New M1 Pro with 16GB and 1TB. Do I NEED 32GB RAM?

[ddavid]

I need a reality check.

Ive been waiting for this machine for a long time! I kept putting off upgrading my MBP, first because I didn’t really need a new one, and then because they neutered new MBP’S by removing FireWire and all the ports. But, this is the one I think we’ve all been waiting for.

I use Lightroom, Photoshop, and Final Cut Pro along with the usual apps, and I’m questioning which configuration to buy. I usually get the middle configuration on my Macs and have decided on the MacBook Pro M1Pro 16” with 1TB storage, and either 16 or 32GB of RAM. My instinct is to add more RAM, but do I really need it? If I’m not going to use it I really don’t want to spend the extra $400 and wait 6 weeks (the 16GB/1TB is available today)

Given my past usage, my heaviest tasks will be converting/processing several thousand images in Lightroom, editing several images in Photoshop with up to 20 layers, editing small projects in Final Cut, along with some low volume sound work. Those tasks use more CPU than RAM. For power usage I’ve always used each app by itself, meaning I don’t have a 400MB document open in PS along with a large project in FCP.

Whatever I buy, it’s going to be light years ahead of my 2011 MBP!

 

[smirking]

Do you NEED it? I think it'll work pretty well if not absolutely fine on just 16GB. I tested out an 8GB M1 with Capture One Pro 21 that I intentionally overloaded with lots of apps and still found that there wasn't any immediately obvious differences in normal usage compared to my i7 32GB with a Vega20. I'm sure there was a little performance penalty, but I wouldn't have been able to tell without a stopwatch. If the 8GB M1 did just fine, I feel pretty good about the 16GB M1 Pro making quick work of things.

FWIW, I still went with a Max model myself for one reason alone. I want lightning fast preview renders being that culling my outtakes is something I have to do constantly. It's so much easier to weed out the discards when you get instant renders of RAW files. I don't really care if my 100 RAW file export only takes 1 minutes as opposed to 2 minutes.

UPDATE: I downgraded to an M1 Pro and 16GB after reports that battery life was worse on an M1 Max.

 

[EnderTW]

You’ll be fine with 16gb. Worse case grab the 16 and try it out return if it’s not enough and keep your existing order.

 

[signalflare]

I’d suggest a good rule of thumb is that if you don’t know the specific reasons *why* you need 32 over 16 - and can explain them - then you don’t need 32.

 

[cpnotebook80]

I do know that with my 8gb M1 MBP, it did slow down when i had firefox running like 20 tabs and photoshop open and word processing and outlook and TEAMS on the side etc..not sure how optimized office for mac is or even firefox as i usually get the swap memory message often.

My next upgrade for sure is going to be 16gb ram + just because I noticed these minor issues with my workflow. Currently my memory pressure in activity monitor is 6.5gb out of 8gb ram usage with outlook/teams and firefox (2 tabs) running and few smaller apps.

 

[smirking]

I do know that with my 8gb M1 MBP, it did slow down when i had firefox running like 20 tabs and photoshop open and word processing and outlook and TEAMS on the side etc..not sure how optimized office for mac is or even firefox as i usually get the swap memory message often.

In another thread, someone pegged MS Teams as the culprit. I had an M1 8GB that I was running dozens of tabs spread across four browsers (I'm a Web developer) and it was running fine.

That said, what you have in those tabs will matter and most of my tabs are just ordinary pages without heavy animations and effects.

 

[cpnotebook80]

In another thread, someone pegged MS Teams as the culprit. I had an M1 8GB that I was running dozens of tabs spread across four browsers (I'm a Web developer) and it was running fine.

That said, what you have in those tabs will matter and most of my tabs are just ordinary pages without heavy animations and effects.

Right i saw that somewhere and on another post also Word for mac is a memory hog than on windows which sucks. Even using teams in web browser sucks as you cannot do video calls through there. oh well.

 

[smirking]

Right i saw that somewhere and on another post also Word for mac is a memory hog than on windows which sucks. Even using teams in web browser sucks as you cannot do video calls through there. oh well.

MS Office is my Achilles Heel. If I leave a spreadsheet open in MS Excel on my 32GB i7, it'll be fine for a day and then suddenly it'll just tie up my machine for no reason I can tell. Same goes with MS Word.

They seem to be OK as long as I use them and quit them as soon as I'm done, but they're like small children. I can't leave them unattended.

 

[ddavid]

I’d suggest a good rule of thumb is that if you don’t know the specific reasons *why* you need 32 over 16 - and can explain them - then you don’t need 32.

I know WHY I might need more RAM, I just don’t know 16GB is *more enough* Meaning if 16GB handily handles my non-production needs then 32GB is wasted…for me.

I don’t know what I don’t know…

To EnderTW’s point, how much of a PITA is buying a MBP and picking it up at an Apple Store and then returning it for a made to order one shipped to me? I’ll use a 0% AppleCard, so that might complicate things.

 

[macintoshmac]

This will be a long post, and I apologise if it baffles or frustrates.


I am considering the same question here as the title. Is 16 GB enough or should I spend USD 600 extra for 32 GB?


USES: Part I

If I am writing content:

1. These things are always open:
- several (10-20 average) tabs of research in Safari
- text editor (any + Word)
- Bear Notes

2. These things are frequently open along with the above:
- couple more Word documents
- Torrent client (connected external disk for downloads)

3. These things are occasionally open along with all the above:
- VMware Fusion with Windows for using some software in that OS and take screenshots of it for my write-ups.
- VM is configured (in my MBA 2017) to use 1 core and 4 GB memory. I cannot spare more to it, obviously. On my 2011, I used to give it 4 cores and 8 GB RAM since I had upgraded that MBP to 16 GB.
- This VM will be used in as lightweight way as possible for my screenshots, but then, there is one more thing I would use the VM for (to follow).

3. On MBP 2016, I also had Music open in the background due to its excellent speakers. Don't do that on the MBA 2017, but intend to do that on MBP 16" 2021.


USES: Part II

When I am working on graphics:

1. These things are always open:
- Affinity Publisher with any number (1 minimum, 5 was the max I can think of) of moderately-sized files open (5-20 MB average)
- Safari with 10-20 average number of tabs
- Bear Notes

2. These things are frequently open along with the above:
- Torrent client (connected external disk for downloads)

3. Again, I would like to open Music again in the background on the new computer due to a nice speaker set.


USES: Part III

When I am playing games:

1. I did play Deus Ex: Human Revolution on my MBA 2017.
2. I plan on playing GTA IV and V, Far Cry series (left it at 2) etc. using aforementioned VM.
- At this point, I think that giving the VM 12 GB and keeping 4 GB for system is the only way to make sure that I can play those games reasonably (do not care for ultra graphics, I can be happy with medium level just to enjoy the games without having to invest in a dedicated Windows rig for gaming).

This will also be the least use, but considering the speed of the new laptop, and the screen, I know I will do things on it (such as gaming using a VM) that I did not do on this MacBook Air 2017. This is the only thing I can think of where 32 GB might be better (and justified, even). But, I am, obviously, looking for community inputs.


- -

With all of the above, I have made do and continue to make do with 8 GB on my MacBook Air 2017, and I have occasionally seen swap usage of couple hundred MB. I may have also seen swap usage larger than this, but I do not think I have seen it on Big Sur/ Monterey. Maybe on Mojave and macOS Catalina.


Cost of this 16" is obscene in my country, about USD 3250 for M1 Pro 10-core, 16-core GPU, 16 GB RAM, 512 GB disk. I am okay with storage space and processor. Thinking solely about RAM.

Outgoing MBA has 1526 MB dedicated memory for graphics. The new computer will have 16 GB unified. Let's say I have 8 GB + 1.5 GB, 9.5 GB today. The new computer will be 6.5 GB more.

I do not push these devices to the limits, unless I start gaming on them, but I am working under an assumption that 16 GB should be enough for Far Cry and GTA V style games at the moment but considering they will be run in a VM, the effective RAM gets reduced to 12 GB and then we are also sharing the same 12+4 with GPU.

Cost of RAM upgrade to 32 GB is nearly USD 600. This is going to be my only computer for 5 years. I say 5 years because I do not get a lot of resale value here for Macs, and secondly, entry cost is insane, so I try and spread it out a bit, just for mental value proposition.

I might/ may add a larger screen at some time in the next 2 years for HDR content consumption on a large screen.


What are your thoughts for this kind of use? 16 GB or 32 GB?

 

[ddavid]

This will be a long post………….

I’m still trying to process the cost of the MBP in your country. I think $600 for the extra RAM is hard to justify. You’ve itemized your usage fairly well, and say that 16GB is enough. As my Macs have aged it has never been the RAM that’s slowed things down, it’s been software bloat and application updates requiring more processor power. I don’t think if I doubled my RAM in a five year old computer that it would solve the developing performance issues.

On the other hand, if you are paying so much for a laptop you want to get it right and have no regrets, and unlike what was suggested for me, you don’t have the option of “try it out and see” and then exchange it.

 

[CalMin]

I ordered a 14"/2TB/32GB model and it won't get here until end Nov. My local Apple store had the 14"/16GB/1TB and so I snagged it. The only reason I added the extras to the pre-order was because Apple's configurator is a thing of pure evil and made me feel silly for not 'bumping up' the specs. Reality is that I'm probably spending a $1,000 more than I need to.

So far so good with the 16GB/1TB I'm throwing a lot at it and it's like butter. I even spun up a Windows 11 ARM VM via Parallels and that worked fine - Parallels allocated 6GB RAM to the VM and it ran perfectly well. Literally nothing skipped a beat. Memory pressure in activity monitor did go from green to amber though.

My use is mainly MS Office productivity and the like. It gets pretty heavy with lots of docs etc. but the 16GB machine has been 'eating' them up without trouble.

Bottom-line is that for your uses 16GB will be fine. 32GB is always going to be better and if you're dead set on it and you can afford it, then do it. Otherwise you will always be wondering...

--

I'll probably keep the 16GB/1TB. I'll keep pressure testing it during the return window with all of my various workflows and if nothing chokes it, then I'll just cancel the 32GB/2TB. I might regret not having the extra storage in time (I always do) but then I'll probably want a new laptop with an M2 or M2 by then!

 

[Juraj22]

Well, If you have the money, go 32GB.

I know I need 32GB, problem is Apple is making it hard this time.
In Europe, prices are like this:
2979€ PRO + 16 gb ram + 1tb 16c GPU
3439€ PRO + 32 gb ram + 1tb 16c GPU
3669€ MAX + 32 gb ram + 1tb 24c GPU
3849€ MAX + 32 gb ram + 1tb 32c GPU

Logically, second option is that what I need, but
It is not much more to have a Max with 400GB bus...
Anandtech tested, that CPU alone can take 249GB when pushed (and is limited to)
So for some workflows it might be better to have Max.

 

[CalMin]

It is not much more to have a Max with 400GB bus...
Anandtech tested, that CPU alone can take 249GB when pushed (and is limited to)
So for some workflows it might be better to have Max.

And the question is what are these workflows and how much is your time worth to get them done in 10 minutes vs. 5 minutes? For some that's an easy answer because time=money on a work job.

I can only push these things via my hobbies (occasional video/photo editing). Nothing I do for work (I'm a business consultant who charges by the hour) is limited by the lower spec. machine. For my hobby stuff, if it take me an extra 10 minutes to render, then I'll go grab a drink and come back.

Don't get me wrong. Faster is better. And, I can afford the better spec. machine easily. But - I'm not convinced that I need to add so much to what is already a very expensive machine. They are SO powerful in even the base specification. Apple really outdid themselves. I can't wait for next gen!

 

[macintoshmac]

I’m still trying to process the cost of the MBP in your country.

I am doing the same. I would really love to have a moment with Tim to ask about these price gouges that Apple is engaging in since some years.

As my Macs have aged it has never been the RAM that’s slowed things down, it’s been software bloat and application updates requiring more processor power.

Precisely. I wanted to buy a new computer in 2016 because 10.13 was the last OS my 2011 MBP was going to support, and because of the ticking time bomb nature of the graphics chipset on that machine, that was giving me graphical glitches frequently, along with kernel panics. Point being, it was not really the performance of the hardware that was the issue, it was the quality of the hardware that did it in, along with the software support. Though, I had 16 GB on it because I could upgrade it myself. On that system, I have used 10+ GB, and I do not remember now how I did that. The entire system just started feeling slow in the later years. Fans would kick in sooner and for longer. It was not the dust - I could open it and clean it well. It was just the OS and app bloat, like you mention.

On the other hand, if you are paying so much for a laptop you want to get it right and have no regrets, and unlike what was suggested for me, you don’t have the option of “try it out and see” and then exchange it.

That is correct - no try it out system here. I know 16 GB is going to last me for all my uses except for gaming via VM. And I know I do want to and will play the occasional game now. It's been years and I really want to have a go at GTA V and Far Cry series. Just for that, I think going with 32 GB would be the reasonable bet. For everything else, the way I use my computer, 16 GB would rock it considering I am using 8 GB right now and not crying for more RAM.

Just a bonus - having 32 GB would psychologically (@jessejesse!) make me think this computer as a true upgrade in all manner possible. Though I am aware enough to not spend that crazy amount just for the psychological effect of it. Like I said, I cannot build a separate gaming computer for USD 600 that would be as nice as the MacBook.

I have been thinking, and I am nearly decided that 32 GB is the reasonable bet here only because I also want to use VMs for gaming. That would mean I could have 16 GB Windows VM and 16 GB macOS and games should be running just fine.

 

[CalMin]

I am doing the same. I would really love to have a moment with Tim to ask about these price gouges that Apple is engaging in since some years.



Precisely. I wanted to buy a new computer in 2016 because 10.13 was the last OS my 2011 MBP was going to support, and because of the ticking time bomb nature of the graphics chipset on that machine, that was giving me graphical glitches frequently, along with kernel panics. Point being, it was not really the performance of the hardware that was the issue, it was the quality of the hardware that did it in, along with the software support. Though, I had 16 GB on it because I could upgrade it myself. On that system, I have used 10+ GB, and I do not remember now how I did that. The entire system just started feeling slow in the later years. Fans would kick in sooner and for longer. It was not the dust - I could open it and clean it well. It was just the OS and app bloat, like you mention.




That is correct - no try it out system here. I know 16 GB is going to last me for all my uses except for gaming via VM. And I know I do want to and will play the occasional game now. It's been years and I really want to have a go at GTA V and Far Cry series. Just for that, I think going with 32 GB would be the reasonable bet. For everything else, the way I use my computer, 16 GB would rock it considering I am using 8 GB right now and not crying for more RAM.

Just a bonus - having 32 GB would psychologically (@jessejesse!) make me think this computer as a true upgrade in all manner possible. Though I am aware enough to not spend that crazy amount just for the psychological effect of it. Like I said, I cannot build a separate gaming computer for USD 600 that would be as nice as the MacBook.

I have been thinking, and I am nearly decided that 32 GB is the reasonable bet here only because I also want to use VMs for gaming. That would mean I could have 16 GB Windows VM and 16 GB macOS and games should be running just fine.

Don't get into gaming via VM. You will never be happy. Take the $400 you save on RAM and buy a game console. It will better in literally every possible way than x86 gaming, via Windows ARM in a VM.

 

[macintoshmac]

So far so good with the 16GB/1TB I'm throwing a lot at it and it's like butter. I even spun up a Windows 11 ARM VM via Parallels and that worked fine - Parallels allocated 6GB RAM to the VM and it ran perfectly well. Literally nothing skipped a beat. Memory pressure in activity monitor did go from green to amber though.

Would I be able to use a VM with 6 GB to play GTA V on the Mac?

You are right, 16 GB is enough for everything I do everyday, except for one thing - gaming - that is my thought. If anyone would be able to say I can play GTA V and such in a VM with 16 GB RAM, I would pick this in a heartbeat and invest that USD 600.

I want to pay the absolute minimum to Apple for my needs. That's because I will anyway be getting new devices when the software support ends or in average 5-6 years.

 

[macintoshmac]

Don't get into gaming via VM. You will never be happy. Take the $400 you save on RAM and buy a game console. It will better in literally every possible way than x86 gaming, via Windows ARM in a VM.

I see.

If I remove gaming from the equation, I am going to be fully satisfied with 16 GB. Nothing I do will tax it, if I do not game on the machine.

And the saving will be nearly USD 600.

 

[CalMin]

Would I be able to use a VM with 6 GB to play GTA V on the Mac?

This might help:

 

[CalMin]

I see.

If I remove gaming from the equation, I am going to be fully satisfied with 16 GB. Nothing I do will tax it, if I do not game on the machine.

And the saving will be nearly USD 600.

Just to be clear - I'm not saying don't get the extra RAM. I'm just saying don't buy it if you will only make use of it for gaming. You can get a PS5 or Xbox Series X for that. Heck an Xbox Series S will be a better gaming rig for $300.

 

[macintoshmac]

Just to be clear - I'm not saying don't get the extra RAM. I'm just saying don't buy it if you will only make use of it for gaming. You can get a PS5 or Xbox Series X for that. Heck an Xbox Series S will be a better gaming rig for $300.

Ah, I hadn’t thought about a console. As it happens, that Series S is exactly the price Apple is charging for 32 GB upgrade. ?

I will have to look into console gaming. Many thanks for sharing this.

As I understand, all I need is a monitor to connect this box to ?

 

[Rafterman]

You can get a PS5 or Xbox Series X for that.

Yeah, just "get" one. You're funny.

 

[Jára Tyky]

Well, If you have the money, go 32GB.

I know I need 32GB, problem is Apple is making it hard this time.
In Europe, prices are like this:
2979€ PRO + 16 gb ram + 1tb 16c GPU
3439€ PRO + 32 gb ram + 1tb 16c GPU
3669€ MAX + 32 gb ram + 1tb 24c GPU
3849€ MAX + 32 gb ram + 1tb 32c GPU

Logically, second option is that what I need, but
It is not much more to have a Max with 400GB bus...
Anandtech tested, that CPU alone can take 249GB when pushed (and is limited to)
So for some workflows it might be better to have Max.

No in my country Czech is the price for M1 Max + 32 gb ram + 1tb 32c GPU - 4700 usd ?
lower specs starts from 3080 usd.
I bought the top configuration because it was really expensive that I rather spent 600 usd for 32 gb ram and 600 usd for ssd than after two years regret that my config is not enough and would need new macbook again.

to macintoshmac: I have the same needs, probably there are even higher prices in our country and I am all the time thinking if I should go lower for 16 gb ram. But I think I will not do it because it is better to pay more now than need new macbook later. And I did the mistake with lower specs before and it is the reason why now I bought new one Quite early (after two years(.

But if you want gamming. Why do not buy PS5? I have it and it is great! I even do not turn of new macbook pro because how great ps5 is ?

 

[JamesMay82]

I'd go for 32 gig purely because you don't know what the future will bring and like you said you can hold onto the machine for awhile. plus I think 8gig and 16 gig have been the standard for so long now that its bound to move onto 32?!

 

[Jára Tyky]

I believe so as well