Is Mac Mini M1 8GB good enough for Photoshop

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Is Mac Mini M1 8GB good enough for Photoshop

Hello all Mac Gurus! I won't be doing any video editing. Is Mac Mini M1 8GB good enough for Photoshop and Illustrator? I'm looking to buy the 512/8GB. Thank you!

MacBook Pro 15″, macOS 10.15

Posted on May 5, 2022 2:05 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

VikingOSX

Community+ 2024

Level 10

116,411 points

May 6, 2022 3:59 AM in response to Daniel Wasinger

Although the Photoshop system requirements suggest that you can get by with 8GB RAM, they do recommend 16GB and even that may be insufficient if you are working on large projects. The comments about no post-purchase upgrade capability are true and you should purchase knowing applications and the operating system will only grow their hardware demands.

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Answer 2

Lanny

Level 6

13,207 points

May 5, 2022 7:47 PM in response to Daniel Wasinger

I would recommend the maximum 16 GBs of RAM and at least a 1 TB SSD. The RAM and SSD can't be updated at a later date.

My Late 2014 Mac mini has 16 GBs of RAM and a 1 TB SSD, I actually bought it in 2014.

IMHO: I don't do video editing or use Photoshop or Illustrator and can't imagine handicapping a new Mac mini with such a workload.

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Answer 3

May 6, 2022 5:07 AM in response to Daniel Wasinger

Photoshop, like other Adobe apps, are significant users of memory. I have used i for many years ad personally, the 8 GB minimum is a joke. You need at least 16 GB of RAM for any reasonable performance.

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Answer 4

May 15, 2022 1:10 PM in response to Lanny

Thank you, Lanny!

I'm also concerned about compatibility with my LG UltraWide Monitor. It's about 5 or 6 years old. Do you think there will be distortion or that the Mini won't recognize then size and format?

The Specs:

34UM65-P 34" Widescreen LED Backlit UltraWide IPS Monitor. The enhanced aspect ratio is accompanied by an ultra high definition screen resolution of 2560 x 1080.

Apple's info for Mini Displays:

Simultaneously supports up to two displays:

One display with up to 6K resolution at 60Hz connected via Thunderbolt and one display with up to 4K resolution at 60Hz connected via HDMI.

The only other option I may have is to get the 13.3 MacBook Pro, but am unsure if that will be more compatible and if I'll need to get additional adaptors/hub. I do have a 7 outlet USB hub now.

Thank you for any help you can offer.

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Answer 5

May 15, 2022 1:15 PM in response to VikingOSX

Thank you, VikingOSX!

I'm also concerned about compatibility with my LG UltraWide Monitor. It's about 5 or 6 years old. Do you think there will be distortion or that the Mini won't recognize then size and format?

The Specs:

34UM65-P 34" Widescreen LED Backlit UltraWide IPS Monitor. The enhanced aspect ratio is accompanied by an ultra high definition screen resolution of 2560 x 1080.

Apple's info for Mini Displays:

Simultaneously supports up to two displays:

One display with up to 6K resolution at 60Hz connected via Thunderbolt and one display with up to 4K resolution at 60Hz connected via HDMI.

The only other option I may have is to get the 13.3 MacBook Pro, but am unsure if that will be more compatible and if I'll need to get additional adaptors/hub. I do have a 7 outlet USB hub now.

Thank you for any help you can offer.

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Answer 6

May 8, 2022 12:43 PM in response to woodmeister50

As I do heavy work on my m1 Mac mini it’s petty smooth it can get a little slow at times but not to much (I’m not using a Apple application)

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Answer 7

tbirdvet

Level 6

14,315 points

May 9, 2022 4:51 AM in response to Daniel Wasinger

I believe the 512GB drive is OK. You can always use an external drive later if you need more storage. Apple charges a high premium to add a larger drive.

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Answer 8

nfilipek

Level 1

48 points

May 17, 2022 1:47 PM in response to Daniel Wasinger

Simple, it's not. If you have money buy 16Gb for better working experience.

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Is Mac Mini M1 8GB good enough for Photoshop

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