Is 16GB of RAM worth the extra $200 for a rMBP?

I'm considering buying a new 15" 2.4ghz quad core Macbook Pro Retina to replace my late 2008 2.4ghz core 2 duo w/4GB RAM which is starting to show it's age when editing 5D3 files in LR4.

8GB is standard, but upgradeable to 16GB when ordering BTO for an extra $200. I'm thinking it may be a good way to futureproof my computer for some time to come, but I'm just wondering if anyone else has used a similar setup to mine with just 8GB. I usually have Lightroom open with about four browser tabs in safari, mail, and spotify streaming at once. I may look into final cut pro soon for video work as well. Any input would be appreciated.

I would not suggest buying RAM from apple. You should be able to get 16 gigs for less than $100. I have put 3rd party ram in both of my macs and have had no issues. Buy it with lower ram and upgrade it yourself. Then either sell the OEM RAM or keep it as backup.

The Retina model doesn't allow the RAM to be upgraded later. It's soldered to the motherboard.

Riles wrote in post #16102889
The Retina model doesn't allow the RAM to be upgraded later. It's soldered to the motherboard.

Well that is dumb.

That said I always buy extra ram in order to "future proof" as much as possible.

benji25 wrote in post #16102896
Well that is dumb.

Not if you are Apple!

tkbslc wrote in post #16102931
Not if you are Apple!

Somewhat debatable. A big part of why Apple only sold a cheaper non-retina macbook pro to me instead of a more expensive retina version was because the retina was less flexible.

For a lot of people it would never matter, and they would never upgrade their system anyway, but for others allowing basic upgrades like that is easily a make or break issue.

tkbslc wrote in post #16102931
Not if you are Apple!

A lot of the Windows ultra books are the same way (memory not user-upgradable). A pita for sure but the price you pay for the thinness IMO.

My wife has a 13" MBPr with 8gigs of memory because I knew she'd never need more then that. If it was my computer I'd spend the extra money and get 16GB because I'm much more of a power user (I currently have 16GB in my Lenovo w520). Something about it not being upgradable would make me want to max it out to future proof it as much as possible (for good or bad)

Update: I went with 16GB and am very happy. This computer is a beast! Editing is a joy now.

Copy that! We went with 2.7/16/768 machines last year. The 16GB of memory gives plenty of room for LR and other apps. The 768GB SSD leaves us over 500GB available for field downloads during multi week photo trips. We don't have to drag along a stack of external HDs.

We keep the various large libraries (i.e. documents, photos, music,..etc) on external thunderbolt RAID 1 drives. All is backed up by 3TB Time Capsules.