minimum RAM for playing HD video files or on YouTube?

[curious10]

I'm trying to find a basic computer that can play YouTube videos that are 780p or 1080p without much difficulty. What would you say is a minimum RAM for this? Is the processor also very important for this?

I've tried playing 780p video with 2gb (Windows XP) and it was having trouble (both youtube and some video files). I've also tried with 8gb (Windows 7) and it was playing very easily. So I'm guessing it's somewhere in the middle...

Thanks for the help!

 

[Will Willer]

Well, basically, you need a good Internet connection. I do fine on my Thinkpad Tablet 2, and just to show you how much the CPU doesn't matter, it has an Atom processor. I usually get a better connection on that than on my custom rig. Kinda crazy
BTW it has like 2gb of RAM also. Check what type of RAM you have too

 

[AdamSpencer95]

I'm sure graphics also play a role in whether you can play HD video or not, considering it is the GPU which will be rendering the actual visuals. Personally, I'd say 2GB should be fine with a relatively decent GPU; 'relatively decent' meaning any recent graphics card within the last 3 years or so.

eg any series HD integrated graphics could be fine.

Even the older intel gma integrated graphis can handle 720p.

 

[Will Willer]

I'm sure graphics also play a role in whether you can play HD video or not, considering it is the GPU which will be rendering the actual visuals. Personally, I'd say 2GB should be fine with a relatively decent GPU; 'relatively decent' meaning any recent graphics card within the last 3 years or so.

eg any series HD integrated graphics could be fine.

Even the older intel gma integrated graphis can handle 720p.

Agreed but he was just talking about the CPU so I didn't mention it. AND APUs would be best for budget probably