I'd argue we will see incremental improvements over the next 3-4 years, and probably nothing for next next 18 months at least. They have other machines to refresh, the MacBook Pro will likely skip a cycle or two.
Tim
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What to do: 14" M1Pro with 16 or 32 Gb memory
- Thread starter Metzgermeister
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I'd argue we will see incremental improvements over the next 3-4 years, and probably nothing for next next 18 months at least. They have other machines to refresh, the MacBook Pro will likely skip a cycle or two.
Tim
This doesn't mean anything, you've no idea how RAM works on a modern machine.
MacOS just looks at the amount of available RAM, and -without going too technical- allocates it in the most effective and beneficial manner. Even if you had 64GB of RAM instead of your current 32GB of RAM, the distribution would have shown a similar pattern.
16GB is still the right amount for the average/enthousiast consumer, like most of us are and its going to stay like that for quite a while longer, I can guarantee you. Also, that extra bandwidth looks nice on paper, but benchmarks have proven that only in heavy workloads, it makes a small difference. Definitely not enough to spend hundreds of dollar extra....
So, for the love of god, stop spreading nonsense like "32GB is the new 16GB", because it is NOT. Posts like yours are the reason people overspec and overpay on stuff they don't need.
You enjoy your swapping, compression, minimal file cache, and overhead associated with moving data in and out. Just because the OS handles the workloads well with less memory, doesn't mean there are not performance benefits associated with more RAM. The impact of that overhead maybe minimal, but to deny its existence is just ignorant.
Tim
If so, then why are these people buying these pro machines instead of the consumer-focused M1 laptops? Of course, that is assuming they don't have money to burn.
What about:
- Mini-LED screen
- Even more performance
- Boost in GPU performance
- Connectivity and ports
- Support for more displays
- Better speakers
- Sturdy build
- Do I have to go on?
If you think people only buy this for more RAM support, then you're very naive.
RAM does nothing if you don't properly utilise it.
But hey, your money and your machine so do as you like. But stop spreading nonsense like 32GB is the new standard..
Oh please, the mini-LED screen alone is a reason for many people to go for a 2021 Pro over the 2020 Pro/Air.
Enjoy your memory pressure, bruh.
For everyone else... https://support.apple.com/guide/activity-monitor/check-if-your-mac-needs-more-ram-actmntr34865/mac
I prefer when my computer is using all of its RAM efficiently.
Tim
Ah, you've found no way out anymore..
And thanks, no memory pressure here at all (and neither do you).
What I do enjoy though, is keeping the extra $600 for RAM in my pocket.
Again, buy what you like, its your cash. But stop spreading BS.
If you can afford it, they do matter to the average consumer. Coming from a 2013 MBA it’s a huge leap. The display and the speakers are my favs not to mention the instant wake and blazing fast performance.
And you also enjoy lecturing others about what they need, based on the "average consumer".
You have no clue how I use my machine. I guarantee you I need the 32GB, despite how you might feel about it. But thank you for the education on how memory works! Very informative.
Question... Do you even have one of the new M1 Pro/Max machines by the way?
Tim
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I have no idea how you use your machine, no. I just reacted on what you wrote before, because there was a lot of false information in it.
You have to understand that a lot of people here are looking for advice, telling nonsense like "32GB is the new 16GB" is just wrong and bad advice.
To answer your last sentence:
So tell me, how do I use my machine on an average workday? All I said is I made the right choice with 32GB, based on my light usage this weekend. There's nothing wrong with me sharing my experience and real world usage.
Why get all triggered over my post? How am I scaring the average consumer? I'm not an average consumer, but if it's your mission in life to tell everyone else what they need, then I'm clearly not going to change your mind. Average consumers should generally not be on MacRumors posting in the MacBook PRO forums.
If you are the kind of person why purchased 16GB 5+ years ago like I am, and used it, then its completely reasonable to upgrade to 32GB now. That's what is behind by 16GB is the new 32GB comment.
Tim
All if this back and forth aside, the OP said he intended to keep the machine for 6 years, and ended up going with 32GB.
Tim
Tim
Because you're spreading nonsense by saying 32GB is the new 16GB, it's not.
Now I'll quit because I made my point and all this throwing back and forth isn't helping this thread at the slightest.
Actually it is. Back when 16GB was an "upgrade" 8GB was the "base". Now that 16GB is the base...
Tim
Then you’re free to buy whatever you like. But I do agree with @Rck1984 when it comes to 16GB still being enough for the majority. The best way to know if you’re pushing for more than 16 is to observe the memory pressure over a week and see how common are the spikes or how long the pressure stays in yellow or worse. A lot of the apps still haven’t been updated to AS so heavy workloads may require 32GB but typical light to mid weight tasks that you throw at it would be just fine with 16GB.
The more RAM you have the more macOS keeps in the memory instead of kicking it out. Unless you have over 5GB of swap a day you don’t need more than what you have. By the time an SSD has enough writes to impact performance you’d be ready to upgrade so you don’t need to worry about swap much either.
Yes good advice. During the week I was running yellow most of the day w/ the 16GB I had on my previous machine. Given the shared memory architecture, and considering increased demand (even moderate) over the next few years, I felt 32GB was right for me. I'm sure I could have gotten by either way, but it was already getting tight and I plan to hang onto this machine for a few years. If there's one thing I've learned over my years on this planet, it's never a good idea to wear tight pants to Thanksgiving dinner.
Tim
Check this video out
Very in depth review of 16 vs 32. Is 32 better? Yes. Is it worth 400$ more? Definitely not.
Also torn about 16 vs 32 GB.
A few thoughts I haven't seen mentioned upthread.
(1) 32GB Pro: allows for ~3x memory for apps - if you expect 6-8GB overhead from system and graphics then you're going from 8-10GB free after overhead to 24-26GB. So it's more than "double".
(2) 16GB Pro: It's still not completely clear how memory pressure will affect user experience on devices with these kinds of crazily high memory and ssd speeds. It's hard to justify the extra cash if the actual impact of high memory pressure doesn't noticeably impact user experience.
EDIT: Max Tech video linked above appears to show lower than expected hit to user experience when memory pressure is high. Was leaning towards 32GB, but this has me confused again ?
A few thoughts I haven't seen mentioned upthread.
(1) 32GB Pro: allows for ~3x memory for apps - if you expect 6-8GB overhead from system and graphics then you're going from 8-10GB free after overhead to 24-26GB. So it's more than "double".
(2) 16GB Pro: It's still not completely clear how memory pressure will affect user experience on devices with these kinds of crazily high memory and ssd speeds. It's hard to justify the extra cash if the actual impact of high memory pressure doesn't noticeably impact user experience.
EDIT: Max Tech video linked above appears to show lower than expected hit to user experience when memory pressure is high. Was leaning towards 32GB, but this has me confused again ?
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