16GB vs 32GB for 4K monitor

[ncrypt]

I have a 2018 i5 Mac mini with the standard 8GB memory connected to a 4K monitor. Sometimes the UI is a little sluggish and just not as snappy as my MacBook Pro so I'm thinking of upgrading the amount of memory.

My main use is general web browsing (several windows with several tabs), occasional light photo editing in either Pixelmator Pro or Photoshop, and I'm starting to learn how to use Xcode.

Is going to 16GB enough or should I just bite the bullet and go to 32GB?

 

[Fishrrman]

16gb should do just fine.

 

[Cheapassmac]

I also second the 16gb choice. You're not going to notice the benefit of 32gb. If you decide to do heavy rendering or video editing, then you might benefit.

 

[chrfr]

I have a 2018 i5 Mac mini with the standard 8GB memory connected to a 4K monitor. Sometimes the UI is a little sluggish and just not as snappy as my MacBook Pro so I'm thinking of upgrading the amount of memory.

RAM makes no difference in display performance.

 

[oppastopa]

RAM makes no difference in display performance.

this is not true

 

[chrfr]

this is not true

In this case, it absolutely is.

 

[Cheapassmac]

In this case, it absolutely is.

I wasn't going to chime on this, but the mac mini uses integrated graphics which uses regular system memory. If this user was having RAM bottlenecks, then yes, adding RAM would literally improve the display/graphical performance as the OS allocates RAM on a dynamic basis.

 

[kohlson]

I have a Dell P2715Q 4K monitor. I generally run at 1440p. I have connected a few different MBPs to it. My late 2013 15-MBP with GT750M works just fine. A 2014 15-MBP (iGPU) is definitely laggy. Not terrible, but noticeable. Same with mid-2014 13-MBP (iGPU). All 3 systems are configured with 16GB.

Have you used Activity Monitor to check RAM usage? Have you connected another, less-demanding monitor?

 

[djc6]

I have two LG 27UD58P-B 4K displays on my 2018 Mac Mini with 16GB - works fine, I don't notice any lag. I am even using scaled resolutions.

 

[ncrypt]

Thank you everyone, looks like 16GB is the way to go! 32GB does sound a bit overkill

 

[NaimNut]

I have the LG4KUF & 16g ram and have no problems with lag