My experience says the more memory, the better. The CPU doesn't need lots of other programs and systems. And more features are generally what you gain as you increase your price range in computers. Better, IMO, to add that memory chip to a less feature oriented computer than the other way around. In fact, the more "stuff" on the computer when the amount of memory remains constant, the slower it will run for every program as there are numerous "silent" processing systems running invisibly behind everything you do on the computer.
When the budget allows, it's a good idea to have a dedicated computer just for your photographic work, That way you can go into the computer and delete or shut down a lot of the background programs not related to photographic work. And, of course, having a back up hard drive which stores and holds your library is always a good idea. Get the old stuff off your computer's drive and your computer won't constantly be looking at that stuff, protecting and storing that stuff and slowing down the data you are working on at the moment. You could also consider just having the external drive and having your photos and processing completely on that drive. Access through your computer is possible though typically a noticeable amount slower than having that available RAM. External drives are increasingly less expensive today than they were two years ago. It's a good way to work though when you can place the unneeded files on another drive which is simply a click or two away.
The amount of memory your system and its programs require is sort of like having a larger amperage service panel on your home's incoming electrical system. The system won't be stressed in normal usage but, when current is required, it's there and your chances of shutting down the entire circuit are reduced if not eliminated. The more memory you have available, the less your chances you will shut down the system while using the system.
With more RAM available, the system runs more like a car on the down side of a hill and it can cruise easily and efficiently. If you ignore the minimum requirements of a program, it becomes just the opposite. Now, it will be more like trying to tow your 24' boat uphill with a low end Honda Civic with the air conditioning system running. It may eventually work, but you'll constantly be stressing the system and probably shutting down several times as the system sees that larger than can be accommodated "power" draw. So the more, the better, as long as it's high quality power or memory. It won't be called on unless the system requires it.
If you ignore the advice of the various programs you'll use, you'll be running slowly at all times and probably shutting down more frequently than you'd prefer. Ideally, what you choose should be a computer you can later turn into a dedicated system just for your photo work. No internet access, no emails or social media and no unneeded back up programs. If that's not in the budget, then you at least need the ability to increase the available memory as high as possible whether that's by way of adding one or two chips at a later date.
Which operating system you pick is up to your other needs for a computer. With the increasing number of folks using their phone's camera the number of apps for any system has increased. There are freeware programs which do quite well for the basics of post production. And there are highly sophisticated apps which will take up lots of space on your computer when what you need are just the basics. You really need to lay out your priorities and understand the issue of diminishing returns (higher cost does not provide equal amounts of improvements) before you head out to shop. Of course, most smaller shops tend to have a more interested and informed sales staff while most big box stores have the widest selection.
Unfortunately, that's about the extent I can supply you when it comes to picking the right computer for your needs. But I would really hesitate suggesting, and cannot advise in favor of, you ignore the minimum "suggested" requirements of any program.
So I'm trying to get something to edit photos on for as cheap as possible, as in €100-200 :/ I am already thinking my only options would be a second hand desktop. But my main question is, what is more important; RAM or CPU? And what should I aim for on this kind of budget? 
![[No title]](/data/xfmg/thumbnail/37/37660-eb4529b6ea38a042c4e9b64866178d7b.jpg?1734170816)
![[No title]](/data/xfmg/thumbnail/37/37280-a7e70a01ccd331918e71645cd4c1f16e.jpg?1734170137)
