How is Big Sur on 4GB of RAM?

[ian87w]

Just saw a used 2013 Macbook Air for sale. But it only has 4GB of RAM. I saw that Big Sur still supports this Mac. But how is Big Sur on 4GB of RAM? I probably wouldn't get one for myself, but if the performance is decent, might be a decent laptop for a family member.

 

[Urtuluk]

I used Big Sur on 2015 Macbook Air with 4 GB RAM, it was a bit sluggish but not so much. Especially boot up time was longer than previous operating systems. Its performance was good for basic needs like office programs, video watching or surfing on the internet. I think, earlier OSes that before BigSur better for your machine because BigSur was using more RAM.

 

[nebojsak]

I've had it for a while on early 2014 MBA with 4 Gb (clean install) and I don't recommend it.

 

[ian87w]

I've had it for a while on early 2014 MBA with 4 Gb (clean install) and I don't recommend it.

How bad was it? ?

 

[nebojsak]

It worked, but was way too sluggish even for simple browsing.

 

[ian87w]

It worked, but was way too sluggish even for simple browsing.

Alright that's not a good sign...?
Thanks. I guess I'll skip it.

 

[nebojsak]

I mean you could browse, watch Youtube and stuff, but it wasn't very pleasant experience.

I recommend running Mojave on that MBA, it runs just fine.