Top HP Laptops with 8GB RAM
When you look at the specifications for a computing device, you'll see a figure for RAM, or random access memory. We'll examine why the figure matters and how it affects your computer's performance. 

If you are unsure how much RAM you need, 8GB is an excellent compromise for the current generations of processors found in HP laptops. Let’s take an in-depth look at what RAM is, and look at some available options for laptops with 8GB RAM.

What is RAM?

Computer memory is simply a component that remembers data so the processor can easily access it as part of its work. There are various types of memory in computers, one being RAM. Random access memory means its contents can be read and altered in any order.

RAM is volatile memory, meaning it only remembers data while the computer has power. This is as opposed to static memory, which always remembers data, as found in hard disk drives (HDD) and solid state drives (SSD). RAM provides a working area for the tasks the processor is working on, while the static devices store the information you may want to retrieve at any time.

The benefit of RAM over static memory is speed; the processor can access data in RAM and store temporary information significantly faster than static memory options. On the other hand, a processor with only static memory will continually wait for data to arrive rather than solve problems.

The amount and speed of your RAM determine how quickly applications load and run, and how many applications can run simultaneously. It also affects how your laptop handles enormous files, such as when you edit a lengthy home movie.

The dynamic nature of RAM means that the typical way an application runs is that the processor starts by obtaining all the information it needs from static memory and holds this in RAM while the application does its thing. Then, once the application has finished, any information that needs to be retained can be copied back into static memory from the RAM.

RAM components

RAM is typically produced as a replaceable part that looks like a long, narrow, thin circuit board known as a memory stick. A connector along one edge plugs into the laptop.

The technical terms are these sticks are single in-line memory modules (SIMM) and dual in-line memory modules (DIMM). The difference is that a SIMM is single-sided, and a DIMM is double-sided. So, effectively, a DIMM is two SIMMs fixed back-to-back.

The latest HP laptops feature compact DIMM technology, known as Small Outline Dual In-line Memory Module (SODIMM), which packs more RAM into a smaller space.

The benefit of RAM sticks is that they are easy to change, so you can update the RAM to make it faster or add more memory. We'll talk about upgrade options later.

RAM types

The latest HP laptops use Double Data Rate (DDR) Synchronous Dynamic Random-Access Memory (SDRAM). DDR technology allows higher transfer rates, moving data between the processor and RAM faster. DDR has evolved over several generations.

The latest HP laptops use either fourth or fifth-generation technology labelled DDR4 or DDR5. There is also a low-power variant of DDR technology, LPDDR, that some of the latest HP performance laptops use.

The RAM specifications will tell you how fast it is, measured in mega transfers per second (MT/s).

How much RAM do I need?

The amount of RAM you need will depend on the processor in your laptop and what applications you run. Remember that your operating system uses a significant amount of memory, often 1GB or even up to 2GB for 64-bit computers. Your laptop's performance will suffer if no memory is left for applications.

  • A typical computer running everyday applications such as web browsing will need at least 4GB to deliver acceptable performance.
  • If you often run multiple applications or stream media such as games and videos, then you'll need at least 8GB.
  • If you run typical business applications while using video conferencing or playing mid-range games, you will need at least 16GB.
  • If you run processor-intensive business applications such as computer-aided design or simulation, create high-definition media content, or play the latest games, you will need at least 32GB.
The minimum RAM for efficient operation typically increases over time with the release of each new processor generation.

Need more RAM?

If the computer lacks sufficient RAM, it will work slower. This is because the processor will need to juggle what data to hold in RAM by offloading some into the slower static memory when it's not needed, and loading it back when the other data in the RAM is no longer required.

If multiple applications simultaneously running require lots of RAM, the processor will need to swap data between memory types every time it switches between these applications.

As well as being slow, this is also energy inefficient, generating more waste heat and running down the battery if you're working on the move.

RAM upgrades

If your laptop is running slowly, particularly when switching between applications, you may need more RAM. Of course, new laptops come with the RAM they need to meet users' needs. Still, after time, changes to the operating system, applications or user requirements may mean that more RAM is necessary to maintain performance.

If you are unsure how much RAM is installed in your laptop, you can find out easily by looking at the system information. For example, running Windows 11, just type “RAM” into the search box and click the "View RAM into" box.

Some laptops include spare slots where you can add more RAM sticks to increase the amount of memory. Although this feature tends to be found in larger laptop models with space to spare inside the case, sleeker compact laptops are less likely to have room for spare capacity.

Also, new generations of RAM technology offer faster access, so replacing old slower RAM with new faster RAM can improve performance. Before exploring this option, research whether your processor will support speedier RAM.

RAM upgrades are something anyone with a screwdriver can do; find the cover located somewhere on the laptop case and remove this to expose the RAM slots. This is usually located on the underside of the standard laptops.

Best HP laptops with 8GB RAM

Best laptop for business use

Best laptop for business use
The HP ProBook 440 14-inch G9 laptop (6G8U5PA) offers business users a durable, high-performance laptop with a compact design. It's powered by an Intel® 12th Generation Core™ i5 processor and includes always-on protection thanks to HP's security features.

This laptop has 2 SODIMM memory slots, one free and the other holding an 8GB DDR4-3200 MHz RAM stick. This can support data access up to 3,200 mega transfers per second.

Best gaming laptop

Best gaming laptop
The HP Elite Dragonfly 13.5-inch G3 laptop (6G9N8PA) offers gamers a beautiful design with a fantastic widescreen ultra extended graphics array (WUXGA) plus display.

This laptop comes with 8GB of LPDDR5-6400 MHz RAM inbuilt. This can support data access up to 6,400 mega transfers per second.

Best laptops for creative use

Best laptops for creative use
The HP ENVY laptop 13-ba1006TU (2F8Q5PA) is designed for creating on the move with touch screen technology and graphical processing performance.

This laptop comes with 8GB of DDR4-2666 SDRAM inbuilt. This can support data access up to 2,666 mega transfers per second.

Best everyday laptop

Best everyday laptop
The HP Pavilion laptop 15-eg2041TX (712V4PA) may be an everyday computer, but it packs a punch with the Intel Core i5 processor and Iris® Xe Graphics system.

This laptop has 8GB DDR4-3200 MHz RAM that supports data access up to 3,200 mega transfers per second.

Best convertible laptop

Best convertible laptop
The HP Elite x360 830 13.3-inch G9 2-in-1 laptop (6G9Q1PA) is a high-performance laptop for professional users in the adaptable 2-in-1 convertible case. In addition, its flexibility and low weight make it ideal for mobile and hybrid working.

This laptop has 8GB DDR5-4800 MHz RAM that supports data access up to 4,800 mega transfers per second.

Summary

As laptops run more complex applications and process larger volumes of data, finding the best new laptop will include choosing a model with the correct amount of RAM. In addition, if you plan to keep this laptop for a significant period, looking for a model capable of adding more RAM can also be important.

Purchasing a new laptop with insufficient RAM can be frustrating when the performance doesn't meet your expectations. Understanding why RAM is essential and how much you need will help you select the best laptop.

HP offers a great range of laptops with 8GB RAM, ideal for typical users who don't perform memory-hungry tasks, such as graphical processing or playing the latest video games.


About the Author: Stephen Mash is a contributing writer for HP Tech Takes. Stephen is a UK-based freelance technology writer with a cybersecurity and risk management background.