16GB vs 32GB RAM for 4K video editing: 32GB helps timeline scrubbing but isn't a cure-all

32GB keeps timeline scrubbing smooth with 4K ProRes or h.264 footage, while 16GB chokes when jumping around. But RAM alone won’t fix a slow storage drive or weak GPU — a spinning hard drive will stutter regardless. If you’re using proxies, even 16GB might be fine. Make sure your SSD and GPU can keep up, or you’re just feeding a faster engine with bad fuel.