16" M1 Max or M2 Max MBP?

[HawkTheHusky1902]

Yes. M2 Pro will handle that kind of workload. The Max chips will likely do it better. But is it a difference you'll appreciate or want to sacrifice money or battery life for? Extremely doubtful. But you're going in circles at this point; I've answered this very same question for you at least four times tonight alone. Go look up benchmarks and comparison videos.


Then, I say you're pretty much set on your configuration then.

Also, i can find a M1 Pro MBP with 32g of ram for less than a equivalent M2 Pro, but should i still go for M2 Pro? I know i said before the difference in price is not a lot, but it still is not very little either, and will the battery life/performance difference between M1 Pro and M2 Pro be noticeable?

 

[Yebubbleman]

ok, thanks for all of the help, much appreciated. Sorry for going in circles.
I didnt finish the sentence, the photo/video apps take up a lot of space, in additiin to the ~100gb of other apps. But even then, 1tb should be enough and especially since i will be keeping the big files and projects on external SSDs.
The thing is, will a 32gb ram M2 Pro MBP with 1tb of storage and maxed out cpu/gpu be a powerful and snappy enough workstation/desktop replacement for years to come? For my purposes? The Max seems to fit that purpose more imo, but now im going in circles again...

The Max will always have more than the Pro. However, there is such a thing as unappreciable gains.

In May of 2020, you could've purchased a 2-port 13-inch MacBook Pro with a 1.7GHz quad-core ULV 8th Generation Intel Core i7. OR you could've purchased a 4-port 13-inch MacBook Pro with a 2.3GHz quad-core 10th Generation Intel Core i7. The latter would've definitely been the more powerful computer to get. But if the target user is only using Microsoft Word, Safari, and Mail AND is not the type to have more than one other device connected at any given time, does it really make a difference?

My point is that Max will always be more powerful. Max will always be better. Will your workflows ever get to the point where you notice the difference and find that you needed more power? Again, I'd argue no. But if that sort of thing bothers you, then get Max. I do not see a practical benefit to going Max in your specific case. But you seem worried that a better computer exists out there.

Also, i can find a M1 Pro MBP with 32g of ram for less than a equivalent M2 Pro, but should i still go for M2 Pro?

Personally, I would, but mainly for those extra efficiency cores for the CPU. Otherwise, performance isn't that different, though you do lose out on two extra efficiency cores and three extra graphics cores.

I know i said before the difference in price is not a lot, but it still is not very little either, and will the battery life/performance difference between M1 Pro and M2 Pro be noticeable?

Apple seems to think it won't make more than an hour's difference. My guess is that it depends on how much of your workload uses the four efficiency cores instead of the eight performance cores. I think the difference between Pro and Max would be much more pronounced on battery life than M2 Pro vs. M1 Max or M2 Max.

 

[Allen_Wentz]

The thing is, will a 32gb ram M2 Pro MBP with 1tb of storage and maxed out cpu/gpu be a powerful and snappy enough workstation/desktop replacement for years to come? For my purposes?

No, 32 GB will not be a powerful and snappy enough workstation/desktop replacement for years to come. Your described workflow will immediately in 2023 be generally taking advantage of 32 GB RAM, and as discussed Adobe apps will take advantage of even more as available, including in excess of 64 GB RAM; today. Always the caveat that the Mac OS will manage with less RAM - - but less and less well as time goes on (see my 2016 example below).

Your described workflow clearly suggests that moving forward you should be using a Max chip and minimum 64 GB RAM. Adding RAM 64-->96 costs another $400. My workflow is similar (perhaps a bit lesser actually) to yours and I decided that since I do want a powerful and snappy enough workstation/desktop replacement for years to come the $400 for +32 GB RAM would be money well spent.

My experience started with the first good workstation/desktop replacement available in 2011 and then a 2016 workstation/desktop replacement MBP. The 2016 is still used but outgrew its (max available in 2016) 16 GB RAM 2-3 years ago.

 

[HawkTheHusky1902]

The Max will always have more than the Pro. However, there is such a thing as unappreciable gains.

In May of 2020, you could've purchased a 2-port 13-inch MacBook Pro with a 1.7GHz quad-core ULV 8th Generation Intel Core i7. OR you could've purchased a 4-port 13-inch MacBook Pro with a 2.3GHz quad-core 10th Generation Intel Core i7. The latter would've definitely been the more powerful computer to get. But if the target user is only using Microsoft Word, Safari, and Mail AND is not the type to have more than one other device connected at any given time, does it really make a difference?

My point is that Max will always be more powerful. Max will always be better. Will your workflows ever get to the point where you notice the difference and find that you needed more power? Again, I'd argue no. But if that sort of thing bothers you, then get Max. I do not see a practical benefit to going Max in your specific case. But you seem worried that a better computer exists out there.



Personally, I would, but mainly for those extra efficiency cores for the CPU. Otherwise, performance isn't that different, though you do lose out on two extra efficiency cores and three extra graphics cores.


Apple seems to think it won't make more than an hour's difference. My guess is that it depends on how much of your workload uses the four efficiency cores instead of the eight performance cores. I think the difference between Pro and Max would be much more pronounced on battery life than M2 Pro vs. M1 Max or M2 Max.

Thanks,
The M2 Max maxed out btw has 18 hours battery life tested, so imo if i have the money getting the M2 Max would be great over the M2 Pro, because you do lose battery life compared to the Pro, but you get much better performance for what i want to do, and for me 18 hours is PLENTY. So, if i will have the money, M2 Max is perfect, and heat is not that big of a problem on it apparently, the 16" model albeit.

 

[HawkTheHusky1902]

No, 32 GB will not be a powerful and snappy enough workstation/desktop replacement for years to come. Your described workflow will immediately in 2023 be generally taking advantage of 32 GB RAM, and as discussed Adobe apps will take advantage of even more as available, including in excess of 64 GB RAM; today. Always the caveat that the Mac OS will manage with less RAM - - but less and less well as time goes on.

Agree, and thanks for tuning in.
I was wondering that, because everybody here seems to say that 32gb is great for a workstation with multiple monitors hooked up, but how? Especially in 2023! Seema to me, for what i want to do and with the monitors i will hook up, Max chips are the only way to go. And yeah, i might have less battery life with a Max compared to a Pro, but 18 HOURS real world tested in the 16" M2 Max maxed out is PLENTY for me, especially considering the performance increase over the Pro. It really will be nice and invaluable for me to have 64gb or more of RAM, and a M2 Max 16" MBP would be the way to go. Only problem is: the price. That is a painful price, but i will have to save up. I know that i coukd get an M1 Max, and i have not given up on the M1, somw crazy deals on those, but having more software/security support and mainly HDMI 2.1 is great for me, to have higher than 60Hz 4k monitors hooked up. Overall, M2 Max seems to be more future proof than a M1 Max MBP.

 

[Allen_Wentz]

...nothing of what you have described of your workloads tells me that 64GB of RAM, 96GB of RAM, or even any kind of Max chip will be anything other than wasted money and battery life for your workloads).

I could not disagree more. The OPs described workflow will benefit from in excess of 32 GB RAM right now, and RAM demands by OS and apps always increase over time; always. The OP desires: powerful and snappy enough workstation/desktop replacement for years to come.

Basically, if you're not sure if you need a Max chip, then you don't need a Max chip.

Exactly the opposite. If in 2023 you're not sure if you need a Max chip, then odds are that by (middle of a 5 year life cycle) 2026 you will need a Max chip. But in reality your whole premise is moot, because the OP should unequivocally be buying minimum 64 GB RAM, and that means a Max chip.

Intentionally short life cycles of course could be appropriate for some situations. But this thread specifically is not analyzing for an arbitrarily shortened life cycle.

 

[Allen_Wentz]

Agree, and thanks for tuning in.
I was wondering that, because everybody here seems to say that 32gb is great for a workstation with multiple monitors hooked up, but how? Especially in 2023! Seema to me, for what i want to do and with the monitors i will hook up, Max chips are the only way to go. And yeah, i might have less battery life with a Max compared to a Pro, but 18 HOURS real world tested in the 16" M2 Max maxed out is PLENTY for me, especially considering the performance increase over the Pro. It really will be nice and invaluable for me to have 64gb or more of RAM, and a M2 Max 16" MBP would be the way to go. Only problem is: the price. That is a painful price, but i will have to save up. I know that i coukd get an M1 Max, and i have not given up on the M1, somw crazy deals on those, but having more software/security support and mainly HDMI 2.1 is great for me, to have higher than 60Hz 4k monitors hooked up. Overall, M2 Max seems to be more future proof than a M1 Max MBP.

Yeah I have to scratch my head when some folks start going on about battery life of one M-series box versus another M-series box. Battery life on all the M-series boxes is so good that it simply no longer matters (IMO).

Other benefits of M2 like more modern HDMI, WiFi and Bluetooth are relevant to some of us. YMMV but for me the WiFi 6E of the M2 MBP is already hella beneficial.

FYI my M2 MBP drives three 4K Viewsonic displays plus the 16" M2 MBP display and it works very smoothly. Unlike my 2016 MBP driving the same displays that worked, but was a generally constant clustermess of keeping the displays working properly.

 

[HawkTheHusky1902]

I could not disagree more. The OPs described workflow will benefit from in excess of 32 GB RAM right now, and RAM demands by OS and apps always increase over time; always. The OP desires: powerful and snappy enough workstation/desktop replacement for years to come.

Exactly the opposite. If in 2023 you're not sure if you need a Max chip, then odds are that by (middle of a 5 year life cycle) 2026 you will need a Max chip. But in reality your whole premise is moot, because the OP should unequivocally be buying minimum 64 GB RAM, and that means a Max chip.

Intentionally short life cycles of course could be appropriate for some situations. But this thread specifically is not analyzing for an arbitrarily shortened life cycle.

I agree, it seemed odd to me that according to him more than 32g of ram will not make a fifference, but the programs i will be using absolutely will benefit hugely from more ram, especially denoising hi res photos.

 

[HawkTheHusky1902]

I could not disagree more. The OPs described workflow will benefit from in excess of 32 GB RAM right now, and RAM demands by OS and apps always increase over time; always. The OP desires: powerful and snappy enough workstation/desktop replacement for years to come.

Exactly the opposite. If in 2023 you're not sure if you need a Max chip, then odds are that by (middle of a 5 year life cycle) 2026 you will need a Max chip. But in reality your whole premise is moot, because the OP should unequivocally be buying minimum 64 GB RAM, and that means a Max chip.

Intentionally short life cycles of course could be appropriate for some situations. But this thread specifically is not analyzing for an arbitrarily shortened life cycle.

Thank you so much for bringing common semse to this thread. Seems to me, Max is the way to go.

 

[HawkTheHusky1902]

Yeah I have to scratch my head when some folks start going on about battery life of one M-series box versus another M-series box. All the M-series boxes are so good that it simply no longer matters (IMO).

Other benefits of M2 like more modern HDMI, WiFi and Bluetooth are relevant to some of us. YMMV but for me the WiFi 6E of the M2 MBP is already hella beneficial.

FYI my M2 MBP drives three 4K Viewsonic displays plus the 16" M2 MBP display and it works very smoothly. Unlike my 2016 MBP driving the same displays that worked, but was a generally constant clustermess of keeping the displays working properly.

Wow, and it is nice to be able to hook up more than 2 displays, and have room to add even one more, as opposed to the Pro. Pro really is not for me. What is funny is that people say, 'oh no, you'll lose battery life going with the Max!', but it has 18 HOURS of battery life! I cant look at a display that long 🤣

 

[HawkTheHusky1902]

Wow, and it is nice to be able to hook up more than 2 displays, and have room to add even one more, as opposed to the Pro. Pro really is not for me. What is funny is that people say, 'oh no, you'll lose battery life going with the Max!', but it has 18 HOURS of battery life! I cant look at a display that long 🤣

I decided.
I will be getting a M1 Max MBP with maxed out ram and gpu, and will get accessories for it like a stand, cover/skin for scratch protection/customization, and external SSD.
I am monitoring those amazing brand-new (not refurbished or used!) M1 Max MBP with maxed out RAM and gpu deals on B&H, like for example for 2700 for a 14 inch. Interested in 14 inch for compactness btw, and if i need more screen i will hook up to external monitors. Great size for ok screen real estate and mobility, especially for traveling. I know about Apple Refurbished but they are refurbished and only 1tb drive comapred to 2tb for example on B&H and more expensive and not new. So why get it there? I also get warranty on B&H.
Worried about the lack of HDMI 2.1 on it for external 4k monitors, though probably will not use over 60hz monitors, but probably/hopefully not, really nice to have 2.1 though...only reason to get M2 Max for me, wifi 6e doesnt matter to me, will be using ethernet anyway when i need fast internet. If i could fix that, it'd be perfect.
Anyhow, pribably will exceed my expectations!
I am excited about it, cant wait coming from a 2010 i5 MBP🤣

 

[Yebubbleman]

I could not disagree more. The OPs described workflow will benefit from in excess of 32 GB RAM right now, and RAM demands by OS and apps always increase over time; always.

We might have to agree to disagree there. Plus, the OP was considering 16GB of RAM as a possibility. You do not need 64GB of RAM if you're still willing to consider 16GB of RAM. That's just excessive spending just out of fear at that point.

Yes, app and RAM usage increase over time. That's part of why I think 8GB of RAM is a legitimately bad idea on anything anyone sells in 2023. But, by the time 32GB of RAM isn't enough RAM, Apple will have just stopped supporting M3 based stuff after already having stopped supporting M2 based stuff.

The OP's video editing needs are casual relative to those of anyone needing a Max. The OP's photo editing needs are moderate, but do not sound heavy enough to push past 24GB of RAM, let alone 32GB, let alone 64GB.

The OP desires: powerful and snappy enough workstation/desktop replacement for years to come.

Yes, and both M1 Pro and M2 Pro DO deliver on that front.

Exactly the opposite. If in 2023 you're not sure if you need a Max chip, then odds are that by (middle of a 5 year life cycle) 2026 you will need a Max chip.

There is absolutely no data to support that. Furthermore, we're taking about a difference in graphics, maximum RAM, and memory bandwidth, not in anything else. If you do not need more RAM than 32GB, are not doing work where the memory bandwidth difference is key (and most people aren't), and you don't need a beefier GPU (which, unless you're doing serious 3D or video work, or anything specifically GPU intensive, you don't). It's wasting money on the gamble that the OS will demand those differences one day (it won't before the entire M2 family is dropped from support). That's it.

But in reality your whole premise is moot, because the OP should unequivocally be buying minimum 64 GB RAM, and that means a Max chip.

Nothing in what the OP mentions suggests that 64GB of RAM is even remotely necessary.

Intentionally short life cycles of course could be appropriate for some situations. But this thread specifically is not analyzing for an arbitrarily shortened life cycle.

Incidentally, there is absolutely nothing to suggest that there's a shortened lifecycle being proposed here!

Yeah I have to scratch my head when some folks start going on about battery life of one M-series box versus another M-series box. All the M-series boxes are so good that it simply no longer matters (IMO).

And yet, the OP was concerned about the difference. Yes, you're getting way better battery life than on an Intel Mac. But would you want to sacrifice battery life for extra power you won't need? I wouldn't.

 

[herbert7265]

Honestly, following the discussion in your thread, especially your statements, since my last post makes me as well smile as shake my head...!

Going in cycles? Sorry, but I don´t think you are just going in cycles, I think you are completely lost...!

Your response to my last posting...!

I must also mention that i will be denoising the images in DXO PureRaw/Topaz Denoise AI/Lightroom's new denoising feature, all of which use MASSIVE amounts of RAM and overall resources to work well and fast, or you can wait for one image to process for an hour(s), which i am not going to do and dont have time for.

This statement is plain and simple WRONG, at least considering the utilization of memory when using LrC DeNoise and Topaz DeNoise. First hand experience...!

I also will be editing/stitching Canon R5/Sony A7RV/Iv photos, both 45 and 61MP cameras, respectively, and not 20mp like you are working with, and even you with 20-26mp are seeing that LrC is using 40gb of ram! So with 60mp, itll be evn more!

Do you know how memory works in a computer? Do you know what the term "memory pressure" means in here? What does it tell you when I state that my memory pressure, at the moment where LrC and PS once utilized together (!) around 54 GB of memory, was just at 4%? So I dare to state: No, you will NOT "need even more memory" just because you are working with 60 MP files, all other parameters unchanged!

And yes, my example of having many tabs open in a browser while denoising/editing photos is true, because i might want to listen to some music or look at a tutorial on how to do something in a certain editing software or something in Firefox while processing photos/videos.

Fine, let this be true, as it´s completely your decision.

But did you really ever carefully watch some videos of the "monotonous" ArtIsRight? In one of his videos he asked an interesting question: Considering that most people today owe a smartphone or a tablet, why would you take away resources from your computer, from doing the things only the computer can do, to do also things that your smartphone or tablet can do. In easy terms: Why not listening to music, watch a video, or browse the web on these devices and making the computer the existing and necessary resources available for what it is supposed to do? At least for me a worthwhile thought and question...!

Your list of programs you use, for photo and video editing... quite impressive, as it covers a wide range of recognized and available programs in the market. On the other side... are all these programs really necessary in a well defined and effective workflow?

The M2 Max maxed out btw has 18 hours battery life tested, so imo if i have the money getting the M2 Max would be great over the M2 Pro, because you do lose battery life compared to the Pro, but you get much better performance for what i want to do, and for me 18 hours is PLENTY.

Are you sure you really understand the statements concerning battery life?

I decided.
I will be getting a M1 Max MBP with maxed out ram and gpu, and will get accessories for it like a stand, cover/skin for scratch protection/customization, and external SSD.
I am monitoring those amazing brand-new (not refurbished or used!) M1 Max MBP with maxed out RAM and gpu deals on B&H, like for example for 2700 for a 14 inch. Interested in 14 inch for compactness btw, and if i need more screen i will hook up to external monitors.

Congratulations... but wait, now I am really confused!

What about your concerns regarding temperature and the related performance throttling, which is in the 14" model definitely a topic compared to the 16" model, no matter if you go for a M1 or M2?

What about the 16" M1 Max that was the solution to go in the beginning?

What about the M2 Pro as the solution to go one or two days ago?

My very personal conclusion out of this thread:

You are definitely lost at this moment and you would be well advised to take a step back and first make up your opinion with the necessary information and some more overall knowledge about some substantial basics! Making up (changing!) your opinion all 5 minutes in a different way, based on what video you looked or what response to your questions your received just 5 minutes ago, will not get you anywhere. As already stated once in a former response, it's about filtering and interpreting information and putting it in context with your needs and wishes. All the information you collect from sources like marketing, reviews and answers to your questions is purely subjective and not the final and absolute truth, so it means a little bit of effort to get everything straight!

Good luck in your further selection process!

Herbert

 

[Allen_Wentz]

Yeah I have to scratch my head when some folks start going on about battery life of one M-series box versus another M-series box. All the M-series boxes are so good that it simply no longer matters (IMO).

Other benefits of M2 like more modern HDMI, WiFi and Bluetooth are relevant to some of us. YMMV but for me the WiFi 6E of the M2 MBP is already hella beneficial.

FYI my M2 MBP drives three 4K Viewsonic displays plus the 16" M2 MBP display and it works very smoothly. Unlike my 2016 MBP driving the same displays that worked, but was a generally constant clustermess of keeping the displays working properly.

Wow, and it is nice to be able to hook up more than 2 displays, and have room to add even one more, as opposed to the Pro. Pro really is not for me. What is funny is that people say, 'oh no, you'll lose battery life going with the Max!', but it has 18 HOURS of battery life! I cant look at a display that long 🤣

Agreed. And in my decades of computer usage I have found that over the 3-5+ year life cycle of any given box in addition to always-increasing RAM demands usually some workflow things change, and it is really nice when the computer du jour just handles the modified workflow without negative consequences.

 

[HawkTheHusky1902]

The OP's video editing needs are casual relative to those of anyone needing a Max

Casual? 4k/6k RAW C-Log is not 'casual' my friend. Is 16k something more serious then?

 

[HawkTheHusky1902]

Honestly, following the discussion in your thread, especially your statements, since my last post makes me as well smile as shake my head...!

Going in cycles? Sorry, but I don´t think you are just going in cycles, I think you are completely lost...!

Your response to my last posting...!


This statement is plain and simple WRONG, at least considering the utilization of memory when using LrC DeNoise and Topaz DeNoise. First hand experience...!


Do you know how memory works in a computer? Do you know what the term "memory pressure" means in here? What does it tell you when I state that my memory pressure, at the moment where LrC and PS once utilized together (!) around 54 GB of memory, was just at 4%? So I dare to state: No, you will NOT "need even more memory" just because you are working with 60 MP files, all other parameters unchanged!


Fine, let this be true, as it´s completely your decision.

But did you really ever carefully watch some videos of the "monotonous" ArtIsRight? In one of his videos he asked an interesting question: Considering that most people today owe a smartphone or a tablet, why would you take away resources from your computer, from doing the things only the computer can do, to do also things that your smartphone or tablet can do. In easy terms: Why not listening to music, watch a video, or browse the web on these devices and making the computer the existing and necessary resources available for what it is supposed to do? At least for me a worthwhile thought and question...!

Your list of programs you use, for photo and video editing... quite impressive, as it covers a wide range of recognized and available programs in the market. On the other side... are all these programs really necessary in a well defined and effective workflow?


Are you sure you really understand the statements concerning battery life?


Congratulations... but wait, now I am really confused!

What about your concerns regarding temperature and the related performance throttling, which is in the 14" model definitely a topic compared to the 16" model, no matter if you go for a M1 or M2?

What about the 16" M1 Max that was the solution to go in the beginning?

What about the M2 Pro as the solution to go one or two days ago?

My very personal conclusion out of this thread:

You are definitely lost at this moment and you would be well advised to take a step back and first make up your opinion with the necessary information and some more overall knowledge about some substantial basics! Making up (changing!) your opinion all 5 minutes in a different way, based on what video you looked or what response to your questions your received just 5 minutes ago, will not get you anywhere. As already stated once in a former response, it's about filtering and interpreting information and putting it in context with your needs and wishes. All the information you collect from sources like marketing, reviews and answers to your questions is purely subjective and not the final and absolute truth, so it means a little bit of effort to get everything straight!

Good luck in your further selection process!

Herbert

Thank you for tuning in.
I am really sorry if i looked like i was lost here, and honestly, i think i kind of was, yes. I do not know a lot about computers, obviously, and so i might be seriously wrong sometimes. So when that happens, just correct me.
Fine, i will look into ArtIsRight more...i didnt mean to portray him as boring or something, just monotonous to me...But still much more helpful than most on YT!
Also, what about the battery life on the M2 Max? What did i get wrong? Just want to know, and learn.
Memery pressure, still have to learn that too....

I've decided, and i am not confused. It's okay for people to change their mind back and forth. Such was the decision between Max and Pro. But after thinking about it i realized that i needed the extra RAM capability the Max offered, which a Pro cannot, which would benefit video/photo stuff. The extra exteral display support was also important for when i will use it as a desktop replacement at home.
The reason i was adamant to go with the 16" in the beginning was for the better speakers, better thermals, and more screen real estate, yes. However, i also thought about it and realized how the smaller 14" model could be really nice when traveling/on the go, because it fits into backpacks better and is lighter and overall is much more wieldy than the 16". But i still dont know if i want to give up battery life, really nice amounts of screen real estate and yes, thermals, for compactness. This part i am still deciding.

 

[HawkTheHusky1902]

Agreed. And in my decades of computer usage I have found that over the 3-5+ year life cycle of any given box in addition to always-increasing RAM demands usually some workflow things change, and it is really nice when the computer du jour just handles the modified workflow without negative consequences.

Called 'future proofing'🤣

 

[Yebubbleman]

Casual? 4k/6k RAW C-Log is not 'casual' my friend. Is 16k something more serious then?

Apple marketed the M1 13-inch MacBook Pro as being able to handle your average 8K workflow. That was the basic M1 and not an M1 Pro, M1 Max, or M1 Ultra, and certainly not anything M2, based. And yes, relative to any Apple Silicon 16-inch MacBook Pro in existence, I'd say that the M1 13-inch MacBook Pro is a much more "casual" caliber machine.

 

[HawkTheHusky1902]

Apple marketed the M1 13-inch MacBook Pro as being able to handle your average 8K workflow. That was the basic M1 and not an M1 Pro, M1 Max, or M1 Ultra, and certainly not anything M2, based. And yes, relative to any Apple Silicon 16-inch MacBook Pro in existence, I'd say that the M1 13-inch MacBook Pro is a much more "casual" caliber machine.

You know thats just good old marketing, right? People dont buy a base m1 to edit 8k lol

 

[HawkTheHusky1902]

We might have to agree to disagree there. Plus, the OP was considering 16GB of RAM as a possibility. You do not need 64GB of RAM if you're still willing to consider 16GB of RAM. That's just excessive spending just out of fear at that point.

Yes, app and RAM usage increase over time. That's part of why I think 8GB of RAM is a legitimately bad idea on anything anyone sells in 2023. But, by the time 32GB of RAM isn't enough RAM, Apple will have just stopped supporting M3 based stuff after already having stopped supporting M2 based stuff.

The OP's video editing needs are casual relative to those of anyone needing a Max. The OP's photo editing needs are moderate, but do not sound heavy enough to push past 24GB of RAM, let alone 32GB, let alone 64GB.




Yes, and both M1 Pro and M2 Pro DO deliver on that front.



There is absolutely no data to support that. Furthermore, we're taking about a difference in graphics, maximum RAM, and memory bandwidth, not in anything else. If you do not need more RAM than 32GB, are not doing work where the memory bandwidth difference is key (and most people aren't), and you don't need a beefier GPU (which, unless you're doing serious 3D or video work, or anything specifically GPU intensive, you don't). It's wasting money on the gamble that the OS will demand those differences one day (it won't before the entire M2 family is dropped from support). That's it.



Nothing in what the OP mentions suggests that 64GB of RAM is even remotely necessary.



Incidentally, there is absolutely nothing to suggest that there's a shortened lifecycle being proposed here!




And yet, the OP was concerned about the difference. Yes, you're getting way better battery life than on an Intel Mac. But would you want to sacrifice battery life for extra power you won't need? I wouldn't.

The less ram you have in the system, the more stuff is written to the SSD under load for swap, like heavy video/photo editing/stitching, which over time wears out the SSD faster. So, getting more ram will help the long-term health of the SSD.

 

[Yebubbleman]

I am really sorry if i looked like i was lost here, and honestly, i think i kind of was, yes. I do not know a lot about computers, obviously, and so i might be seriously wrong sometimes. So when that happens, just correct me.


I've decided, and i am not confused. It's okay for people to change their mind back and forth. Such was the decision between Max and Pro. But after thinking about it i realized that i needed the extra RAM capability the Max offered, which a Pro cannot, which would benefit video/photo stuff. The extra exteral display support was also important for when i will use it as a desktop replacement at home.

There's really nothing wrong with being torn about something. There's also really nothing wrong about asking for advice to a certain point.

However, at some point, you know what your priorities are and where you are torn and the only details you are missing are details only you can provide the correct answer to and you definitely got to the point where you went back and forth on it publicly to a needless degree.

At some point, it's on you to determine what your priorities are and then to research (there are TONS of really good YouTube content out there from people picking apart every possible difference between these processors on these Macs to determine what's better for anyone's given needs; there are also articles by Mac publications doing the same thing).

Not saying it wasn't fun going back and forth with you about it. But it was definitely a needless exercise well before it stopped.

Called 'future proofing'🤣

Hey man, it's your money at the end of the day. Spend it on bells and whistles you think you MIGHT need to protect yourself from the "needing, but not having" scenario all you want. But, be honest with yourself and with those that have stepped forward to volunteer to help you out about that being a critical priority. Otherwise, you're wasting other people's time and that's not cool.

 

[HawkTheHusky1902]

There's really nothing wrong with being torn about something. There's also really nothing wrong about asking for advice to a certain point.

However, at some point, you know what your priorities are and where you are torn and the only details you are missing are details only you can provide the correct answer to and you definitely got to the point where you went back and forth on it publicly to a needless degree.

At some point, it's on you to determine what your priorities are and then to research (there are TONS of really good YouTube content out there from people picking apart every possible difference between these processors on these Macs to determine what's better for anyone's given needs; there are also articles by Mac publications doing the same thing).

Not saying it wasn't fun going back and forth with you about it. But it was definitely a needless exercise well before it stopped.



Hey man, it's your money at the end of the day. Spend it on bells and whistles you think you MIGHT need to protect yourself from the "needing, but not having" scenario all you want. But, be honest with yourself and with those that have stepped forward to volunteer to help you out about that being a critical priority. Otherwise, you're wasting other people's time and that's not cool.

Ok, fair play, and the 'future proofing' post was in reply to Allen_Wentz's post, dont take it out of context or take it seriously, it was a joke.
Sorry if i was going back and forth to a needless degree, and i dont know how it was fun for you to go back and forth with me, but i guess that means you like nerding out

 

[Allen_Wentz]

Spend it on bells and whistles you think you MIGHT need...

My search engine defines the term "bells and whistles" as: Extra features added for show rather than function; fancy additions or features. Calling RAM and GPU/CPU cores bells and whistles is just wrong and insulting. RAM and GPU/CPU cores literally define the competence of any new MBP.

And the words "you think you MIGHT need," although intended by you to denigrate the OP's analysis, instead get to an essential flaw of your own analysis: the fact that determining the optimal specs of a new box is about the future (2023-2028+), not about the past (2022-2023). So for any wise buyer evaluating a potential new computer purchase the analysis is about what one thinks one MIGHT need 2023-2028+. Imperfect to be sure, but that is the relevant analysis that needs to be done.

 

[HawkTheHusky1902]

My search engine defines the term "bells and whistles" as: Extra features added for show rather than function; fancy additions or features. Calling RAM and GPU/CPU cores bells and whistles is just wrong and insulting. RAM and GPU/CPU cores literally define the competence of any new MBP.

And the words "you think you MIGHT need," although intended by you to denigrate the OP's analysis, instead get to an essential flaw of your own analysis: the fact that determining the optimal specs of a new box is about the future (2023-2028+), not about the past (2022-2023). So for any wise buyer evaluating a potential new computer purchase the analysis is about what one thinks one MIGHT need 2023-2028+. Imperfect to be sure, but that is the relevant analysis that needs to be done.

Thanks for clearing his mess up. Rather funny how he considers RAM to be bells and whistles, as it is one of the most VITAL and VERY FUNCTIONAL (not added for show rather than function LMAO) parts of a computer, and me opting for more of it in my rather expensive and new main computer that has to last me and not slow down for years to come, even with new more resource intensive programs coming out every year, is not me protecting myself "from the 'needing, but not having' scenario all you want", its me thinking ahead! Or, 'future proofing'.

 

[herbert7265]

I am really sorry if i looked like i was lost here, and honestly, i think i kind of was, yes. I do not know a lot about computers, obviously, and so i might be seriously wrong sometimes. So when that happens, just correct me.

Thanks for clearing his mess up. Rather funny how he considers RAM to be bells and whistles, as it is one of the most VITAL and VERY FUNCTIONAL (not added for show rather than function LMAO) parts of a computer, and me opting for more of it in my rather expensive and new main computer that has to last me and not slow down for years to come, even with new more resource intensive programs coming out every year, is not me protecting myself "from the 'needing, but not having' scenario all you want", its me thinking ahead! Or, 'future proofing'.

Nothing wrong with ”not knowing a lot about computers”… everybody at one point in time starts / started from scratch.

Also, being sometimes wrong, being lost… no problem. Therefore we can ask, inform ourself.

Stating your opinion as ”facts”, despite the fact (!) that you are sometimes plain and simple wrong, thereby admitting and showing that you do not know a lot about computers… personally I have no real problem with that, know how to handle it, dare also to point it out when necessary and appropriate (in my very personal opinion)!

But what I struggle to accept is a reaction as you showed it in your former post, quoted above! Such statements (mess, funny) about the posting(s) from @Yebubbleman are plain and simple inappropriate and in a certain way disqualify you from any further serious discussion. Maybe it’s just me, but I think he spent quite some time trying to explain things, his point of view, with the intent to help you in your decision. Therefore I think he deserves a little more than such wording in a response to another poster!

In case you still have not understood until here: Asking for advice concerning the selection of a computer, as any other gear, will always trigger a wide range of responses, as all these responses are based on the individual opinions of the responders. Even more important: There is no ”right” or “wrong”, at least not in an absolute sense. It’s all relative, depending on the very individual point of views. And then it’s up to everybody to do the necessary filtering and interpreting of all these responses for the very own needs. We may disagree with the opinion of somebody else, no problem. But doesn’t this responder with another opinion, which may not work for us, at least deserve one thing… some basic respect for taking the time to respond?

Herbert