M1 Pro 32GB RAM vs. M1 Max 16GB RAM

[bsmr]

Hi,

as they're nearly the same price.... Thinking about getting a new MacBook as I really like a bigger display (coming from 13" M1).

Now I'm thinking about getting a 16" M1 Max or Pro Version.

What would you do - go with M1 Max and 16GB RAM (and those fast pipes to the SSD) or get the M1 Pro and 32GB RAM.

Hope to get some feedback.

Thx.

 

[gp101]

You have to get 32GB RAM when you get the Max, there is no 16GB version.

 

[bsmr]

You have to get 32GB RAM when you get the Max, there is no 16GB version.

Sorry. You're right.

Then maybe 1TB instead of 2TB SSD.

 

[MrGunny94]

Sorry. You're right.

Then maybe 1TB instead of 2TB SSD.

I'd go for 1TB and if you need more space opt for Cloud (which provider you prefer) or go for external SSDs. At the end of the day more SSD space depends if you work with heavy files on the go or not.

Personally for me I live with the cloud so I'm used to not store anything local besides loseless music.

 

[bsmr]

I'd go for 1TB

So better choosing the M1 Max with 1TB would be your choice? Or stay with M1 Pro?

 

[The_Joker13]

Is a few hundred dollars going to break the bank for you? That's the only question that matters. If you can afford it, max out the specs that you think or know you'll need. I went with the M1 Max and 1 TB myself, but I don't need alot of local storage. I probably won't ever hit half that storage, but YMMV.

 

[iStorm]

You're likely going to get biased opinions without us knowing what you use your Mac for; even then, they still could be biased. Only you can decide what you need for your purposes. Do you do light work (email, photos, video, internet, documents, spreadsheets, or even 4K video editing, etc.), or does it need to be a workhorse (editing multiple 8k video streams at once, extreme 3D modeling, etc.)? Do you need more than two external displays? Then you need the Max.

Honestly, the base M1 Pro is more than adequate for most users. Of course that depends if you're an average user or need more power. Generally, if someone is asking this type of question, the base model is fine; otherwise they would know whether if they need more RAM, faster CPU, or more storage.

I mean, your post mainly sounds like you just want a bigger screen, so I'm guessing the M1 has been fine for you otherwise.

I thought this video about the M1 Max was interesting.

 

[Goodrich]

For general use, I suspect that the extra memory will be more useful than extra cpu / gpu, which are useful only with specific applications such as video editing.