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Hey again,
I'm browing around on the net for RAM for my early 2011 MacBook Pro. I've found some pretty decently priced and compatible RAM (8GB). The one question is: Will I be able to notice a differrence (from 4GB)?
Considering the CPU is at 2.3GHz with 384MB of video memory, will the extra 4GB of RAM help with anything?
Thanks.
MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.7.2), Mac OS X (10.7.3)
More memory is always better.
Beyond 8G there will be only very little advantage.
If you use many programs all together then you will see the difference.
In my case with 8GB of ram Parallels ( windozzzz 7 ) runs much better!
It depends on what you are doing. For most non CPU intensive applications there will be no difference. For applications that are, such as games and video editing it will.
What you may try to run some of the CPU 'hog' programs for a while and the open ACTIVITY MONITOR>SYSTEM MEMORY. Compare 'Page ins' with 'Page outs'. If the latter is 10% or more of the former, then additional RAM will be beneficial. Run several sessions.
Otherwise you may be spending money for no gain.
Ciao.
Thank, shkdr2thewheel! Turns out I don't need any more RAM. I had several apps running, like Firefox (loading a YouTube video), iTunes, VLC, Photoshop and Mail. The free memory remained above 1.3GHz so I shouldn't be too worried.
And yes, I am sorta new to Mac devices. I once had an iMac back in 2010. I got rid of it at some point and didn't return to the Mac OS until a couple of weeks ago with this MacBook Pro. Sometimes I just need some refreshers! 😝
welcome 🙂
I have another quick question regarding the memory upgrade.
I looked up a MacBook Pro memory upgrade video on YouTube and the uploader claims that upgrading the memory (on the same model as mine) bumps the video memory up as well (from 384MB to 512MB). Is this true? I mean, how is that actually possible?
Yes that is true! its quite amazing actualy. I updated my late 2011 MCP From 4 To 8 about an hour ago, you see the difference in pretty much everything straight away! im able to play games i wasnt before and most games now run in top settings etc. i never really had any problems the first time round but i managed to pick up 8gb for £30, so i went for it and im glad i did 🙂. I got mine from crutial
I just installed 8 GB of ram into my Early Macbook Pro 2011 and it runs smoother now. Especially since I have Parallels Windows 8 running. PIcked up both for $30...Glad I made that move...
From 4GB to 8GB RAM - MBP - Worth It?
