A Linux distribution veteran explains how much RAM is needed for optimal performance on modern Linux systems. While minimum requirements are low, practical usage demands more for smooth multitasking and demanding tasks. Recommendations vary based on user activities, from basic browsing to intensive development.
Modern Linux distributions, such as Ubuntu Desktop, have minimum system requirements of 4GB of RAM, though the author has tested Ubuntu virtual machines with just 3GB for basic purposes. However, such low amounts are not recommended for everyday use, as RAM serves as fast temporary storage essential for speed, responsiveness, and multitasking.
Doubling the minimum to 8GB allows for limited tasks like web browsing with few tabs, office suite usage, email, and terminal work. Yet, it falls short for more demanding activities: opening 10+ browser tabs can cause issues, gaming is not feasible, virtual machines are impractical, and resource-intensive tasks like video editing, rendering, or working with large images in GIMP lead to slowdowns. A RAM drive for temporary files is also out of reach, which helps reduce SSD wear.
At 16GB, considered the sweet spot, many limitations vanish. Users can handle numerous browser tabs, light gaming, virtual machines, development, and basic video or image creation. Rendering videos remains restrictive, preventing other tasks during the process.
With 32GB, performance smooths out entirely. Demanding games work well with a dedicated GPU, video rendering allows multitasking, virtual machines run better, and features like RAM drives and desktop eye candy become viable.
The ideal amount depends on needs: 8GB suits basic browsing, documents, email, and chatting without gaming; 16GB adds many tabs, light development, gaming, and virtual machines; 32GB covers serious gaming and larger projects; and up to 64GB future-proofs systems. The author, handling numerous tabs, GIMP editing of big images, multiple virtual machines, and productivity work, requires at least 32GB. Doubling estimated needs ensures better long-term performance, as modern websites and applications increase resource demands.