Please help me choose: 16" Pro/32GB/4TB OR 16" Max/64GB/2TB

[CeleryMan]

After a lot of thought, I have decided to cancel my order that was scheduled to be delivered mid November. I'm going to be patient and just get the configuration I want. But I am having a hard time deciding between the two.

My two choices are below. They are both over $4000, so the cost difference is not the most important thing to me.

1. 16" Pro, 32GB, 4TB
2. 16" Max, 64TB, 2TB

I am interested in hearing your opinions on why you would choose one over the other. I am hoping that someone's argument will tip me towards one of the options above.

I have seen that whenever someone asks for a recommendation, someone always chimes in saying, "You don't need that much memory." Thank you for your thought, but I am set on at least 32GB. And because I do not want this thread to devolve into another discussion about memory, I do not want to share why I need this much memory. I just do. Sorry, I'm not trying to be a jerk.

 

[Rafterman]

After a lot of thought, I have decided to cancel my order that was scheduled to be delivered mid November. I'm going to be patient and just get the configuration I want. But I am having a hard time deciding between the two.

My two choices are below. They are both over $4000, so the cost difference is not the most important thing to me.

1. 16" Pro, 32GB, 4TB
2. 16" Max, 64TB, 2TB

I am interested in hearing your opinions on why you would choose one over the other. I am hoping that someone's argument will tip me towards one of the options above.

I have seen that whenever someone asks for a recommendation, someone always chimes in saying, "You don't need that much memory." Thank you for your thought, but I am set on at least 32GB. And because I do not want this thread to devolve into another discussion about memory, I do not want to share why I need this much memory. I just do. Sorry, I'm not trying to be a jerk.

You could get 16" 64GB 4TB too - the best of both RAM and storage. That config is carried in stores too, if you are persisitant in watching the Apple web site for stock. Unless it's a money issue.

But if it's between those two, you can never have enough RAM, and unless you need 4TB storage (e.g. lots of video editing), the 64GB/2TB would seem more veersatile.

 

[CeleryMan]

You could get 16" 64GB 4TB too - the best of both RAM and storage. That config is carried in stores too, if you are persisitant in watching the Apple web site for stock. Unless it's a money issue.

But if it's between those two, you can never have enough RAM, and unless you need 4TB storage (e.g. lots of video editing), the 64GB/2TB would seem more veersatile.

Thank you, Rafterman!

Yes, my max budget around $4500, sadly. It is the bonus amount I received from work. The 64GB/4TB would be put me above $5000 with tax.

 

[lixuelai]

I'd get the 64GB. You probably wont need the space above 2TB regularly. You can also use external drives and microsd adapters when they come out.

 

[wilberforce]

In your second option, is it the Max you primarily want, or the 64GB you primarily want? I am guessing you are only getting the Max because you want the 64GB (otherwise, a Max with 32GB would be the cheapest way to get a Max).
If you primarily want 64GB, then get the Max with 24 GPU cores (as the cheapest way to get 64GB).

4TB is a lot of storage to hold internally. Only you can decide how important this is to you. My experience is that if you have to store this order of magnitude storage, you land up having to use external storage anyway for long storage items. On my iMac I use between 0.5TB and 1.5TB internally (it varies), but have about 20TB in external storage. Going from 2TB to 4TB internal would therefore make little difference to my storage situation.

 

[Sanpete]

Since you don't say what you want it for, it's impossible to rationally say what would work best for you.

 

[wilberforce]

Since you don't say what you want it for, it's impossible to rationally say what would work best for you.

You are right, but he can also simply get something because he wants it, and does not need to justify why he needs it. The question wasn't what best suits his needs.
My take is that he simply wants as much memory as possible, but in order to do that has to settle for a smaller SSD, and is worried that might be a mistake, so is looking for input.
I'm kind of reading between the lines here, so apologies if I am jumping to conclusions.

 

[Lobwedgephil]

If you need it, get what you need and can afford. No one can tell you what to pick, especially when given no reasons for what you need.

 

[CeleryMan]

I'd get the 64GB. You probably wont need the space above 2TB regularly. You can also use external drives and microsd adapters when they come out.

That's a good point. I know that there are fast Thunderbolt external drives.

In your second option, is it the Max you primarily want, or the 64GB you primarily want? I am guessing you are only getting the Max because you want the 64GB (otherwise, a Max with 32GB would be the cheapest way to get a Max).
If you primarily want 64GB, then get the Max with 24 GPU cores (as the cheapest way to get 64GB).

4TB is a lot of storage to hold internally. Only you can decide how important this is to you. My experience is that if you have to store this order of magnitude storage, you land up having to use external storage anyway for long storage items. On my iMac I use between 0.5TB and 1.5TB internally (it varies), but have about 20TB in external storage. Going from 2TB to 4TB internal would therefore make little difference to my storage situation.

Thank you, wilberforce!

So I basically have around $4500 to spend, so those two configurations are around this budget.

32GB and 2TB are plenty for me. Anything more in both memory and SSD space are gravy to me. So I was hoping people would share why they would get one or the other so I could use that as reference as I don't really have a reference. Just like you did. Much thanks.

I know, first world problems.

 

[AFK]

Since you don't say what you want it for, it's impossible to rationally say what would work best for you.

sorry about my friend here. he has a special way of making people feel welcome.

as for your question, that is a tough one. i would struggle with this decision, too. given that your minimum requirements in both memory (32gb) and disk space (2tb) are met, which "bonus" options would I choose is the question, right?

hmm. 2tb of extra space vs 32gb of extra ram.

i would choose the 2tb extra space. my personal reason is that my photos library is about 700gb and it only grows. i can add an external ssd, sure, but i don't think i would enjoy lugging around another chunk of mass.

ssd also slows down the more it fills up. so its nice having that buffer and never having to worry about it.

 

[GSWForever8]

I’d say the 64gb 2tb storage. I don’t think you need that much storage. Plus, you can always buy an external hard drive.

 

[UltimateSyn]

If you care about battery life and don't need the extra performance then don't get the Max - you take a hit of a few hours. I'd go 16 Pro / 32GB / 2TB and put the rest away for a nice external monitor or case for the machine.

 

[adamk77]

You are right, but he can also simply get something because he wants it, and does not need to justify why he needs it. The question wasn't what best suits his needs.
My take is that he simply wants as much memory as possible, but in order to do that has to settle for a smaller SSD, and is worried that might be a mistake, so is looking for input.
I'm kind of reading between the lines here, so apologies if I am jumping to conclusions.

Couldn't agree with you more. I hate the way these forums are sometimes. It feels so confrontational and unwelcoming.

 

[fgengineer]

You should know if you need/want the extra storage space or memory.

You are already spending around $4500. Getting the fully loaded version is only an additional 15% or less. If you are already spending that much, you might as well get what you need/want.

If you can afford $4500, then I don’t see how an additional 15% or less would break the bank.

The fact that you are debating this makes me think you are uncertain about either upgrade.

For me the choice would be between the 32 GB 2TB version and the 64 GB 4TB. That has more of a significant difference in price to me and the tougher choice.

I already kind of regret the choice I made because I went with the 32GB 1 TB and I really wanted the 64 GB version and it was only an additional $400. I just didn’t order it because I didn’t want to wait the additional month.

 

[antst]

After a lot of thought, I have decided to cancel my order that was scheduled to be delivered mid November. I'm going to be patient and just get the configuration I want. But I am having a hard time deciding between the two.

My two choices are below. They are both over $4000, so the cost difference is not the most important thing to me.

1. 16" Pro, 32GB, 4TB
2. 16" Max, 64TB, 2TB

I am interested in hearing your opinions on why you would choose one over the other. I am hoping that someone's argument will tip me towards one of the options above.

I have seen that whenever someone asks for a recommendation, someone always chimes in saying, "You don't need that much memory." Thank you for your thought, but I am set on at least 32GB. And because I do not want this thread to devolve into another discussion about memory, I do not want to share why I need this much memory. I just do. Sorry, I'm not trying to be a jerk.

I chose both... Max/64GB/4TB

 

[SpitUK]

I have ordered the Max and 32Gb myself. I like to have maximum power as I like to have all my work apps open plus play Warcraft on dark winter nights. The extra GPU should ensure it all runs smoothly.

 

[Rafterman]

Yes, I would go with (2). You can add space via external drives, but you can't add RAM. And the Max will be faster, though I doubt most would notice the difference. Depends on what you do with it.

Back in 2019, I went for it all: 64GB RAM, 8TB disk. When it comes time to upgrade to M1 some day, I will probably do the same.