MacBook RAM Limits

Users debate the sufficiency of 8GB and 16GB RAM in recent MacBook Air and Pro models, expressing frustration over maximum limits compared to older machines and competitors like ThinkPads, while some find current amounts adequate for their workloads.

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Keywords

RAM SSD ARM M1 HDD ThinkPad PC P50 GB MB ram 16gb macbook 8gb 32gb macbook pro mbp m1 ssd air

Sample Comments

sanswork Nov 1, 2016 View on HN

Unless you don't need more than 16GB for the near term future. My MBP has 16gb and never seems to be near an issue for me even running kube-solo, a few vboxes, and light PS work. I would have liked the option to get 32 just to future proof since I tend to keep my mac laptops for 4-5 years but I'm willing it trade that off for the better screen, trackpad and software.

mrtron Jul 5, 2009 View on HN

Your MacBook (Pro)? should have 4GB+ of RAM considering the marginal difference in price.

mciancia Apr 3, 2018 View on HN

It will suck if we still won't see macbook pro with more than 16GB of ram because of that

auslegung Nov 26, 2020 View on HN

You should look at the reviews of the M1 MacBook Pros. The 16GB RAM limit doesn't seem to be limiting their performance.

mrigor Nov 1, 2016 View on HN

The new Macbook Pro supports max of 16GB RAM while Thinkpads support 32GB. This makes it hard to justify getting a Mac.

athms Nov 10, 2020 View on HN

I have a late-2013 13" MBP with 16GB of memory. Seven years later I would expect a 13" MBP to support at least 32GB. I can get 13" Windows laptops that support 32GB of memory. The Mini is a regression, from 64GB to 16GB of memory. The only computer worth a damn is the new MBA.

ayb Nov 4, 2011 View on HN

The memory is what's holding me back from going with the Air.The new Macbook Pro can actually take up to 16 GB RAM (though it's not a cheap upgrade). I've personally found that memory is the single best performance enhancer for the Mac - I've got a 4 GB Macbook with SSD now, but I'd love to have 16 GB RAM in a new Macbook Pro.

nindalf May 9, 2021 View on HN

Interestingly, the latest Macbook Air has only 8GB of RAM. I've used it about 3 months now and haven't felt any issue with perf. I don't think my experience would have been any different with extra RAM.

danielmain Mar 23, 2017 View on HN

Please with more than 16gb ram!My Macbook PRO 2012 had 16gb

radicaldreamer Feb 8, 2022 View on HN

A MacBook Air with 32GB RAM would be a dream