What is unified memory on a Mac?

Understanding the unified memory of Apple computers: the key to improving Mac performance

Still worried about the Mac being stuck, or are planning to buy a new Mac but are confused about the unified memory? This article will answer various questions about unified memory, including "What is unified memory on MacBook?" and "How much unified memory do I need?"

What is unified memory?

Unified memory is an excellent technology from Apple that helps your Mac minimize workload and loading time to run smarter. Traditional computers usually allocate independent memory space for CPUs (central processors) and GPUs (graphics processors), both of which are part of computer memory.

The GPU is responsible for handling all the graphics displayed on the screen, while the CPU handles all other transactions related to your hardware and software and holds RAM (random access memory).

Unified memory does not adopt the traditional method, but allows the CPU and GPU to share a memory pool. Instead of data transfer between each other, they share the same space, making it easier to access data when needed.

How does unified memory work on a Mac?

Macs don't always have unified memory - a relatively new technology that came out with the introduction of Apple's silicon M1 chip. If you own a MacBook Pro or iMac made in 2021 or after, or a MacBook Air made in 2022 or later, you may have encountered this term when buying a computer. These M1 chips play a huge role in improving Mac performance, but it is indeed difficult to understand at the beginning.

Unified memory on Apple Mac is implemented through its innovative M1 chip (and now also has M2 and M3 chips). This single chip contains a graphics processor, CPU, RAM, and memory. This architecture completely changes the way RAM is used.

It doesn't just integrate the CPU and GPU, because the M1 chip itself integrates the motherboard. Computer memory is usually an extra component added to the motherboard, which means you can add extra memory as needed before. For Mac, what you get is what you have—you can't change or separate the computer memory from the rest of it.

Note: While this may sound like a drawback, especially for those who like to fiddle with computers, this integrated memory also has obvious advantages. And, if you are a hands-on person, you are unlikely to buy a Mac. The M1 chip can significantly improve the performance and efficiency of a variety of tasks, from simple browsing to heavy multitasking, 3D modeling, and advanced coding.

Is unified memory the same as RAM?

I've introduced you to a bunch of technical terms, one of which might catch your attention is RAM (random access memory). Is unified memory the same as RAM? They all contain the word "memory" and are all related to computer memory, so what's the difference?

The answer is no - RAM is not exactly the same as unified memory.

Both RAM and unified memory refer to short-term memory used to store information currently required or in use by the computer.

For example, opening a Spotify or Mail application will use your computer's RAM. This RAM transfers data from your hard drive memory so it can be used at any time. The more RAM you have, the smoother your applications and documents run, and the more applications and documents you can open at the same time.

Although unified memory functions are very similar to RAM, it does not work exactly the same way. Unified memory is still considered temporary storage—a type of RAM, but since all computer memory is in one place, there is no need to transfer data between RAM and other memory partitions in the system.

Manage your Mac memory

Use Setapp's App Tamer to make full use of the unified memory of your computer and improve the efficiency of your Mac in unprecedented ways.

Comparison of unified memory and RAM for free trial security test

If we look at the basic definitions of both, we can say that unified memory and RAM are both computer memory, which temporarily stores data so that users can quickly access the required content.

However, there is a clear difference between the two. RAM uses traditional systems where memory is divided. A small amount of RAM is used to run applications on a computer (processed by the CPU), and then some RAM is dedicated to graphics-related tasks (processed by the GPU). Unified memory adopts different settings, with only one memory to manage everything.

The concept of unified memory is not unique to Apple, and we have seen other well-known brands such as Intel and Windows adopt similar features, but unified memory on Apple computers has a unique hardware level.

How much unified memory do you need?

The keyword in this subtitle is "you". How much unified memory you need really depends on how you will use your computer.

• 8GB: Suitable for general personal and work tasks such as browsing web pages, document editing, casual games and streaming videos. Some current MacBook Airs and all iMacs come with 8GB of unified memory.
• 16GB and above: For video editors, graphic designers, or users who plan to use their computers for more intensive applications. The powerful MacBook Pros are all equipped with a brand new M3 chip, with options ranging from 8GB to 48GB.
• Far more than 16GB: Running a full professional studio? Mac Studio can provide you with up to 192GB of unified memory.

However, no matter how much memory your Mac has, you should pay attention to its efficient use. This will help keep your machine running smoothly and quickly.

Improve Mac performance: 4 suggestions

Have you found that there is insufficient space or slowing down recently? There are some convenient applications on the market that can improve the performance of your Mac.

1. Find out the root cause of the problem (takes 2-5 minutes)

I recommend running a series of benchmarks on your Mac first. The benchmarks provide detailed reports on CPU and GPU performance, such as whether your Mac is overheating, battery health, etc. - depending on the application you are using. Additionally, it allows you to compare your results with other Macs.

I personally use Novabench to achieve this. Not only does it cover all the areas mentioned above, it also allows you to choose different baselines for comparison, such as mid-range gaming PCs, high-end gaming PCs, high-end laptops, low-end laptops, or high-end servers, depending on the device that is most similar to your setup.

2. Reduce CPU usage (no need to exit the application)

App Tamer is a native application for Apple silicon that identifies applications that take up CPUs in the background and controls how many CPUs they can use. It can "taste" these applications based on your preferences and allows you to continuously monitor your CPU usage at any time through the dynamic icon in the menu bar.

Want to optimize your CPU usage?

1. Download App Tamer.
2. Click the icon in the menu bar to find out any applications that are over-using the CPU.
3. Manage settings for that particular application, including whether to hide or exit the application after being idle for more than X minutes, whether to slow down or stop the application when the application is not in the foreground, and when the application should slow down—for example, when the application uses more than 20% of the CPU.

3. Tracking factors that consume Mac resources

Need more advanced features? iStat Menus is another monitoring system that provides you with detailed information on metrics such as memory load, disk usage and activity, and CPU load. It will help you track and optimize disk usage and reveal key information about a variety of useful data so that you can make informed decisions based on the situation, which applications to exit and which ones to use.

It can even use sensors to display temperature, power supply and hard disk temperature in real time (in some cases).

How to use it is as follows:

1. Download the iStat Menus app.
2. Toggle the switch to turn on or off monitoring based on what you want to display in the menu bar.
3. Customize each event item according to your preferences.

Now you can view charts and details for almost all computer components.

4. Clean up junk files in Mac system

For a more permanent solution, CleanMyMac X can help you clean up your Mac’s disk, scan for malware, and optimize its performance.

1. Download the CleanMyMac X application.
2. Click the icon on the menu bar for suggestions.
3. View your storage space, free up disk space, or use optimization and maintenance tools.

By using CleanMyMac X, you can discover hidden files and forgotten applications that slow down your system and are able to clear them for optimal system performance.

Please read also:

• The difference between Apple M3 and M4 chips
• How much RAM do you need
• The difference between Apple M1 and M2 chips
• A complete list of iOS apps not available on Apple silicon Mac

Master the unified memory of your Mac

Once you master the concept of unified memory, you can better optimize the performance of your computer. Unified memory is simply combining the computer's memory into a shared space to make activity more efficient. Depending on how your device is used, 8GB may be enough, or you may need more memory to complete the heavier tasks.

Curious about the apps we mentioned above for monitoring Mac memory and overall health? App Tamer, iStat Menus, CleanMyMac X and other productivity applications are all available on Setapp, a clever platform for Mac users to provide a suite of tools. With a 7-day free trial, you can download and use any one of 250+ tools completely free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Apple's unified memory better than RAM?

RAM separates the CPU and GPU data pools, while unified memory integrates all computer memory systems in one place. There is no difference between the two itself, but Apple's unified memory architecture can provide higher efficiency and improve performance.

What is suitable for 8GB of unified memory?

8GB of unified memory is Apple's minimum capacity and is best suited for daily computer use, including streaming videos, listening to music, browsing the Internet and performing basic work tasks.

Is 16GB of unified memory better than 16GB of RAM?

Whether you have 16GB of unified memory or 16GB of RAM, your computer still has the same amount of memory. The difference is that unified memory can improve performance and efficiency due to shared data pools.

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