Confused about correct spec for MS Remote Desktop. I would love some advice!

[asr113]

I'm starting an engineering PhD in which will involve some 'power hungry' CAD and simulation software. These are mostly Windows specific so i'm being provided with a desktop to deal with those applications, however in reality most of my time is going to spent researching and writing papers. Ive got my eyes on an m1 macbook for these tasks (sadly i don't think i can wait for M1X). With the current COVID situation, i may need to work from home on oaccasions and remote into my desktop PC. With that in mind, here is my question:

Is the upgrade to 16gb RAM required for MS Remote Desktop to work effectively?

I should add that i realise that the quality of my internet connection is probably the biggest determinant of smooth running.

Many thanks! Adam

 

[chrfr]

Is the upgrade to 16gb RAM required for MS Remote Desktop to work effectively?

Not in the least.

 

[global-citizen]

RDP is showing the remote display only. The Windows PC is still doing all the computation for whatever's running locally.

Running RDP at 2100x1900 on my M1 Mini it's using about 160MB of memory

 

[asr113]

Ah yes, that make logical sense! And great, more money towards an Ipad air!

Thanks for the responses

 

[iHorseHead]

Nah, RDP works well even on 4GB of Ram.

 

[asr113]

Has it been working well on the M1 macs? I currently use it on a windows laptop and it can be a bit sluggish at some points, i find i need a very good internet connection for it to work well.

 

[chrfr]

Has it been working well on the M1 macs? I currently use it on a windows laptop and it can be a bit sluggish at some points, i find i need a very good internet connection for it to work well.

RDP will run well on anything. It's not processor intensive at all, but yes, a reliable internet connection is important.

 

[LED]

There is an M1 native beta build available from Microsoft. I've been using it without issue.

 

[asr113]

How good is Remote Desktop on iPad? For my needs, the new iPad Pro could cover my needs!

 

[FNH15]

How good is Remote Desktop on iPad? For my needs, the new iPad Pro could cover my needs!

It's decent. Highly recommend using it on an iPad with an external keyboard & trackpad, though.

 

[SlCKB0Y]

There is an M1 native beta build available from Microsoft. I've been using it without issue.

Can you please tell us how/where you acquired this?

 

[LED]

Can you please tell us how/where you acquired this?

I got it from the isAppleSiliconReady web site, but here's the link:
Remote Desktop Beta M1

 

[Slartibart]

RDP will run well on anything. It's not processor intensive at all, but yes, a reliable internet connection is important.

This. I usually use RDP from iPads - and while there are some restrictions due to the way the cursor works n iPadOS, the OP will have absolutely no problem running it on MacOS.

 

[theSeb]

Thanks to Apple, MS is now creating ARM versions of their software. Amazing. This bodes well for the future of WoA