Rising memory costs make 16GB laptops a wiser buy than 8GB models

Rising memory costs are pushing laptop makers towards cheaper models with just 8GB of RAM, but the article argues buyers should avoid that configuration. Tests of Dell’s 2026 XPS 13 found that ordinary use quickly strained its 8GB, causing minor slowdowns, while the 16GB version performed better and lasted longer on battery.

Dell’s XPS 13 starts at $699 with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage; upgrading to 16GB costs $200. TrendForce expects memory, CPU and storage to account for 68 per cent of a mainstream laptop’s materials cost, and forecasts further memory price rises. The article links the pressure to demand from AI data centres and says manufacturers may offer lower-spec models to preserve familiar price points.