Some MacBook Pro owners call the laptop a premium product without a premium specification. The debate surrounding the sufficiency of 8GB of RAM for a MacBook Pro has been a hot topic for discussion since around 2012. Fast forward to now, and Apple continues to offer 8GB memory as the base configuration for the high-selling 14-inch MacBook Pro (debuted in October 2023).
The contentious nature of this decision is amplified by the substantial cost associated if you want to upgrade to higher memory options – from 8GB to 18GB memory. This reignites conversations about the practicality and value of the 8GB configuration. Although Apple claims that 8GB on a MacBook Pro M3 is quite closer to 16GB on a Windows laptop, the users don’t believe so.
Apple chip – Unified memory with SoC architecture
The Mac has undergone significant transformations in the last few years. In 2020, Apple severed ties with Intel processors while claiming that it wanted to create better chips that would consume less energy and provide superior performance. It introduced its own Apple silicon, renowned for its enhanced speed and power efficiency. This shift is attributed to Apple's adoption of the "system-on-a-chip" architecture (SoC - a sophisticated integrated circuit that consolidates numerous processing components into a unified package).
For Apple, it is manufactured by third-party companies such as TSMC - Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company), seamlessly integrating processing cores (CPUs), graphics cores (GPUs), cache memory, and various other key components within a single chip. Let’s understand the two cores and cache memory in more detail to help us know Apple unified memory better.
Processing Cores (CPUs)
Central Processing Units (CPUs) are the primary components that execute instructions of a computer program. They serve as the "brain" of the computer, handling tasks such as calculations, data manipulation, and overall system control.
CPUs perform a wide range of tasks, from basic arithmetic operations to complex calculations. They manage the execution of software instructions and coordinate various processes within a computer.
Graphics Cores (GPUs)
Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) are specialized processors designed to handle tasks related to rendering graphics and images. Unlike CPUs, which focus on general-purpose computing, GPUs excel in parallel processing. These are optimized for graphics-intensive applications like video editing, gaming engine, and development, AR and VR apps, and editing high-resolution photos in Adobe Photoshop. medical imaging, etc.
GPUs play a key role in rendering images, videos, and 3D graphics. They accelerate tasks related to visual rendering. This makes them indispensable for all graphics-intensive applications.
Cache Memory
Cache memory is a small, high-speed type of volatile computer memory. It provides quick access to frequently used data and instructions. It serves as a buffer between the main memory (RAM) and the CPU, reducing the time needed to fetch data.
Cache memory improves overall system performance by storing frequently accessed data and instructions closer to the CPU. This reduces the need to access slower main memory. This speeds up data retrieval and enhances the efficiency of the CPU.
Adding to the innovation, Apple's M-series chips employ "unified memory architecture (UMA)," situated alongside the SoC. The high data transfer rate (bandwidth) and minimal delays in accessing or retrieving data (low latency) memory allow for dynamic allocation between the CPU and GPU cores, optimizing performance based on the task you do on your MacBook Pro. However, the tricky part here is that this unified memory comes fixed at the point of purchase and you cannot upgrade it later (basically, they don't have a user-upgradeable memory so you can’t swap 8GB chip to an 18GB one).
Upgrading to additional unified memory on a MacBook Pro comes at a cost, with the switch from the base 8GB to 18GB or 24GB costing an additional $200 and $400, respectively. Choosing the right memory at the outset becomes crucial, and user opinions on the matter vary widely.
Considerations for optimal performance
Daily tasks and light usage
For routine activities like internet browsing, online learning, document editing, light-level photo and video editing and media streaming, video conferencing, 8GB of RAM is sufficient to meet the requirements even if you run a few things parallelly. Contemporary Macs utilize functionalities like memory compression and smart allocation, ensuring smooth macOS operation even when you do multiple tasks simultaneously.
Professional and creative work
Intensive work such as heavy photo and video editing, using many apps and offline tools, 3D modeling, programming/software development, streaming media, or game development, may find 8GB limiting, leading to slower MacBook Pro performance. Independent tests underscore the importance of higher memory for advanced projects with extensive files and content libraries. When loaded with heavy tasks, it might not seem as pretty and consistent as Apple claims.
So is 8GB memory sufficient on a MacBook Pro?
When purchasing a MacBook Pro, selecting 8GB of unified memory proves cost-effective for light usage, catering well to everyday tasks. For light office work, education, or basic coding and programming tasks, it’s more than sufficient. However, if your work involves more demanding tools and applications, investing in additional memory makes more sense. 18GB memory will lessen the chances of memory being a bottleneck and will allow you to experience the full potential of Apple silicon on a MacBook.
MacBook Pro and MacBook Air memory - FAQ
MacBook Pro latest prices
The 14-inch M3 MacBook Pro is priced at $1,599 for the base configuration with 8GB of unified memory. Choosing the 18GB or 24GB options incurs an additional cost of $200 and $400, respectively. Factor in the possibility of an M3 Pro model with 18GB at $1,999 after the $200 16GB upgrade.
The Pro Max models come with a price tag of $3,199. Those mindful of affordability may explore the MacBook Air, which starts at $1,099 and offers a 16GB configuration option for an additional $200.extra, totaling $1,299. Keep in mind the feature distinctions, including port availability and display technology, between the MacBook Air and the M3 MacBook Pro.
Is 8GB enough on a MacBook Pro?
Yes, 8GB memory on a MacBook Pro is sufficient if your work is not highly creative or graphic-intensive. At 8GB, it works much better than any other laptop brand in its category.
Is 8GB RAM enough for coding in MacBook Pro?
For basic coding, it is good. But if you are looking for something more than just good, go for 18GB memory on MacBook Pro or alternatively, you can use an external device for running apps.
Do MacBook Pros have 16GB RAM?
Yes, they do have. The models come in 8, 18, and 36GB but are configurable to up to 96GB (M3 Max with 14-core CPU).
Which one is better: MacBook Pro or MacBook Air?
It greatly depends on your work requirements. On the specs side, the M3 MacBook Pro models have better features, such as more unified memory, extended battery life, more port options (including HDMI and SD card slots), and overall, more advanced GPU and CPU cores when compared to the MacBook Air models. MacBook Pros are available in two display sizes - 14-inch and 16-inch configurations.
