4 or 8gb ram

Question

4 or 8gb ram

Im thinking about upgrading the ram in my mbp.

Its currently at the stock 2gb, I was wondering if I would feel much more benefit in upgrading to 8gb compared than to 4gb.

Obviously it will be better to go to 8gb, but 4gb may be plenty for my uses.

I generaly use the machine for some light weight apps simultaneously (chrome, skype, iphoto, itunes) but I do use some "heavier" apps fairly frequently (photoshop, imovie)

Hopefully I've explained it how i mean.

Macbook Pro 13", Mac OS X (10.6), Total Mac Noob

Posted on Jan 19, 2011 10:35 AM

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Answer 1

Jan 19, 2011 10:43 AM in response to TomDefyingLife

Yes, 8GB will make a difference with heavy apps like iTunes, iPhoto, and Photoshop. It definitly made a difference when I apply filters or do encoding work. It's not going to be noticable in general, but you will see reduced wait times on CPU intensive tasks. Just make sure to buy quality match pair of 1066mhz RAM (or whatever is the stock speed on your Mac), I made the error of buying PC10660 (1333mhz) RAM and it didn't function correctly.

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Answer 2

Jan 19, 2011 10:50 AM in response to TomDefyingLife

If you can swing the 8Gb, I would go for the 8Gb. Upgraded my 15" i7 and has noticeable effect with use of AP3, Photoshop, etc..

Matt

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Answer 3

Jan 19, 2011 11:45 AM in response to TomDefyingLife

I have 8 and don't use it all often but when I do it's a timesaver! 8GB is cheaper now than when I upgraded so " Just Do It"

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Answer 4

Jan 19, 2011 2:39 PM in response to Germany_chris

Cool, I will see if I can stretch my budget to 8gb. I'm planning on getting it from crucial, is the ram they supply decent enough? I've heard good things about them.

If I do opt for 4gb, the difference will still be substancial wont it?

And finally, am I right in thinking that ram on a 2009 mbp is a user serviceable part? as in I can install it myself without effecting my applecare at all.

cheers for all the info

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Answer 5

Jan 19, 2011 2:50 PM in response to TomDefyingLife

Yes. Ram is a user serviceable part without affecting warranty.

Note that you need to follow installation instructions completely, especially avoiding any possible static on your fingers.

Neville

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Answer 6

Jan 19, 2011 2:55 PM in response to Neville Mayfield

awesome. Any tips on discharging static? Will touching something thats earthed sort it?

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Answer 7

Jan 19, 2011 4:15 PM in response to TomDefyingLife

Yes, just touching the metal case is usually sufficient though there are special wrist straps that can be bought for this purpose. Obviously the power cord needs to be disconnected.

Neville

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