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Should I get 8 or 16 GB RAM (13" Mid 2014)?

T

Tourgott

macrumors member
Original poster
May 18, 2014
88
18
Stuttgart
Hello,

since the rMBP are finally refreshed today I'll replace my Mid 2010 MBP.

I don't use Final Cut, I do not edit or capture Videos or anything like that. All I do is surfing (Safari), iTunes, Pages and sometimes I use Adobe Photoshop and Indesign.

I also don't play games, except if the upcoming F1 2014 from Codemasters won't be released on PS4. Then I would play it sometimes on my Mac. Specs would be on F1 2013/Grid 2/Grid Autosport level. I don't know which MBP would be strong enough.

Actually I will not upgrade for the next 4 years that's why I'm wondering which model I should get:

13" 2,6 GHz with 8 GB RAM
13" 2,6 GHz with 16 GB RAM
13" 2,8 GHz with 8 GB RAM

Thank you very much in advance
 
I'd go with 8, since you're not really pushing the machine that hard.

If you're still worried, then perhaps go with 16 if only for peace of mind.
 
To future-proof yourself I'd strongly recommend maxing the RAM. Even in lighter use cases like yourself, the future of the web is just going to be more and more RAM hungry.
 
What would the world be like if apple finally just put 16gb ram as the baseline for every model.
 
Overestimating RAM all over these boards

Unless you are doing complex video rendering or running virtual machines 8gb of RAM is enough for anyone. Mavericks will run fine on 2 GB of RAM and $GB is more than enough for light use, 8GB will be fine for years and despite a previous posters assertions about the web most tablets run great on the web with 1 or 2 gb of RAM.
 
Save your money and get the base model.

13" 2,6 GHz with 8 GB RAM.

Only get the 16GB RAM IF you run more than 2 Adobe software + Virtual Machines + Crap load of background applications ALL the time.
 
8GB is more than enough for the next couple of years. If you intend to make this machine last around 5 years, then get 16GB
 
Meister said:
strong enough for what?
Safari? :rolleyes:
Are you serious?
Click to expand...

Completely agree. 8 is more than enough and 16 is overkill.

I can already see it now. Because Apple increased the ram options, "8 vs 16" is the new "4 vs 8" thread.

Guess I should throw my 4GB base model in the trash:)
 
I used 2 GB at first, than quickly went to 4 GB, and that was enough for me. Than because the price lowered for more memory (Not on a notebook however) I bought 8 GB, and later 16 GB. What a waste the 16 GB was, so I took out 8 GB and left my system at 8 GB. Three (3) years now, and never have had any remorse with 8 GB. Never went over this, not even close.
 
GoCubsGo said:
Uh, he did mention two Adobe products. :rolleyes:

I'd still get the base MBP and save your cash. Although I think Apple has come a long way in memory pricing for BTO machines, 8 GB should be more than enough for the needs of someone in your shoes.
Click to expand...
Smartass! :D
There is still no reason why the new base rmbp shouldnt be easily "strong enough".

If there would be a 32gb option and the base model came with 16 they would be discussing if they need 32gb.
 
fuchsdh said:
To future-proof yourself I'd strongly recommend maxing the RAM. Even in lighter use cases like yourself, the future of the web is just going to be more and more RAM hungry.
Click to expand...

Heavy web pages are more taxing on your CPU, GPU, and WNIC than RAM. 4 GB is more than enough for browsing today and for years into the future. 8 GB is extreme overkill. 16 GB is utterly ridiculous.
 
I have Late 2013 13" rMBP with 8GB RAM. Yesterday I was using simultaneously:
  • Final Cut Pro X (stabilizing clips in progress)
  • iPhoto
  • Pixelmator
  • Safari with 2-3 tabs
  • iTunes
System Monitor reported memory pressure (usage) at about half. In my opinion 16GB is huge overkill for mortals.
 
Meister said:
Smartass! :D
There is still no reason why the new base rmbp shouldnt be easily "strong enough".

If there would be a 32gb option and the base model came with 16 they would be discussing if they need 32gb.
Click to expand...

High fives!
But I know and I agree(d).
 
Merode said:
I have Late 2013 13" rMBP with 8GB RAM. Yesterday I was using simultaneously:
  • Final Cut Pro X (stabilizing clips in progress)
  • iPhoto
  • Pixelmator
  • Safari with 2-3 tabs
  • iTunes
System Monitor reported memory pressure (usage) at about half. In my opinion 16GB is huge overkill for mortals.
Click to expand...
i know. I have the same model, but nobody believes this.
I guess they will have the luxury of 16gb and 200$ less then.

----------
GoCubsGo said:
High fives!
But I know and I agree(d).
Click to expand...
Your avatar shows you licking your own ass nevertheless.
Thats probably why its nice and "smart". :)
 
Get the RAM, it will make it more future proof in my opinion ...
I have 8gb, no complaints... but I would still prefer the 16gb if I was not going to get a new one in a few years.
 
556fmjoe said:
Heavy web pages are more taxing on your CPU, GPU, and WNIC than RAM. 4 GB is more than enough for browsing today and for years into the future. 8 GB is extreme overkill. 16 GB is utterly ridiculous.
Click to expand...

Ahh and even with this word of common sense, comments below yours still cheer 16GB JUST IN CASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
8 GB is the sweet spot on the 13". Anything that NEEDS 16 GB of RAM will be bottlenecked by the dual-core CPU anyway.
 
littlepud said:
8 GB is the sweet spot on the 13". Anything that NEEDS 16 GB of RAM will be bottlenecked by the dual-core CPU anyway.
Click to expand...

I'd say few apps need 16GB anyways, but because the ram is soldered on the logic board people want to be a little more conservative and make sure they have enough now and the future.
 
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