if I only want to upgrade ram to >64 GB but CPU and GPU are too much for me, what is best way to do?

[ewu]

In intel mac era, i5/i7 + 64GB ram + lowest graphic card is best option for me, because cpu and gpu are always enough.

but for M chip, I have to upgrade CPU and GPU first to upgrade ram meanwhile my option becomes very limit because of ssd price.

It wastes lots of Money on CPU and GPU I don't need.

What can I do? I wish we could have M3 pro + 64GB ram option.

 

[tis100]

What's your use case and do you really need 64GB locally?

I could imagine this type of configuration is good for someone who works with lots of VMs or large databases.

In this scenario, if you don't want to get the M3 Max MacBook Pro, then I would suggest getting the base M2 MacBook Air and using it as a dumb terminal to some remote server with lots of RAM.

 

[Chancha]

B&H has insane deals with M1 Max 14" 16" now. Something like 40-50% off for 64GB models.

 

[T'hain Esh Kelch]

Alternatively wait 18 months, as the M4 will likely bring the option for even more RAM formlower models.

 

[ChrisA]

In intel mac era, I always choose i5/i7 + 64GB ram + lowest graphic card option, because cpu and gpu are always enough for me.

but for M chip, I have to upgrade CPU and GPU first and then I could upgrade ram meanwhile my option becomes limitation because of ssd price.

It wastes lots of Money on CPU and GPU I don't need.

What can I do? I wish we could have M3 pro + 64GB ram option.

The answer depends entirely on WHY you need the RAM. Could it be that you are running a few Docker images or virtual machines that are providing services but are lightly loaded? If so, then maybe some other solution is better.

I'm doing just that. I have a new Mini M2-Pro with only 16GB RAM. But rather than upgrade the RAM I bought a used Intel-based Mini and the services (inside a Dockers and a VM) run on that. The entire Mini was only $175. Then I use Apple's built-in screen sharing as the used Mini has no monitor, mouse, or keyboard.

I used to run this stuff on an older Intel Linux-based tower but the older Mini uses so much less power and takes up less space and screen sharing works very well between Macs.

In any case, no one can help you without knowing the "big picture".