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Do I need 16gb ram?

A

Alphonsus

macrumors member
Original poster
Jun 1, 2017
56
11
Massachusett
So I have been looking into a computer and been trying to choose between a Mac and a PC. For the Mac I will probably not get 16 gb ram but for the PC, I am waiting for a sale to get 16gb ram for the XPS 15. However I am not sure if I really need it and should I just go ahead and get(plan to get) the 8gb version.

I search the web, watch videos, play games, and I am planning on doing a little bit of editing some videos(nothing too big though). For games I normally play games that need less than 8 gb and I don't play any of the new intensive games like Overwatch or GTA V.

I am 17 years old, and for the most part should the 8gb last me for about 4-5 years inorder to finish 4 years college.
 
You'll probably be fine with 8, but you'll be better off with 16. If nothing else ... for future-proofing. If you're using it for 4-5 years of college, just max out the RAM.
 
If you have to ask, you probably don't NEED it. Would it be nice to have? Sure. When it comes to computer tech always buy the most you can afford.
 
Merkava_4 said:
A lot of people keep mentioning the Dell XPS 15, but they forget, the Windows OS still gets loaded down with viruses.
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Yeah, I got a 3 year McAfee security software for it.

However when it comes to the computers, the PC offers more spec wise for your money while the Mac offers more on software
 
It sounds like the base MacBook Pro 13 with 8GB of RAM will suit your needs well.


Alphonsus said:
Yeah, I got a 3 year McAfee security software for it.

However when it comes to the computers, the PC offers more spec wise for your money while the Mac offers more on software
Click to expand...

Avoid McAfee like the plague. I cannot tell you how many machines with McAfee installed come in with all sorts of nasty things on them. IMO BitDefender, Trend Micro, Kaspersky, ESET, Emsisoft, F-Secure, and Avast (if you want free) are several reputable names (each with their own pros/cons.)
 
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ZapNZs said:
It sounds like the base MacBook Pro 13 with 8GB of RAM will suit your needs well.




Avoid McAfee like the plague. I cannot tell you how many machines with McAfee installed come in with all sorts of nasty things on them. IMO BitDefender, Trend Micro, Kaspersky, ESET, Emsisoft, F-Secure, and Avast (if you want free) are several reputable names (each with their own pros/cons.)
Click to expand...
for those software do I buy online if I get that computer
 
Alphonsus said:
for those software do I buy online if I get that computer
Click to expand...

You can. You can often find many of them at places that sell computers. Sometimes they offer discounts with a new computer purchase. Depending on whether you want AV-only or a full security suite, prices generally range from about $15-60 a year (unless you purchase a multi-device/multi-year package, where you can often save more.)

I'm currently using BitDefender Internet Security, Trend Micro Antivirus Plus, and ESET NOD32 AV on various Windows machines and VMs. I personally like the advanced options that both the Trend Micro and ESET products have as I can customize them more to my own usage needs. All work well at doing what they are supposed to do.
 
LOL. Click the windows button -> search reset this PC -> reset this PC, done, all problems solved.

The first thing I always do is buy Kaspersky antivirus and install it on any new machine, had ZERO virus, adware or malware infection in 15 years of using windows laptops. They got day 1 WannaCry protection. Good luck to all the "protected" mac users with zero real protection.

Back to the topic - not really, unless you do video editing, for everything else 8GB is more than enough, and Mac is quite efficient with its memory and doesn't get slow in any way or form.
 
Pangalactic said:
LOL. Click the windows button -> search reset this PC -> reset this PC, done, all problems solved.
Click to expand...
If they're using Windows 10, yes. That's one of my favorite features of Windows 10.

The first thing I always do is buy Kaspersky antivirus and install it on any new machine, had ZERO virus, adware or malware infection in 15 years of using windows laptops. They got day 1 WannaCry protection. Good luck to all the "protected" mac users with zero real protection.
Click to expand...
BitDefender and Kaspersky are what I generally recommend.
 
Abazigal said:
Will more ram improve the graphics performance on the MacBook?
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No, the dGPU uses its own ram, and if you have an iGPU equipped MBP, then the ram is a set amount regardless of how much is installed.
 
With the XPS 15 you can get the model with 8GB ram and upgrade it later down the track if you need it. There are lots of Youtube videos and guides on the internet to do it. It is not soldered in unlike the Macbook. With the Macbook you are stuck with the spec you buy.
 
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