Ram For Beginners: How Do I Know If My Mac Needs More Ram?
Maximizing your Mac's RAM can prove to be the best upgrade you'll ever make
. Multi-tasking is improved dramatically and processing times for memory intensive software (think photoshop or final cut) are reduced significantly. The end result is a higher level of overall productivity, unless of course you're gaming, although RAM helps here too.
Here's an easy way to find out how much RAM your computer is using and if you would benefit from more:
Open your Activity Monitor (it should be in your Utilities folder). Click on the System Memory tab. If the pie chart is mostly green and blue (representing free and inactive memory, respectively), then youre in good shape. If the chart is mostly yellow and red (active and wired), then youre running out of RAM and may experience problems. Try opening your activity monitor while conducting different activities. For example, you'll probably have RAM to spare if you're only checking email, but rendering video will probably reveal a different result.
How much RAM should I get?
Its pretty simple. Get the most RAM that your system supports. For more information on how much RAM your system supports visit:
http://www.macmodify.com/pages/how-much-ram-can-i-install
What kind of RAM should I get?
Dont be overly concerned with the brand name of RAM you choose. Apple usually buys Samsung, Hynix and Micron RAM modules in bulk. There is nothing special about Apple branded memory (on top of that, Apples mark-up is outrageous). Any brand of RAM should do- just make sure it fits the specs of your system. Also, consider the warranty offered some offer 1 year while others offer a lifetime warranty- the choice should be obvious.
Some tips:
Any modern mac computer will have at least two memory slots. Although the brand name of RAM isnt altogether very important, some issues can arise if you mix brands (eg. run one Samsung and one Micron). It is strongly advised that you not do this.
The variations of RAM can be intimidating for the unfamiliar. The most important thing to remember is this: If you computer calls for DDR2, then use it and nothing else. DDR3 will not speed up your computer- it simply wont work. Do not mix up your DDRs under any circumstances.
Generally speaking, the RAM that you purchase for your mac will have the ability to downclock. For example, a 1333Mhz RAM module will run in a laptop which is designed for 1066Mhz. Doing this has both benefits and drawbacks. The major benefit of doing this is cost. Like any other commodity, scarcity can result in price increases. It may be difficult to find 1066Mhz RAM, as it is seldom used anymore (and the price has therefore increased). In this case it may be advisable to purchase 1333mhz RAM instead.
It should be noted however that doing this may overheat you computer, especially older macbooks. Additionally, if your mac contains a Penryn processor (2008, 2009), it is advisable that you use only the exact RAM speed specified by Apple- some issues have been reported.
For Mac upgrades, accessories and replacement parts please visit:
http://www.macmodify.com/
by: Guy
Rip Dvd On Mac Os X 10.8 Mountain Lion With Dvd Ripper For Mac Newly Pdf Editor Pro For Mac Os 10.7 ("lion") Released By Wondershare Convert Canon Fs Mod Files To Mac Imovie, Quicktime, Fcp, Idvd, Iphoto Get Iskysoft Mac Dvd Ripper For Free Download To Use Apple Mac Repair. Mac Repairs London - North London Mac Support: Macbook Fitted Repair Actc Certification Is Calling Apple Mac Specialists 2 Ways To Undelete Mac Files Logo Maker For Mac Operating System How To Edit Swf File In Final Cur Express On Mac Os Important Tips For The Mac Users Your Solutions In Having Mac Mass Mailer Make Magic With Mac Brushes Deciding Whether To Use A Single-partition Drive Or A Multiple-partition Drive With Mac Os X