8GB or 16GB M1 Mac? | Everything you need to know! | Mark Ellis Reviews

If there's one question I've received more than any other during my M1 Mac reviews and analysis, it's this: "should I go for the 8GB or 16GB M1 Mac?". It's a question which isn't answered by Apple on their website, but it's one I can answer for you, today. So, whether you want an M1 MacBook Air, MacBook Pro or Mac mini, this is the video which will help you decide between 8GB and 16GB.
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CHAPTERS
00:00 - Intro
02:32 - The RAM debate
03:12 - The Max Tech test
04:20 - 9to5Mac Test
05:05 - My experience with 8GB
06:06 - Who needs 16GB?
08:10 - SSD drive wear
10:50 - Conclusion
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I have zero interest in deep spec dives or long-winded comparisons. I review laptops, smartphones, tablets, headphones and the latest tech based on real experience. I'll tell you how it'll make you feel, whether or not it's worth your time (and money) and help you find the tech you need to get stuff done.
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[@MarkEllisReviews]

Still receiving so many questions about this one, so thought I'd attempt to clear it up further. Oh, and if you want to know more about the suspected SSD wear, I go into it more here (including the test tool I used): markellisreviews.com/is-there-a-problem-with-the-ssds-on-m1-macs/

[@L-Douglas]

What are those white speakers you use and the speaker stands? Where can I buy them from? Thanks!

[@MarkEllisReviews]

@@L-Douglas Kantos! Check out Amazon.

[@L-Douglas]

@@MarkEllisReviews Thank you! Found them :)

[@thedeegan]

@NotCoolMan123 virtualization in macs has never been great. I imagine its even worst with m1's at the moment

[@henriquemiranda5748]

how about the display cable issue? apple made the cable longer on the new machines, do you think that did it? because even if the display cable lasts over 2 or 3 years and then break, that's still a lot of money for these MacBooks to have it break a few years later and then have to pay 600 bucks for a fix. I still also have a 2012 and the display cable has never given me issues, still going strong and looked new to my eyes when I took it apart for a cleaning, and replaced the drive with an ssd, its not my main computer but I still have it because even on Catalina, it performed better than my 2015 is simple tasks like scrolling, where my 2015 13 inch with highest specs couldn't even scroll smooth on websites like KZbin and amazon as an example, but those models didn't use a ribbon cable for the display so they just won't break, I don't think its gonna be worth my money that I spent on this 2020 M1 MacBook Pro if the display cable breaks 2 years from now, but what are your thoughts on it? because it seems like no one is talking about this issue, like do people not care its gonna cost an arm and a leg to replace the display after spending over 1000 bucks on a new machine? it blows my mind

[@thedeegan]

programmer here... 8gb is also fine for 80% of programmers... specially nowadays where you just do everything in the cloud

[@MarkEllisReviews]

That's really interesting to hear - thanks, Eric.

[@IIlIlIlIlIlIlIII]

how does it work on android studio?

[@kiranklaus]

I have just started to code in python & I want to use the MacBook Air for at least 5years.. so keeping the future in mind should I go for base model or 16gb one.

[@kasyapdharanikota8570]

For machine learning and deep learning should i go with 8gb or 16 gb ?

[@aegrial]

@@kasyapdharanikota8570 Large data sets.. id probably just opt for the 16gb

[@svenm.4802]

Just looked on the number of subscribers and needed to add one, as your quality doesn’t differ by any means from "bigger" KZbinrs. Keep it up!

[@MarkEllisReviews]

That' unbelievably kind, Sven. Thank you so much.

[@poerava]

Your voice is one of the most soothing online bud. Thank you

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Thank you!

[@jonathannelson1613]

Dude, your explanations, references, and reasonings are clear as water. This has proved to be my final stop in my decision; much appreciated.

[@MarkEllisReviews]

That's so kind - thanks, Jonathan. Glad I could help!

[@catherinenguyen7619]

was looking for this exact video, thank you!

[@nite83]

Your voice is so calming. Like I’m having a therapy. So pleasant to listen too. Content is great too. Thanks for shedding light on my dilemma with which one to get. ❤️

[@MarkEllisReviews]

No problem, and thanks!

[@TheBillaro]

Sure beats nasal warriors

[@ntemples1]

Thanks for this video!! really good to have a real world review of the 8GB, I've got my new Macbook Pro M1 8GB coming tomorrow so really looking forward to it!!

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Thank you for watching, Neil!

[@karlas.6017]

thank you! I’m about to start my masters program and I need a desktop so I was looking at the Mac mini. Finally someone who breaks it down for the average everyday user :)

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Awesome. Thanks for watching!

[@myhandle_2023]

I can listen to his voice all day and night...i’m having extreme eargasm right now while watching this. ☺️

[@neorich59]

It's not just me then? 😉😉 I think any number of people are going weak at the knees too! 💕

[@valpanig]

this guy should be in the movies

[@rickysmith1666]

As a non gay male there is something about marks voice that makes my anus muscles twitch and I even did a very slight sexwee one time. My wife is not happy

[@bhoqeem1975]

My thought exactly. Thanks for the video. Oh, and thank you for not shouting when presenting. Appreciate it.

[@MarkEllisReviews]

And I appreciate your kind words - thank you.

[@bruceacphoto5240]

Well done. Appreciate your factual, no hype delivery. ty

[@MarkEllisReviews]

I appreciate that!

[@ibrahimariff8423]

Been waiting for this. Thx mate

[@MarkEllisReviews]

😄

[@timpage9424]

The more reviews of this computer I see the more I'm cemented into my decision to get it. As someone who really just writes and does some basic photo editing I think I'll get the 8 gig MacBook Air with more memory. I've been needing a new computer for a minute and I'm thinking I might go all make the jump to Apple.

[@rumpynz5470]

Thanks, Mark EXACTLY the video I was looking for. Full of good info in plain simple terms, cheers.

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Glad it was helpful!

[@dominicm6144]

Very helpful review answering actual questions that I have. Thank you!

[@Harvester88]

I got the 8gb Mac Mini and am not experience any issues so far. I do some light resolve edits and some photo editing. Performs well so far for me.

[@Mit_yourfriend]

Thanks for this, you’ve raised some good points. I’ve had the Mac mini M1 for a few months for my business and I’ve just ordered the M1 Air with the same spec, 16gb 512 trading in my 2018 MacBook Pro. Not sure I need the 16gb but wanted to have that peace of mind just in case.

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Thanks, Mitesh - and you won't regret that purchase.

[@krosser2123]

Your mic sounds awesome! Thumbs up 👍

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Thank you!

[@arghyachakraborty]

You voice is so great! Subscribed. 😊 Looking forward to more great videos.

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Ah, thank you!

[@pandaengine]

Thanks for the video! I think I’ll give up portability for more RAM and go with a Mac Mini. I do game development and web development, I’m currently using a machine with 12 GB RAM and sometimes Unity crashes which is not pleasant. Also I have an iPad Pro for drawing and more casual tasks and is a lot more portable. And like, Mac Mini can still be considered portable, given the fact that you bring it to places where there’s already a monitor. Also, Sidecar is a possibility too 😄

[@reln72]

How many of you are coming back to this video after finding out that the base model M2 Air is just not worth it when you can get the M1 with 16gb for the same price?!

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Loads, hopefully!

[@reln72]

Except that I just ordered the midnight M2 16gb Ram. My work paid for it so I decided to go with newer model.

[@JK-jl1bf]

I found one on eBay for 1400 and I’m glad I didn’t get an M2 right now. I’m thinking a Mac Studio M2 later will be better. My feeling is go with 16 RAM over 8 because I work with photo programs.

[@tbn90r]

I just got the M1 Pro 13 with 16 gigs and 512 ssd on Swappa but for 900 Swappa is a godsend

[@manuelvargas6701]

Lol right on the money.

[@ManjunathVeeranna]

Thanks. It popped up in my recommendation when I needed it much.

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Glad to hear it!

[@Cisco_24]

This is the calmest review I’ve seen and the best British accent I’ve heard. You sir have a new subscriber.

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Thank you and welcome onboard!

[@scottd1342]

I bought the 256GB/ 8GB version and it's fantastic. Does all that I need with zero issues.

[@danielvarela1312]

After using all my life PC's running on Windows I decided to go for a Mac, then of course it came the regular question you are used to ask yourself when buying a new PC running on Windows, how much RAM do I need? I almost went for the 16GB M1 and spent $500 more as Apple is now offering only the mix of 8GPU, 512 SSD and 16 RAM. To my surprise, how f... right Mark Ellis and some other reviewers are. I am not a producer nor anything but finance, so using massive spreadsheets and PowerPoints while keeping no less than 10 chrome tabs open for many different SaaS solutions, not to mention the memory killer, Microsoft teams. To my surprise, the base MBA has better performance than a 3 month old Surface Pro with 16GB ram and I7 processor. Two days into the MBA, still learning how to use it but satisfied with the purchase, especially with the fact that pushing it as hard as the Surface Pro, it doesn't hesitate even a bit. Thanks Mark and keep the good job. One additional comment, with the current tech environment, it is a bit hard to get a device that after 5 years will run new software smoothly, from experience, maybe you can stretch it to 6 but afterwards it will only get more difficult and in any case you will want the latest tech, latest screen resolution, etc. Happy decision making!

[@danielgallegly1602]

thank you for making this video. It was the answer I was looking for.

[@TheOverlordOfProcrastination]

I like the vibe of your videos. Relaxed and informative.

[@uni-with-anna]

Thank you so much, Mark! I'm buying my new MacBook Air tomorrow and your video really calmed my anxiety about spending/not spending those extra $200:)

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Ah, glad I could help!

[@barbaranostrand4214]

The issue with RAM is how multiprocessing operating systems such as MacOS 11 deal with memory. Memory is dynamically swapped out to the mass storage device. You do not need to edit 4K video for this to be a long-term issue. I am at the moment running Safari and Nisus Writer (a writing application). Both run natively on the M1. Current memory usage is 12.16 GB. Among other things, this affects the potential lifespan of the SSD. Basically, if you are interested in an upgrade from the base model, maximizing RAM is the first thing that you should do. You can always move bulk storage out to an external SSD drive. Swapping also degrades performance.

[@erioyakawa5211]

Thank you! I read your blog post and also saw this video and it is very concise and down to the point. This is the most useful video I found about 8gb vs 16gb ram comparison

[@MarkEllisReviews]

That’s lovely to hear, Eri - glad to be of assistance!

[@GiridharaSaiPavanKumarGurram]

What did you go with?

[@annon-ski7985]

One of the most helpful videos of this type. Good stuff.

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Ah, thanks!

[@Su-td2ph]

I love you! I spent 7 hours researching and after watching you some 20-30mins - realized I am fine with the basic 8gb MBA

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Ah, wow - thanks!

[@xKapatroNx]

I think you should go with 16 just because I think you can’t upgrade it later.

[@ludvig.widmark]

Me too, it has been a couple of awful hours with 10000 diffrent opinions but i’m sure now🌟

[@MarkEllisReviews]

@@ludvig.widmark Glad to hear it!

[@ivayloalexiev9347]

I just came by and really like your content ! And yes ,I just became a subscriber .

[@smcd12]

Thank you. This video makes a lot of sense. I bought the basic M1 Mac Mini with 8 Gb ram and 256 gb storage. I think I made the right decision. I’m not a heavy user. I just imported a few pictures from an SD carder reader and I surf the internet with my Mac Mini. I don’t do video editing or any heavy work tasks with my Mac Mini M1. Your video confirmed that I made the right choice. Thank you.

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Glad I could help!

[@octonolite_0]

I’ve been looking for a proper video or article on this topic and they’re almost non-existent. Thank you!

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Glad I could help!

[@HelloAgent47]

Great video..I am switching from a Dell user all my life (since 2002) to a Mac user. I currently have an 8GB RAM for school, web browsing, and general daily use of the AIO system I have. Just for my sanity, I opted for 16GB since I feel like 8 on my current system is actually very sludges. I know a Dell and a Mac is no comparison but I do intend to keep this Mac for the long run and I know it will get used as I intend to hand it down to my growing son in the future as well. And I know he will do productivity stuff on it as he goes on to be in Jr. High and High school.

[@stephenlong7116]

🐩 Thanks, Mark. Well done for bringing this to folks' attention.

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Thanks!

[@katunik5.062]

Great video!

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Thank you.

[@WendallExplores]

Great review, really accessible, I had already ordered a 16gb M1 Pro before I watched this because I had come to the same conclusion as you, but this settled my mind I’d done the right thing 👍. Thank you.

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Thanks!

[@breezy4_]

These videos have been gold! Subscribing.. really enjoying the content. Thank you.

[@MarkEllisReviews]

That's such amazing feedback - thank you!

[@hillustration]

I recently bought a microsoft studio laptop. I love it. I had always been a Mac person and was curious about the M1 machines. But because I'm an illustrator, the studio was appealing because the new pen is great, and I don't have to carry multiple devices. So I thought I was moving on from Macs. Then my wife found two new M1 MacBook Air laptops on clearance for $429.00 each. I couldn't pass that deal up so we bought them. I love this little laptop. It's the 8gb version, but It's fast, well built and works great. I haven't seen any performance issues. So I would say now, the truth is the whole Mac/PC thing is really dead. Both sides have great machines to offer. Windows 11 is very much like a Mac, easy to use and works great. The new M1 Macs are also outstanding. It's a great time to be working as a creative because there really are a lot of options. Thanks for these videos, they are really helpful.

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Glad you're enjoying them!

[@reyesdenmark]

After I watched this video. I never regret buying M1 MacBook Air base model 8GB/256GB. Still fast and no issues. Just right for my daily task. Thanks!

[@rahuls451]

How's 8GB RAM performance after 7months?

[@ayaandeeq9874]

Update??

[@edgehanger8558]

Adding my two cents here: bought the 8gb of RAM and 512GB for storage and it's been a year for me and no issues. I use photoshop and illustrator with no hiccups...

[@gabanamoney8804]

Please do M1 MacBook Air get hot when using it for a long period time in a day?

[@edgehanger8558]

@@gabanamoney8804 No, not so far. I use illustrator and photoshop and leave them both open and haven't experienced any heat issues or the laptop warming up at all in the last two yeara...

[@mauisam1]

Thank you. Like many I too thought you needed more memory. This helped me a lot.

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Glad it helped, Sam!

[@jimaspinii7579]

SO very helpful in several areas for me! THANKS!!!

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Pleasure!

[@keythona6064]

Thank God I’ve seen this before buying. I am a college student that doesn’t know much about techy stuffs and I was thinking on getting the 16GB RAM mba and thankfully I saw this! I’m a finance student btw! Edit: I hope that the base model mac would last for a couple of years haksjahs

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Glad I could help! It'll do you proud.

[@josiamoog8401]

Awesome video man!! Lots of people here said that 8GB is for people browsing, and 16GB if you're into heavy editing and everything. And you answered the question for me, someone who often edits stuff, but doesn't do it full time or with 8k video files. Ill be getting the 8GB for me, thanks so much!!

[@MessiElPulga]

Have you gotten the 8GB by now? If yes, how is it performing?

[@MichaelDangerDobbs]

Great video love the info I’ve spent a ton of time watching different videos and researching I ended up going with the 16 GB of RAM For peace of mind like you mentioned in the video purchase the MacBook Air today. Thanks again for the help

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Ah, great stuff - glad I could help!

[@paulbeckmann]

Thanks for the great test and advice!

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Glad it was helpful!

[@darkashes9953]

Try having 2 mac minis with Apple silicon m1 and then linking them both up together se if that works 💪

[@PeteMEHO]

Great video. Opted for 16G on the MacBook Pro. I keep seeing the same sort of benchmarks but not for the kind of stuff I’ll be doing with it. I’m looking to run FCP X plug-ins like mTracker3D, use 3D models and lots of after effects. Don’t think 8G will be enough.

[@MattBrownieCake]

Great video. Very informative and well presented, thanks

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Thank you, Matt!

[@charleshambleton7722]

Good stuff mate, very informative!

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you!

[@josh3221ify]

Meanwhile I have a fast i3 PC with 4GB RAM, its 3 years old... it was a very easy decision for me between an 8GB vs 16GB mac, and it saved me money.

[@halfalligator6518]

I often have 2x Adobe CC products open, about 10 internet tabs open and PlexAmp music playing. My 8GB Air does all that without a hitch. I feel a lot of these performance reviews are very biased towards video editing. Many professionals don't do video editing believe it or not (I'm a web dev). Some of us require snappy speed and are not so worried about sustained rendering speed. The Air is just as snappy as the pro as far as I understand.

[@tommytommy7096]

I love how you keep everything simple thank you for that I need to get a new laptop and a desktop I've never owned Apple products before, I will be buying the new iMac 24-in and probably the new laptop I'm just not sure which one I'm going to get yet but thanks for all your advice you're making my decision much more easier to make..

[@kohiman1923]

thanks man, super helpful

[@JakeChaffin]

Your videos are extremely thorough and insightful. Thank you for taking the time to break things down to the average user. Currently on a macbook air m1 with 8gb and have a mac mini 8gb as my work pc. I was worried about the ram but with the M1 8gb is plenty. Just do not think about ram as you would with a microsoft pc. Apple is so integrated that ram # is obsolete compared to user needs. 8GB is just fine for 90% of consumers. If you edit photos and 4K/8K, go with 16. If not, ram is just a number and irrelevant. Think of the ram number as the battery percent that apple stopped putting on their phones by default. People fretted over the percent # for no reason. Sorry for the rant. Amazing video keep it up!

[@amramhakohen3923]

16GB if you run a Windows in a VM (e.g., via Parallels).

[@markshirley01]

Thanks Mark this is very helpful. I do mostly hybrid work for social media. I presently shoot 1080 but Im going to shoot more 4K - but the length of my videos have shortened and shortened - now down to 30 seconds on average (reels etc). The 8gb will probably be fine - id definitely need 500gb HD tho as I often have 3 or 4 projects on the go. 256gb could mean Im dumping work to a external all the time. I still haven't figured if I should just work to an external yet 🙂

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Thanks Mark! If you can afford the 16GB, go for it. But the 8GB will work handsomely. And if work on fast external SSD - that’s what I do 👍

[@merterkan3104]

Thank you so much. I was worried about the SSD wear argument because I will be getting my first Mac this month and these machines are not cheap in my country. Your video made me relieved :)

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Great! Don't worry about it.

[@danielvarela1312]

X2!

[@andyamos8594]

So helpful! I am currently looking at macbooks for my daughter at university studying fashion design. Sounds like the 8GB will fit the budget!!

[@adriano_pressendo]

I’ve got the MacBook Pro 16gb ram and 256gb from Apple Store certified refurbished, and paid £1269, was like new machine, I am very happy with it.

[@mejlgaardbliddal]

It was his Brother Vadiem and not Max himself that did that test. they seems to be sharing the host role on the max tech channel.

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Didn't realise that - thanks.

[@xlack9612]

For the longest time I didn’t even know they were two different people

[@HoneyPastry]

🐶! By the way, your videos are super easy to watch/listen to; a lot of tech KZbinrs I’ve discovered (not all) tend to really raise their voice like a salesman lol, yours is so chill. Thanks for that.

[@MarkEllisReviews]

I love this - thank you, Tiffany!

[@crankydiff]

Very helpful!!

[@iliana_b]

IMO, getting the 16GB is the future bullet proof machine that will take you through for the next 10 years without problems

[@labadaba5088]

Better to get 512gb storage than 16gb

[@iliana_b]

@@labadaba5088 I plan on getting a USB C external drive for my stuff.

[@fbdjwjflac]

@@labadaba5088 why? Storage can be expanded using cloud storage/external drives. RAM cannot ever be upgraded

[@jhoang861]

@@labadaba5088 nope! I can always get more ssd storage externally. But i won’t be able to upgrade my ram after final purchase. So better to get ram.

[@xila8861]

@@iliana_b It is not the same mate. Slowdowns are mostly coming from using and deleting your memory drive many times. by 10 years, you may exceed your luck with the laptop. Higher storage is the best for a healthy long-life laptop.

[@MrShitthead]

My biggest gripe with apple is that the storage is not user upgradeable, despite the fact that Apple knows that the SSD's will wear faster due to the SSD being useable as a supplement for ram. I can live with not being able to swap the ram, but storage is just anti-consumer, especially coming from a company that's always bragging about how eco friendly they are while telling us we need to buy a whole new unit instead of upgrading and keeping for longer.

[@budgetkeyboardist]

In some cases, you can swap the motherboard.

[@robertdufour2456]

So helpful! Thank you very much.

[@MarkEllisReviews]

You're very welcome!

[@chrissims4265]

Love the videos keep up the work

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Thank you!

[@pineappleroad]

I plan on getting a MacBook by the end of the year, I would get one earlier in the year if I wasn’t having to get two iPhones (one for myself, and one for someone else, neither of us have had an iPhone before, we currently have phones that don’t understand the concept of installing an app) Edit: and once I finally get the MacBook I will be “upgrading” my windows desktop... getting a new one, and put an SSD in it, unlike what I did with the last one and put a HDD in it (for a few reasons I don’t wish to go into it wouldn’t be possible for me to fully go across to Mac, but I might use my KVM Switch to have 3 computers with 3 different OS’s, one OS per system)

[@ShiggitayMediaProductions]

Mark, I plan on getting an M1 Mac mini for streaming using OBS Studio / ECamm Live. I'd be doing SOME video edits on the side, but it wouldn't be my livelihood necessarily, as well as capturing some video from a camcorder via capture card. Would the 8GB mini suit my needs? Would I regret it/have buyers remorse that I didn't get the 16GB model? Internal SSD doesn't bother me as I have a NAS I could offload projects to when finished with them, but the 8GB vs 16 GB RAM factor is what I'm the most concerned about. Thanks in advance, and I'm a new subscriber and I like your style of videos! Keep it up! :)

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Thanks for the kind words! If you think you might get buyer's remorse, my advice is to always try and opt for the version you think you need ;)

[@crankydiff]

Thank you for this video!

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Thank you for watching!

[@brandtl1486]

Thank you. Answered my questions

[@MarkEllisReviews]

No problem!

[@alandiegovillalobos]

I have the Mac Air 8gb. No regrets.

[@niceone1456]

If you don’t even know the difference between what 8g and 16g can give u, then buy a 8g...because you won’t need a 16g.

[@poerava]

Well said

[@haileybailey95]

8g it is thank you. Best comment Iv seen about this tbh.

[@856shaileshkumar]

This comment needs more like ! Very well said .

[@mtbuk1982]

You know just what those that have experienced the hard drive wear have been doing... running constant Geek Bench tests ^_^ Thanks as always for a great video Mark.

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Thank you. I think that will have been a large part of what they were doing, but they're clearly very heavy users, one way or another.

[@veerpatel6719]

It could be the tools reporting wrong. I doubt it’s because of “hammering the machine”. Even if there was a problem Apple would start a scheme to help users out. At the same time i’ll probably be leaving Apple in some time. Never seen manufactures like Lenovo have as many issues as Apple devices.

[@bokingdon]

Great review thank you!!!

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Thank you for watching!

[@dudurty0652]

I’m really looking forward to getting my first ever Mac. I am seeing great reviews on the M1 MBA, but I really like and want the Touch Bar on the M1 MBP. I plan on keeping this expensive machine for quite awhile and I want to know if the Touch Bar is really worth it or is it an unnecessary feature??

[@MarkEllisReviews]

It's totally unnecessary. I understand why some like it, but the fact Apple might be removing it from the next MacBook Pro tells you all you need to know, I'm afraid.

[@tommy_zyong]

Thank you for this video Mark! Could you help me with advice - what Mac would you recommend for webdesigner? I work in Figma, Adobe's, Webflow, browsing and music production in light mode. I try to figure out what option is optimal: 8gb ram/ 512gb or 16gb ram/256? Or better choice Mac Pro 🤔 In a y way thank you for this stuff 👍

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Thanks for watching! If you can afford the 16GB upgrade, go for it. But if you can't, I wouldn't sweat it. Opt for the MacBook Pro if you can.

[@doda01]

What have u done in the end? I am using Adobe XD (probably illustrator and ps sometimes in future, when I need someting atm), webflow, some front end web dev and of course youtube. Is macbook air m1 8/256 enough? What is your experience😃

[@arindam1249]

Extraordinary video. ❤️

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Wow, thanks!

[@isaacaugustin2483]

Another subscriber!!! Great work sir!!!

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Awesome, thank you!

[@ferruizmusico8126]

Thanks my friends for your videos. Finally I bought the MacBook Air Mq, with 8g Ram and 512 in order to record at home and edit some videos, and it goes really good. I have a question, what do you think about the problem with the SSD that is reporting lot of people, I am a bit worried about this because a I have the 8G Ram and I use logic and premiere a lot. Thanks!

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Awesome - glad you've got your laptop! And please don't worry about the SSD wear thing. Just enjoy it :)

[@RobStevens64]

Thanks, Mark! The swap issue concerned me enough that I've opted for the 16GB Air with the 8 core graphics and 512GB storage. Those specs will basically replicate the 16" Pro I'm trading it for the Air ... who's fan turns on if you look at it sideways. Really looking forward to having a lighter, more performant, and SILENT laptop!

[@MarkEllisReviews]

I can't wait to see what they do with the next 16"!

[@LiLBitsDK]

yeah those are the specs I were looking at too... 1 notch up both in ram and storage so it could last years

[@whitecrowuk575]

Replacing my iPad Pro for new Macbook Pro - main driver for swap: better battery and regular operating system - ease of having multiple windows open on the screen + better touch pad than its on magic keyboard case. Might upgrade to new 14" or 16" when it comes out - it will depend what size of the laptop i will feel comfortable with.

[@MarkEllisReviews]

I don't think you're alone with the decision, Dawid.

[@SaraKE]

Thank you so much! You have helped me decide! Thinking about buying my first MacBook ever, as my old Dell XPS 13 fails at editing 2k videos (let alone 4K)

[@laurenmackley6710]

I have been researching for hours on whether to go for the 8gb or 16gb I’m a photography student and work part time as a photographer ( have to run light room but not every day or for hours ) and this video just saved me so much time , absolute life saver, I’m going to opt for the 8gb 👍

[@radu-mihaibranzei5339]

And how is it for you with only 8GB of ram?

[@squidsmove]

update ussss

[@laurenmackley6710]

@@radu-mihaibranzei5339 it’s been absolutely fine does everything I need to do can run photoshop and light room at same time no issues and usually have multiple chrome tabs etc open aswell 👍

[@laurenmackley6710]

@@squidsmove replied to one above ^

[@c.221]

I see lots of ppl saying the storage upgrade is more important I personally disagree considering you can buy an external ssd for cheaper but maybe that's just me

[@DDuMas]

I'm of the opposite philosophy to those people. Unless this is a portable computer, I don't get the point in spending loads on high capacity super fast storage, when you're just going to fill it with saved files which don't need that speed. I use an external SSD for samples and virtual instrument data, and a standard 1TB external 2.5 HDD for saved files. And the main SSD in my M1 Mac Mini is the smallest size, just for the OS and apps. I do exactly the same thing on my windows PC. There's also more security in using an external storage on macOS. There's one flaw in file vault. It's not a two password system. It uses your normal macOS password. The problem is, I can't make a long complex password for that, because macOS frequently asks you to put your password in to do anything. On the other hand, if I store data on an external HDD which is using Mac OS Journaled Extended Encrypted file system, I can use a long complex password for that, because I only have to type that in once a session.

[@bamber119]

No, both are equally important, a lack of SSD drive space and Application RAM will cause crashes especially when doing the likes of adding stabilisation or rendering on Final Cut Pro. Go for a reasonable sized ssd and ram.

[@RahulKapoor9992]

My thoughts, I never really need too much easy access storage. Get at least 512GB to keep it healthy. Initially opt for the 200GB iCould storage then when eventually required get a 1TB SSD external drive. Makes sense in my head. Any issues anyone can think of that I'm missing?

[@bamber119]

@@RahulKapoor9992 yeah application memory only tends to use the internal memory so be mindful of that when considering your options.

[@RahulKapoor9992]

@@bamber119 Hence, 512 storage I feel should be good coupled with the 16GB RAM Main tasks: Writing Photoshop Lightroom Basic social media video editing

[@shahmirm7226]

If I watched this like a week ago I could have saved so much time. Subscribed!

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Ah, thanks! And sorry I wasn't there to help before!

[@garyp610]

I am going to get the MacBook air and like most people say to get the top specs and future proof my self so I got into video editing and photo editing In the future I know I have plenty of ram to do it

[@jotjotzzz5357]

Just get what you can afford. Unless you have a specialized need for 16gb, the 8gb RAM is the best value even beating the 16gb RAM of more expensive Laptops. You can’t go wrong.

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Totally with you on that.

[@EduardoCachucho]

Great review, after hours of research I am pretty much in agreement, and at the same time also very annoyed with a lot of the hysterical approach to some of the ram-disaster mongering, and even worse, the SSD freakouts. After using an SSD macbook pro late 2013 for years still no issues here.

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Wise words.

[@dushk0]

Same as OLED burn-in, quite exaggerated, yet everybody gangsta until the "Breaking News" line or battery and signal icons show on a rather uniform white or grey frame...but not much to worry about for most sensible users. Once you wrote 100 TB to a 256 GB SSD, you might still have 400 TB or even 3 times that to go but nothing is written in stone and what if....so, always have data elsewhere, don't hoard old movie rips on the laptop (you need room for quick and efficient wear leveling), get something reliable to offload to, get the 512 GB version, learn to solder and to procure the right spare parts ;)

[@DrSpaceman69]

So informative. Thank you! Now I know I should get the 16GB one

[@MarkEllisReviews]

That's why I make this stuff. Enjoy!

[@maheenm]

Great post Mark, you are spot on. Really fantastic and honest post. Question, the white speakers on your desk, which brand/type are they?

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Thank you so much! They are Kanto YU2!

[@jamminj8822]

Thank you for this video. Just ordered a M1 Air with 8gb... then I started watching all these vlogs about how you should 16. but you eased my worries as a non power user with your info.

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Awesome - glad I could help, Jim.

[@rickhunt3183]

yes 8 gig might work for now but since you cant just pop in another 8 down the road. I say go for the 16. Two or three years from now you may need that extra ram and won't have it. Who knows what hardware demands software is going to be putting on the system in two or three years. Things change fast in just a year or two. Don't base your future needs on the needs you have today.

[@sebastianhoeing]

Thanks for the nice video... I fully support not to look too much at benchmarks.

[@MarkEllisReviews]

You and me both!

[@thomaswilliams7601]

What a lovely friendly person thanks for your info geeza

[@coryniu7017]

Hey I'm one of those people that bought into the 8 gb unified memory spiel for my M1 MBA. I got serious buyer's remorse. I get constant memory pressure of yellow and spiking into red. I just keep a lot of tabs open, Spotify, email client, and a few things open and the thing freezes once in a while. Now I'm overcompensating by getting a M2 with 24gb or 14 in Pro with 32 gb. Don't be like me. Unless you think overkill is underrated...:)

[@LilChalan]

I ordered the 8gb and 256gb around 3 days ago and I plan to buy a 500gb ssd on amazon.

[@luishernendez8356]

What ssd did you get?

[@richardchacon1330]

Mac newbie converting from pc to Mac. Outside of internet, I would also use a mini for light Focusrite music creation. Helpful video in making my decision.

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Happy to help!

[@neli5p]

Great review … thank you …. Made up my mind to go for the 8gb version for my mainly photography use.

[@MarkEllisReviews]

Glad I could help!