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MacBook Pro 13" 8GB VS 16GB
- Thread starter corelhas
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Generally I’d say no get 16GB almost regardless of specific usage but in this instance: developing what (ie what are you building), using what (ie what development tools will you use)?
I went for 8GB in 2016, regularly use Xcode and Android Studio. It’s perfectly useable, though if you want to test in multiple simulators it struggles. Personally if I were buying a new computer today, I’d go with 16GB.
I went for 16gb only because they did not offer 32gb on the 13".
Maybe not tomorrow or the day after, but one day you will be kicking yourself for scrimping on the RAM.
Get the 16gb
Maybe not tomorrow or the day after, but one day you will be kicking yourself for scrimping on the RAM.
Get the 16gb
What if updated machines Apple is rumored to release later this year or early next year are much better (e.g. keyboard issues resolved) and one wants to upgrade? In that case it would be a waste. When getting quotes from Gazelle and Phobio, neither asked about RAM and only Phobio asked about SSD.
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People told me the same thing in 2012. And here I am with that same laptop running perfectly with 8.
that obviously works for you use case.
A maxed out MBP in 2012 didnt cut it for me.
Are you doing the same work as the OP?
Suffice to say I would get 16gb without a doubt.
Oh boy, it's another one of these threads. I have gotten into 2 religious wars over 8GB vs 16GB recently.
Here's what I got out of it:
1. If it saves you $200 on RAM upgrade, and you can use that to contribute to charity to cure cancer, or buy food for the poor, or... just save up in general because the computer is a significant investment on your part, then... go for 8GB. It's still fine for most folks today, and probably will be fine tomorrow, and the day after that. Will 8GB be enough in a year, or two? I don't think it matters. Just use it and enjoy, and don't mind what other folks are doing.
2. If you can justify the purchase because either you make a lot of money, or the MacBook is actually your main tool, then go for 16GB of RAM, knowing that at least, you won't have to worry about whether or not your current RAM use will be out of control.
So it's down to whether or not you can afford it, essentially.
Here's what I got out of it:
1. If it saves you $200 on RAM upgrade, and you can use that to contribute to charity to cure cancer, or buy food for the poor, or... just save up in general because the computer is a significant investment on your part, then... go for 8GB. It's still fine for most folks today, and probably will be fine tomorrow, and the day after that. Will 8GB be enough in a year, or two? I don't think it matters. Just use it and enjoy, and don't mind what other folks are doing.
2. If you can justify the purchase because either you make a lot of money, or the MacBook is actually your main tool, then go for 16GB of RAM, knowing that at least, you won't have to worry about whether or not your current RAM use will be out of control.
So it's down to whether or not you can afford it, essentially.
I did 4GB in 2013 and I can tell you I wish I had done 8GB. Would have made the usability of the machine in the present day much better. If it weren’t for the whole butterfly keyboard issue I’d be on a new MBP now, although I do love the 2013. Wish I could easily upgrade the RAM on it, but it’s been a solid 6.5 years, nonetheless.
I’d find that $200 bucks somewhere and go for the 16 if you’re in it for the long haul.
I’d find that $200 bucks somewhere and go for the 16 if you’re in it for the long haul.
I don’t find this good ‘advice’. It totally depends upon use. Your use of a computer mustn’t warrant it.
My use requires 32gb ram, others 16 and most casual users 8.
I'm thinking about the same 8 vs. 16 thing. May I ask what your use case is? Might help me make a decision!
I thought I was in it for the long haul in 2017 so I bought 16/512 but that machine is now with Phobio. IMO, the current gen MacBook Pro does not have the attributes of a keeper. Sure they have a 4 year warranty, what do you do if the keyboard fails at 4.5 years? In addition, at least on the 13’s the RAM is DDR3. RAM speed is as critical if not more critical than RAM size for everyday performance.
Imagine future proofing your machine only for the keyboard to fail a few months in. It happened to a ton of people the last few years.
I’m either gonna wait till next years machins or get a base 13/8/256. I think 8gb is enough for my usage ness and rather spend that money on upping the ssd capacity.
Browser with multiple tabs, spotify, mail, MS Office, and a development environment.
I use 8GB. I typically have 25 or so tabs open in Safari. Working around that I typically use Lightroom, OneNote, GarageBand, and a few miscellaneous other apps. I certainly can stress the system out if I push it hard enough, but typically it just works great.
8GB is enough for most people; we get very few threes from people who are having problems with their 8GB machines.
I'm not a developer though. And if I was buying today with the intention of keeping for 3 to 5 years I would certainly consider 16GB. If I was buying for a 2 year term it would be 8GB again for sure.
8GB is enough for most people; we get very few threes from people who are having problems with their 8GB machines.
I'm not a developer though. And if I was buying today with the intention of keeping for 3 to 5 years I would certainly consider 16GB. If I was buying for a 2 year term it would be 8GB again for sure.
Well, watch the responses in this thread. That's all I can say. Honestly, if you have seen the last couple of threads I have responded in, with screenshots, wiki articles, more articles from Google, tech explanations, etc...
...and the OP always ended up just buying 8GB of RAM anyways. If they had to ask this question in the first place, I'm pretty certain they're already thinking "why do I have to pay more for 16GB of RAM?"
It’s not just paying more, it’s a convenience thing as well.
The stores typically have only one very high end configuration with 16 GB and everything else with just 8 GB. If Apple thought 16 GB was needed commonly, they would have offered more options in store.
Additionally, in case of a defect, returning and reordering a CTO machine is a pain, compared to an exchange at the store.
Never once had a defect on a CTO.
All I can say is the experience on my partners 8gb mbp is absolute turd in comparison to my previous 16gb mbp and current 32go iMac pro.
If you used it without knowing the difference you could say it is ‘fine’ or ‘great’ but I would say it depends on your perceptions. I don’t like any hesitation in my machines and want them to be fluid in use. This simply doesn’t happen in an 8gb machine.