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15" rMBP: 8 or 16GB RAM?

M

macchiato2009

macrumors 65816
Original poster
Aug 14, 2009
1,258
1
hi

considering changing my mac to a new retina MBP

and hesitating about how much ram to buy (as soldered)

wondering if photoshop cs6 will benefit from more RAM

8 vs 16 Gb: any real difference ?

and what about system overall performance too ?

thanks
 
Due to the lack on upgradability later, I got the 16gb, even though I probably won't ever use it. To me it's a good idea to future proof it for only an extra $200
 
It's not any better until the moment you need it.

Unfortunately when that moment comes you're stuck.

16gb if you can afford it.
 
I opted for the 8 GB just because the $200 up-charge for an additional 8 GB is absolutely ridiculous. For the uMBP, I bought 16 GB for $50 total last month. I realize it's a 1-time decision, but it's just the point of it. For my needs, 8 GB will be fine (though I agree, 16 GB would be nice to have).
 
Because the RAM in the rMBP is not user-replaceable, I would strongly recommend getting the 16GB upgrade.

macchiato2009 said:
wondering if photoshop cs6 will benefit from more RAM
Click to expand...
Both the OS and your apps will feel snappier with more RAM. Even if the difference is not significant in CS6, more RAM will definitely help when CS7/8 are released.
 
Forerunner said:
Because the RAM in the rMBP is not user-replaceable, I would strongly recommend getting the 16GB upgrade.
Click to expand...
Agreed,

This is why I opted for the 16GB upgrade when ordering my rMBP. I don't need 16gb right now, but I cannot change it afterwards so I went for the max
 
Unless you plan on running a VM with moderate workloads or some other memory intensive app, 8GB should be fine for a while to come.

If you do think you might want to run Windows (for example) as a VM, get the 16GB.



____
 
bought a base model 15" rMBP with the 8GB now own a 15" rMBP with 16GB.

16GB is the way to go...
 
macchiato2009 said:
hi

considering changing my mac to a new retina MBP

and hesitating about how much ram to buy (as soldered)

wondering if photoshop cs6 will benefit from more RAM

8 vs 16 Gb: any real difference ?

and what about system overall performance too ?

thanks
Click to expand...

Yes you will definitely benefit. Go ahead and upgrade. :)
 
16gb

I was going to get a base model rMBP at best, but ended up buying a used one that had 16gb. Lack of upgradability means go big on initial purchase.
 
Forerunner said:
Just asking, but did you notice a significant boost in OS snappiness or does the RAM upgrade only
become noticeable in hardware-intensive apps (Photoshop, FCP, etc.)?
Click to expand...

Well, I actually went from a 2.3 to a 2.6 CPU when I upgraded to 16gb. So, the rMBP was a lot snapper but that really doesn't help you unless you go the same route as well. Still I'd recommend the 16gb
 
Last edited:
TofSanity said:
Well, I actually went from a 2.3 to a 2.6 CPU when I upgraded to 16gb. So, the rMBP was a lot snapper but that really doesn't help you unless you go today route as well. Still I'd recommend the 16gb
Click to expand...

Same here. My 2.6Ghz, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD is in the mail right now.
 
thanks a lot guys

i think i'm gonna go for the 2.6 Ghz + 16 Gb

since the price is not much expensive to upgrade from i7 2.3 to i7 2.6


i've always been used to using 16 Gb because that was the maximum on most of my macs

now i'll order 16 :)
 
macchiato2009 said:
thanks a lot guys

i think i'm gonna go for the 2.6 Ghz + 16 Gb

since the price is not much expensive to upgrade from i7 2.3 to i7 2.6


i've always been used to using 16 Gb because that was the maximum on most of my macs

now i'll order 16 :)
Click to expand...

You'll love it!
 
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