16" MBP M3 Pro - Any reason NOT to upgrade to 36GB RAM?

[iStorm]

I'm considering upgrading my 2017 15" MBP to a 16" MBP with the M3 Pro. Just not sure if I should stick with the 18GB RAM or upgrade to 36GB RAM. I'll be buying through my employer. They pay 60% and I pay 40%, so it basically makes it a $160 upgrade rather than $400. I suppose that makes it a no-brainer, but figured I'd ask anyway in case there's anything I'm overlooking with this config.

I have a triple monitor setup (2 external plus the built-in/internal one). I use VMWare Horizon Client for work to access my VDI (this is not local virtualization software). Other apps I use include Office, Outlook, Teams, Edge. I have a GoPro and drone, and do some light video editing using GoPro apps or iMovie. For future use: I'm considering getting a 3D printer at some point and maybe dabbling with free 3D modeling software. Also wouldn't mind running Windows 11 ARM in a VM, but that would be more for fun rather than a necessity.

I can see a couple comments pouring in already, so I want to get them out of the way first...

• "Get the M2 Pro instead." I'm aware people are bashing the M3 Pro, but I really do not care that it's mildly better than the M2 Pro. I'm coming from a six-year-old Mac, so I'll be seeing a huge improvement. Plus, if Apple happens to phase out the M2s before the M3s, that means one less year of software support for me. Either way, my employer no longer offers the M2 models to choose from, so it's not even an option anyway.
• "Why not go for the M3 Max if you get a 60% discount through your employer?" I'm not really interested in upgrading to the M3 Max just for the sake of maxing it out (unless you can convince me otherwise). Supposedly the Pro chips have better battery life, which I value more than performance I'll likely never make use of. Honestly, I'd probably be getting the 15" MBA if it weren't for the multi-display limitation.

 

[vigilant]

Get the RAM upgrade. Theres your answer.

I bought an M1 Max (entry level for 14 Max) with 32 GB of memory and 90% of the time it ran fantastically with my 2 5K displays. There were instances though were random stutters would happen.

I ended up selling the 14, and getting a Maxed Max with 64 GB of memory, and everything runs as smooth as smooth could be.

Now, a lot of this depends on the workload you are running. I don’t see you having a need for more than 36 GB. Honestly, unless they are Apple displays I think you’ll be happy with this configuration.

 

[macduke]

Off topic but how does that arrangement work with your employer? I’m curious because my company is remote work and a smaller company that is growing. Many of us just use our own computers but I don’t think that is tenable long term. The alternative was for us to use some cheap windows laptop through some company that helps provide us with tech support. Nobody on my team (design and dev) took them up on that. We all have Macs, except one guy who has a higher end PC build.

I may be joining leadership soon at the company, and one thing I would like to propose is a subsidized pathway to ownership, based on years worked, since we’re all remote and use these for personal stuff anyway. Basically my original thought was the company pays for half of your system every four years, and you pay the other half. The employee has the option to buyout the computer based on years since it was acquired for that employee, when they leave the job. If they don’t want it, the company can also buy it out. There would also be a depreciation factor. Is this similar to what yours does? Would love to know.

 

[Zest28]

Apple has confirmed that 8GB = 16GB RAM, which means your 18GB RAM is 36GB RAM already.

 

[BigDO]

Is this a humblebrag? How can more shared RAM ever be a downside?

 

[Toutou]

Office, browsing, light video editing — sounds like 18 GB should work for you just fine, but as a $160 update I'd personally get it. For the peace of mind and being able to be a little careless with what's open.

 

[moulderine]

deleted - wrong thread

 

[Malus120]

No reason not to get more ram for the use case you described, especially if your employer is covering 60% of the cost. In fact I'd be hard pressed to make an argument that wouldn't very much encourage you to get the extra ram.

Some arguments in favor of stepping up to the M3 Max:
1. Even more ram (36GB vs 32GB, an extra 12.5%)
2. Video editing will massively benefit from the extra CPU, GPU, and media encode engine.
3. Support for 4 External monitors (vs 2) if you decide you want more
4. Extra P Cores on the CPU will provide a better experience virtualizing ARM Windows, especially if you want to simultaneously do stuff on both the host and guest.
5. 3D modeling benefits from the extra CPU/GPU cores (and possibly memory bandwidth)
6. Battery life - 16" has great battery life for both the M3 Pro and Max, and I imagine that most of the time the difference will go unnoticed (whereas the 14" takes more of a hit, albeit still with 10+ hours of light use battery life)
7. You never know where your future needs will take you, why not buy a bit more, especially if someone else is paying 60%, to ensure you have a Mac with more room to grow.

Just some food for thought

 

[ZebedeeG]

Is this a humblebrag? How can more shared RAM ever be a downside?

Because it costs more?

🙃