Mac Mini Now Starts at $1,099 After Apple Pulls 256GB Model
The base configuration of the M4 Mac Mini now supports only 16GB of RAM and 512GB of memory.
M3 MacBook Pro Test: 8GB RAM vs 16GB RAM
While Apple has tried to defend offering its new entry M3 MacBook Pro with a paltry 8GB of RAM, a new real-world test has put this to the test compared to an upgraded version with 16GB of RAM.
Max Tech’s video shows how the 8GB and 16GB models handle multitasking in a bunch of tests.
In one notable test, the 8GB model was significantly slower when exporting 50 42-megapixel images in Lightroom Classic, while simultaneously managing multiple browser tabs. The 8GB version took over five minutes to complete the task under a load of 20 browser tabs, in stark contrast to the 16GB model, which finished in just over a minute regardless of the number of open tabs.
But when using Final Cut Pro and changing video from 4K ProRes RAW to ProRES, there was only a 5-second difference between the 8GB and 16GB RAM models, with the latter taking the crown.
These findings suggest that while the 8GB M3 MacBook Pro might suffice for users with less demanding needs, it struggles with more intensive multitasking tasks. The performance gap between the 8GB and 16GB models becomes apparent under heavier workloads. The 8GB model’s limitations in handling simultaneous applications and processes effectively make it a less ideal choice for professionals seeking to maximize productivity.
Check out the video below–it’s clear 16GB is the choice if you’re buying a new M3 MacBook Pro, but it will cost you $250 CAD extra. At this price point you’re getting close to the M3 Pro with 18GB of RAM. Apple is always forcing consumers into a decision…
Want to see more of our stories on Google?
P.S. Want to keep this site truly independent? Support us by buying us a beer, treating us to a coffee, or shopping through Amazon here. Links in this post are affiliate links, so we earn a tiny commission at no charge to you. Thanks for supporting independent Canadian media!
Other articles in the category: Mac
Gemini for Mac is Here: Use This Shortcut to Summon Google’s AI Anywhere
Google has finally released a native Gemini desktop app for Mac, bringing it up to speed with competitors like ChatGPT that have long offered a dedicated macOS experience. Last month, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman first leaked the news that a Gemini Mac app was being tested. The app is designed to integrate directly into the desktop...
Apple Drops macOS 26.4.1 Download to Fix M5 MacBook Wi-Fi Issues
After releasing iOS and iPadOS 26.4.1 yesterday, Apple has released macOS 26.4.1 on Thursday. According to the release notes, they are the same as before, noting, "This update introduces 8 new emoji, along with other features, bug fixes, and security updates for your Mac." The update is coming in at 9GB for the MacBook Air...
Apple has long lost the definition of ‘professional’ in their mac lineup and this is no different.
Making people purchase stupidly expensive ram that is not upgradable is beyond kringy on a pro lineup of machines, no less.
This article is, frankly, dishonest.
Borchers was talking about typical users who would order an 8GB machine in the first place, and this is VERY CLEAR in what he actually said.
People who casually surf the web, read Facebook, play some casual games, maybe do a FaceTime call once in a while — NORMAL people, which you’re obviously not familiar with.
The kind of person who needs to export 50 high-res Lightroom images simultaneously while also rearranging multiple browser tabs is not a typical base computer buyer, and if you don’t know that you really need to turn off your machine and get out more.
You’re grossly distorting what Borchers said. In point of fact, he’s right: a typical user almost never taxes the resources of a base-RAM machine, so 8GB is plenty for their needs (especially compared to a Windows PC, which again you ignored as context).
People like me, who use my Macs to make a living, will OF COURSE upscale from the base model with the better chip, storage and RAM options. But again, because apparently you were too busy rearranging 1,000 open browser tabs to pay attention, Borcher’s comments were clearly not about people like me, the (maybe) five percent of buyers who might actually push up against the limits of their computers’ capabilities from time to time.
We already know if we need more than a base model, but thanks for “saving” us, LOL.
PS. The “pro” MacBook Pro with the M3 Pro or MaX chips come with 18 GB of RAM standard.
Let’s see you tax THAT.
The only people staunchly defending Apple charging more for less are those who are clearly drinking apple’s marketing dribble. I’m sad that we are here today, with a device costing $1600 plus, with tax, offering what base level machines 3 years ago did at cheaper prices in terms of ram and storage and you’re actually defending this. Seriously, wtf? Get out. Future proofing is a thing – especially at this price point – where will this machine be in 2, 3 years? That web browsing and video consumption aren’t going to be the same and anyone with an ounce of common sense should know that. So I should just be okay with a machine being recycled because the ram can’t be upgraded, or the storage? Disgusting.
Lol, downvoted for speaking the truth. Gotta love Apple fanboys.
You are making good points, but this all discussion is all relative.
Everyones needs and perception will be different here. What made me
think is your comment about “future proofing”. I am personnally still
using a Macbook pro retina 15″ from 2013 with 8GB of ram and a 256 GB
SSD (yes really). And yes I do some Lightroom on it (24 Mp APCS holliday
photos) and limited Final Cut … but mostly it is browsing, NEtflix,
youtube, some Word, Excel ..; I still play Diablo 3 with it (LoL 🙂 ) and
even run a Windows virtual session from time to time … and this thing
is still ok. I remember wondering when I bough it if 8GB would be
enough, if 256 GB would sufficient, discreete GPU vs. integrated … and
here I am 10 years later, things have greatly change in 10 years on the web,
and I am still daily using this computer which never
had the slightest issue, as loyal as a good dog 🙂 . Now I am thinking
of upgrading (more because I feel like changing than for real need) I
could afford a M3 max or more , not an issue. But really, given my past
experience do you think it would really make a difference to me to have a
8GB or a 16 GB M3 ? Really ? I like Apple products true, but aside from any
fanboy thing or debate on “apple tax” (I agree Apple is overcharging for
the hdw you get) I actually think I am in this 95% bracket of people
that may use their computer extensivelly but for whom this all
discussion seem pointless and if I pay 1600 $ for a base M3 and keep it 10
years again … it would cost me 160 $ per year … which is nothing…
also I am almost certain that in 10 years it will still be Ok.
Maybe I could add, (to the horror of most) … I don t want to buy a computer, I want to buy
an appliance, like a hoven, a car or a water boiler … that s it.
The “Pro” 8GB models solely exist so that they can say “starting at $1599!” Sounds like a fair price. News, YouTubers and bloggers will parrot this talking point in all the stories. But in the real world real professionals will be paying more for at least 16GB. And a few first time buyers will be burned as collateral damage buy buying the bait-and-switch model. Same thing goes for their 256GB machines – users will quickly learn not to do that again, the hard way.
The “Pro” 8GB models solely exist so that they can say “starting at $1599!” Sounds like a fair price. News, YouTubers and bloggers will parrot this talking point in all the stories. But in the real world real professionals will be paying more for at least 16GB. And a few first time buyers will be burned as collateral damage buy buying the bait-and-switch model. Same thing goes for their 256GB machines – users will quickly learn not to do that again, the hard way.
I have 32gig on my M2 MBP, I’m often running into the mid 20’s of memory used with just a few tabs open and few programs in my menu bar. 8 gig will work if you know you’ll only have one tab open or only be running one simple program like Word etc.
The truth however is for what they cost, 8gb is terrible.