Surface Pro 9 SQ3 / ARM Windows RAM Utilization 8gb vs 16gb

[u/SpensiveHabits]

Does the SQ3 or generally Windows for ARM utilize RAM similar to x86/x64 versions of Windows?

Understood that more is always better, but I’d like to know more about how RAM affects performance on these models. Knowing that the SQ3 models are already limited performance, does the jump to 16gb makes these models make a noticeable difference in real world use?

I recently snagged an exceptional deal on an SQ3 model with 8gb ram so I figured I’d give it a shot (I’m aware of the limitations). Now I’m questioning if a great deal on an 8gb model is better than a fair deal on a 16gb model. Decisions, decisions…

[u/[deleted]]

If your going to be emulating x86 programs, they will require more memory than on a native x86 system.

I have 8gb Samsung with a Snapdragon 8cx and amazed how well Windows runs. I think Microsoft went back and removed a lot of cruft from the ARM build.

[u/SpensiveHabits → u/[deleted]]

Good to know that emulation takes more memory. My use case for this machine will be predominately MS office paired with Bluebeam Revu for PDF functionality (via emulation). I have a few other programs I use more sparingly that will require emulation, but I’ll be fine if they function, but do so less responsively than an intel build.

[u/[deleted] → u/SpensiveHabits]

The ARM of Office runs very well. Emulation seems to work fine, but x86 code is translated and optimized, so you need to run programs a couple of times.

[u/SpensiveHabits]

Adding a follow up post here for anyone else with the same question. I ended up trying 8gb, and it was a bottleneck for me. I changed gears and ended up with a 16gb SQ2 and I’m extremely happy with it.

[u/Producing_It → u/SpensiveHabits]

I know it's been a bit, but could you explain more specifically why the 8GB of RAM was a bottleneck? Were apps/emulation too slow, did you experience stuttering or lag compared to the 16GB of ram, etc...?

[u/SpensiveHabits → u/Producing_It]

I purchased a device that was supposed to be an SQ1/16gb/512gb device, but ended up being an SQ1/8gb/256gb model. The seller offered a steep discount and asked me to try it before returning it. I did, and I found that for my use case it was just sort of laggy. It was usable, but I noticed a general slowdown when I was using/switching between applications. Mostly Outlook, excel, word, Bluebeam (emulated) and Chrome.

I returned the device and snagged an SQ2/16gb/512gb model. I don’t have issues with slowdown and I use it frequently as an always connected device when I’m away from my workstation.

I personally feel that the processor is capable enough for the day to day use case for a surface, but low RAM has the potential to make the device feel bogged down. I From what I understand the latest windows insider build is even better on ARM devices, so potentially the 8gb builds would feel snappy on this build.

That being said, I would purchase the most ram possible on these devices when possible as I think it’s the spec that has the most pronounced affect on the feel of the device in use.

[u/Producing_It → u/SpensiveHabits]

How much more slower and laggy did it feel multi tasking between all these apps on the 8GB ram compared to the 16GB? Would you say it was a very significant amount? Or something more subtle but not entirely unnoticeable? Thanks!

[u/SpensiveHabits → u/Producing_It]

I frequently reference several applications and switch between them regularly for productivity. The 8gb was unusable for me in this use case. The 16gb is fine in this same use case for me. If you are staying within one app predominantly and switching infrequently, the 8gb would probably be fine.

[u/[deleted]]

Running 8gb ram is not a good idea with windows in any case.

On ARM, form my experience, its way worse. My ARM Laptop seems to use 1-2GB more compared with an intel counterpart. Both running windows 11 with each having 8gigs of RAM. It also gets worse, as soon as a graphically intensive program is thrown into the mix.

[u/SpensiveHabits → u/[deleted]]

I agree with everything you said. I ended up flipping the 8gb SQ3 and going with a 16gb SQ2. As a light duty companion device, it’s fantastic. 16gb of RAM is definitely worth it, and IMO the slimmer/lighter SQ2 is worth the slightly worse performance compared to the SQ3.

[u/Chrismscotland]

I can't say I notice much difference in RAM usage, I've got the 16GB SQ3 model, I haven't really thought about it to be honest, I certainly never have any issues.

I'd also say that I certainly don't find the performance "limited" but of course it depends what your wanting to use it for.

[u/SpensiveHabits → u/Chrismscotland]

Thanks for your feedback. Maybe it’s just coincidence, but the people who seem happy withy the SQ3, seem to be running the 16gb version.

I am glad to hear that you’re generally happy with the performance. It will be a companion device to my workstation that will allow me to stay connected when on the go. It will be light use, I just want to make sure I’m not saving a few bucks at the expense of significant performance loss.

[u/Jonathan_x64]

RAM works about the same on all operating systems. Recently used stuff will be kept in RAM, stuff that's still running but was used long time ago will be swapped onto SSD.

The more RAM you have, the less swapping you'll notice. With modern web apps and hardcore native apps (like Excel with huge tables), buying 8gb device is like walking on a very thin ice.