How much RAM does a Mac need depending on its user profile? A vast question that deserves a complete and detailed answer. Before getting started, let’s point out that the entry-level version, now equipped with 16 GB of unified memory, is more than sufficient for the vast majority of users. Whether you’re planning to buy a MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, Mac mini, Mac Studio, Mac Pro, or iMac, the answer is right in front of you.
A crucial choice
Buying a Mac is never something you do on a whim. A long reflection is greatly necessary in order to select the right model that corresponds to our daily use. Several parameters are taken into account and one of the most important concerns the amount of RAM.
At Apple, we have been talking about unified memory since the advent of SoCs (System on Chip) Apple Silicon, a component that combines RAM and graphics memory into a single block accessible by the processor and GPU. Unlike traditional systems, where RAM and video memory are separate, unified memory allows faster and more efficient data exchange, optimizing performance and memory usage. This reduces latency and improves responsiveness, especially in intensive tasks like video editing or 3D rendering.
With the release of the M4 Macs and the launch of Apple Intelligence, Apple has definitively switched to 16 GB of unified memory as standard compared to 8 GB until now. A long-awaited upgrade by the community. Despite double the unified memory for the entry level, some are looking for even more power.
Here is a summary to help you understand what it is possible to do on a Mac depending on the amount of RAM (unified memory):
- 16 GB: For regular users, students or professionals with standard needs, 16 GB of RAM is more than sufficient. This configuration ensures smooth web browsing, content streaming, use of office applications, and multitasking without slowdown.
- 24 GB: For those who need extra capacity for multitasking or light creative projects, 24GB of RAM may be a good choice. This level of memory is suitable for users who use slightly heavier applications, such as video editing, gaming, graphic design or coding, without going into the most intensive tasks. Even more power at a still “affordable” price.
- 32 GB or 36 GB (and 48 GB): Professionals working on demanding creative projects, like 4K editing, advanced software development, or complex music production should consider 32 or 36 GB of RAM. These configurations are ideal for those who regularly use memory-intensive applications, like Xcode, Adobe Creative Cloud, or virtual machines. They ensure smooth performance and avoid slowdowns due to disk swapping, even with heavy workloads.
- 64 GB: For creative professionals, opting for 64GB of RAM is crucial when it comes to handling high-definition media and performing complex multitasking. This capability is especially useful for those working on large 3D modeling projects, editing 8K video, or managing complex simulations and data analysis.
- 96 GB or 128 GB: For professionals working in specialized fields like film editing, data science, or engineering, opting for 96 or 128 GB of RAM is a wise choice. This memory layout is ideal for managing large projects that require maintaining large amounts of data in active memory. This is particularly beneficial for those who create high-definition visual effects for cinema, develop simulation software, or perform complex scientific calculations.
- 192 GB (Mac Pro only): For those who work in large businesses and deal with memory-intensive applications, opting for 192 GB of RAM is a necessity. This includes researchers and professionals who handle critical tasks requiring high processing capacity, such as large-scale data analysis, machine learning, and artificial intelligence development.
Our favorite Macs
There you go, you know everything. All you have to do is make the right choice before taking the tickets out of your wallet. Our current favorites are the MacBook Air M3 for its unbeatable quality/price ratio in a laptop, the MacBook Pro M4 for its cutting-edge capabilities like 120 Hz and its 24 hours of battery, as well as the Mac mini M4 for its price/performance ratio. unrivaled size/power (which starts at €699 on Amazon For example). And you, what is your favorite Mac?
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