MBP M5 32GB or M5 pro 24GB For a photographer workflow

[Soi Dog]

I am in my usual dilemma of choosing which MacBook to buy: the MBP M5 with 32GB RAM or the M5 Pro with 24GB.


My workflow consists mostly of Photoshop and Capture One adjustments, with Adobe Bridge always open and a browser with several tabs in the background. I don’t export high volumes of RAW files daily, though I occasionally process up to a thousand at a time. I also have two 4K external monitors connected.


I am aware that the M5 Pro offers Thunderbolt 5 over Thunderbolt 4, but my external Samsung T7 SSDs can’t even saturate TB4 speeds, so I’m perfectly fine with the current performance. While the Pro model offers higher bandwidth, I'm not sure how important that actually is for my needs.


I feel that memory is the most critical factor in my workflow, and I’m afraid that 24GB might be a bit low. However, the jump from 24GB to 48GB is €400, which is just too much.


So, in the end, what should I buy: the 32GB M5 or the 24GB M5 Pro?

 

[ManuCH]

I was in the same boat: I wanted to upgrade from my MacBook Air M2 to a MacBook Pro M5, and I was undecided. For me it either had to be the M5 32GB or the M5 Pro 48GB.

24GB was too little for me, but I also didn't feel like spending so much more for the M5 Pro 48GB upgrade. I ended getting the M5 32GB. I think having more RAM is more important than having more cores, although your "process 1000 RAWs in one batch" use case may benefit from those cores.

Fun fact, I originally ordered an Air M5 32GB, then cancelled and got the Pro, as I really wanted that screen.

 

[JaredJenkinsDesign]

If you likely won't need the benefits of Thunderbolt 5 later down the road and don't need the extra GPU power, I would opt for the M5 with more memory. Speed-wise, my M4 MBA with 16GB RAM has performed very well for my photography workflow but sometimes wish it had a bit more memory. The M5 should be plenty good for your needs.

 

[DIMEZ]

I have a base m5 pro with 24gb. works flawlessly for Photoshop & photography. Rarely get any hang ups.

Was thinking on upgrading to the m5 pro chip but I really dont need to.

I Haven't had any problems and fast.

Been trying to talk myself out of it.

or trying to find a reason to upgrade lol.

 

[zarathu]

Check your activity. If you are swapping out for the SSD, then go higher. I was doing a lot of swaps so last year I got an m4max with 48 gb. I have literally no swaps now.

As a macro-photographer(

), I only have two work flows which might benefit, but I would have to see for real that my work time for a photo of 4 minutes actually drops to 45 seconds before I’m willing to put out the cash. And I would wait until October anyhow when the refurb start to come out.