I am really torn between 8GB vs. 16GB RAM

[rui no onna]

That's basically the model I'm looking for, too. Fortunately I can wait. But I've twice bought ones that were underspec'd and not upgradeable - and regretted it later.

Same.

Of course, in the Windows world, maxing out RAM for my builds (circa 2011-2012, iirc) meant spending $100 for 16GB instead of $50 for 8GB so it was an easy decision to make. I think right now, you can get 16GB DDR4 for $50 and 32GB for $100.

I'm considering the M1 MBA 16GB/512GB instead of 16GB/1TB right now. For the relatively small $200 difference including taxes with EDU discount, I'm swinging towards 1TB. I plan on using the MBA for iOS device backups and Windows VM/dual boot so having some leeway would be best.

 

[armoured]

Thanks for your reply. Interesting.

Disks: 22191157/1923G read, 13979220/1785G written.
Disks: 22420080/1964G read, 14174623/1827G written.
Disks: 22727032/2017G read, 14420035/1879G written.
Disks: 22996831/2074G read, 14671062/1936G written.
Disks: 23009198/2076G read, 14681069/1938G written.
Disks: 23164535/2103G read, 14820439/1965G written.

Taken randomly. What does it tell you?

When you says disks, why are you looking at that? You should be looking for something like this:
19181090(128) swapins, 19726737(0) swapout.

What you've put is a different thing. (I don't know how to decipher that - but I think it means you are using your computer)

 

[armoured]

Of course, in the Windows world, maxing out RAM for my builds (circa 2011-2012, iirc) meant spending $100 for 16GB instead of $50 for 8GB so it was an easy decision to make. I think right now, you can get 16GB DDR4 for $50 and 32GB for $100.

Yeah I upgraded a couple desktops, laptop (for a friend), and an NAS recently. It was pretty much a no-brainer to overdo the memory for those uses - I mean, i wasn't going to worry about difference between an extra 4g or 8g for the devices/laptops and for desktop an extra 16gb was cheap and worth it.

 

[Chairman.Jobbie]

When you says disks, why are you looking at that? You should be looking for something like this:
19181090(128) swapins, 19726737(0) swapout.

What you've put is a different thing. (I don't know how to decipher that - but I think it means you are using your computer)

Sorry. I didn't look properly. Appreciate your feedback. Taken over a few minutes in-between doing some stuff.

VM: 131T vsize, 3207M framework vsize, 121077867(16) swapins, 122922558(0) swapouts.
VM: 132T vsize, 3207M framework vsize, 121216233(48) swapins, 123107735(0) swapouts.
VM: 132T vsize, 3207M framework vsize, 121280468(656) swapins, 123158120(0) swapouts.
VM: 132T vsize, 3207M framework vsize, 121285244(208) swapins, 123193351(0) swapouts.
VM: 132T vsize, 3207M framework vsize, 121387537(288) swapins, 123301834(0) swapouts.
VM: 132T vsize, 3207M framework vsize, 121404161(3945) swapins, 123335238(32509) swapo
VM: 132T vsize, 3207M framework vsize, 121415586(96) swapins, 123335238(0) swapouts.
VM: 133T vsize, 3207M framework vsize, 121431721(1310) swapins, 123335238(0) swapouts
VM: 133T vsize, 3207M framework vsize, 121461554(352) swapins, 123388098(0) swapouts.
VM: 134T vsize, 3207M framework vsize, 121596243(1198) swapins, 123507730(0) swapouts.

There are small occasional swaps outs when im watching but they don't stay long enough to capture.

 

[armoured]

Interestingly I actually regret overspeccing the first one. It meant that I was so scared of using it and really babied it a lot, whereas if I had gone for a cheaper version I would have been less worried about using it or getting dings/scratches on it.

That's an interesting point, yeah, and definitely no sense in overdoing it.

I think the 8/16 memory is not a case where many would really regret bumping up.

Storage is a different matter - I'm less certain about going up to the 1tb. That may be overdoing it. I don't understand completey maxxing out the ssd unless really needed. That, I'd regret and maybe be a bit cautious with.

 

[armoured]

Sorry. I didn't look properly. Appreciate your feedback. Taken over a few minutes in-between doing some stuff.

VM: 131T vsize, 3207M framework vsize, 121077867(16) swapins, 122922558(0) swapouts.
VM: 132T vsize, 3207M framework vsize, 121216233(48) swapins, 123107735(0) swapouts.
VM: 132T vsize, 3207M framework vsize, 121280468(656) swapins, 123158120(0) swapouts.
VM: 132T vsize, 3207M framework vsize, 121285244(208) swapins, 123193351(0) swapouts.
VM: 132T vsize, 3207M framework vsize, 121387537(288) swapins, 123301834(0) swapouts.
VM: 132T vsize, 3207M framework vsize, 121404161(3945) swapins, 123335238(32509) swapo
VM: 132T vsize, 3207M framework vsize, 121415586(96) swapins, 123335238(0) swapouts.
VM: 133T vsize, 3207M framework vsize, 121431721(1310) swapins, 123335238(0) swapouts
VM: 133T vsize, 3207M framework vsize, 121461554(352) swapins, 123388098(0) swapouts.
VM: 134T vsize, 3207M framework vsize, 121596243(1198) swapins, 123507730(0) swapouts.

It's really only this one that is much of a thing:
121404161(3945) swapins, 123335238(32509) swapouts

Swapins are read operations and faster for ssds than writes - plus most of yours are pretty small.

When you've got both going on in a short period, it's trying to do both and that's where you would notice it in terms of speed. If once in a while, no biggie, but if it's happening a lot when you need it, or constantly - that's short.

BUT: notice in all your periods it's doing some swapping in? Well, it is being actively used. May not be noticeable in terms of speed but it's not excessive memory (it seems to me); if you added a bunch more stuff or larger files or maybe some more active programs at the same time, you'd notice.

So if what you were doing above was a real stress test, way beyond what you'd normally do, probably fine. If it was close to what you might think a bit realistic for when you're busy and stressed, I'd say definitely bump up.

Of course it's in between those extremes, so won't be so easy.

Mhy personal opinions only. I'm not an expert, just a user.

 

[Chairman.Jobbie]

Thanks for your feedback.

What im doing is probably the max or near max what id do but it is quite normal.
No professional apps - just 5 safari windows (20 tabs total), twitch stream, spreadsheet, maybe a YouTube vid, some stock charts and trading platform.

The large swap outs aren't too frequent - useably notice after ive switched from one window or app to another.

I think id benefit from 16gb. But probably not notice any screen performance. It would be a peace of mind thing and I think the battery drainage would fractionally less (has to be if its not reading/writing to disk as much with 16gb)?

16gb is possibly like having a have a hybrid car vs a petrol car. The ram being the hybrid part of the engine running more efficiently. Its partly a psychological thing it seems. But as a longer term purchase 16gb would be better.

I still don't know. If I hadn't returned the 16gb (without testing it) id be able to do a side by side comparison - which the point of buying it in the first place. If I re-order it'll be 3 weeks and id have to return this Pro... annoying.

 

[turbineseaplane]

If my most intensive usage is Final Cut Pro projects from time to time (nothing crazy, only 4k from phone sources), do you think I'd benefit from 16GB?

Or is that usage not really RAM intensive?

 

[armoured]

What im doing is probably the max or near max what id do but it is quite normal.
No professional apps - just 5 safari windows (20 tabs total), twitch stream, spreadsheet, maybe a YouTube vid, some stock charts and trading platform.

The large swap outs aren't too frequent - useably notice after ive switched from one window or app to another.

I think id benefit from 16gb. But probably not notice any screen performance. It would be a peace of mind thing and I think the battery drainage would fractionally less (has to be if its not reading/writing to disk as much with 16gb)?

Tough call. Perhaps more a question if you think you'll start doing something more demanding down the road. Personally I'd say it'll bug you over the long term even if you don't outright need it. Heck you're here thinking about it.

But I doubt the battery issue is anything more than marginal.

 

[armoured]

If my most intensive usage is Final Cut Pro projects from time to time (nothing crazy, only 4k from phone sources), do you think I'd benefit from 16GB?

Or is that usage not really RAM intensive?

Don't use it, so don't know.

 

[Chairman.Jobbie]

I found this thread https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/swap-is-used-even-though-50-of-ram-is-still-free.2222254/

"If you want to monitor which way your memory is trending, just watch the memory pressure indicator. Yours is extremely low, as your system is pretty much idling."

"Don't worry about memory use. On a modern computer, the OS should be using lots of memory. Don't even worry about "low" memory. Worry about running out to the point it compromises performance."

"This is why Apple introduced a "memory pressure" graph. Because looking at the individual numbers is a bit more complicated than it may appear.

The big take-away for the past decade or two with regards to memory management (in pretty much every modern platform) is this:

Stop trying to out-smart it.

As above, ignore it until performance becomes a problem, THEN go trying to diagnose the issue (and start with the "memory pressure" reading). Don't go trying to diagnose issues that do not exist."

I quickly scanned it, ill read it properly later, but there is some good stuff that fits this thread well.

 

[petvas]

When buying any computer that its RAM is not upgradeable, get the most RAM you can get. I would get 16GB, even if it meant to wait longer until I have the money for it..

 

[turbineseaplane]

As above, ignore it until performance becomes a problem, THEN go trying to diagnose the issue (and start with the "memory pressure" reading). Don't go trying to diagnose issues that do not exist."

That is good advice, except it doesn't help people trying to decide on which machine to buy when the clock is ticking on return windows.

 

[hans1972]

If my most intensive usage is Final Cut Pro projects from time to time (nothing crazy, only 4k from phone sources), do you think I'd benefit from 16GB?

Or is that usage not really RAM intensive?

Your benefit would be small. Maybe if exporting a movie would take 3:55s with 8Gb RAM and 3:21s with 16Gb RAM.

Watch this stresstest:

 

[armoured]

"This is why Apple introduced a "memory pressure" graph. Because looking at the individual numbers is a bit more complicated than it may appear.

I think memory pressure is actually a pretty good simplified version of what's going on. Of course, the problem is people have different ideas about what's successful (e.g. they think it should go yellow sooner, or yellow is fine for them, etc). So it's not perfect.

And money preferences.

But I think it mostly boils down to - if swapins/outs are constant and high, you're in the pain area.

I think that's mostly what memory pressure indicator shows.

Some would like - with a new computer - to mostly not be in the frequent swap neighbourhood. Some want to save money. Normal stuff.

 

[rui no onna]

When buying any computer that its RAM is not upgradeable, get the most RAM you can get. I would get 16GB, even if it meant to wait longer until I have the money for it..

In this case where most is just 16GB for +$200, sure I'd err on the side of caution and upgrade.

That said, I wouldn't pay an extra thousand bucks or more to get, say, 64GB+ RAM which is way, way, way overkill for my usage.

 

[Chairman.Jobbie]

I was trying to save money but I didn't really need too. I just thought with so many people/reviews saying 8gb is good I went with it, and I saw no personal issues with 8gb. And they are technically not wrong. But with hindsight / and personal preference id go with 16gb.

I could stick with 8gb and get the 14' (whenever) with 16gb or re-order the 16gb pro.. ?‍♂️ The End. No more to write now. Ill decide before 8th Jan.

 

[rui no onna]

Heya, can someone with a 16GB RAM M1 Mac test this page please?

Marvel Collectibles | Sideshow Collectibles

Simply the best collection of the coolest Marvel collectibles. Statues, art prints, figures, jewelry, apparel. Buy online

www.sideshow.com

On my 8GB M1 MBA, with a bunch of Safari windows and tabs open (just normal forum browsing and online shopping) and YouTube playing music in the background, whenever I go back to this tab, there's a pause/stutter when I first scroll and it's been bugging me. Activity Monitor shows Memory Pressure is green the whole time.

 

[1240766]

Heya, can someone with a 16GB RAM M1 Mac test this page please?

Marvel Collectibles | Sideshow Collectibles

Simply the best collection of the coolest Marvel collectibles. Statues, art prints, figures, jewelry, apparel. Buy online

www.sideshow.com

On my 8GB M1 MBA, with a bunch of Safari windows and tabs open (just normal forum browsing and online shopping) and YouTube playing music in the background, whenever I go back to this tab, there's a pause/stutter when I first scroll and it's been bugging me. Activity Monitor shows Memory Pressure is green the whole time.

Hi, I can't say there is a pause/stutter, feels pretty smooth to me. Also no signs of anything extra ordinary on this page consuming more memory than others, looks pretty standard at 300mg, while MacRumors is around 330mg

MBP M1 16gb/1tb

 

[rui no onna]

Hi, I can't say there is a pause/stutter, feels pretty smooth to me. Also no signs of anything extra ordinary on this page consuming more memory than others, looks pretty standard at 300mg, while MacRumors is around 330mg

MBP M1 16gb/1tb

Thanks! On MBA M1 8C/8GB/512GB, it doesn't respond immediately and scrolling isn't smooth initially. Seems fine after a while, though. I just find the initial stutter annoying so I'm glad to hear it doesn't occur on 16GB.

 

[Deliro]

I have both right now too, at least for another week or so when I return my 8GB. My 16GB boots up noticeably quicker than the 8GB, to the point where if I boot them up at the exact same time I can enter my password and load the desktop before the 8GB M1 gets to the user screen. Both have the same apps/content on them.

Also when both asleep with the lid closed, the 16GB screen turns on faster than the 8GB. Minor difference, but now I always notice the delay on the 8GB.

I have both the 8 and 16 MBA currently. I read this and to satisfy my curiosity I did full shutdown and a boot. There was no difference. I tried 3 times. Little to no difference.

I did a clean boot and did the awake test you did. Both came on at the same time. This was with nothing loaded. I then booted up safari, Firefox with a few tabs. Opened pages and numbers. Again the lid test was, for me, identical.

I have both side by side because I wanted to see for myself if the additional 8 gig justified the hefty 200 dollar upgrade. And for my current use cases not really. With that said I do keep Macs for awhile and may want to add the 16 for my own piece of mind.

Not doubting what you’re saying it just didn’t have a perceivable difference in my limited tests.

Edit - Also not saying the 16 isn’t going to be faster. I just wanted to see for what sounded like trivial tasks if there was a distinct difference.

 

[darngooddesign]

I'm waiting for Bricklink to fix a crashing bug with their Lego design software 'Studio' so I can test it to see if I need 16G; an M1-native version is in the works but no release date. Studio punishes my old 2014 16GB 13" MBP with the fans roaring on anything very complex, let alone during rendering. It's the most intensive thing I use my Mac for.

 

[fang-woem-rai]

I have an 8gb M1 Pro. I currently have 6gb swap memory (just dropped to 5gb). No noticeable performance issues. Memory pressure does not exceed 50%.

This is often the way it is for my usage - Is a 6gb swap suggesting 8gb ram not enough?

yes

 

[russell_314]

Right, that’s not what I’m discussing. I’m complaining that sometimes the minimum spec does not deliver acceptable function for ANY user. Go back and read my post about Apple Watch Series 3. It doesn’t have enough storage to install updates without wiping, a basic function that everyone needs, yet Apple continues to sell the flawed / broken product. Now, maybe that’s not the case with the M1 computers and 8 GB of RAM is enough, but I lost my trust in Apple to provide an acceptable base line experience with the minimum spec, so I personally would only buy the 16 GB RAM version.

I've never heard of the issue with the Apple Watch so perhaps that is a problem. The problem with your comment "the minimum spec does not deliver acceptable function for ANY user" is many people feel ANY user means them. It's like the 64 GB base spec for the iPhone that you'll see many users complaining about. It's not enough for them but for some users it's more than enough.

As to you wanting to buy 16 GB of RAM because of your feelings about Apple it's your money. If spending the extra $200 makes you feel better then it's well worth it and I'm sure Apple appreciates the extra money.

 

[Deliro]

Right, that’s not what I’m discussing. I’m complaining that sometimes the minimum spec does not deliver acceptable function for ANY user. Go back and read my post about Apple Watch Series 3. It doesn’t have enough storage to install updates without wiping, a basic function that everyone needs, yet Apple continues to sell the flawed / broken product. Now, maybe that’s not the case with the M1 computers and 8 GB of RAM is enough, but I lost my trust in Apple to provide an acceptable base line experience with the minimum spec, so I personally would only buy the 16 GB RAM version.

The issue you described with the AW3 isn't just relegated to that device. Any device that has apps installed may not have room for updates. This happens with my iPhone XS if it's near capacity I can't download the update without doing a purge. I don't see how that's Apple's fault. This also occurs with my Windows 10 machine on the my SSD drive that houses the OS, etc.

As far as the 8GB vs 16GB debate. It boils down to your intended use cases. If it's content consumption with light productivity 8GB will be fine for a long time. I have both right now for my own testing, I may keep both (gift one to my wife). Right now for what I am doing there is minimal difference. Everything loads up roughly the same, I also don't typically have 20 safari tabs with several background tasks running simultaneously. I do light video and photo editing for a site that I run. Both run exceptionally well for what I'm currently doing. As I said in an earlier post, I tend to keep Macs for 4-5 years before upgrading so I am leaning towards a 16 gb, but 8 would probably also serve me well.