Does your laptop feel slow and unresponsive? It might be time to upgrade to a computer with more RAM.
RAM stands for Random-Access Memory and it temporarily stores data in a place where it’s quick and easy to access. Essentially, the more RAM a computer has, the more programs it’ll be able to run simultaneously without hindering your computer’s performance and speed.
To find the best 16GB RAM laptop for you, consider some of the industry’s top recommendations like the HP Pavilion Gaming 16 Laptop, designed with the hardcore gamer in mind.
What to know before you buy a 16GB RAM laptop
16GB RAM
A decade ago, most laptops came with either 2GB or 4GB of RAM. Today, that amount of RAM is suitable for a tablet, but not optimal for a computer. Most laptops nowadays will have 8GB of RAM, but that can still be insufficient for gamers, graphic editors or workers who run multiple programs at once.
Laptops with 16GB of RAM are usually more expensive, but they can run games and programs that require more processing power without any noticeable lag or delay. This is a critical consideration, especially if you’re a hardcore gamer. You’ll want your gaming output to be as fast and responsive as possible. For more information, check out the gaming laptops guide from BestReviews.
Size
If you’re looking to upgrade to a computer with more RAM, there’s a good chance you don’t mind having a larger screen, which is typical for 16GB laptops. A larger screen naturally makes a laptop more robust, affecting its weight and portability.
Battery life
Some laptops offer up to 8 hours of battery life but if you’re going to be gaming or running high-powered programs away from a viable power outlet, you’re going to burn through your laptop’s battery charge much faster than that. For that reason, it’s best to get a laptop that will last you at least 5 hours off a full charge.
16GB RAM laptop features
Display
Laptops with 16GB of RAM are larger than those with less RAM, featuring screen sizes ranging from 14-17 inches. A larger display is ideal for gaming, multitasking or streaming HD content, while a smaller screen makes for a more lightweight laptop with potentially better battery life. In any case, a 1920 x 1080 pixel full HD display is desirable for any laptop.
Most laptops use IPS technology for their displays, which offer vibrant colors, but some use OLED displays that deliver the truest blacks. IPS is the more common display for 16GB RAM laptops and is also the less expensive option. OLED displays are more energy-efficient, but they’re better suited for TVs.
Storage
You can store your files in a cloud-based system where all you need is an internet connection to access them, but it’s still a good idea to keep your most important files on a local hard disk drive (HDD) or solid-state drive (SSD). Most laptops come with options of either 512GB or 1TB of internal storage space.
CPU
The CPU of a computer is what makes it work. A fast processor is crucial, especially for running high-powered software like PC games.
The best Windows laptops feature either an i3, i5 or i7 processor. The i7 processor is the fastest, which you’ll usually get with laptops with 16GB of RAM.
16GB RAM laptop cost
Laptops with 16GB of RAM cost no less than $500. High-end gaming and business models can cost anywhere from $1000-$2,500.
16GB RAM laptop FAQ
Is a 16GB laptop necessary for every gamer?
A. It depends on the power required to run a specific game. Games with big worlds such as World of Warcraft will run smoother on a 16GB laptop. Hardcore gamers are more aware of this, but casual gamers can get by with an 8GB laptop.
What’s the difference between SSD and HDD storage?
A. SSD storage is like a USB drive and uses flash memory to store and access files, while an HDD uses a magnetic disk. An SSD is much faster, but an HDD usually has a much higher storage capacity.
Which 16GB RAM laptop should I get?
Best of the best 16GB RAM laptop
HP Pavilion Gaming 15 Laptop: available at Amazon and HP
Our take: An ultra-fast gaming laptop with realistic, state-of-the-art graphics and excellent battery life.
What we like: This laptop features a 15.6-inch full HD anti-glare IPS display, an elite graphics card and a cool acid green backlit keyboard for optimal gaming in the dark. It’s thin, lightweight and can last up to 10 hours off a full charge.
What we dislike: Some customers noticed some backlight bleed from the edge-to-edge display when the screen is dark.
Best bang for your buck 16GB RAM laptop
Dell Inspiron 15 3000 Series 3501 Laptop: available at Amazon and HP
Our take: It’s an excellent laptop for work and gaming, thanks to a fast quad-core processor.
What we like: The display on this laptop measures 15.6 inches diagonally and offers crisp full HD visuals. The internal storage uses SSD instead of HDD, making it much faster for accessing and transferring files.
What we dislike: It uses an i5 processor, so it’s not quite as fast as laptops using an i7 processor.
Honorable mention 16GB RAM laptop
HP Spectre x360 GEM Cut 13.3-Inch Laptop: available at Amazon and HP
Our take: A fast laptop with a stylish design and packed with awesome features.
What we like: This laptop offers a highly responsive full HD touchscreen display and super-fast performance with its i7 quad-core processor. Its audio quality is superb for a laptop and it has features that are new to laptop design, such as a webcam kill switch, mute mic key and a fingerprint reader for biometric security.
What we dislike: It doesn’t have an HDMI port and has just one USB port.
Kevin Luna is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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