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Ram: 8gb vs 16gb
- Thread starter mac-jam
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I just watched this video maybe it helps you
I have an 8GB MacBook Pro and a 16GB MacBook Pro, and frankly, I can't tell the difference in the way they run programs. Both are fast and fluid and can take whatever I throw at them. But I'm no power-user, so assimilate my comparison with a grain of salt.
If you have to ask then likely 8GB is enough. You can't futureproof anything as needs and software demands constantly change.
If you are a demanding user, in a creative or statistics field, then likely you know this and would want 16GB of RAM. If you are a professional user then adding 16GB of RAM is a small expense. If you are a light user who is getting it as a computer then 8GB is more than enough.
By the time you need 16GB of RAM, it's far better to just upgrade the whole machine than to be stuck with extra RAM you'll never fully use.
Watch the video @ahmedouvix linked to get a better idea of what RAM is, I haven't watched it but I'm assuming he explains. There's a lot of misconceptions about what RAM is and what it does, you generally want 8GB and you know if you need more.
Edit: I watched the video, it's based on Windows and Chrome, don't pay attention to that for MacOS and Safari usage. 8GB is plenty for a Mac, 16GB is great if you can afford it - a larger SSD is often a better investment if you're not sure though.
If you are a demanding user, in a creative or statistics field, then likely you know this and would want 16GB of RAM. If you are a professional user then adding 16GB of RAM is a small expense. If you are a light user who is getting it as a computer then 8GB is more than enough.
By the time you need 16GB of RAM, it's far better to just upgrade the whole machine than to be stuck with extra RAM you'll never fully use.
Watch the video @ahmedouvix linked to get a better idea of what RAM is, I haven't watched it but I'm assuming he explains. There's a lot of misconceptions about what RAM is and what it does, you generally want 8GB and you know if you need more.
Edit: I watched the video, it's based on Windows and Chrome, don't pay attention to that for MacOS and Safari usage. 8GB is plenty for a Mac, 16GB is great if you can afford it - a larger SSD is often a better investment if you're not sure though.
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Looking at future proofing?
Then you need 32.
But you can't do that with any of the Macbooks, now can ya?
Gotta go to.....well.....go with every manufacturer except Apple to get 32 g's.
Yes, definitely get the 16.
Although in a year or so you may feel underwhelmed by it....still, it's all you can get.
If you need it, you will know because of earlier issues with low memory or because your workload needs it. As a simplified generalization, the average user doesn't need it, and will run out of SSD space long before they run out of memory.
As an exercise, take the price difference of 16 vs. 8, divide it by the number of years you plan on keeping your device, and ask yourself, "am I prepared to pay X amount per year on a maybe?" Keep in mind that right now memory (and graphic card) prices are unexpectedly high.
Or another way, compare the percent difference in total price (base, upgrades, extended warranty, etc) and see how much the final price changes.
As an exercise, take the price difference of 16 vs. 8, divide it by the number of years you plan on keeping your device, and ask yourself, "am I prepared to pay X amount per year on a maybe?" Keep in mind that right now memory (and graphic card) prices are unexpectedly high.
Or another way, compare the percent difference in total price (base, upgrades, extended warranty, etc) and see how much the final price changes.
Well without knowing what you use the computer for and what your workflow is its pretty hard to gauge if it will make any difference to you.
To be honest unless you are doing lots of RAW files at a time I can't see 16gb making much difference to you and the quad core from the 15 inch probably wasn't making much difference either the new machine may feel faster due to better clock speeds.
People often end up maxing out machines and find that they never use the extra power, 8GB Ram is plenty if you don't do taxing things however if like me you are using Final Cut Pro X then 16GB would probably be better.
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It depends, a lot of people have said that the 12" MacBook can handle more than some people think (i had thins conversation in a thread i created a while back) but it also comes down to how portable you want your machine to be.
The 12" MacBook when maxed out is closer to the 13" MacBook Pro in price.
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It depends, a lot of people have said that the 12" MacBook can handle more than some people think (i had thins conversation in a thread i created a while back) but it also comes down to how portable you want your machine to be.
The 12" MacBook when maxed out is closer to the 13" MacBook Pro in price.
It could probably handle it fine in bursts but any sustained workload will slow it down. If portability is your main criteria by all means give one a try, you get 14 days to return no questions asked. If portability isn't your main criteria I'd go with the pro myself.
Could you be more specific about your usage? I’ve owned a 12” MacBook with 8gb of RAM and currently have 2 15” Pros with 16.
Do you plan to keep the computer for more than 3 years? If so, pay to get 16 GB.
Do you plan on doing anything more stressful than browsing websites, doing email, and editing text documents? If so, then pay to get 16 GB.
You say you're going to use Photoshop. Get 16 GB.
You say you're going to use Photoshop. Get the 13" over the 12". In fact, wait until the 13" refreshes to get quad-core processors. Unless your 15" is a 2010 or older (which, if you have 16 GB in it, it can't be,) you have four CPU cores now. In Photoshop, you *WILL* miss the CPU cores, even more than the memory.
Do you plan on doing anything more stressful than browsing websites, doing email, and editing text documents? If so, then pay to get 16 GB.
You say you're going to use Photoshop. Get 16 GB.
You say you're going to use Photoshop. Get the 13" over the 12". In fact, wait until the 13" refreshes to get quad-core processors. Unless your 15" is a 2010 or older (which, if you have 16 GB in it, it can't be,) you have four CPU cores now. In Photoshop, you *WILL* miss the CPU cores, even more than the memory.
I have 8GB of ram on my iMac and tbh, it works well, I don't see any issues with ram utilization. I understand the mentality, since the ram is soldered onto the logic board, it may make sense to go with 16, but if you won't ever use it, then why spend the extra money?
How long do you typically keep computers and what's your goal for this new machine?
I do all this stuff on an 8 GB 2010 MacBook Pro 15, and it runs fine, very snappy, no lag, never a problem. I also have a 2015 MBP 15" with 16 GB of RAM and side-by-side with the old 2010, I can't tell a difference in the way they run the same exact programs. Kind of sad, but I use the 2010 more than I use the 2015.
Sorry but this is terrible advise....
8GB of RAM will not be obsolete in 3 years. Programs are getting better and better at RAM usage and management, not worse.
I have a few machines with 8GB and I edit 4K video (short edits) and use PS all the time.
Why on earth does using PS require 16GB of RAM?
Again sorry but the advise and reasons you list are just terrible examples.
Now there are some use cases when 16GB is the better option, sure. Editing lengthy 4K videos, batch processing in PS, large database or excel files, VM ect.
8GB of RAM is more than adequate for a large majority of users.
I agree. I've had 8 GB of RAM on my 2010 MBP for seven years now and never had a problem running anything. Photoshop, Office, surfing the Internet, and so many other programs, and not a dent in my memory usage. Unless you're Tony Stark, 16 GB is a waste in my opinion. Use the money you save to get AppleCare instead, especially with the latest MBPs.
If you’re using Final Cut Pro X you may want to re-think that. Photoshop may not need it and certainly those that just do word processing and so on won’t need 16GB but those who video edit may be better to get 16GB.
I can agree with this.. Short 4K edits are fine on 8GB but for any serious 4K edits 16GB (or more depending on size and length) would be needed.
I can edit 2-3 minute 4K videos no problem with 8GB. I don't know if I'd want to try and go larger than that though without 16GB. For most, editing short 4K footage for home use (facebook, twitter postings ect) from something like a GoPro, 8GB would be more than sufficient.
I only recently upgraded my 2009 MP from 8 to 32GB. But I've been editing HD video on it for several years, using up-to-date versions of FCPX. I'm still unclear why 8GB worked well in this environment, though it did suffer with PS, Audacity, Firefox and Safari open while editing in FCPX. I have a 2011 13-MBA with 4GB that works well for web browsing, etc. Runs 10.12.6. When I bought a 13-MBP a year ago for our college-age daughter (web, Finale) I went with a 8GB/512GB system, instead of 16GB/256GB. She has been very happy with it.
Are you sure? I’m using Final Cut Pro x editing, plus other hand open up VM together still left 1.5gb unused. Meanwhile, I had 10 tab open at safari. So why the hell you need 16gb???? Look at the market portable laptop now most just spec with 8gb rather to be 16gb because power consuming and other.
Editing 4K footage yes I’m pretty sure you would need 16GB Ram on the 13” MacBook Pro.