While 8 GB is the floor, 16 GB to 32 GB is the standard for 2026 to avoid "out of memory" errors when multitasking with Photoshop or After Effects.
| Task | 8 GB RAM + HDD + 2 GHz CPU | 16 GB RAM + SSD + 3+ GHz CPU | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Open a 1-page logo file | ✅ Usable | ✅ Snappy | | Open a 50MB packaging dieline with patterns | ❌ Crashes or 2-minute load | ✅ Smooth | | Use Live Paint, Pathfinder, or 3D effects | ❌ 5-10 second delay per click | ✅ Instant to 1 sec | | Work with cloud documents (Creative Cloud) | ❌ Constant sync lag | ✅ Fine | | Open Illustrator + Chrome + Spotify | ❌ System freezes | ✅ Comfortable | adobe illustrator minimum requirements