32GB RAM won't hurt, but proxies make 16GB enough for most 4K editing.

Yes, it can help, but you probably don’t need it.

Proxies are doing the heavy lifting—they turn your 4K footage into something your computer can play back easily. That means your CPU and GPU aren’t breaking a sweat on decode. RAM is still in the picture for things like cache, undo history, and keeping other apps open (browser, Slack, etc.), but 16GB is often totally fine for a proxy-based workflow in DaVinci Resolve.

Where 32GB matters: if you’re running a ton of effects, multiple layers of video, or you hate closing Chrome tabs. Also if your timeline gets really long (30+ minutes with lots of cuts), Resolve chews through RAM for caching. But for a typical short project with proxies? You won’t see a night-and-day difference.

Spend the extra money on a faster GPU or more storage first. That will make a bigger real-world difference in render times and timeline responsiveness.

Only spring for 32GB if you know you’re gonna tax the system with heavy color grading, Fusion comps, or you just want to future-proof.