Mac mini m2

[Lerwick]

Will the most basic model of the newest Mac Mini M2 (8C CPU /10C GPU, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) have enough power and memory to run Illustrator for graphic design work? It's for a class I'm taking and I wouldn't be using it for much else. I see that 16GB is recommended but the 8GB on the Mini is supposed to accommodate more than the typical 8GB, so that's throwing me off. Would using cloud-based storage be the way to go?

[Anubhav M · Accepted solution]

Hello @Lerwick,

Thanks for reaching out. The newest mac mini with M2 should be sufficient for working on most complicated artworks in Illustrator. However, the 8GB RAM will cause a bottleneck on larger files and when working on 3D features, as it is shared with the M2's GPU. This memory is different from your computer's disk storage (256 GB) and cannot be upgraded (on this computer) or shared with the cloud. You may refer to this help article for more information on the System Requirements here: https://helpx.adobe.com/illustrator/system-requirements.html.

Feel free to reach out if you have more questions or need assistance. We'd be happy to help.

Thanks,

Anubhav

[Lerwick]

Thank you for the info, that was very helpful!

[00Andy]

Hi,

I'm experiencing continous crashes when working on Adobe Photoshop with large files. System freezes, u cannot interact untill the os reboot automatically. I'm working on Mac Mini M2 16GB Ram. Any solution? Thanx.

[Monika Gause]

Large Photoshop files and 16 GBof RAM just don't go together well. Add more RAM seems the obvious solution.

[00Andy]

Thanx a lot Monika. It crashed working on 2GB files despite a smooth workflow. What is the limit supposed to be? 

[Monika Gause]

16 GB is the recommended minimum.

A 2 GB file is a pretty large file, you want at least 32 GB, but you will like more in order to have pleasure at work.

https://shotkit.com/photoshop-ram/ 

[Lumigraphics]

I would recommend against the 8GB Mac mini, the extra RAM makes a huge difference. Your computer will have longer usability and resale value, and much better performance.

[Lerwick]

I didn't even think of that, thank you!