16GB is enough for most RAW photo editing in Photoshop.

Unless you’re stitching huge panoramas or stacking dozens of layers, 16GB handles large RAW files just fine. Photoshop’s memory management is pretty good—it’ll swap to disk if needed, and with a fast SSD you won’t notice the difference.

32GB becomes useful when you’re constantly hitting the memory ceiling. That happens when you’re working with 100MP files, gigapixel composites, or heavy HDR merges. If you’re just editing single RAW photos from a typical mirrorless or DSLR (24-50MP), 16GB leaves plenty of headroom for Lightroom + Chrome + Spotify.

Your GPU and CPU actually matter more for smooth brushing and filter speed. Spend the difference on a good monitor or a faster SSD instead.

Don’t let the “more RAM = faster Photoshop” myth force you into a spec you don’t need.