There’s a $400 difference between the two, which makes this a significant decision. So, if the M1 Max just felt far too expensive and capable for your requirements, the next decision you’ll need to make rests between 16GB and 32GB of unified memory. After thinking about it for a day or so, I canceled the order for the 32 GB machine and re-ordered one with 64, While I felt uncertain about the 32 GB, I am confident this will work great.The 16GB option is only available if you plump for the M1 Pro. I’m buying a non-upgradable computer to take along for the next 3-4 years.
16gb ram macbook pro pro#
My existing 2018 MacBook Pro with 16 GB RAM regularly uses about 75% of its memory just putting up with my day-to-day nonsense. And all those memory-hungry cores could easily make 16 GB feel like much less.
![16gb ram macbook pro 16gb ram macbook pro](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71HAM56AEGL._AC_SL1500_.jpg)
This mental exercise scales down to the 16 GB unified memory with the base 8/14 M1 Pro, too. That might make 32 GB feel like, say, 22. After the purchase, as I considered that the memory will not be upgradable over the life of the Mac, it’s also going to be shared between all those CPU, NE, and GPU cores. I initially ordered a 16-inch with the M1 Max/10/24 and 32 GB of unified memory. And while the M1s of last year rocked 8 GPU cores, the new MacBook Pros have 14, 16, 24, or 32 cores. And, while there’s certainly not a direct correlation to memory usage on a discrete GPU to a unified memory architecture, those GPUs are going to need memory, too. The results will show you GPUs with anywhere from 8 to 24 GB of dedicated GPU RAM. Do a web search for “best gaming GPUs” or something similar. While I agree with that assessment for Intel-based Macs, the M1/Pro/Max SoCs are a horse of a different color… especially as you move into the Max choices. That amount is good for enthusiasts and workstations. You can never have too much memory, so if money is no object, sure, go ahead and spring for 32GB.
16gb ram macbook pro upgrade#
However, for most users, if you upgrade from 16GB to 32GB, you won’t notice much of a speed increase.There are, of course, some caveats to my 16GB recommendation.
16gb ram macbook pro mac#
For example, if you upgrade from 4GB to 8GB or 16GB, you’ll feel like your Mac has been turbo-boosted and turned into one of the best laptops for Sims 4 and many other titles. While it’s true that a Mac with more RAM feels noticeably faster, that’s only true up to a point. My experience has led me to conclude that 16GB is a perfect amount of RAM for pro work and most demanding games.
![16gb ram macbook pro 16gb ram macbook pro](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/AGlxuE_Md_Y/maxresdefault.jpg)
With 16GB of memory and Pages, Safari, iTunes, Mail, Calendar, Photos, and Pixelmator Pro usually all open at the same time, there’s almost never a hiccup in performance. That’s what I’ve used in my various Macs (desktop and laptop) over the years, and it’s served me just fine. Planning to buy one of those new MacBook Pros and deciding whether to fork out an extra US$400 to upgrade to 32GB of RAM? My advice: save yourself some cash and go with 16GB instead.