The Future of Laptop RAM Amid the Memory Crisis
January 1, 2026
There's a significant crisis brewing in the world of PC components, particularly affecting memory—specifically, RAM modules essential for running operating systems and applications smoothly. The soaring prices of RAM are driven by a complex mix of factors, including increased demand from AI development and past decisions by memory manufacturers regarding supply and production. (For a deeper dive, check out this detailed explanation.)
As the memory market faces these upheavals, the question arises: Is an 8GB RAM configuration still viable for laptops today? The answer varies depending on the device type, so this article will analyze the main consumer laptop categories, assessing how the current supply issues impact their future RAM configurations.
Chromebooks
Google’s Chromebooks are best positioned in this RAM crisis. Since they operate on Chrome OS, a lightweight, web-centric operating system, 8GB of RAM is more than sufficient for most tasks. Even with just 4GB of RAM, a Chromebook can handle basic activities like web browsing, emails, and document editing smoothly.
While 8GB would offer a better experience—especially when multitasking with multiple tabs, extensions, Android apps, or casual gaming—it’s not strictly necessary for core tasks. As a result, Chromebooks could comfortably sustain the use of 8GB RAM laptops through 2026, thanks largely to their resource-efficient OS. This resilience gives Chrome OS-powered devices an edge amidst the current RAM shortages.
Apple MacBooks
Moving on to MacBooks, the landscape gets more complicated. Apple has adopted a standard of 16GB of RAM across its latest MacBook models, positioning them as higher-end, future-proof devices. It’s unlikely Apple will revert back to 8GB at the entry level anytime soon, as doing so would diminish their premium branding and future readiness, especially with AI features increasingly integrated into their hardware.
Apple’s considerable purchasing power and long-term supply contracts give it some protection from immediate price hikes. The company can absorb rising costs without immediately raising retail prices on RAM upgrades, leveraging their significant margins.
However, if the ongoing memory inflation persists or if Apple’s supply contracts expire, the company may face higher manufacturing costs—potentially impacting future product configurations or upgrade options.
One hypothetical exception is a rumored budget MacBook priced around $599, which might come with 8GB RAM to keep costs down. But, in the current environment of escalating memory prices, such a model would likely struggle with performance, especially with AI features becoming more demanding. It seems more probable that Apple will postpone releasing such an affordable model until the RAM market stabilizes.
Windows 11 Laptops
Windows-based laptops face a more pressing challenge. While traditionally, 8GB of RAM has sufficed for many Windows notebooks, current developments suggest that this might no longer hold true. Microsoft has recently increased the minimum memory requirement for certain Windows 11 devices, notably the AI-enabled Copilot laptops, mandating at least 16GB of RAM. These devices are designed to handle advanced AI features requiring substantial memory and processing power, making 8GB inadequate for their needs.
Most high-end Windows 11 laptops, especially premium and ultra-thin models, are unlikely to drop below 16GB to qualify as suitable for AI workloads. Manufacturers will likely stick to this threshold despite rising costs, passing the premiums onto consumers.
For mid-range Windows 11 notebooks, the forecast is less clear. TrendForce predicts that, due to the RAM price crisis, there will be a shift toward 8GB configurations, but this might be marginal. To balance performance and cost, expect to see more models with 12GB RAM—such as dual-module setups combining 8GB and 4GB modules—which, while not ideal, offers better future-proofing than 8GB alone.
Gaming Laptops
Gaming laptops need to handle demanding workloads, including high-speed graphics, intensive processing, and large workloads. As such, 8GB of RAM is insufficient for serious gaming or resource-intensive tasks. Manufacturers may resort to including 12GB configurations—possibly via 8GB plus 4GB modules or through expandability options.
Microsoft recommends 16GB or even 32GB of RAM for high-end gaming and heavy modding, emphasizing the need for robust configurations in these devices. Affordable gaming laptops might feature 8GB soldered RAM with additional slots for upgrades, giving users the option to expand in the future.
The ongoing rises in VRAM and system memory costs mean gaming laptops are likely to stick with higher RAM configurations, especially in the premium segment.
Final Thoughts
In summary, while Chromebooks remain well-suited to 8GB RAM in the current environment, Apple’s MacBooks and high-end Windows laptops are less likely to revert to such configurations due to their performance and future-proofing needs. Mid-range Windows notebooks may continue to lean on 8GB, but this is increasingly a short-term solution given the rising demands of modern software and AI features.
To cope with the memory inflation, manufacturers may adopt intermediate solutions like 12GB configurations or include upgradeable RAM slots—though these are temporary remedies if the supply issues persist long-term.
Most forecasts foresee the RAM crisis stretching into 2027 or even 2028, indicating that shorter-term workarounds might become the norm. Consumers should brace for more affordable laptops with lower RAM, as well as creative expensive options with more robust memory setups.
The future remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the memory shortage will significantly shape laptop configurations in the coming years, and manufacturers will need to innovate to adapt.
Follow TechRadar for the latest updates on tech trends, reviews, and analysis.