For years, 16GB of memory was a sensible choice for a business computer. It comfortably handled the everyday mix of email, documents, spreadsheets and web browsing for many people.
But the way we work is changing.
At Razz Hosting, we’re finding that some clients who previously worked comfortably with 16GB are now reaching its limits. Their computers haven’t necessarily changed, but their working day has. Alongside their usual business software, they’re now using tools such as Claude, ChatGPT, Granola and a growing list of other apps.
For people working across several applications throughout the day, 32GB is becoming the new sweet spot. If you’re buying a business computer in 2026, it’s the amount of memory we recommend for this kind of workload.
What does memory actually do?
Memory, also called RAM, gives your computer space to hold the information it needs while you’re working. Think of it as the size of your desk: a larger desk lets you keep more things within reach at once.
Storage is different. Your SSD holds your files and installed software over the longer term. Buying a computer with a larger SSD doesn’t automatically give it more memory.
When available RAM becomes limited, the computer may need to move more information between memory and storage. That can introduce delays as you switch between apps or return to something you were working on.
Our working day has become busier
A typical working day might now involve keeping email open, joining a Teams or Google Meet call, working on a spreadsheet, checking a CRM and switching between several browser tabs.
Then there are the newer additions: ChatGPT for drafting or research, Claude for reviewing documents, Granola for meeting notes, and other tools that help with day-to-day work.
Each app or active browser tab adds to the overall workload. File synchronisation, security software and other background services also need resources, even when you’re not directly using them.
The issue is often the combined demand. A computer that handles each task well on its own may struggle when you need them all available at the same time.
If these frustrations are becoming familiar, our article on 7 signs you’ve outgrown your basic IT setup explores other ways technology can start holding a business back.
Does AI mean you need a more powerful computer?
Using an online AI assistant doesn’t mean your computer is running the entire AI model itself. For ordinary cloud-based chats, much of the processing takes place on the provider’s servers.
However, the browser or desktop app you use to access it still needs resources on your computer. Keeping these tools open alongside meetings, documents and business software adds to the total demand.
Some features also perform work locally, and running AI models directly on your own computer is a separate use case with different hardware requirements.
Our recommendation comes from the way people are using more tools together, rather than a blanket requirement that every AI app needs 32GB.
Why 32GB is the new sweet spot
For a busy business user, 32GB gives the computer more room to handle overlapping tasks. It provides headroom for meetings, browser tabs, documents and background apps without getting as close to its memory limits.
That headroom also matters when buying a computer you expect to use for several years. The software you use today may be only part of what you’ll be using next year.
More RAM won’t make every task twice as fast, and it won’t fix a slow internet connection or an underpowered processor. The benefit is a smoother working experience when memory is the bottleneck, with fewer interruptions caused by having too much open at once.
Is 16GB still enough for some people?
Yes. Someone who mainly uses email, a few browser tabs and straightforward documents may still be well served by 16GB.
If your current computer runs smoothly during a normal working day, there’s no need to replace it simply because it has 16GB. The amount of memory should suit how you actually work.
As a practical guide, we recommend:
- 16GB: suitable for lighter office work with limited multitasking.
- 32GB: our preferred sweet spot for business users working across several apps, meetings, browser tabs and AI tools.
- 64GB or more: worth assessing for specialist workloads such as demanding video editing, virtual machines, large datasets or locally run AI models.
These are starting points, rather than fixed rules. The right specification depends on the software and tasks involved.
How can you tell if memory is holding you back?
Common signs include delays when switching between apps, browser tabs repeatedly reloading, or a computer that becomes less responsive as you open more programs.
On Windows, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager, then select Performance and Memory. Check it during a normal busy period, with your usual apps open, rather than immediately after restarting.
If memory is regularly close to capacity at the same time you’re experiencing slowdowns, it’s worth investigating. High memory usage by itself doesn’t prove there’s a problem, because computers also use spare RAM to cache information.
A proper check should consider the processor, storage and individual apps too. Adding memory helps when memory pressure is contributing to the slowdown.
You can also reduce unnecessary browser memory usage by closing tabs you no longer need or using features such as Chrome’s Memory Saver, which frees memory from inactive tabs. This may help, but it doesn’t replace having enough RAM for the apps you need to keep active.
Check before upgrading or buying
Some computers can be upgraded from 16GB to 32GB, which may be a practical way to extend their useful life. Others have memory soldered in place and cannot be upgraded later.
Before buying, check both the amount of RAM included and whether it can be expanded. Look at the processor, SSD and overall suitability for your work as well.
For business users who are adopting more tools and regularly multitasking, our advice for 2026 is straightforward: make 32GB your starting point for a new computer.
If you’re unsure whether your current computer needs more memory or a replacement, Razz Hosting can help assess how it performs with your everyday workload and recommend a sensible next step. Our Managed Business IT service includes ongoing remote support and endpoint health monitoring to help keep your team productive.
