Is 16GB the new minimum?

Question

Level 1

97 points

Is 16GB the new minimum?

I have a new Mac Mini with 8GB. I usually have two Safari windows open with around 10 tabs each. It doesn't take long for Safari Web Content to reach 6GB. This cripples the Mac Mini. It is completely unsuable at that point and takes a while before I'm finally able to shut down Safari. Everything is back to normal once Safari is closed.

I also have a MBP but SWC doesn't get up to 6GB. But can reach 3GB or 4GB very easily. Given the behavior of SWC and its ability to quickly move up to a large share of working memory, is it better to get 16GB RAM than 8GB on today's Macs?

Posted on Jan 24, 2013 7:41 AM

Reply

Answer 1

keg55

Level 6

11,743 points

Jan 24, 2013 7:52 AM in response to 4thSpace

8GB, to me, seems to be a 'sweet spot' for OS X Mountain Lion. I'm sure there are those who disagree and have opted for the max of 16GB. I use my Mac Mini as a home server and it only has the base 4GB. But it's not used for day to day activities like my MBP Retina.

It's odd that your MBP doesn't get up to 6G. Do you have the same amount of tabs open on it in Safari?

Reply

Answer 2

4thSpace Author

Level 1

97 points

Jan 24, 2013 8:44 AM in response to keg55

The MBP has two Safari windows open but does have more tabs open.

Reply

Answer 3

keg55

Level 6

11,743 points

Jan 24, 2013 9:23 AM in response to 4thSpace

Have you tried an SMC and/or PRAM reset on your Mini?

Also, are you up to date with OS X updates?

Reply

Answer 4

Jan 24, 2013 3:32 PM in response to 4thSpace

video memory also comes out of your system ram I would suggest 16GB.

If the websites you visit have a lot of flash in them they can take a large amount of ram. There is a Safari plug-in called "ClickToFlash" which prevents the Flash plug-in from running un til you click the particular video or ad.

https://extensions.apple.com

Freememory is also an App I use to well "free memory" & it shows available memory in the menu bar:

Reply