PC RAM Guide for Creative Professionals: Optimising your System for Content Creation

Need a powerful system to elevate your creative workflows? You likely already know about the importance of selecting the right graphics cards and processors, but have you considered your RAM configuration? The best laptops for graphic design, video editing, and 3D animation feature robust RAM modules to facilitate efficient content creation.

The HP OMEN PC gaming series delivers all the hardware a busy creative professional needs, including abundant high-speed RAM to power your most demanding projects.

In this post, we’re discussing why memory matters, what to expect from OMEN PC specifications, and how RAM can streamline your creative process.

Why memory matters: What does RAM do?

Random Access Memory (RAM) is short-term memory that allows your computer to rapidly access data and process instructions. When it comes to optimising creative workflows (and gaming/everyday computing), a solid RAM module offers many benefits:

• Multitasking: Fast multitasking is the primary reason for investing in more RAM. As each programme receives a generous temporary memory allocation, you’ll enjoy a smoother experience when switching between applications or opening multiple browser windows.

• Better software performance: When running programmes, your CPU stores temporary files as RAM for fast processing and retrieval. Additional RAM allows demanding applications like Blender and Adobe After Effects to run more smoothly.

• System responsiveness: RAM isn’t just for speeding up applications. Extra memory makes your operating system run quicker and boosts overall performance.

Conversely, insufficient RAM leads to sluggish performance, slow load times, and a frustrating user experience, especially when multitasking. But how much RAM is sufficient?

PRO TIP:
When upgrading a system, adding RAM is often the most cost-effective way to see an immediate performance boost in creative applications that handle large files.

How much RAM does a creative need?

While more RAM improves content creation performance, not every profession requires a massive, high-speed module. Don’t waste your hard-earned money on unnecessary RAM when you could invest in a better CPU/GPU.

Here’s a breakdown of the content creator PC specifications you should aim for.

How much RAM does a writer/editor/translator need?

Browsing the web and typing in Microsoft Word doesn’t require much temporary memory. 4GB gives you enough leeway for everyday tasks, but opt for 8GB if you frequently leave numerous browser tabs open.

• Minimum: 4GB

• Recommended: 8GB

How much RAM does a graphic designer need?

Modern software like Photoshop and InDesign require a moderate amount of resources. While 8GB will suffice for light design work, industry professionals aim for 16GB or more. The best PCs for graphic design have 32GB to handle complex, high-resolution illustrations.

• Minimum: 8GB

• Recommended: 16GB

How much RAM does a video editor need?

The sweet spot for a video editor depends on the resolution. If you primarily edit in 1080p, you could manage with 16GB of RAM, though 32GB will offer smoother performance. Step up to 4K, and you’ll want at least 32GB–ideally 64GB.

• Minimum: 16GB

• Recommended: 32GB to 64GB

How much RAM does a 3D animator need?

3D modelling forces your PC to store textures, models, and other large, complex files as temporary memory. As such, this field requires substantially more RAM than other creative pursuits. Look for a PC or laptop with a minimum of 32GB–though 64GB RAM provides a tangible speed boost.

• Minimum: 32GB

• Recommended: 64GB

Understanding RAM: Types, speed, heatsinks & overclocking

Quantity isn’t the only consideration. You should also assess the memory type and speed to ensure you achieve the silky-smooth performance you need.

RAM type

The latest and most common memory RAM for PC is Double Data Rate 5 Synchronous Dynamic RAM (DDR5 SDRAM). Released in 2020, DDR5 SDRAM offers better power efficiency and double the bandwidth of its predecessor, DDR4 RAM.

That makes it a non-negotiable for creative professionals with heavy PC memory requirements, such as 3D modellers and video editors. Workers with less memory-intensive vocations, like writing or graphic design, can manage with older DDR4 RAM.

Virtually all mid-range to high-end computers–including the OMEN series–come with DDR5 RAM these days. Some premium machines boast Kingston FURY-branded DDR5 RAM–recognised as top-tier RAM for high-performance computing.

RAM speed

RAM speed refers to the rate at which your PC can edit or read temporary memory. While older DDR4 tops out at about 3200MHz, the newer DDR5 architecture boasts impressively quick speeds of up to 6400MHz.

Double Data Rate (DDR) RAM processes data on both sides of the clock cycle to effectively double the transfer rate. Plus, DDR5 has the potential to become much faster in the future.

To evaluate RAM speed when shopping for a new PC, look for the number next to DDR5. For example, 16GB DDR5-5600 MHz RAM.

RAM Speed vs. Capacity

For most creative professionals, having adequate RAM capacity is more important than extremely high speeds. However, for applications that handle real-time previews or complex simulations, investing in both high capacity AND high speed can make a noticeable difference in workflow efficiency.

XMP (Extreme Memory Profile)

Animators or gamers with heavy-duty memory requirements often overclock RAM to achieve better performance. XMP is a useful Intel technology that facilitates higher speeds through a preset BIOS profile and a tuning application.

The process is relatively straightforward–you don’t need to be a tech guru–and achieves impressive results. On the downside, you risk system instability and overheating, which could result in hardware failure; proceed at your own risk.

Both the RAM and your motherboard must be XMP-compatible to achieve overclocking.

Heatsinks

Also known as a heat spreader, the heatsink is a small metallic (usually copper or aluminium) fin that attaches to the RAM module to dissipate heat. Although a heatsink works continuously, it doesn’t offer much benefit during standard use. The primary purpose is to prevent overheating during intensive, memory-hungry tasks like gaming or 3D rendering, especially when there is limited airflow.

If you plan to overclock your RAM or push it to the limits, a heatsink could save the life of your PC.

RGB lighting

Popular among PC gamers and self-build enthusiasts, RGB lighting attaches to your RAM module to create an impressive neon-lit display. You won’t get better performance, but you can admire a nice technicoloured interior while you work–assuming you’ve got a transparent case.

The OMEN Gaming Hub lets you adjust the RGB RAM profiles on most RAM modules. However, you may need to tweak the BIOS or manufacturer software instead.

Understanding the OMEN memory architecture

The most common OMEN RAM module is the ubiquitous 16GB DDR5-5600 MHz RAM, which offers a nice compromise between power and price. With 16GB running at a speedy 5600 MHz, you’ll have sufficient resources to run most creative tasks (aside from intensive rendering).

All OMEN PCs come with OMEN Gaming Hub Booster technology, a helpful tool to enhance memory optimisation for content creation and gaming. The programme lets you identify and close unnecessary background applications to free up resources and monitor your system metrics. Other non-RAM-related benefits include AI-driven optimisation, thermal and power setting control, and real-time resource monitoring.

In addition to cutting-edge CPU and GPU components, the OMEN’s high-speed RAM makes this PC model a popular option among creative professionals and gamers.

Best for creators and gamers: OMEN MAX 16

The OMEN MAX 16 is a creative powerhouse featuring up to 64GB of DDR5 RAM running at blazing speeds. Perfect for video editors and graphic designers requiring desktop-class performance in a portable package. The crisp OLED display, responsive keyboard, and exceptional thermals make it ideal for creators who need mobility without compromising on power.

• Intel® Core™ Ultra 9 275HX processor (up to 5.4 GHz)

• 64GB DDR5 memory and 1TB SSD storage

• 16" diagonal WQXGA OLED display

• Thunderbolt™ 4 connectivity

• Advanced cooling system for sustained performance

The combination of high-speed DDR5 RAM and Intel Core Ultra processor ensures that even the most demanding creative applications run smoothly. From multitasking between Adobe Creative Cloud applications to rendering complex 3D models, this system handles it all with ease.

Streamlining creative processes

So how does a decent RAM module improve creative workflows?

Although language-based professions–writers, translators, proofreaders, editors, etc.–don’t require top-tier RAM, they do need a decent module. Insufficient memory will cause sluggish performance when multi-tasking with a word processor and multiple browser tabs.

Graphic designers will find ample high-speed RAM modules helpful when working on large, complex files featuring multiple layers. The best laptops for photo editing have 16GB RAM or more to handle detailed vector and raster graphics. Memory also proves handy for multitasking programmes such as Photoshop and InDesign.

Video editors will find that a high-end RAM module results in smoother timeline scrubbing and real-time effect previews. The best PCs for video editing have at least 32GB of high-speed DDR5 RAM.

3D animators find more RAM crucial to avoid slowdowns when multi-tasking demanding applications like Blender and Substance Painter. Extra memory also lets you cache rendering data to make this time-consuming process much quicker.

Regardless of your field, a fit-for-purpose RAM module will speed up creative processes and optimise productivity. That means you can accomplish more in less time and advance more rapidly in your career.

TIP: RAM Management for Creatives

Even with ample RAM, it’s good practice to:

1. Close unused applications when working on memory-intensive projects

2. Regularly restart your computer to clear RAM cache

3. Use the OMEN Gaming Hub to monitor memory usage and identify resource-hungry applications

4. Consider upgrading RAM if you frequently see usage exceeding 80% of your available memory

Smooth, fast-paced gaming

Whether you’re into first-person shooters or resource-hungry RPGs, gamers will also benefit from a high-performance RAM configuration.

Not meeting a game’s recommended RAM requirements results in slower load times, lower frame rates, and more stuttering or tears. RAM also makes a massive difference when multitasking, especially with resource-hungry live-streaming platforms.

Of course, you’ll also need a speedy GPU/CPU to achieve optimal performance–but this won’t be a problem with an HP OMEN MAX 16 gaming laptop. Note that exceeding the recommended RAM requirements won’t offer any significant benefit.

The OMEN MAX 16 delivers exceptional gaming performance with its high-speed DDR5 RAM, making it suitable for both professional creative work and immersive gaming sessions during your downtime.

Summary

Although often overlooked, RAM is a crucial hardware component for optimising creative suite performance. Whether you’re a proofreader or a 3D animator, insufficient RAM will result in frustrating slowdowns that hinder your output.

The HP OMEN MAX 16 offers a premium hardware configuration with abundant high-speed RAM to cater to the most demanding creative professionals. Browse the HP Gaming Laptops range to find the perfect option for your professional and gaming needs.