Avast ye, hearties! Rejoice, for I bring ye tidings! Microsoft may soon make 16GB RAM a must-have for AI mateys!
2024-01-18
Avast ye, hearties! A recent scroll claims that Microsoft be demandin' 16GB o' RAM as the standard memory for AI sea dogs! Blow me down, 'tis grand tidings indeed, me hearties!
In a humorous take on 17th-century pirate language, it is reported that Microsoft is looking to establish new standards for PC hardware specifications. According to a TrendForce market research report, Microsoft plans to set a minimum requirement of 16GB RAM for AI PCs. This move is likely aimed at promoting the use of AI PCs, which utilize built-in AI acceleration for various AI features native to Windows 11 23H2.One of the key AI features being pushed by Microsoft is Copilot, an AI chatbot that automates and generates work. To ensure proper functioning of Copilot and other AI tools, certain hardware requirements need to be met, including a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) and sufficient memory. Hence, Microsoft requires AI PCs to have at least 16GB of RAM for both native and cloud-based Copilot features to work effectively.
While there have been other Copilot announcements like the introduction of a dedicated Copilot key on Windows keyboards and the Copilot Pro subscription service, the 16GB RAM requirement for Windows AI PCs is seen as one of the best announcements. It is suggested that 16GB should become the standard for all Windows laptops and desktops going forward, considering the rising costs of laptops and the impact of insufficient RAM on performance.
The hope is that this initiative from Microsoft will encourage the PC industry to stop releasing machines with low RAM and lead to a baseline of 16GB in AI laptops and desktops in the future. It is further suggested that this requirement could extend to non-AI PCs as well, as customers come to expect such a standard. Overall, the reported initiative is seen as a positive step that could improve the performance of PCs.
Given the controversial nature of some Copilot features, such as tailored chat responses based on previous chats, the 16GB RAM requirement stands out as a beneficial development. It is hoped that this move will prompt the PC industry to prioritize sufficient RAM in their machines, considering the impact on performance.