MB 16" buying advice - What RAM should I choose

[Ravesh]

Hi guys long time lurker here. I'm upgrading from a mid 2017 escape MacBook pro to the new 16". Already decided on the base i9 with 1TB of storage and the 8GB GPU but stuck between 16 and 32 gigs of RAM. Mainly use Google docs and slides along with around a 100 tabs open in Chrome or Safari. You're advice would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers

 

[agmmac]

Hi guys long time lurker here. I'm upgrading from a mid 2017 escape MacBook pro to the new 16". Already decided on the base i9 with 1TB of storage and the 8GB GPU but stuck between 16 and 32 gigs of RAM. Mainly use Google docs and slides along with around a 100 tabs open in Chrome or Safari. You're advice would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers

If you can afford it, maybe get it. That sounds like a lot of open tabs. Also will allow you to do more in future, and helps resale value. Also, I think RAM is soldered on for the laptops? So whatever you buy, you can't upgrade later.

 

[chabig]

How's your 2017 MacBook Pro performing? If good, get the same RAM. If not, get more.

 

[jerryk]

Wow. 100 tabs open.

I would take a look at the memory usage in your current system. Specifically look at the memory pressure graph. If it is green and low than you can probably get by with the memory the same size as what you currently have.

 

[Ravesh]

My 2017 MacBook Pro has 8 gigs, and it's almost always maxed out. Using about a 1 gig of swap memory.

 

[FightTheFuture]

I would say it depends on how long you plan to keep it before upgrading again. If it's 2-3 years (like your 2017), 16GB might be ok. But if it's 4-6 years, you might feel most comfortable with 32GB.

However, we can't really tell how much software will change in that time so it's more of an investment than an outlook.

 

[-narcan-]

I was certain I only needed 16, but after reading all these threads, starting to make me want to return it for a BTO 32gb... :/

 

[Ravesh]

I would say it depends on how long you plan to keep it before upgrading again. If it's 2-3 years (like your 2017), 16GB might be ok. But if it's 4-6 years, you might feel most comfortable with 32GB.

However, we can't really tell how much software will change in that time so it's more of an investment than an outlook.

Probs only going to keep it for 2-3 years so I'm tempted to save the 400 bucks and go with 16 but also scared that my future use could lead to 16GB becoming a bottlecap.

 

[miroki]

I was certain I only needed 16, but after reading all these threads, starting to make me want to return it for a BTO 32gb... :/

why not all the way to 64

 

[-narcan-]

why not all the way to 64

you make a good point

 

[ascender]

I'm sure 16GB will be more than adequate for your needs.

Remember Apple's 14 day remorse period (which is much longer at this time of year), where you can return for any reason.

 

[-narcan-]

Remember Apple's 14 day remorse period (which is much longer at this time of year), where you can return for any reason.

Yeah I'm going to order a 32gb and do some benchmarks / comparisons between the two for my workflow then just return whatever turns out best.

 

[_Kiki_]

you should go for 64GB DDR4 XMP 3200, ram is currently extremely cheap, but wait....... you can't do this on MBP 16 because the ram is soldered into logic board, what a bummer, you need pay hefty price for Apple and you will get miserable 2666MHz

 

[maflynn]

Why buy a component that will not be used - that money will be better left in your pocket. 16GB is more then enough to handle chrome, going to 32GB is overkill - even with that many tabs open.