Move from 16GB (Intel) to 8GB RAM (M3)?

The M series processors are more efficient than Intel chips when it comes to memory management, not to mention significantly faster since you're dealing with unified memory.

I debated whether to stretch my budget and go for additional RAM when I got a new iMac a month or so ago. In the end, I ended up sticking with the stock 8GB of unified memory and upping the storage size and number of ports from the base model.

I have no regrets. There are times when I have quite a bit running at the same time including multiple MS 365 apps, a large number of browser tabs open in both Safari and MS Edge, MS Remote Desktop connected to multiple remote servers, etc. I haven't seen it bog down yet and memory pressure rarely ventures into the 'yellow' bar in activity monitor.

I've hear Apple say at 8GB on on M series processor will compare well with 16GB with an Intel chip. I believe it after working with both.

My advice, FWIW, opt for the larger RAM. You do not know your future computing needs or the memory requirements of future apps. You already know that your memory use is 12-13GB, why would you assume 8GB will handle your needs?

wordsmann wrote:

I thought RAM was more efficient on Apple Silicon machines. So, since I don't do anything particularly intensive (and I have a MacMini for my main machine), I wondered if I could save the money.

It's not that the RAM is "more efficient." It's that the internal architecture of the processor + RAM is different. Even so, there is no across-the-board "formula" that one could use to assert equivalence between a certain amount of RAM on Intel vs. Apple Silicon.

Even though your current uses are "not particularly intensive" no one knows what the RAM requirements for future releases of macOS or any app will be; or what your possible future uses may become.

As others have already suggested, I also recommend at least 16GB RAM even for basic uses.

wordsmann wrote:

I thought RAM was more efficient on Apple Silicon machines. So, since I don't do anything particularly intensive (and I have a MacMini for my main machine), I wondered if I could save the money.

RAM is RAM, it is dynamic memory. If you get 8GB RAM 8GB will be used. If you get 16GB RAM 16GB will be used. Personally, I would not get a computer with less than 32GB RAM. Given the memory demands of current and new apps, 16GB is the absolute minimum I recommend for you.

wordsmann wrote:

I thought RAM was more efficient on Apple Silicon machines. So, since I don't do anything particularly intensive (and I have a MacMini for my main machine), I wondered if I could save the money.

If your goal is to "save money" then an 8GB RAM Mac is for you. Be aware that the money saving will be short term since as new apps which require more RAM are developed you will have to soon buy a new computer. To save money in the longer term, you need to get a computer that will not have to be soon-replaced as new apps/operating systems requiring more RAM are released. And, over time your computing needs may change where 8GB RAM will no longer meet your needs.

To "save money" in the longer term, and to prevent early obsolescence, my recommendation to get at least 16GB RAM remains.