M1 64GB of RAM vs. M2 32GB?

[kat.hayes]

I am getting a new 16-inch Macbook Pro from work and I can either pick an M1 with 64GB of RAM 10 (8 performance and 2 efficiency) cores or an M2 with 32GB 12 (8 performance and 4 efficiency). I work with Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere, Blender and After Effects.
The M2 has 1TB of storage and the M1 has 2TB.

How much of a difference will the updated processor in the M2 make considering it only has 32GB of RAM? Which would you pick?

Thanks.

 

[Strider64]

For me, the most significant consideration is the cost of each option. If the price difference isn't significant, I'd opt for the M2, even if it means sacrificing some RAM. However, if the price gap is substantial, I'd choose the M1. Ultimately, it comes down to a personal choice between speed and the ability to smoothly handle processing-intensive tasks, along with speed.

 

[kat.hayes]

For me, the most significant consideration is the cost of each option. If the price difference isn't significant, I'd opt for the M2, even if it means sacrificing some RAM. However, if the price gap is substantial, I'd choose the M1. Ultimately, it comes down to a personal choice between speed and the ability to smoothly handle processing-intensive tasks, along with speed.

The company already owns both Macs, I just need to decide which to take...

 

[EdwardC]

I have a M1 and M2 pro Mini and can't tell a lot of difference between the two. I would go for more RAM and storage myself.

 

[Christopher Kim]

The difference in computing power between the M1 and the M2 was somewhat marginal / incremental. I don't think you'll really notice the difference. Given the M1 has twice the memory (64gb vs 32gb) and twice the storage (2TB vs 1TB), I would go with the M1.

 

[Egk]

RAM and storage wins in this case, literally twice as much and the CPU difference is not that much. You'll have much more performance when doing RAM-heavy loads than additional CPU power from efficiency cores.

 

[Ben J.]

How much of a difference will the updated processor in the M2 make considering it only has 32GB of RAM? Which would you pick?

If you think 32GB and 1TB would be enough for you, go for the M2.
It's a little better.
I think if you really needed 64GB of ram, you wouldn't have to ask.

 

[brerlappin]

Since you're using a lot of Adobe apps, I would go with M1 Max w/64GB and 2TB. You won't be disappointed.

 

[geta]

The company already owns both Macs, I just need to decide which to take...

In that case, why not testing both of them and see which one perform better for your needs, and if you cant, take the option with more RAM and bigger storage.

 

[MacDevil7334]

I would take the M1 with the extra RAM any day of the week with all the Adobe apps you are using. M2 is a marginal upgrade over M1.

 

[coffeemilktea]

With all that Adobe software, I imagine you'd benefit more from increased RAM (and storage) than from the slight performance boost the M2 offers. 🤔

(especially if, for some reason, you decide to run multiple Adobe programs at once! )