Back in May 2006, when Microsoft announced Vista system memory requirements of 512 MB for “Vista Capable” and 1 GB for “Vista Premium Ready” classifications, the average XP system had 833 MB and 659 MB of installed memory for Desktop and Portable systems respectively. Once Vista was released in early 2007, most users determined that “more memory was better” as the average installed desktop memory rose relatively quickly to over 2 GB on Vista systems. In recent months, it is not uncommon for PC manufacturers to market Vista systems with 3 GB of RAM. The emergence of 64-bit architecture has also likely played a role in the increase of average RAM. While 32 bit systems generally max out at 4 GB of total allowable memory, PC Pitstop is starting to see more 64 bit systems with installed memory above 4 GB. One system’s test result revealed 32 GB of RAM installed!
PC Pitstop Research analyzed the impact that Vista has had on the amount of installed memory for the PCs running our on-line diagnostic tests. As of March 2008, the average XP Desktop installed memory had grown to 1.2 GB while desktops running Vista averaged approximately twice that with 2.5 GB. Portables XP systems averaged 1.0 GB and Portable Vista systems 1.8 GB of averaged installed RAM.
Average Installed RAM – PCs with XP or Vista
Average Installed RAM – Desktops
Average Installed RAM – Portables
