Six months later - how does everyone feel about 16GB of RAM on the base M4 Mac Mini?

[Ishimura]

I am telling you. The differences in real time between tasks that overload 16 GB RAM that would be better served with 32 GB RAM is still so fast for the 16GB of RAM that it doesn't matter anyway. Who cares if compiling something takes an extra few minutes when you do it twice a year? And most of the time it is even faster than that.

Now if you are a professional video editor who messes with terabytes of 8k video all day long, then get what you need, and it will be more than 16GB or even 32GB.

Now realize that like less than 1 percent of us actually qualify for this.

I have found my BASE M4 Mac Mini 16GB/512GB is the same as my RTX 4060 i7-13700HK 32GB RAM machine for everything I do and more--with the exception of gaming. This M4 is so fast. Ridiculously fast. Given the Apple upgrade prices, I don't regret tossing like $699 at this thing. I could upgrade in like 3 years and still be ridiculously happy with the price I paid for the performance.

But don't just take my word for it.

There are more.

Thanks for the intention in sharing the videos and there certainly are loads of videos on the M4 - but many of them aren’t very helpful on this point. That Mark Ellis video is a load of waffling, for instance.

Really his only point on the specific specs and upgrades is that you should get the base M4 chip and then upgrade the SSD and RAM “if you need it”, or something like that.

 

[Ishimura]

I mostly agree with this, but only if people really understand that they could do all the stuff a tier lower and see only a mild performance hit (mostly things would take longer when processing/compiling/etc.,) but would honestly work fine even for that. It just wouldn't be lightning fast as it would if you add the RAM from the tier one is in for that task.

And most people really do fit in the Low demand task category.

People tend to want a brand new computer that they’re spending a lot of money on (for them) to be lightning fast.

I don’t want to sit down in front of my brand new computer and see ‘performance hits’.

 

[Ishimura]

Think about it this way, @Ishimura. Given you (admittedly) are more in the low usage category and are more worried about years down the road, just get what you need now. In the (unlikely) event that regular usage is that impacted by RAM (and only where 32 would have mattered that much over 16), then you can trade it in--get some of the cash back, and be good for another 3-4 years.

If the difference was like $50 (like it should be), then absolutely! Get all the RAM you can. But given the cost effectiveness is in the base unit, just stay at that price and upgrade if needed in a few years.

I think you will find that it is working great like 4 years from now.

For instance, I have a Surface Pro 8 i5 with 8GB of RAM. It still works great with Obsidian, Scrivener, Chrome, etc., and that is WAY slower than the M1 Mac line that is over 4 years old now. 16 GB will be fine for your needs.

I appreciate the response. That said, I am at pains to point out that not everyone wants to trade in their computer every few years, but most replies assume that they will or that they want to.

How much is Apple going to offer me on trade-in for a specced-up M4 Mini in, say, 4-5 years? I doubt it will be a significant amount of money.

Because i definitely don’t want to go to any effort to sell it privately, I just can’t be bothered at all with all of that fuss.

Also, while I’m more concerned about the years ahead I still don’t want to find myself doing any RAM management now.

 

[eltoslightfoot]

People tend to want a brand new computer that they’re spending a lot of money on (for them) to be lightning fast.

I don’t want to sit down in front of my brand new computer and see ‘performance hits’.

That's what I am telling you. I HAVE SEEN ZERO performance hits. Everything is lightning fast. And I am stressing this thing at times more than what you profess to want to do.

 

[eltoslightfoot]

I appreciate the response. That said, I am at pains to point out that not everyone wants to trade in their computer every few years, but most replies assume that they will or that they want to.

How much is Apple going to offer me on trade-in for a specced-up M4 Mini in, say, 4-5 years? I doubt it will be a significant amount of money.

Because i definitely don’t want to go to any effort to sell it privately, I just can’t be bothered at all with all of that fuss.

Also, while I’m more concerned about the years ahead I still don’t want to find myself doing any RAM management now.

That's also the point. Don't get a specced-up Mac Mini. That's what I am saying.

 

[eltoslightfoot]

Thanks for the intention in sharing the videos and there certainly are loads of videos on the M4 - but many of them aren’t very helpful on this point. That Mark Ellis video is a load of waffling, for instance.

Really his only point on the specific specs and upgrades is that you should get the base M4 chip and then upgrade the SSD and RAM “if you need it”, or something like that.

Look I don't understand this thread then. Because what you get out of all of that is that you need more RAM? That's not what he said at all. I think you think that your self-proclaimed low usage is really high for some reason. And if that is the case, go for it--get 32GB, 64GB of RAM. GO NUTS!


And, look, if you just want a ton of RAM just because--even if it just to ease your mind, then, once again, GO FOR IT! GO NUTS! I don't understand at this point what it is you are seeking.

But you really don't need to do it.

 

[Ishimura]

That's also the point. Don't get a specced-up Mac Mini. That's what I am saying.

What are Apple going to offer me for the base Mini?

 

[Ishimura]

Look I don't understand this thread then. Because what you get out of all of that is that you need more RAM? That's not what he said at all. I think you think that your self-proclaimed low usage is really high for some reason. And if that is the case, go for it--get 32GB, 64GB of RAM. GO NUTS!


And, look, if you just want a ton of RAM just because--even if it just to ease your mind, then, once again, GO FOR IT! GO NUTS! I don't understand at this point what it is you are seeking.

But you really don't need to do it.

Oh, ok. When you put it like that it seems so simple. I feel quite silly now - why didn’t I realise that I could just pick the higher RAM options?

Would you be willing to pay for those extremely expensive upgrades for me?

I can give you my Cash App @ and you can just send the upgrade money over.

 

[Ishimura]

Because what you get out of all of that is that you need more RAM?

Sorry, what exactly am I meant to get out of the Mark Ellis video? I’ve watched it twice and it seems like a huge waste of time to me.

He’s making his 300th M4 Mini video (a subject he’s raking in cash in from) and so he needs to pretend that he’s regretful of buying a maxed-out M4 Pro Mini, is what I took from it. He doesn’t address how much RAM or storage different use cases need, in fact he only explicitly says that most people don’t need the M4 Pro chip.

I’m not in the market for a £2,899 Mini, so I’m not sure how the video is relevant to me or indeed most people.

What am I missing?

 

[eRondeau]

I definitely don’t need maxed out RAM. I am just trying to work out if 16 will be more than sufficient for 5+ years or if I should upgrade to 24.

You absolutely need 24GB, don’t even consider anything less.

I’m saying this because you’ll never be happy seeing anything less than 24GB RAM in your System Information panel. If you get 24GB you’ll smile every time you look at it. If you get 16GB you’ll be kicking yourself daily for 5-7 years. It has nothing to do with system performance; 24GB might save you one second per day on average with its increased efficiency. But you’ve already decided you won’t be happy with 16GB so just get the 24GB and stop stressing about it. It’ll cost you an extra dime per day over 5 years. Get what you really want and enjoy your new computer.

 

[eltoslightfoot]

I decided to start answering these all at once.

What are Apple going to offer me for the base Mini?

See my earlier (and everyone else's) posts in your thread. It has all been said, and you clearly want more RAM. It's all good. Just get it.

Oh, ok. When you put it like that it seems so simple. I feel quite silly now - why didn’t I realise that I could just pick the higher RAM options?

Would you be willing to pay for those extremely expensive upgrades for me?

I can give you my Cash App @ and you can just send the upgrade money over.

No. I am happy with the base model and 16GB. Clearly you would not be happy with such. And I am using Affinity Photo, Ulysses, python, basic LLMs, Omnifocus, OmniOutliner, Wonderdraft, etc.,

Sorry, what exactly am I meant to get out of the Mark Ellis video? I’ve watched it twice and it seems like a huge waste of time to me.

He’s making his 300th M4 Mini video (that he’s taking cash in from now) and so he needs to pretend that he’s regretful of buying a maxed-out Mini, is what I took from it.

I’m not in the market for £2,000 Mini, so I’m not sure how the video is relevant to me or indeed most people.

What am I missing?

The part where he says that most people really don't need that beefy machine, and he is in fact most people?

 

[Ishimura]

You absolutely need 24GB, don’t even consider anything less.

I’m saying this because you’ll never be happy seeing anything less than 24GB RAM in your System Information panel. If you get 24GB you’ll smile every time you look at it. If you get 16GB you’ll be kicking yourself daily for 5-7 years. It has nothing to do with system performance; 24GB might save you one second per day on average with its increased efficiency. But you’ve already decided you won’t be happy with 16GB so just get the 24GB and stop stressing about it. It’ll cost you an extra dime per day over 5 years. Get what you really want and enjoy your new computer.

You could say the same about 32GB of RAM and yet I’m not thinking about getting that because because it would turn a £600 machine into a £1000 machine.

So it fundamentally misses the point, doesn’t it?

I haven’t decided anything about RAM, by the way. Hence the thread.

 

[eltoslightfoot]

You absolutely need 24GB, don’t even consider anything less.

I’m saying this because you’ll never be happy seeing anything less than 24GB RAM in your System Information panel. If you get 24GB you’ll smile every time you look at it. If you get 16GB you’ll be kicking yourself daily for 5-7 years. It has nothing to do with system performance; 24GB might save you one second per day on average with its increased efficiency. But you’ve already decided you won’t be happy with 16GB so just get the 24GB and stop stressing about it. It’ll cost you an extra dime per day over 5 years. Get what you really want and enjoy your new computer.

This is a really great way to say it.

I haven't looked at my memory usage in months on this M4 Mac Mini with 16GB of RAM, but you, @Ishimura, clearly will. So go with 24 or 32.

 

[eltoslightfoot]

You could say the same about 32GB of RAM and yet I’m not thinking about getting that because because it would turn a £600 machine into a £1000 machine.

So it fundamentally misses the point, doesn’t it?

At this point I am completely lost as to what you want. You don't want the base model and you don't want more RAM.

Should we ask the mods to delete this thread at this point?

 

[Ruftzooi]

All I can say is, I got the Mac Mini M4 recently with ram bumped to 24GB and SSD to 512GB. I've been using it a lot, sometimes with "semi-heavy" usage, and so far my swapfile has been at 0 bytes pretty much the entire time! Just how I like it. 👍

At it's largest I've seen so far, the swapfile was about 16MB (yes MEGA byes). My typical RAM usage is between 8GB and 18GB when I take a peak at Activity Monitor.

Originally I wanted 32GB, but 24GB really seems does like the sweet-spot atm.

 

[Ishimura]

The part where he says that most people really don't need that beefy machine, and he is in fact most people?

He bought an M4 Pro with 64GB RAM and 2TB storage.

What has that spec got to do with my situation? Do you think I need a tech YouTuber to tell me that I don’t need that spec, a spec that costs £2,899?

Do you think a guy who is unsure about paying for a £200 upgrade on a £600 computer was likely to buy a £2,899 computer?

And - sorry - but Mark Ellis is another YouTuber trying to wring every penny he can out of talking about the M4 Mini. So of course he’s going to make yet another video talking about his tragic regret over buying one with a certain spec.

 

[eltoslightfoot]

He bought an M4 Pro with 64GB RAM and 2TB storage.

What has that spec got to do with my situation? Do you think I need a tech YouTuber to tell me that I don’t need that spec, a spec that costs £2,899?

Do you think a guy who is unsure about paying for a £200 upgrade on a £600 computer was likely to buy a £2,899 computer?

And - sorry - but Mark Ellis is another YouTuber trying to ring every penny he can out of talking about the M4 Mini. So of course he’s going to make yet another video talking about his tragic regret over buying one with a certain spec.

At this point I have no idea what you want. Maybe you need to explain it to me again.

 

[Ishimura]

Should we ask the mods to delete this thread at this point?

Why? Because you’re irrationally angry that somebody is exploring a topic?

You know perfectly well what the thread is about. You know perfectly well that barking “BUY 64GB, go nuts” was not a reasonable response in the context of the thread.

 

[HylianKnight]

It’s fine, and long overdue for Apple to up the base amount of ram. That said, “fine” isn’t good enough for me. 16gb isn’t good enough for anyone who uses their devices for productivity these days. If you are just doing some word processing and PowerPoints, sure. Anything else I would still recommend more ram, but not at Apples ludicrous upgrade prices. And the. There is still the issue of storage. 512GB drive for a computer. Nope. Not enough.

 

[eltoslightfoot]

Why? Because you’re irrationally angry that somebody is exploring a topic?

You know perfectly well what the thread is about. You know perfectly well that barking “BUY 64GB, go nuts” was not a reasonable response in the context of the thread.

I really, really don't know what the thread is about. I really don't. I really need it explained.

And it isn't anger. It's just tired. Usually people are happy to hear how things are working for other people. And I happily help them. You just seem hostile for some reason.

So please. Explain it to me. What are you seeking?

 

[Ishimura]

At this point I have no idea what you want. Maybe you need to explain it to me again.

Do you want to answer the question? What is the Mark Ellis video meant to be demonstrating to me?

Do you think I’ve been teetering on the edge of buying a £2,899 Mini for the past few months?

 

[eltoslightfoot]

It’s fine, and long overdue for Apple to up the base amount of ram. That said, “fine” isn’t good enough for me. 16gb isn’t good enough for anyone who uses their devices for productivity these days. If you are just doing some word processing and PowerPoints, sure. Anything else I would still recommend more ram, but not at Apples ludicrous upgrade prices. And the. There is still the issue of storage. 512GB drive for a computer. Nope. Not enough.

For you. It's been great for me. And that includes photo processing, smaller LLMs (and larger ones work too--just slower), python, etc.,

Actually this sounded overly critical. I am happy that you know you needed more and purchased more. Just giving you the perspective of someone who bought "less" and is perfectly happy with it.

 

[eltoslightfoot]

Do you want to answer the question? What is the Mark Ellis video meant to be demonstrating to me?

Do you think I’ve been teetering on the edge of buying a £2,899 Mini for the past few months?

You don't actually know what you want, do you? You just keep redirecting to me. I didn't start the thread dude.

I have answered the questions all of them repeatedly and you keep ignoring the answers for some reason.

 

[Ishimura]

You don't actually know what you want, do you? You just keep redirecting to me. I didn't start the thread dude.

I have answered the questions all of them repeatedly and you keep ignoring the answers for some reason.

Where did you repeatedly explain what the big and entirely relevant takeaway from the Ellis video is that I failed to grasp?

Can you link me to that post?

 

[eltoslightfoot]

Where did you repeatedly explain what the big and entirely relevant takeaway from the Ellis video is that I failed to grasp?

Can you link me to that post?

No. I feel like I have done enough work for you and you will ignore it anyway. Until you can explain exactly what it is you want out of this thread I am done. I am happy with my base model. Sorry you aren’t.