16GB is the floor for Lightroom raw editing.

Yes, 16GB will massively cut down lag compared to 8GB when you’re working with large raw files.

Lightroom is a memory hog. It loads raw files into RAM for previews, edits, and caching. With 8GB, your computer will start swapping to disk the second you open a 40+ megapixel raw file or have a few layers in a catalog. That means spinning beachballs and waiting seconds for every slider move. With 16GB, you’ll still get lag if you’re stacking tons of spot removals or using masks, but the day-to-day editing will be smooth.

If you shoot with a high-megapixel camera (like a Sony A7R IV or a Nikon Z7), 16GB is the absolute minimum I’d recommend. 32GB is better if you also keep Chrome open or run lots of other apps. But between 8GB and 16GB? It’s not a subtle difference — it’s the difference between usable and frustrating.

Don’t skimp on RAM if you want to actually enjoy editing.