Minimum RAM required for GNOME to function normally

Desktop
1

Hello,

I have a recent PC with a dual-core processor and only 4 GB of RAM.

Currently, it runs very well under Debian and Xfce as the desktop environment.

However, I would like to switch to Fedora as my OS, and especially to benefit from a DE that works with Wayland.

I know that GNOME/KDE are resource-intensive, and I’m afraid that using them will be laborious.

Based on your experience, is it worth attempting a full installation under these conditions ?

Can I get a good idea of whether Fedora/GNOME works well (or not) just from a live USB stick ?

Is the free command the best way to assess the state of the RAM ?

Thanks,

2

It really depends on what you’re doing with your computer (what apps you’re using etc). GNOME/KDE aren’t as resource-intensive as you may think, but realistically speaking, essentially everything that’s not Windows will probably suffice. You would need to try yourself and see if it behaves OK.

Note: how many web apps (vs code, steam, discord etc) you’re using? Asking since they can be pretty resource intensive.

3

I am considering fairly basic use (office work, web browsing with a VPN connection / no gaming…)

On the other hand, can using a desktop environment such as GNOME on a device with low RAM lead to significant battery consumption ?

4

Should™ be okay, but that’s really depends on many factors. Good luck!

5

Thanks,

Could you list some activities to avoid in order to reduce RAM consumption ?

(for example, opening too many tabs in a browser…)

6

You may want to use less web apps, like Discord, Element. That’s mostly it I think.