Random-access memory — commonly known as RAM — acts as a sort of broker between your computer’s processor (CPU) and storage. Instead of your CPU having to pull everything from your main hard drive, priority data is stored on the RAM for quick access, allowing the CPU to spend less time searching for what it needs. The data stored on RAM is constantly being switched in and out as needed, and the amount of RAM required for certain tasks can differ greatly. This guide aims to answer one of the most notorious tech questions of all time: How much RAM do you need in your computer?