8GB vs 16GB RAM for AutoCAD: 16GB is the new baseline

8GB stutters with real-world files—xrefs, hatches, or multiple tabs kill performance. 16GB gives AutoCAD room to breathe and lets you keep a PDF or email open. 8GB is fine for a single simple drawing, but CAD work is rarely that clean. Don’t save $50 on RAM; future you will thank you.