“Always buy as much RAM as possible.” More than one always shares this advice, because in the end it is true that the advantages of having more memory are always appreciated. But of course, you can’t just select the maximum memory of Macs without taking into account their price. Configuring a MacBook Pro with 128 GB of memory involves an additional 1,150 dollars for nothing.
So if you’re planning to buy a MacBook and thinking about how much RAM you want to fit in it, let’s take a look. How much RAM to choose based on your needs. Apple makes this decision sometimes complicated.
The great debate of 8 GB of basic RAM
In 2024, I consider it a bad decision that Apple still configures its most basic Macs with only 8 GB of RAM. Yes, integrating this memory into an SoC like the M3 can optimize this performance, but certain (and quite common) tasks are capable of slowing down a brand new Mac by reducing this 8 GB of memory in a matter of minutes.
Who would you recommend this 8GB of RAM to on computers like a MacBook Air? Well, to users who need a basic computer, for very general functions. Consultation of web pages, email, consumption of audiovisual content, organization and management of documents and photos, office… in this case, and if the budget does not allow going to 16 GB of memory, I don’t really see a problem in buying a basic MacBook Air like the one I use myself for writing my train journeys.
If you can, upgrade to 16 GB in any case
You might think that writing an article like this doesn’t require too much RAM on a Mac. And you’re not wrong, but the problem comes when you take into account everything you need around this writing. Right now I have about 20 Google Chrome tabs open and I’m using advanced web services there which are eating up my Mac mini’s RAM. Of its 16 GB, I only have 3 free.
SO, 16 GB of RAM is the configuration I recommend the most for all users who use their Mac for tasks that require more than checking emails and pure office work. Also for students who need to program or use a resource-intensive application, such as the Adobe suite.
24, 32 GB or more of RAM, for the most ambitious tasks
16 GB of RAM should be enough for the vast majority of general and semi-professional users. But there will always be a demanding professional sector that needs more. Who is in this sector? Well, photographers, video editors, 3D modelers, programmers who work with AI… working with large processes or files always involves a lot of memory consumption. And if not, tell Jose Saez-Merino, who shared in a tweet how Adobe After Effects retained more than 113 GB of its 128 GB of memory:
There are no boundaries here and your limit is the budget you have to buy the Mac. Spend all you can on RAMbecause you will appreciate it from the first minute of work and especially as the Mac ages.
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