Debunking Apple’s 8GB RAM Claim: How Much RAM Do You Really Need?

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Apple’s recent statement, suggesting that the new M3 chip with 8GB of RAM in a MacBook Pro is equivalent to 16GB of RAM on a PC, has caused a stir in the tech community. This claim, made by Apple’s VP of worldwide product marketing, Bob Borchers, implies a significant improvement in technology efficiency. However, the truth behind this assertion is more complex and warrants a closer examination. Shall we proceed?

Apple’s Efficiency Argument

In Bob Borcher’s discussion with Youtuber Lin Yi, he emphasized Apple’s proficiency in optimizing performance. He highlighted that the base M3 MacBook Pro, priced at $1,599, is engineered with 8GB of unified memory, a configuration that Apple believes rivals PCs with higher RAM capacities. This perspective presents an intriguing contrast to the PC market, where devices typically offer 16GB of system RAM at a more economical price point. Apple’s approach with unified memory, though innovative, raises questions about its efficiency compared to traditional RAM setups, especially given the shared memory resource for both CPU and GPU in Apple’s architecture.

“Comparing our memory to other system’s memory actually isn’t equivalent, because of the fact that we have such an efficient use of memory, and we use memory compression, and we have a unified memory architecture. Actually, 8GB on an M3 MacBook Pro is probably analogous to 16GB on other systems. We just happen to be able to use it much more efficiently.”

The basis of Apple’s claim lies in the efficiency of its M3 chip’s architecture. Unlike traditional PC setups where CPU, GPU, and RAM are distinct entities, Apple’s M3 chip integrates these components into a unified system-on-a-chip (SoC) design. This integration, Apple argues, allows for faster data processing and reduced latency, making the 8GB of RAM more efficient than in standard PCs.

To support this claim, Apple cites its own internal testing, which reportedly shows that the 8GB M3 MacBook Pro can perform similarly to the 16GB MacBook Pro in certain tasks, such as web browsing and productivity applications. However, these tests are specific to Apple’s software and may not reflect real-world performance across a wider range of applications.

Benchmarking the Claim

If you are familiar with computer hardware, you already know that RAM is a critical upgrade for your machine and can significantly impact its longevity. Despite what Apple may claim, having 8GB of RAM is simply not the same as having 16GB.

The numbers don’t lie, a study by Tom’s Hardware further highlights this performance difference. In their tests, the 8GB MacBook Pro struggled to maintain smooth performance in RAM-intensive applications like Adobe Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve, often experiencing slowdown and lag. The 16GB model, on the other hand, handled these tasks more effectively, demonstrating the advantage of having more RAM.

14-inch MacBook Pro Cinebench 2024 Multi-Core Speedometer Lightroom Classic Lightroom Classic with 5 Tabs* Lightroom Classic with 20 Tabs* Final Cut Pro (4K ProRes RAW to ProRES)* Final Cut Pro (4K MC in 8K to ProRES)* Photoshop (Photomerge 50MP x10)
M3 + 16GB 710 589 N/A 1:06 1:06 1:25 5:01 1:20
M3 + 8GB 640 496 1:47 2:00 5:16 1:30 20:18 1:53

I have a unique situation because I run a Hackintosh with both MacOS and Windows. This allows me to see how much RAM is used by each program using the same hardware. Let me tell you, the usage is very similar. Sometimes Windows uses a little more, and other times it’s MacOS. For instance when it comes to browsers, as you can see in this comparison, MacOS doesn’t fair very well.

This is especially important when it comes to third-party applications. For example, if an After Effects project is 5GB or larger, it needs to be loaded into RAM for optimal performance. If you don’t have enough physical RAM, you won’t be able to open the project.

As an avid tech enthusiast, I couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow when I heard Apple’s claim that 8GB of RAM on their new M3 MacBook Pro is equivalent to 16GB of RAM on a PC. This claim had me chuckling – isn’t RAM just RAM? It’s not like you can wave a wand and double it… or can you? I pictured asking an Apple engineer, expecting a technical spiel, only to hear them whisper the magical incantation: “Memory Swaping”.

If you didn’t already know, Memory Swapping on Apple Silicon allows Macs to utilize SSD space as additional RAM when the physical RAM is full. Although the SSDs in Apple Silicon Macs are fast, they are still slower than RAM, operating at a speed of only 6GB/s compared to 200GB/s for the M2 Pro, which is a factor of 33X. This makes Memory Swap a less optimal solution for performance when compared to simply increasing the RAM capacity directly.

I’ve personally experienced the pitfalls of relying on Memory Swapping on my M1 Macboor Air with 8GB of RAM . It’s not pretty. The performance slowdowns can be agonizing, and the constant data transfer to the SSD can lead to premature wear and tear. Trust me, you don’t want to see one of these MacOS pop up warnings while working on bigger projects.

Taking a trip down memory lane to the debut of the M1 chip, it’s hard to forget how memory leaks turned into a bit of a headache for quite a few Apple users. Fast forward to today, and it looks like macOS might still be in a bit of a tangle with managing its unified memory system effectively. Picture this: the system holds on to old RAM like a kid clinging to a favorite toy, making it tricky to make room for new stuff – the classic memory leak situation. This hiccup can lead to a slow but sure dip in how smoothly your Mac runs, sometimes leaving you no choice but to shut down apps or give your Mac a quick reboot for a fresh start.

I understand that Apple is trying to make its products more accessible to a wider audience, but I don’t think this is the way to do it. Sacrificing performance and SSD lifespan for the sake of a marketing claim is a disservice to their customers.

Understanding the Motivation Behind the Claim

Apple’s statement could be seen as a strategic move to position its products favorably in the market. By asserting that 8GB of RAM on its new chip is equivalent to 16GB on a PC, Apple could be attempting to justify the premium pricing of its products or downplay the limitations of the lower RAM configuration.

It’s rather astonishing that in 2023, we have expensive premium laptops with a mere 8GB of RAM. The new 14” MacBook Pro M3 offers two options: one with 8GB RAM priced at $1,599, and another with 16GB RAM priced at $1,799. This $200 price difference is a clear indication that Apple is eager to capitalize on the limitations of the 8GB model. Given that most people are aware of the inadequacy of 8GB RAM in today’s demanding computing environment, it’s likely that many will opt for the upgrade.

Moreover, Apple has a history of making bold claims about its products which has drawn criticism in the past. For instance, the company’s assertion that its butterfly keyboards were superior to traditional scissor-switch designs proved to be problematic, as these keyboards were plagued with durability issues and required frequent repairs or replacements.

To be fair, this approach is not uncommon in the tech industry. Companies often emphasize the efficiency of their products to mitigate potential drawbacks. However, in this case, the performance disparity between the 8GB and 16GB MacBook Pros is substantial enough to question the validity of Apple’s claim.

Real-World Implications for Users

When you’re thinking about buying a new MacBook Pro, it’s important to think about what you’ll be using it for. Apple says that the 8GB model should be enough for everyday tasks like browsing the web, writing documents, and doing some light video editing. But if you plan to use your MacBook Pro for more demanding tasks, like video editing, programming, or 3D modeling, then you might want to consider the 16GB model or higher.

I’ve used both an 8GB Macbook Air M1 and a 16GB MacBook Pro M1 Pro side by side as you can see in my previous Youtube Video, and I can tell you that the 16GB model is a lot faster, especially when you’re doing things that take up a lot of power like Logic Pro or Final Cut Pro. With the 8GB model, I would often get annoying pop-ups telling me that my Mac was running out of memory and had to use the Swap function. This means your computer has to slow down to make room for all the programs and files you’re using. It’s like trying to run a race with a backpack full of bricks.

When you’re thinking about how much RAM to get, it’s also important to think about the future. Programs are constantly getting bigger and more demanding, so having more RAM will help your MacBook Pro last longer and be able to run newer programs smoothly. And since Macs aren’t as easy to upgrade as they used to be, getting the most RAM you can afford now will save you the hassle and expense of upgrading later.

For instance, consider the evolution of video editing software. In the past, 8GB of RAM was considered sufficient for basic video editing tasks. However, as software has become more demanding, 16GB of RAM is now the recommended minimum for professional video editing, and 32GB or more is often recommended for high-end work.

Similarly, software development tools and other memory-intensive applications are becoming increasingly demanding. Having more RAM can ensure that your MacBook can handle these demanding tasks without slowdowns or crashes.

Conclusion

While Apple’s M3 chip is a major step forward, it’s important to keep in mind that their claim of 8GB RAM being equal to 16GB on a PC doesn’t really hold up. So before making a decision, it’s important to think about your specific needs and understand that while the M3 chip is very efficient, it may not completely make up for the performance boost of having more physical RAM in a PC. We are simply not there yet.

If you’re a casual user who only uses your computer for basic tasks, the 8GB model may be sufficient. However, if you’re a power user who needs the best possible performance for demanding tasks, the 16GB model is the better choice.

I personally use a 16″ MacBook Pro M1 Pro with 32GB of RAM and I’m thrilled with its performance. I can juggle multiple demanding tasks simultaneously without encountering any slowdowns or lag. However, if you’re on a tight budget, the 8GB model might still be a viable option for you. Just be mindful of its limitations and don’t forget to close those 50 Chrome tabs, will you?

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