Upgrading RAM in the MBP

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Level 1

0 points

Upgrading RAM in the MBP

Hi to all.

I'm about to buy a MBP with 512 MB but I'm thinking about upgrading it up to 1G or 2G depending on the price.

My questions is:
Should I upgrade it at Apple? Or should I buy it from a third party store (which is cheaper right?) In this case, which brand is more reliable? Will this cause those "unexpected shutdowns" ?

Thanks for your help in advance.

Posted on Sep 17, 2006 2:44 AM

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Answer 1

Centurion1

Level 4

1,301 points

Sep 17, 2006 2:51 AM in response to camilalala

Upgrading to 1 GB RAM is a very wise choice, you will see that it is almost necessary for smooth operation. The machine will fly.
Apple will charge you almost thrice for the RAM when you can use Crucial website for a fraction and they are very reliable .

http://www.crucial.com/eu/

regards

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Answer 2

Sep 17, 2006 7:41 PM in response to camilalala

I agree - I used Crucial for a 2GB Upgrade - no problems

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Answer 3

Sep 18, 2006 3:16 AM in response to camilalala

Crucial memory is fine and I have used it for years, but you can usually save substantially with Corsair. I have upgraded several Macbooks and MBPs with this RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820145012
Unfortunately the price is up to $120, a substantial increase from the $85 I paid just a few weeks ago. You might want to buy the Crucial, since it is now only $10 more. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820145048
I have no connection whatsoever with Crucial, Corsair or newegg.com.

Webb

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Answer 4

oleus

Level 1

126 points

Sep 18, 2006 10:43 PM in response to Jo-Ann-Webb

i have a question along these lines.

i am getting a 1GB (PC2-5300/DDR2/SODIMM) stick from a friend who no longer needs it.

My macbook pro has 512 inside of it right now. I definitely will be losing out on the dual-channel memory if i go this route, right?

since i'm getting this one for nothing, i might as well buy another 1GB and just forget about the 512 altogther, right?

i think they should package all macbook pros with 1gb minimum, i find it a little laggy at 512 and very slow with intensive programs.

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Answer 5

Sep 18, 2006 10:59 PM in response to oleus

dual channel benefit is very small, say 5% or so. 512+512 is better than 1gb + 0, but 1.5gb is better than both - I'd say wait and see if you need it.

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Answer 6

oleus

Level 1

126 points

Sep 18, 2006 11:49 PM in response to Rajesh Sharma

Rajesh -

thanks for the info. I will stick with 1.512 for now and see how i like it when i install it tomorrow.

i imagine i will get a decent-to-sizeable boost going from 512mb to 1.512gb, right??

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Answer 7

Sep 19, 2006 5:10 AM in response to camilalala

I never see it mentioned but I always use OtherWorld Computing. and have never had a problem. If I could do it over I would get two 1 gb sticks. I have 1.5gb and always wonder what I am missing from the extra 512mb.

Hope this helps.

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Answer 8

oleus

Level 1

126 points

Sep 20, 2006 8:43 AM in response to northmendo

UPDATE

i installed my additional 1bg of ram to my MBP. running at 1.5 is like another universe for this computer!! 512 vs 1.5 is like night and day.

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