Windows 7 Memory Upgrades
Most computer come stock with the minimum amount of memory that they need to run the installed programs. The more software that is installed on a computer, the slower it will run with insufficient memory. Windows 7 means new features, new looks and may mean you need a Windows 7 memory upgrade. Here are a few examples of memory chips that are out there and where they may stack up against the new Operating requirements. As always, please feel free to contact our customer care team with any questions. 1-800-566-3727
BEST (8GB - 16GB)
If you really want to blaze ahead with all the graphical wonder and expedient features of Windows 7, you'll need far more than the barebones 512MB of RAM that Microsoft requires. Windows 7 is a top of the line 64-bit system which means it can handle up to 192GB of RAM! That's no typo, 192GB! While most systems don't have enough slots to allow for that much at the moment, 8GB or more would be recommended if you really want to take advantage of all that Windows 7 has to offer.
GOOD (2GB - 4GB)
Looking to run Windows 7 better than crawling but not breaking the bank? You'll want more than the standard 2GB which will just barely run it. The best option for most people looking to upgrade without completely emptying their wallets would be a 2GB-4GB memory upgrade. 2GB (for the 32-bit version) and 4GB (for the 64-bit version) will allow your system to run at a fair speed while still leaving some breathing room in your budget.
ACCEPTABLE (1GB - 2GB)
If you've got an older machine or just enough money to buy 7 (but not drastic memory upgrade) then you can scrape buy with the minimum recommended memory of 1GB for the 32-bit OS and 2GB for the 64-bit. You'll probably be bogged down and slow for most of your new experience, but it is possible. If you don't care about the amazing graphic capabilities of Windows 7 and are planning on just using your computer for email and word processing, a 1-2GB memory upgrade might be enough for you. If you're looking for anything better, though, you should go with at least 2GB - 4GB.
Notes:
Anything below 266MHz, especially older SDRAM variations like PC100 and PC133, are not recommended to run Windows 7.
Generally speaking, this shouldn't be an issue, since the 64-bit architecture for which 7 is optimized simply doesn't exist in hardware from the SDRAM era. But it's certainly worth mentioning, if for no better reason than to educate customers who may not realize that technology does actually have limits, and to nudge people with these older machines into upgrading properly for Windows 7.
Windows 7 recommends AT LEAST 2GB of system RAM, with the minimum functional requirement being 1GB. No capacities smaller than that have been listed, as they really aren't a wise purchase for someone looking to run Windows 7. You may also need to upgrade your video card, so check out our Windows 7 Video Card Requirements.