Is 8 GB of RAM enough on the MacBook Pro 2023?

The new MacBook Pro 2023, but the same problem as before: is 8 GB of main memory enough for most users? We give you advice.

8 GB of RAM in MacBook Pro 2023

The debate about whether 8 GB of RAM in the MacBook Pro is enough is older than you think. In 2012, Apple released the first Retina MacBook Pro, with – precisely – 8 GB of RAM in the standard configuration. Even then, people were convinced that this amount would be too small and that you should upgrade to 16 GB.

Now, eleven years later, the standard configuration of the 14-inch MacBook Pro still includes 8 GB of memory. This has dominated the debate.

An important difference between then and now

However, there is one important difference between the situation now and then. As you know, Apple no longer uses Intel processors in its Macs, but chips of its own manufacture: M1, M2 and M3. The difference from the past is that these chips combine all the important components of the equipment on a single printed circuit board. There is a processor, graphics unit, caches and therefore also working memory.

Because it is so different from the working memory of the past (which was never as well integrated with other components as it is now), Apple has named the concept ‘main memory’. Central memory is faster, more efficient and simpler. The downside is that the memory is soldered to the circuit board mentioned above and so you’re stuck with the amount of RAM you chose at the time of purchase. So, that’s been the norm on MacBooks for a while.

However, more memory is an expensive joke. For 16 GB of RAM you currently pay 230 euros extra to Apple, 24 GB of RAM costs 460 euros. So you want to know in advance if 8 GB or more is enough for you.

8 GB RAM or more in MacBook Pro 2023?

You probably already expected it, but the answer to the memory question depends on what you want to use your MacBook for. Do you want to browse in Safari, watch movies on Netflix, type documents and occasionally edit some photos? Then 8 GB is still enough. Modern Macs use memory compression and are smarter about allocating memory capacity. This also makes MacOS run smoothly when you have to multitask.

On the other hand, are you someone who edits movies, works with 3D models, develops software or in short: someone who works professionally with his Mac? In this case, 8 GB of main memory may also be too little, since all the tricks of the program cannot compensate. In that case, choose at least 16 GB of main memory.

In short

If you buy a MacBook Pro, 8 GB of memory is a cost-saving option if you have light usage needs. It provides enough performance for everyday tasks. However, if you want to run more demanding programs, it may be worth buying more memory. This reduces the risk of memory becoming a bottleneck and ensures your Mac works perfectly.