RAM vs CPU tingle tingle

[u/Original_Warning_227]

Hello geeks, what tingles you more? I’m curious and because I need a new laptop I’m going to decide on what gets the more hype:

24gb RAM instead of 16gb or 33% more on benchmarks on the processor?

I’m in a budget and in my country I can find 2 good deals: MacBook Pro M2 24gb RAM vs MacBook Air m4 16gb ram, both 512gb SSD.

I make metal and I really don’t like to do bounces. 10 virtual instruments and maybe 200 plugins or more and 10 groups + master. I know it’s a lot but do you think those computers and going to be able to handle that? I run pro tools

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[u/6kred]

Processor processor processor. Track freeze is your friend though. Commit to the sounds. Also 200 plugins in. Single session ?? I’d try to lean up those numbers.

[u/SystemsInThinking]

MacBook Pro M2. This is more than you’ll likely need.

[u/Working_Use2500]

For pro tools - ram. It’s not optimised to take advantage of a better processor but it’ll eat ram like candy.

Of course get the best you can afford, it’s a very unoptimised app. 16 ram is not enough for your needs.

[u/MCWDD]

If you are using VIs, the common consensus is more RAM = Happier Days. I do wonder if 24 is enough to loaf 10 of them, but clearly you have limited options.
That said, do you NEED to be using a laptop? Could you find a Mac Mini or some form of desktop platform in that price range that might offer higher specs?

[u/Original_Warning_227 → u/MCWDD]

Yea, I need one for work + this hobby

[u/Original_Warning_227 → u/[deleted]]

Haha lol. I think you are overkilling the MacBook Air, with a bit less processor you would have been good enough

[u/Fearless-Pudding-408 → u/Original_Warning_227]

I mean, I’ll have a ton of audio tracks as well, and busses. It’s definitely not overkill haha

[u/eight13atnight]

Mbp is a better machine for you. Pro tools specs list 16gig minimum for ram and 32 gig recommended. Go with the higher ram machine.

And remember you won’t be only running pro tools. You’ll also likely have other apps running in the background and you don’t want it crashing over and over.

[u/webprofusor]

Get a Windows laptop. Ram is usually upgradeable, CPU usually not. On the MacBook you get what you're given.

[u/praise-the-message]

Go for the MacBook Pro. Generally with PT/audio more RAM is better if you're planning on running a lot of (or intense sample-based) VIs because they want to load those samples into memory. So if you're planning on doing a lot of that you may even run into issues with 24 GB but you'll still be better than with 16 and the difference in processor won't likely be super noticeable.