Is 16GB still enough?
For plenty of people, yes. Newegg's 2026 guide lists 16GB for browsing, office work, school work and most 1080p gaming. It has stopped being the typical size for gamers, though: Valve's September 2026 survey shows 32GB as the most common amount on Steam, at 42.22%.
The quick test is free. Open Task Manager while you work and watch the memory graph. If it sits near the top most of the day, move up to 32GB. If it stays low, a faster SSD or processor will do more for you than extra RAM. Our 32GB prices show what that step costs this week.
Which 16GB kit should you buy?
Check the motherboard first. DDR5 and DDR4 modules do not fit each other's slots, and the board decides which you need. A new AMD AM5 or Intel Core Ultra build takes DDR5, and the standard 16GB layout is two 8GB sticks. This week the median 16GB DDR5 kit costs £260.99 and the median DDR4 kit £149.49.
Skip the expensive speed grades at this size. A fast kit with tight timings costs more and changes little in daily use. Choose a rated speed that your board and processor support, then enable the XMP or EXPO profile in the BIOS, because without it the kit runs at a slower default speed.
Prices in the table include VAT. Delivery is extra, so check it at the shop before you compare totals.
If you have 16GB and want 32GB, buy one new matching 32GB kit instead of adding a second 16GB kit. Kits bought separately are not tested together.