M1 Pro 32GB not worth it?

[clevins]

Are you a pro or an enthusiastic amateur? If you're a pro making a living with this... get the RAM. There's no way that a full time pro should consider 400€ spread over even 2 years a significant expense. If you're an amateur, it's your call. I'd get the RAM and not plan on upgrading in 2 years unless the machine was significantly better. The sweet spot for when to upgrade seems to be 3-4 years but that's based on US resale values so...

 

[JPack]

According to max tech I just got mbp16 16gb/1TB last week. While editing my work lightroom makes memory pressure in yellow all the time let alone photoshop, swap files are 4-7gb. My library are em1 and a7r3 files. I'm going to return it and buy 32 instead.

Max Tech's goal is to post videos first, regardless of accuracy. Works well for YouTube revenue, but not if the audience really wants to know.

 

[fpenta]

Never buy any electronic equipment expecting a return on your investment. electronics and specifically laptops and mobile devices depreciate extremely fast. On a machine less than a year old you can expect 30-50% loss on investment and it just gets worse with time. I think getting 1500 pounds on a 3 year old machine with a now outdated processor is actually pretty good.

As for ram upgrade I think it is not actually a rip off when you consider the cost of fast ddr5 ram right now even socketed let alone unified. I think as others have said the only way for you to know for sure is to pick up a base model and test out the 16gb ram. Anything else is just a guess.

That being said you had 64GB of ram in your old machine so going from that to 16gb might be an issue. Since you said speed is not an issue for you then you could deal with the swapping on 16gb. However I don't believe you would be happy spending as much on a base model machine and having a bottleneck that only gets worse over time. If I were you I would get the extra ram and I would probably get the M1 Max 24 gpu that your workflow would probably benefit from and then call it a day. That is $600 over 3 years if you keep this as long as your old machine and that is roughly $200 a year. Maybe you won't recoup your extra cost but if you are selling your old device around the same cost as one with 16gb of ram I bet yours will sell faster?

All I can say is spending $2500 on a base 16" and worrying if you should spend another $400 seems a bit odd to me. If you are going to keep the device for a while then just be happy with what you get. You are going to have to live with whatever you get for several years, better to feel like the machine has more than enough power for most of its life then always wondering what if I would have gotten the extra ram.

There is always the argument should I buy now or wait. The next big upgrade will be released soon. I could spend less and just buy a new machine every 2 years or so. You could but then you will always have the least performance possible in the new release. It is true that newer will always perform orders of a magnitude better than higher end older equipment-that is how they get you to upgrade. I think this is flawed reasoning though. If you get a middle spec machine then you will be spending the least amount to get the BEST performance now. Then everything you do now will be very responsive and pleasant to use and even for the next 3 years this should hold true. The major switch from Intel to Apple Silicon is now so future processor upgrades will be more incremental rather than revolutionary as the M1 was. That is not to say incremental won't be a big step up rather that for your software needs you shouldn't have major slow downs for a few years if you get a decent machine.

Then there is depreciation. You are basing your logic on the fact you felt you over payed on your last machine but even with Intel it lasted 3 years and you still got about a 30% return after 3 years on obsolete processor which is really good. If you get a base model now it will depreciate rapidly and say you get the base 16" for $2500 well in 3 years it may be worth $1000 or less so you will still be getting the same return on investment and possibly had to suffer reduced performance for your use case.

Moral of the long story is get what you want now and worry about ROI later because no matter what buying electronics is a losing proposition unless you are making money with it and if the device is generating revenue then you really should not care about the ROI. Just my 2 cents!

Wow thanks a lot. Appreciate your in depth analysis. Everything makes perfect sense. I think I will still stick with the M1 Pro since I want to maximize battery life and save €200.

What could be overkill is getting a 16" Macbook Pro *and* an iMac, especially if you're price-conscious. In the Intel days, it made more sense because the iMacs could have significantly more CPU/GPU power but all indications are the Apple Silicon chips for both will be identical. Get the LG 5k monitor and a nice docking station and you won't need to buy 2 maxed-out machines every time you want to upgrade. Not as tidy as the all-in-one but you also don't need to worry about juggling your data between two machines.

Worth considering if you haven't already, anyway. I'd probably at least wait to see if they release the new iMacs next week and see what their performance looks like.

As for 16 vs 32, I'd be wary of commenters that haven't experienced real-world performance issues. I see lots of people saying "16gb has been fine for me" and lots of people saying "16gb *could* be a problem because of high memory numbers/etc", but not a lot of people saying "I got a 16gb and am now experiencing performance issues". (I have a 16gb and I've never experienced anything that felt like memory pressure, but I also don't push it really.)

I used to have the LG 5K connected to the MacBook Pro, I personally didn't feel comfortable using it. I much prefer using an iMac that is always on and use it as a workstation connected to all my peripherals BUT this may change IF Apple is going to release a new cheaper monitor next week.

 

[fpenta]

Are you a pro or an enthusiastic amateur? If you're a pro making a living with this... get the RAM. There's no way that a full time pro should consider 400€ spread over even 2 years a significant expense. If you're an amateur, it's your call. I'd get the RAM and not plan on upgrading in 2 years unless the machine was significantly better. The sweet spot for when to upgrade seems to be 3-4 years but that's based on US resale values so...

I'm a pro so yeah I will pull the trigger and get the 32GB model. Won't go for the M1 Max tho. I want to maximize battery life and the M1 Pro seems to be the more efficient and stable solution.

 

[clevins]

I'm a pro so yeah I will pull the trigger and get the 32GB model. Won't go for the M1 Max tho. I want to maximize battery life and the M1 Pro seems to be the more efficient and stable solution.

Good choice. I'd get the Max only if you did a lot of video. Otherwise I think you're right, it's a tradeoff that is worth it or not depending on one's preferences.

 

[wilberforce]

but not a lot of people saying "I got a 16gb and am now experiencing performance issues".

Well, I am one of those people, when running LR and PS on large files (only), as I reported in post #6. Not terrible performance issues, but performance issues nevertheless, that I would have have opted for 32GB if I was to do it again.

 

[januarydrive7]

Just to clarify --- if you need 64gb, then 32 (or 16) will not work for you, no matter how many tech journalists or otherwise claim that the UMA of M1 chips make up for it.

That said, it is entirely possible (even likely!) that you don't need 64gb, and 32 would serve you just fine. It's even possible that 16gb would serve you just fine --- what really matters is how much data you need in active memory to do your work. You should check out your memory pressure and swap file to get better insight into your personal needs.

 

[fpenta]

Well, I am one of those people, when running LR and PS on large files (only), as I reported in post #6. Not terrible performance issues, but performance issues nevertheless, that I would have have opted for 32GB if I was to do it again.

Good to know. Thanks

Just to clarify --- if you need 64gb, then 32 (or 16) will not work for you, no matter how many tech journalists or otherwise claim that the UMA of M1 chips make up for it.

That said, it is entirely possible (even likely!) that you don't need 64gb, and 32 would serve you just fine. It's even possible that 16gb would serve you just fine --- what really matters is how much data you need in active memory to do your work. You should check out your memory pressure and swap file to get better insight into your personal needs.

I'm sure I don't need more than 32GB on my laptop, but I probably need 64GB on my desktop. I realized I tend to multitask more on the iMac than I do on the MacBook Pro.

 

[SalisburySam]

I am currently using an iMac 27" 2019 with 64GB ram as a workstation and want to upgrade once the iMac with Silicon comes out.

I just sold my maxed out MacBook Pro 2018 15" i9, 1TB, 32GB, that I paid around 4600€ three years ago, and sold it now for €1500.

You’ve lost me here. You’re wanting to upgrade your tricked out 2019 iMac why? I know it is now 3 years old but what is it doing or not doing that you need done? Also, you sold a tricked out 2018 MBP why? I know it was 3 years old but what did it no longer do that you needed done? This is a lot of hardware with no identified use cases other than “I’m a photographer.” Given the amorphous nature of your needs, the best advice so far has been to take advantage of Apple’s trial periods and test it out for yourself.

 

[wilberforce]

This is an interesting video. No one would load their computer down with so many programs, heavy duty programs, running at the same time, but it gives an extreme stress test to see how things work out.

I am thinking of getting a 14" M1 Pro MacBook 16gb/512gb. I use Lightroom Classic, etc., no video editing.

Yes, this is a good video, I like MaxTech as they try to fairly show comparisons.
However, running benchmarks or "stress tests" like this is not quite the same as real world work over a full day.
I too have a base 14" MPB which I ordered about 10 seconds after the Apple store went live. It is a fantastic machine.

However, I have found there are some limitations when running Abobe apps LR and PS on large files over a long period: these apps suck up an unexpectedly high amount of memory resources. The M1 Pro does an amazing job using swap and fast SSD to best handle this situation, but Adobe seems to be trying its hardest to bring it to its knees. Perhaps Adobe will make their apps more efficient, but don't count on it.

Based on my experience, you will be fine with 16GB if you do typical LR Classic editing of camera RAW files, etc.
It is for people like OP, who deal with larger more complex files in Adobe apps, that would, based on my real world experience, definitely benefit from 32GB

 

[fpenta]

You’ve lost me here. You’re wanting to upgrade your tricked out 2019 iMac why? I know it is now 3 years old but what is it doing or not doing that you need done? Also, you sold a tricked out 2018 MBP why? I know it was 3 years old but what did it no longer do that you needed done? This is a lot of hardware with no identified use cases other than “I’m a photographer.” Given the amorphous nature of your needs, the best advice so far has been to take advantage of Apple’s trial periods and test it out for yourself.

The 2019 iMac runs great, not really need to upgrade really (only wish it was a bit faster in rendering timelapses), it’s just a matter of design and new technology.

Can’t say the same about the MacBook Pro 2018. That was such a total mess. Fans always spinning like crazy and getting so hot. Battery life wasn’t good either.

The Intel ones are losing a lot of value so I guess it’s better to get rid of them as soon as possible.

 

[gradi]

Yes, this is a good video, I like MaxTech as they try to fairly show comparisons.
However, running benchmarks or "stress tests" like this is not quite the same as real world work over a full day.
I too have a base 14" MPB which I ordered about 10 seconds after the Apple store went live. It is a fantastic machine.

However, I have found there are some limitations when running Abobe apps LR and PS on large files over a long period: these apps suck up an unexpectedly high amount of memory resources. The M1 Pro does an amazing job using swap and fast SSD to best handle this situation, but Adobe seems to be trying its hardest to bring it to its knees. Perhaps Adobe will make their apps more efficient, but don't count on it.

Based on my experience, you will be fine with 16GB if you do typical LR Classic editing of camera RAW files, etc.
It is for people like OP, who deal with larger more complex files in Adobe apps, that would, based on my real world experience, definitely benefit from 32GB

Thank you for your input.

I just work with 20mp, 16mp, and smaller raw files, film scans, etc. in Lightroom Classic. Usually just export 1 or 2 files at a time. I almost never do panoramas, etc. I sometimes have Photoshop open too and also sometimes use Topaz Denoise AI and/or Sharpen AI. And in the background I always have my browser with many tabs open and a few other programs such as Finder, TextEdit, etc.

I think 16gb would be okay for me although my Windows PC has 32gb. Actually, I am happy with the performance of that computer except that the Topaz programs are a bit slow. Lightroom is okay though. But, naturally, it is all very confusing with all the various claims about the M1 architecture and how much memory one needs. I will likely get 16gb and if in the first 14 days it seems like that is not going to work I can return it. I hate to do that though because a few weeks ago I returned an M1 iMac 16gb/512gb for other reasons. The other issues I had with it meant I never really got to use it properly to see if 16gb would work out fine for me. I don't want Apple to think I just buy stuff on a whim and then return it.

My current thinking is to wait to see what is announced on March 8th at the Apple show and then decide whether to order the 14" M1 Pro MacBook.

 

[darngooddesign]

Get the 16GB and try it for a week, return it and get the 32GB if the 16GB doesn't work for you.

 

[aevan]

I have a 14" M1 Pro with 16GB RAM and do PS and LR.

Although 16GB is OK, if I were to buy it again I would get 32GB. Reason is that these Adobe apps use a lot of memory for GPU acceleration, and thus use a lot MORE memory on Apple Silicon than an Intel machine (which has separate GPU RAM). If you disable use of the GPU in PS and LR, then 16GB is fine, but I doubt you would want to disable use of the GPU (which makes zooming etc smoother in these apps).
It also depends on how big files you edit. For normal out-of-camera ~50 megapixel files, 16GB is OK, for larger files 32GB would be better.
In short, you can probably get by with 16GB as a stopgap machine, but 32GB would be far preferred.

I have 16Gb RAM and work in Photoshop with huge files and GPU “on”, and it works amazingly well. I also have a bunch of other stuff open alongside it.

 

[aevan]

Max Tech's goal is to post videos first, regardless of accuracy. Works well for YouTube revenue, but not if the audience really wants to know.

He posts examples so the audience can make up their own mind. There is no “accuracy” here, it shows what it shows and you can make your own conclusions.

But if you doubt him, Dave2D said, basically, the same thing.

 

[NYCValkyrie]

This has been a very helpful thread as I also have been trying to decide on the 16gb and 32gb versions of the 14" MBP. After reading through comments and watching a number of YT video comparisons, I've decided on the 16gb for my needs. Aside from your typical office & work applications, I am a photography hobbyist so I use Lightroom Classic but not much Photoshop. I did opt for the 10/16 core over the 8/14 core.

Time was a factor also so while I didn't need a 1TB SSD, I decided to get that version rather than waiting for a more custom build. This should arrive next week to replace my 2019 MBA.

Apple M1 Pro with 10-core CPU, 16-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine
16GB unified memory
1TB SSD storage

3/5/22 UPDATE: I rechecked stock at my local Apple store and this model was available so I cancelled the previous order and the new order is being delivered today via courier. I also used a work discount that I forgot to use previously and saved some $ so it justified the $9 courier delivery fee. lol. I'm excited for my new MBP!

 

[darngooddesign]

This has been a very helpful thread as I also have been trying to decide on the 16gb and 32gb versions of the 14" MBP. After reading through comments and watching a number of YT video comparisons, I've decided on the 16gb for my needs. Aside from your typical office & work applications, am am a photography hobbyist so I use Lightroom Classic but not much Photoshop. I did opt for the 10/16 core over the 8/14 core.

Time was a factor also so while I didn't need a 1TB SSD, I decided to get that version rather than waiting for a more custom build. This should arrive next week to replace my 2019 MBA.

Apple M1 Pro with 10-core CPU, 16-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine
16GB unified memory
1TB SSD storage

That's the one I have. It runs LR Classic and my Fuji RAFs like champ. Barely breaks a sweat and stays cool.

 

[NYCValkyrie]

That's the one I have. It runs LR Classic and my Fuji RAFs like champ. Barely breaks a sweat and stays cool.

Fantastic. Thanks for the reassurance!

 

[aevan]

This has been a very helpful thread as I also have been trying to decide on the 16gb and 32gb versions of the 14" MBP. After reading through comments and watching a number of YT video comparisons, I've decided on the 16gb for my needs. Aside from your typical office & work applications, I am a photography hobbyist so I use Lightroom Classic but not much Photoshop. I did opt for the 10/16 core over the 8/14 core.

Time was a factor also so while I didn't need a 1TB SSD, I decided to get that version rather than waiting for a more custom build. This should arrive next week to replace my 2019 MBA.

Apple M1 Pro with 10-core CPU, 16-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine
16GB unified memory
1TB SSD storage

I have the same, but 16”. It handles everything I throw at it incredibly fast.

 

[hmorneau]

For what it's worth, I got 32 and kind of regret not going for 64gb. Like some people say, ram is ram, there is no magic. So when you assign RAM to virtual machine it takes it away and it's not available to your main OS anymore. I'm fine with 32 for now, but sometime the memory pressure is high and I swap quite a bit. In the end it depends if you need the extra ram or not.

Also there still a lot of memory leak, I have to restart Safari from time to time as sometime it use 18gb of ram on it's own... So probably things will get smoother in the future (hopefully). But RAM management is a mess as of now.

 

[clevins]

If your Safari is taking up 18gig, look at how many tabs you have open.

 

[UBS28]

I have seen the GPU on my MBP hit over 21GB of VRAM. With these integrated GPU’s, 16 GB of RAM is going to be tight if you make use of the GPU alot.

 

[aevan]

Yesterday I worked with a really big PSD file, alongside some smaller ones, and Photoshop was taking 12Gb RAM. I also had around 5.6Gb RAM in Safari, with some web-apps. I also had a few Gb taken by other apps - if I just added them up (which you shouldn't do as it tells you very little) it would amount to over 20Gb RAM in total.

Now, whether it was compressed RAM or some other dark magic, my swap file was only 30Mb. In fact, even as I opened more documents in Photoshop, it stayed that way. What is more important is that computer was super responsive and I had literally no change in performance. These beasts just don't stop. (Note: I rarely see my Mac swap, but even when it does, the performance remains unchanged).

So, I'm not saying 16Gb is enough for everyone, I'm saying that you can't measure your requirements precisely by looking at the amount of memory your apps take. It is more complex than that and depends on what you're working on.

I've had this computer for several months now, it didn't slow down once. I have never seen it struggle, no matter what I was doing. I work with large Photoshop files, with Zbrush, with demanding web-apps, etc. It's not one of the most demanding workflows (I'm not working with huge audio files, multiple 100Mp photos at once or 8K video files), but it's not "browsing & email" work either.

So, the answer to any RAM related question, like, is 16Gb enough, is 32Gb enough, is 64Gb enough - is always: it depends. I've seen so many posts that say "well, Safari is taking 10Gb of my RAM, meaning that I have only 6Gb remaining for other apps, that means I need 32" - it doesn't work that way.

 

[Micka88]

32 GB RAM is better than 16 - it is as simple as that

 

[SalisburySam]

32 GB RAM is better than 16 - it is as simple as that

Certainly a true statement, all except for the part about “better.” “Better” has another component, and that is cost. That’s where “better” for me is likely different than “better” for someone else. Always those annoying trade-offs unless budget is either unlimited or reimbursed by someone else like an employer or a tax return deduction for legit business expenses.