by Windows 11 on boot.
- Microsoft's Copilot+ PC program set 16GB as the minimum.
- TrendForce predicts memory price increases and more 8GB base models.
Rising RAM Costs and Laptop Pricing
The cost of RAM has increased, with an additional 8GB of RAM on a Dell XPS 13 costing $200. Dell's XPS 13 with 8GB RAM and 512GB storage, initially $699, saw its price increase by $100 for the same specifications. Apple's MacBook Neo also experienced a price increase from $599 to $699 in June.
Industry Trends and Manufacturer Responses
TrendForce estimates that CPU, memory, and storage now constitute 68% of a mainstream laptop's bill of materials. Manufacturers are expected to reduce memory configurations to preserve profit margins, leading to more 8GB machines in the market. A forecast for 2026 predicted a 90-95% increase in memory prices for PC makers in the first quarter.
The Shift to 16GB as a Baseline
8GB of RAM was the unofficial standard for laptops until May 2024, when Microsoft's Copilot+ PC program mandated 16GB as the minimum. In October 2024, Apple doubled the base MacBook Air's RAM to 16GB without a price increase, and subsequent Mac models started at 16GB. However, the 2026 MacBook Neo and Dell XPS 13 reintroduced 8GB base models.
Performance Issues with 8GB RAM
While 4GB is the minimum for Windows 11, testing revealed that an 8GB Dell XPS 13 model used 80% of its memory for background processes immediately after booting. Opening a browser and multiple tabs increased usage to 95%, causing performance issues like hiccups during scrolling and window switching. The 16GB version of the Dell XPS 13 was found to provide the desired performance.
✨ This summary was generated by AI from the outlets' reporting listed below. It is not independently verified and may contain errors — check the original sources. How BrevFeed works →
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Reporting from
Laptop RAM prices have increased significantly, with an extra 8GB costing $200 on some models. Despite this, 8GB of RAM is no longer adequate for a smooth user experience on current operating systems and applications, making 16GB the practical minimum for new laptops.