16GB is not overkill for stock traders.

No, 16GB is not overkill if you actually look at multiple real-time charts and data feeds. It will reduce — but not eliminate — screen freezes during volatility.

Here’s the thing: most trading platforms and charting tools are memory hogs. Think about it — you’ve got a browser (Chrome, I know), a trading app, maybe a news feed, possibly a local script or two. Each chart at high timeframes needs data. During high volatility, the data pours in faster, and 8GB gets eaten quickly. Once you hit the memory ceiling, your OS starts swapping to disk, and that’s exactly when you get the stutter and freezes.

16GB gives you headroom. You won’t hit the swap as often. But RAM isn’t the only culprit — a slow CPU or bad internet can also cause freezes. If you’re running four monitors with thirty charts each, even 32GB might be tight. For a typical two-monitor setup with a handful of windows, 16GB is the sweet spot. 8GB is asking for trouble.

Your trading rig is a tool. Don’t skimp on the ram.