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 laberious software (think Photoshop or Final Cut) are reduced significantly. The end corollary is a higher level of widespread productivity, unless of policy 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 advantage from more:

Ddr2 Ddr3

Open your action Monitor (it should be in your Utilities folder). Click on the ideas Memory tab. If the pie chart is mostly green and blue (representing free and inactive memory, respectively), then you're in good shape. If the chart is mostly yellow and red (active and wired), then you're running out of Ram and may palpate problems. Try occasion your action monitor while conducting dissimilar activities. For example, you'll probably have Ram to spare if you're only checking email, but rendering video will probably reveal a dissimilar result.

How much Ram should I get?

Its pretty simple. Get the most Ram that your ideas supports.

What kind of Ram should I get?

Don't be overly implicated with the brand name of Ram you choose. Apple usually buys Samsung, Hynix and Micron Ram modules in bulk. There is nothing extra about Apple branded memory (on top of that, Apple's 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 selection should be obvious.

Some tips:

Any modern mac computer will have at least two memory slots. Although the brand name of Ram isn't 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 leading 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 naturally won't work. Do not mix up your Ddr's under any circumstances.

Generally speaking, the Ram that you buy for your mac will have the potential 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 advantage of doing this is cost. Like any other commodity, scarcity can corollary 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 buy 1333mhz Ram instead.

It should be noted any way 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.

Ram for Beginners: How Do I Know If My Mac Needs More Ram?