I inadvertently purchased an 8GB single chip rather than a 4GBx2 kit when ordering memory online. I could return it for a kit, but it got me thinking that I might as well just have 12GB.
I know using this would break dual-channel, but will I actually see performance losses if I don't use dual-channel like it used to back in the P4 days?
Thanks,
wtcnbrwndo4u
MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2012), OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.2)
Provided it is the proper speed & timing, should work. As you already know, performance will be impacted since the Northbridge memory manager won't be able to parallelize operations (dual channel) and have to do them one at a time in serial fashion. How much will this impact your workflow, you'll find out soon enough.
Start saving for the SECOND 8GB stick so you can put it in, get 16GB altogether, and watch the Mac fly....
..... yes, Virginia, Macs CAN do 16GB in spite what Apple says.
Provided it is the proper speed & timing, should work. As you already know, performance will be impacted since the Northbridge memory manager won't be able to parallelize operations (dual channel) and have to do them one at a time in serial fashion. How much will this impact your workflow, you'll find out soon enough.
Start saving for the SECOND 8GB stick so you can put it in, get 16GB altogether, and watch the Mac fly....
..... yes, Virginia, Macs CAN do 16GB in spite what Apple says.
Gotcha, thanks! My only concern is whether I truly need that much memory. I mean, my desktop only has 6GB, haha.
I'm sure it does make the system fly though.
Don't worry, the extra RAM won't cause your desk to collapse from the extra weight.... 😝
Ever since I put 16GB in mine about a month ago, saved about 16GB of disk space since it hasn't needed to create a swapfile and paginate memory to disk ever since. Not to mention the flying speed.....
Can I use an 8GB and a 4GB chip in a Macbook Pro?
