Retina MacBook Pro 16GB or 8GB RAM

Is 8 GB enough or I need 16 GB For:
Parallels Desktop 8 (Win 8) - gaming and C/C++/Java programming
Final Cut Pro X - full HD video editing 60FPS
Minecraft Server for 80-250 slots
PhotoShop CS6 easy editing and logo design
Music to the max!
Movie downloading
xcode programming for iOS
unity 3d 4.0 Free + iOS license game making
iBooks Author rare use (this one is for fun)
Safari browsing about 5-7 tabs full time (Twitter, YouTube, MacRumors, 9Gag, Dnevnik.hr, p****e b*y)
Skype always on
4 screens
15 MP photo editing (iPhoto)
Garage Band sounds for my games
Google Sketchup 3D map design for unity 3d
iWork normal use
I'm taking: 15" rMBP 2,6GHz 500GB memory an hopefully 16GB ram

People seem to forget about memory swapping. I was in a similar dilemma..not knowing if I should get 16 GB ram or 8 GB would be sufficient.. for me, it wasn't simply a question of spending additional 200 bucks.. I had a great deal on a 512 GB 2.6 Ghz quad core i7 with 8 GB of RAM..along with apple care.. for 2200.. If I was to go for a 16 GB.. then it would have cost me a lot more than the 2200 that I had spent.. So i decided to test how much the 8 GB can handle.. and this is what I did.
Used parallels desktop 7.x
Ran Autocad 2010 thru parallels.
Had chrome open on both mac os x and windows 7 . the windows one is obviously open thru parallels.
Had 8 - 10 Tabs open on each of the chrome.. (9 on mac side and about 8 or 10 on windows side)...
Had iphoto on the mac end fired up that connects to an iphoto library stored on my NAS.. the library itself is about 40 Gigs...
I was pushing more than 8 gig of RAM usage.. BUT.. mac os x alloted quite a big chunk to swap memory (or virtual memory).. and ALWAYS seem to leave me at least 100 MB or free RAM..
NOt even a single time was there any lag or any issues at all.. Iphoto was running 1080p videos.. I was browsing thru all the 20 tabs that were open left and right.. and in between I was hopping over to autocad thru the parallel and doing some work on it...
I swear my goal was to somehow bring the system to lag or slow down... and I was extremely surprised to see that even with just 8 GB or RAM.. I WAS SIMPLY UNABLE TO DO IT. ... Virtual memory size kept increasing.. and there were several page ins and page outs...
The main distinction here is the fact that because of Flash Memory... page ins and page outs and pretty much as rapid and speedy as RAM itself... there is no mechanical drive here.. so no spinning drives.... writing in and out is practically instantaneous.
Anyone who has 8 GB RAM, I would encourage you try to get your system to slow down and report back if you are successful.
I simply couldn't.... and I know for a fact that I will never have 20 chrome tabs open while I have iphoto running while I have autocad etc..
I am in simply in awe with this machine.. that's all I can say.

Similar Messages

I'm a normal user, using cad programme, not using my laptop for games, my question is: do I need to get 16 gb ram in my retina macbook pro or 8 gb ram is pretty enough?

I'm a normal user, using cad programme, not using my laptop for games, my question is: do I need to get 16 gb ram in my retina macbook pro or 8 gb ram is pretty enough?
Thanks for support.

8 GB may be sufficient for CAD but 16 would be a much better idea.
All the Macs I have ever owned were eventually upgraded to the maximum amount of memory they could use. Considering that as of now, the RAM you specify is all the RAM you will ever have, get as much as you can. That is the only way to maximize its economic life.
If Apple offered a 32 GB version I'd get it.

Upgraded 2012 MACBOOK PRO 2.6Ghz 8GB RAM 750 GB an alternate for RETINA MBP 15 or NOT?How good is its potential, reliability ?

I am a student and an aspiring filmmaker.I am also into digital cinematography (Canon 550D) and now will be venturing into editing. I am in DIRE NEED of help
I have a few problems regarding the purchase of Macbook pro.I live in Kolkata(India).I have been waiting for the past 1 and a half years to buy a Mac but after the release of Retina Macbook pro 15.I am left confused. Its near unupgradability and unreparibility rumors, delayed delivery, and 1st generation hardware issues especially the lack of Optical drive made me reconsider my decision of buying one.
I want to know whether I can go for the top model of Non Retina - 2.6Ghz 8GB RAM 750 GB 1 GB Nvidea as an alternate choice for Retina MBP pro or NOT ?
1.I wanted to buy the Retina Base model. Though it is very recently launched and there is a big risk buying it because they say it is unrepairable and unfixable as 'everything is glued into the motherboard' dialogue scares me. Something goes wrong after purchase and they send it back to US, is what the Apple officials said. Moreover they don’t keep one on a demo at Apple stores in kolkata. I have searched almost everywhere and have been to many resellers in my city but no use.
NOW,I am very sceptical about custom ordering a Macbook 15 non retina with High-Res 1680X1050p from US.I don’t know how much custom duty or expenses I have to pay and is it safe or not. Time is also a factor. Sadly, I have to buy one in Kolkata (my city) it seems.
2. I am opting for Macbook Pro 15,2.6 Ghz,8GB RAM. Buying it for the sole purpose of editing(audio, video, photos).I need something which is fast along with a good screen size. My original decision was to buy the 17inch but after the launch of Retina and the upgraded 15 inch, I am only looking forward to the upgraded models. Many say 13 inch is fast, but it features a dual core with a maximum of 2.9Ghz clockspeed. I on the other hand want a quad core i7 with good upgradability options and a good screen size. The 13 inch may be a favorite for many, but I want nothing less than a 15 inch. One good option I get with non Retina 15 is its upgradability, while many say Retina MBP 15 can be made upgradable in future but that time is yet to come and by the time the whole web becomes ‘retina friendly’ and all applications supporting its 2880X1800 resolution, I may end up waiting only. Yes the picture quality remains unbeatable when compared to Retina Pro and it will always be. Though friends, I am a student, I want something which is fast, can run almost anything and future dependable. Retina Mac book Pro in India is 2799 USD - Base model. I cannot pay that amount just for the screen. As far as speed is concerned, I plan to get an OWC SSD and a 16 GB OWC RAM in the future resulting in greater speed when comparing the configuration with Retina 15.That problem is solved.
My problem here is this: The web is filled with reviews and videos of Retina Macbook Pro and the upgraded Macbook Pro 15 is just no where, if you even find a few videos, they only feature unboxing videos of Macbook pro 15 (i7-2.3Ghz-4GB-500GB-500MB Nvidea).Other videos compare the 2.3ghz model with Retina 15 pro. They are not elaborate like the 15 Retina Pro reviews.
1. I want to know about the real performance, potential, pros, cons of Macbook Pro 15 (i7 2.6Ghz 8GB RAM 750 GB 1GB Nvidea graphics).
So my question to you is what is your opinion on the 15 inch non retina ? HOW FAST do you think is the new upgraded 15inch non retina i7-2.6Ghz-8GB-750GB model really is ?I have read on many mac forums and seen on a particular youtube video that 15inch 2.3Ghz model takes an alarming 40 seconds to start because of traditional hard drive ! A normal DELL Inspiron starts at 15 secs max with i3+4 GB RAM and this particularly confuses me about the whole quad core processing and stuff and speed when running applications like C6,FCP,Lightroom etc is to be determined in regard to the model I want to buy.
2. Is it necessary to buy APPLE CARE WARRANTY when buying a laptop from Apple.What are the benefits and how is it different form the normal customer care ?
3. Please enlighten me on some nice headphones from Sennheizer under 90 USD.I am considering Sennheiser HD 439.I am not a bass freak and I want something to use for listening to voice, loud clear. In short, a headphone for all purpose. I heard the HD 449 is not that good compared to HD 439.They say it is Jazz oriented. Another confusion !
Finally, If you know anyone who knows about this configuration (15inch 2.6 8GB RAM 750GB) and its performance than please help me out my friends. Any small detail, input, you feel like please let me know. Please help me be sure and satisfied am buying my Macbook Pro very soon and I am awaiting your response.

Well, are you talking about a 750 Hard Drive or SSD? If SSD (quite expensive) it will certainly be as fast. One option is to get the smallest HD they have and with the Non Retina you can upgrade the HD to an SSD later or now but save a little money. Check with iFixit or OWC for instructions. HD's do take longer to start up and load, but once open, the processor and video work just the same as on the Retina model. The SSD speed is nice, but really not critical. So you have to wait a minute for your computer to boot up. The other big question is you need to find out if the non-retina model will take 16GB of ram. According to OWC's site, it will, 16GB for 150USD. Once you get programs open and resident in ram, everything will fly.

MACBOOK PRO 2.6Ghz 8GB RAM 750 GB(Upgraded MBP 2012) an alternate for RETINA MBP 15 or NOT?How good is its potential, reliability ?

I am a student and an aspiring filmmaker.I am also into digital cinematography (Canon 550D) and now will be venturing into editing. I am in DIRE NEED of help
I have a few problems regarding the purchase of Macbook pro.I live in Kolkata(India).I have been waiting for the past 1 and a half years to buy a Mac but after the release of Retina Macbook pro 15.I am left confused. Its near unupgradability and unreparibility rumors, delayed delivery, and 1st generation hardware issues especially the lack of Optical drive made me reconsider my decision of buying one.
I want to know whether I can go for the top model of Non Retina - 2.6Ghz 8GB RAM 750 GB 1 GB Nvidea as an alternate choice for Retina MBP pro or NOT ?
I wanted to buy the Retina Base model. Though it is very recently launched and there is a big risk buying it because they say it is unrepairable and unfixable as 'everything is glued into the motherboard' dialogue scares me. Something goes wrong after purchase and they send it back to US, is what the Apple officials said. Moreover they don’t keep one on a demo at Apple stores in kolkata. I have searched almost everywhere and have been to many resellers in my city but no use.
NOW,I am very sceptical about custom ordering a Macbook 15 non retina with High-Res 1680X1050p from US.I don’t know how much custom duty or expenses I have to pay and is it safe or not. Time is also a factor. Sadly, I have to buy one in Kolkata (my city) it seems.
I am opting for Macbook Pro 15,2.6 Ghz,8GB RAM. Buying it for the sole purpose of editing(audio, video, photos).I need something which is fast along with a good screen size. My original decision was to buy the 17inch but after the launch of Retina and the upgraded 15 inch, I am only looking forward to the upgraded models. Many say 13 inch is fast, but it features a dual core with a maximum of 2.9Ghz clockspeed. I on the other hand want a quad core i7 with good upgradability options and a good screen size. The 13 inch may be a favorite for many, but I want nothing less than a 15 inch. One good option I get with non Retina 15 is its upgradability, while many say Retina MBP 15 can be made upgradable in future but that time is yet to come and by the time the whole web becomes ‘retina friendly’ and all applications supporting its 2880X1800 resolution, I may end up waiting only. Yes the picture quality remains unbeatable when compared to Retina Pro and it will always be. Though friends, I am a student, I want something which is fast, can run almost anything and future dependable. Retina Mac book Pro in India is 2799 USD - Base model. I cannot pay that amount just for the screen. As far as speed is concerned, I plan to get an OWC SSD and a 16 GB OWC RAM in the future resulting in greater speed when comparing the configuration with Retina 15.That problem is solved.
My problem here is this: The web is filled with reviews and videos of Retina Macbook Pro and the upgraded Macbook Pro 15 is just no where, if you even find a few videos, they only feature unboxing videos of Macbook pro 15 (i7-2.3Ghz-4GB-500GB-500MB Nvidea).Other videos compare the 2.3ghz model with Retina 15 pro. They are not elaborate like the 15 Retina Pro reviews.
I want to know about the real performance, potential, pros, cons of Macbook Pro 15 (i7 2.6Ghz 8GB RAM 750 GB 1GB Nvidea graphics).
So my question to you is what is your opinion on the 15 inch non retina ? HOW FAST do you think is the new upgraded 15inch non retina i7-2.6Ghz-8GB-750GB model really is ?I have read on many mac forums and seen on a particular youtube video that 15inch 2.3Ghz model takes an alarming 40 seconds to start because of traditional hard drive ! A normal DELL Inspiron starts at 15 secs max with i3+4 GB RAM and this particularly confuses me about the whole quad core processing and stuff and speed when running applications like C6,FCP,Lightroom etc is to be determined in regard to the model I want to buy.
A. Is it necessary to buy APPLE CARE WARRANTY when buying a laptop from Apple. What are the benefits and how is it different form the normal customer care ?
B. Please enlighten me on some nice headphones from Sennheizer under 90 USD.I am considering Sennheiser HD 439.I am not a bass freak and I want something to use for listening to voice, loud clear. In short, a headphone for all purpose. I heard the HD 449 is not that good compared to HD 439.They say it is Jazz oriented. Another confusion !
Finally, If you know anyone who knows about this configuration (15inch 2.6 8GB RAM 750GB) and its performance than please help me out my friends. Any small detail, input, you feel like please let me know. Please help me be sure and satisfied am buying my Macbook Pro very soon and I am awaiting your response.

Well, are you talking about a 750 Hard Drive or SSD? If SSD (quite expensive) it will certainly be as fast. One option is to get the smallest HD they have and with the Non Retina you can upgrade the HD to an SSD later or now but save a little money. Check with iFixit or OWC for instructions. HD's do take longer to start up and load, but once open, the processor and video work just the same as on the Retina model. The SSD speed is nice, but really not critical. So you have to wait a minute for your computer to boot up. The other big question is you need to find out if the non-retina model will take 16GB of ram. According to OWC's site, it will, 16GB for 150USD. Once you get programs open and resident in ram, everything will fly.

Who makes the SSD in the 2012 MacBook Pro 13" i7 8GB Ram model?

Looking to make the plunge from PC to Mac finally but finding difficulty in seeking answers to my question. Considering a MackBook Pro 13" i7 2.9 GHz 8Gb Ram, thinking about whether or not to upgrade to a 256 SSD. I posed a question earlier to an Apple tech who couldn't or refused to enlighten me on what the brand name of the SSD was. In earlier forums I had noticed they used toshiba (TS) or samsung (sm) I'm just trying to figure out what I'm spending $300 +/- on. I have also watched some videos from Mac users and from Samsung on how to install an SSD so I'm just trying to figure out if it is wise to upgrade from apple or do it my self. The SSD I was considering was the Samsung 256 830 series. Any insight this Army Veteran would be very appreciative.

yes, it's much better to do the upgrade yourself - buying the Samsung SSD is a good choice for your Macbook.
it's quite easy to clone your drive - i'll include a link on the step by steps at the bottom and you can use it for reference if you wish to do so.
with regards to Trim, you can download and install Trim Enabler - here's the link for it.
http://www.macupdate.com/app/mac/37852/trim-enabler
the advantage of enabling trim is for performance on the write speed. you can either enable it if you wish to do so or leave it off. see what works best for you.
here are the steps for cloning your hard drive to your new ssd.
https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-4122
should you need more info - feel free to post back.
good luck

MacBook PRO 2.6Ghz 8GB RAM (2012) -i ned more RAM, is it possible?

Hello, how can help me.
i´m a designer and i ned more as 8GB RAM. Maybe 16GB.
Is it possible?

Assuming it isn't a Retina model, yes.
Maximum Memory
16 GB (Actual) 8 GB (Apple)
Memory Slots
2 - 204-pin PC3-12800 (1600 MHz) DDR3 SO-DIMM

MacBook Pro 4,1 8GB Ram Snow Leopard

Hello, i have a 15" 2.5GHz MacBook Pro Penryn Early 2008.
It has snow leopard 10.6.6 64-bit installed on it. Currently i am running it with 3GB DDR2 667mhz ram.
I am curious, can i upgrade it to 8GB of DDR2 800MHz ram? Will it be accessible/useable? Wikipedia says i can only upgrade to 6GB, but i think thats due to 10.5, 10.6 being x64 i would assume it should be able to address 8GB of memory. Thanks!

Hmm, well even if i go with 6GB ram, i would still rather go with 800MHz being that the systembus is 800MHz. i have 4GB 800Mhz in my White MacBook tied with a hybrid solid state hard drive. thing is fast as ****. kinda upsetting that my macbook is faster than my pro.
i can deal with 6GB, i mean 8 is kinda overkill but if i was able to do it, why the **** not lol.
i have 3GB 667mhz and a 5200rpm hard drive in my pro, i can definitely see it choking some times, the ram wont make much of a difference but i know for a fact the hard drive will.

Energy usage (watt) of MacBook Pro 2010 with 8GB Ram and i7

I think of buying a MacBook Pro with 8GB, i7
(and SSD, but that's not important because it consumes less than HDD)
What is the energy consumption (in Watt) in idle state with display on under
1) OSX
2) Win7 (I need this for my job)

Well, I need a computer professionally. At least now.
But I want to keep my environments impact at a minimum.
So I need precise data to evaluate what I do:
money is one thing, because it's usually very finite,
but even more important is recyclability, energy, ...:
10 Watts difference (e.g. for 8GB instead of 4GB?)
will yield, over mac lifetime of say 10 years (the laptop
im am currently typing on is 8+ years old, but is slowly
going towards being obsolete, even with ISA SSD upgrade):
10 h/d * 365 d/y * 10 W * 10 y = 365000 Wh = 365kWh.
I try to save energy, so this is approx my direct energy usage
of 1 year (I have no car, do not fly, have no refrigerator,
do not heat my appartement above 10 deg Celcius, ...
but strangely I have a computer and I am a programmer ...).
For me, it's important. It is relevant for my decisions:
5 Watts? I will be tempted by 8GB. 10 Watts? I don't know.
(I do setup work, so I use VMs a lot, so I need quite some
memory for that ...).

10.6.3 MacBook Pro 15" i7 8GB RAM High CPU - mds/mdworker

I've had my new 15" i7 MBP since this past Friday and it has been great. I've only had relatively minor issues. So the CPU has been running hotter only when the mds/mdworker CPU process decides to spike all over the place for no reason. I tried the following:
- Reset PRAM
- Disabled Spotlight index
- Reindexed drive
- Force quit mdworker process in Activity Monitor
I have two external HD's attached, but this was happening at work today when I had no drives attached. When the mds/mdworker process isn't running amuck, the temps run super cool and the CPU is very efficient. Right now as I'm typing this, the CPU temp is 78 degrees Celsius (and rising), and the mdworker is spiking up to as much as 176% CPU usage, back down, and then back up again.
I know this is a known issue. I've scoured the internet and I cannot ascertain a reasonable fix for this outside of disabling the Spotlight index. I don't like that option because I use Spotlight for certain applications (app launcher).
Is there anything I can do to somehow isolate the culprit and fix the issue?

Some further information:
I just checked the Console and it appears that the Dashboard Widget iStat Pro was making a ton of calls. I have no idea if this has anything to do with it (don't imagine it does) so I just uninstalled it and then installed the iStat Nano widget. My CPU temp is down to 56 degrees Celsius and mdworker isn't spiking. This could just be coincidental though. Not sure.

Why does my brand new 15" Retina Macbook Pro have such a sluggish interface?

I just recieved my 15" Retina Macbook Pro 2.4Ghz 8GB RAM GT 650m 1024mb, and it is extremely sluggish when resizing windows, or even launching apps. Its bad enough that it will take 2 seconds some times to see the window move a little bit after attempting to resize it. I haven't installed anything on it so far, I've done all the automatic updates, including the SMC fix for retina displays, ran the Apple hardware scan, and nothing has given me any hints on what gives. I've read other reviews that people have had issues with the retina models being slow when it comes to the interface, and I'm tempted to send my retina model back, in place of the regular Macbook Pro. Any suggestions, or is my plan to replace it my only option if I want a well performing machine?

You have 14 days to return the computer w/no questions asked. Plus you have 90 days of FREE phone tech support on top of your standard 1 year warranty unless you also purchased AppleCare which gives you an additional 2 years of coverage plus FREE phone support.
Strongly suggest that you take FULL advantage of the above before it runs out. Let Apple deal w/the problems.

Macbook pro mid2010 8 gb ram-no maverick upload

macbook pro min 2010, 8GB ram will not download Maverick

DHarpmt,
how much free space is on your internal disk?
Exactly what happens when you try to download Mavericks?

15' Retina MacBook Pro: 8GB or 16GB RAM?

I am looking into buying a 15' Retina MacBook Pro. I am wondering whether or not I should get 16GB of RAM. I would like this computer to last for 4 years. I will do occassional video editing using iMovie, and I will be using iPhoto. Also, I would install Windows 7 using Boot Camp for gaming purposes. I would not use a VM to run windows. Also, for processor upgrades, is the 2.8Ghz worth the $ from the 2.7Ghz? Thanks!

Welcome to Apple Support Communities
For your uses, you can save the money for the 16 GB of RAM and the better processor. The MacBook Pro with Retina display and its default configuration is enough for your uses, as iPhoto and iMovie don't require the same as Aperture and Final Cut Pro. You will be fine with 8 GB of RAM.
Also, Windows 7 will run without any problem with 8 GB of RAM. Just make sure you install a 64-bit Windows version in order to take advantage of the 8 GB of memory. Also, note that the MacBook Pro is not a computer designed to play games as it overheats quickly, so be careful with this, although games will run

Can you install 16gbs of ram in a 2012/2013 non retina macbook pro?

the newest non retina macbook pro on the apple website. the reason im asking is that apple only offers 4gbs and 8gbs. does apple not sell 16gbs of ram on the macbook because of price or does the computer not support it? im getting the 2.9GHz dual-core intel core i7 btw thanks for the help.

According to this usually-reliable source, two @ 8GB will work:
http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/macbook_pro/specs/macbook-pro-core-i7-2.9- 13-mid-2012-unibody-usb3-specs.html

I'm considering getting a retina MacBook Pro, should I upgrade the RAM or the Storage?

I don't want to go over $1,800, so I can only upgrade to 16GB RAM with a 256GB SSD, or 8GB RAM with a 512GB SSD. I will be running a lot of VM's, so I was originally going to go for the first option, with 16GB RAM, but I heard that if you use more than 80% of an SSD's capacity, it degrades more quickly due to the way the wear leveling algorithms work. I'm intending to get at least 4 years of use out of this machine. In summary, which option should I go with? Thanks in advance!

H.S.G.,
go with the RAM. A Retina MacBook Pro’s SSD can (in theory) be replaced if necessary; its soldered-in RAM can’t.

16GB Retina MacBook Pro in-Store?

Does anyone know if apple retail stores carry the base model retina MacBook pro with ram upgraded to 16GB? Thanks

Chances are: No.
As stated in the Apple Good to Know Guide [http://store.apple.com/us/browse/guide/cto]: Because everyone’s needs are different, the Apple Online Store lets you build the Mac you want with the options you want.
There's nothing that says that an Apple Retailer couldn't buy some off of the Apple Store and resell them [unethical, but it's very possible]. I would check with your local Apple Retailer to see if they carry them. Chances are that they will tell you that 16GB of RAM in a rMBP is only available through the Apple Online Store.
Never hurts to check, good luck though!

Retina MacBook Pro 16GB or 8GB RAM

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