64GB DDR4 RAM vs 16GB of Unified Memory? Trying to decide about switching from Intel Mini to M1 Mini

Just some food for thought, came across this article with someone

doing some tests on the new base MacBook Air doing some real stuff

(not just benchmarks).

https://9to5mac.com/2020/11/18/opinion-is-the-base-macbook-air-m1-8gb-powerful-enough-for-you/

It seems with just 8 GB of RAM he couldn't get it to sputter after loading

up with a bunch of apps, a pile of browser tabs, and then finally piling

on top a few 4K video streams.

Instead of regurgitating many of the parts of his test check out the article

and form your own opinion but it is the first I have seen where someone

was doing things with real apps. and almost has me pulling out the

CC for the 16GB (unfortunately currently 4-5 week lead-time for custom Mini,

Airs and MBP 3-4 week)).

I found this helpfull, https://www.macrumors.com/guide/apple-silicon-mac-mini-vs-intel-mac-mini/

I am looking to upgrade my MacBook Pro mid 2015 and was leaning to the 2013 MacPro until i found out the Mac mini and the iMac actually beat it. Ive hacked my 2015 as much as i can, Im running 3- 27 in 2k monitors and 2 32in 4k, I also have 2 RazerCoreX with 1 8gb RX580's each and upgraded the hd to an samsung 970 SSD. Ive pushed it as far as i can go. I was looking at your Mini model when i read this and had the same questions. Im now leaning to the M1 based on these results in the link. Hope this helps. Good luck.

correction to previous post:

You’re correct I was getting ready to update my reply I actually bought Intel Mac mini because of additional information I came across specifically the egpu. Not only that a few videos I watched show that the Intel combined with the e.g. pews outperform the M one in all the applications and type of work that I do.

I can vouch for @MyApple8MyPC statements. While I don't

have the MacMini, I do have the M1 MacBook Air with the 8 core GPU

and 8GB of RAM which is the same M1 configuration as the Mini.

I was skeptical at first when I purchased it, so much so I bought one

out of stock at the nearby Best Buy so I could easily return it.

After over a months worth of use, I can say that my MacBook Air

literally blows the doors off my late 2013 27" iMac w/32 GB of RAM.

Intel apps with Rosetta 2 are 2-3 times faster and native apps

scream.

A comparison of Geekbench scores puts the new M1

at a level of performance only out done by i9 iMacs, iMac Pros,

and the latest MacPros and based on my experience they

certainly are!

Now, if you are working with apps where the WiP files are

4-5 GB in size, then you may need 16GB.

Or, you can simply wait and see what Apple does with the iMacs.

Considering the entire design has been the same since 2010-2011,

it's due for an overhaul perhaps with a monster "M2" (or whatever

it may be called) that is much more power efficient and more targeted

at a pro user market.

Mirsky wrote:

I've decided I'm going to wait for the next version of the Mini, which I hope will be released at the end of 2021 or in 2022.

I honestly don't think it's going to take that long for the higher end Mac mini to be released.

A lot of people are saying it will be spring/summer of 2021 when the higher end MBPs come out.

You will find the unified memory to be a form of ssd system that feeds the m1 data faster and the removal of graphics and numerical processing from the computers bus means the m1 needs far less ram ditch the intel version it’s a lot slower

In that case, I would suggest you wait it out until the M1 finds more homes i.e. the Mac Pro and the iMac = at least 1 full year.

Note that the M1 Mac mini can run only two displays, and one of those has to use the HDMI port. It can't use an eGPU for more graphics cards.

I don’t think anyone will miss the eGPU...it’s short for eek GPU...

hcsitas wrote:

I don’t think anyone will miss the eGPU...it’s short for eek GPU...

LOL. Now that was funny :)

Just watched this video. https://youtu.be/PP1_4wek4nI which he does a side by side with the 8gb unified versus 16 gb. He does talk about other systems and included a 128b ram iMac.