Ableton Forum

Just guessing how much RAM is best to have.
I will use just Live 9 Suite plus Zebra Plug In.
Live works fine today with 4GB RAM but getting a new Mac in the next month or so
I could improve RAM.

How much do you suggest?

Best
Pasha

0 gigs would be best. Hard to find though. You definitely don't want too much RAM. Your computer could become sentient and believe me you, that's a day you don't want to have.

SuburbanThug wrote:0 gigs would be best. Hard to find though. You definitely don't want too much RAM. Your computer could become sentient and believe me you, that's a day you don't want to have.

I've had 8 gigs since I built this computer 3 1/2 years ago and haven't run into any ram issues. I think you have to have some seriously crazy stuff to need more. If money is tight, I wouldn't worry about going higher.

If you plan on working with lots of sample-based instruments, like Kontakt, I would recommend going with 16gb. If you are mostly using softsynths, then 8gb should be fine for you.

I have 8gb in my iMac and machine definitely starts to chug on large sessions. I'm using loads of Kontakt instruments. Upgrading to 12gb now.

My advice:

If you have only two RAM slots on your new machine, then go with 16gb - 2 x 8gb sticks. You don't want to be throwing away RAM if you decide you need extra RAM later. If you have four slots, then start with the 8gb (2 x 4gb sticks) then add more RAM to the other slots if you need to later.

Lastly, DO NOT get your extra RAM from Apple. They charge arm and a leg. Get it from Crucial or OWC. Quality, reliable RAM at very reasonable prices. Their 8gb (2x4gb) kit is currently around $65.

Lastly, DO NOT get your extra RAM from Apple. They charge arm and a leg. Get it from Crucial or OWC. Quality, reliable RAM at very reasonable prices

This - Definitely

theextravaganttraveller wrote:If you plan on working with lots of sample-based instruments, like Kontakt, I would recommend going with 16gb. If you are mostly using softsynths, then 8gb should be fine for you.

I have 8gb in my iMac and machine definitely starts to chug on large sessions. I'm using loads of Kontakt instruments. Upgrading to 12gb now.

My advice:

If you have only two RAM slots on your new machine, then go with 16gb - 2 x 8gb sticks. You don't want to be throwing away RAM if you decide you need extra RAM later. If you have four slots, then start with the 8gb (2 x 4gb sticks) then add more RAM to the other slots if you need to later.

Lastly, DO NOT get your extra RAM from Apple. They charge arm and a leg. Get it from Crucial or OWC. Quality, reliable RAM at very reasonable prices. Their 8gb (2x4gb) kit is currently around $65.

Thanks! I know Apple charges a lot for RAM. I am looking for an iMac so maybe the stock and non upgradable RAM is enough for my needs. 8Gb should be plenty, considering the other answers.