Hey Apple, your MacBook memory debate just got blown out of the water | ENBLE
Revealing the Truth Apple's MacBook Memory Flaw Exposed | ENBLE
Image: Luke Larsen / ENBLE
Apple has been boasting about its unified memory for years, but the recent release of the M3 Pro MacBook Pro has raised some eyebrows. In response to an inquiry, an Apple representative claimed that 8GB of RAM on a MacBook is equivalent to 16GB on a comparable system. But is this claim too good to be true? Well, according to a video by Max Tech, it seems that Apple’s assertion might not hold up in practice.
In the video, Max Tech tests the performance of an 8GB and 16GB configuration of the M3 Pro MacBook Pro. This is the first time these models have been directly compared, and the results seem to defy Apple’s bold claims.
The video demonstrates that running Google Chrome alone can easily exhaust the 8GB of memory, leading to significant performance implications in other applications. For instance, with 20 Chrome tabs open, Lightroom Classic becomes a sluggish mess, taking 79% longer to complete a media export with only 8GB of RAM. A task that would normally take just a minute and 6 seconds now takes a staggering five minutes and 16 seconds.
While not entirely surprising, this behavior is consistent with previous Mac models. When memory is fully utilized, Macs rely heavily on SSD swap, resulting in a dramatic drop in performance. Max Tech includes more convincing tests in the video, so be sure to check it out.
Image: Max Tech
For users casually browsing on their entry-level MacBook Air models, 8GB will likely suffice. However, the situation described above is all too common for creative professionals who heavily rely on their laptops. It’s problematic to think that someone could spend a considerable amount of money on a system with a measly 8GB of RAM. Therefore, if you’re considering buying a MacBook Pro, it’s strongly recommended to start with at least 16GB of memory, which comes with an additional cost of $200. Keep in mind that the M3 Max version of the MacBook Pro already comes with a minimum of 36GB of RAM, and can be configured up to a whopping 128GB.
Don’t get us wrong, Apple’s unified memory subsystem is impressive. The ability to seamlessly share memory between the CPU and GPU does make it more efficient than most competitors. However, it doesn’t change the fact that these high-end MacBook Pros should not be sold with a paltry 8GB of RAM. It’s simply not the kind of experience that power-hungry users are going to be thrilled with.
So, if you’re in the market for a MacBook Pro, don’t compromise on the memory front. Upgrade to at least 16GB or go all out with the M3 Max and its jaw-dropping 128GB. Your work and sanity will thank you.
Did you find this article informative and entertaining? Do you think Apple’s claim about 8GB being equivalent to 16GB holds water? Share your thoughts in the comments below! And if you enjoyed this piece, be sure to check out more of our fascinating tech explorations on our website and YouTube channel. Stay tuned for more captivating tech insights!
