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How are 8GB MBA's dealing with new software and Apple intelligence

T

TorontoSS

macrumors 65816
Original poster
Nov 9, 2009
1,100
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Hi all,

Have a question out of interest. As Apple has now increased their RAM to 16GB across the board, just wondering how the 8GB computers are handling AI. Have people downloaded the new OS? Have you used AI? Have you noticed more pressure on activity monitor, on memory?

Thanks!
 
Well, I don’t think my memory pressure went up but when I tried using OCLP on my 2017 MacBook Air and I went all the way to Sequoia 15.1 I did notice that the fans were running a lot more and my computer was running hotter.

I went back to Monterey.
 
Even on the 8GB models, Apple had stated made for or ready for Apple Intelligence. Nothing is free, it’s obviously going to have some impact, but Apple seems confident.

I’m using 16GB and have not noticed any different so far. Have not tried 8GB, sorry.
 
sgtaylor5 said:
Well, I don’t think my memory pressure went up but when I tried using OCLP on my 2017 MacBook Air and I went all the way to Sequoia 15.1 I did notice that the fans were running a lot more and my computer was running hotter.

I went back to Monterey.
Click to expand...
I suspect that has more to do with that old Intel processor than anything else.
 
ignatius345 said:
I suspect that has more to do with that old Intel processor than anything else.
Click to expand...
I never thought of that, that’s true. Although could have a little to do with M chip ram too given all of the new macs have 16, even older MBA’s.

Wait can intel chip machines have Apple intel at all? I thought only M chip machines?
 
Based on my experience, Writing Tools uses up around 2GB memory according to Activity Monitor when working.
 
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TorontoSS said:
I never thought of that, that’s true. Although could have a little to do with M chip ram too given all of the new macs have 16, even older MBA’s.
Click to expand...
My last Intel Mac (a 5K iMac) had like 32 GB of RAM and was absolutely roasted by my M1 Air with 8 GB of RAM. The experience with the UI was night and day. The processor is by far the thing you're going to notice first.
 
TorontoSS said:
Hi all,

Have a question out of interest. As Apple has now increased their RAM to 16GB across the board, just wondering how the 8GB computers are handling AI. Have people downloaded the new OS? Have you used AI? Have you noticed more pressure on activity monitor, on memory?

Thanks!
Click to expand...
It sucks. I keep having to offload apps to just be able to work.
I am looking at upgrading to a PRO to not have to worry about that (and I am still annoyed that I can only connect 1 external monitor. Have I had known, I would not have purchased it).
I like it otherwise.
 
I shut the dumb AI off. Ram usage actually seems to be better on 15.1 than the previous version. My swap file is a lot smaller. Anyone else notice this?
 
Started using this as my work machine instead of my work laptop. The new profiles in Safari are simple yet effective and Microsoft just redesigned their Remote Desktop app it's rather lovely for the server I connect to for remote tools. For a 4 year old device this is lovely. I start my day at 8AM, it is 12:30 and battery is 71%
 
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