New MBP - Is 4 gigs of RAM worth it?

[cmeriptahoe]

i was just wondering if the four gigs of ram is worth it. I am going to be running photoshop and final cut, but i just wanted to make sure that the MBP could even recognize all four gigs.

[Alloye]

i was just wondering if the four gigs of ram is worth it. I am going to be running photoshop and final cut, but i just wanted to make sure that the MBP could even recognize all four gigs.

The new MBP can use all 4GB. Whether or not it's worth it depends on the intended use of the machine. I think Photoshop and Final Cut are two great candidates for more memory. Also, anyone who wants to run virtual machines via Parallels or VMware will greatly benefit from the extra memory.

[taylorwilsdon]

Its very much worth it with the prices so low. You can get 2X2GB (4GB total) laptop RAM for $150 on a good day, and the performance increase is great.

[Gymnut]

Final Cut Pro will love 4GB of ram. Really, as cheap as memory prices are nowadays, you can never have enough ram!:)

[cmeriptahoe]

so with that said, should i just do the upgrade through apple or should i buy my own memory? since the upgrade through apple is and extra 750 i think. how much cheaper can i get it on my own and does it void the warranty?

[taylorwilsdon]

so with that said, should i just do the upgrade through apple or should i buy my own memory? since the upgrade through apple is and extra 750 i think. how much cheaper can i get it on my own and does it void the warranty?

Never ever ever get RAM from Apple. They overcharge worse then any company in the industry. You are allowed to change your own RAM, it does not affect the warranty.

[Gymnut]

so with that said, should i just do the upgrade through apple or should i buy my own memory? since the upgrade through apple is and extra 750 i think. how much cheaper can i get it on my own and does it void the warranty?

RAM is a user-replaceable part so yes you can upgrade it via a third party seller/manufacturer. It is no secret that Apple's ram pricing is on the high end and 4GB kits (2GBx2GB) can be had for $150-$300+ depending on where you buy. I purchased my 4GB kit from Other World Computing:

http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Other%20World%20Computing/53IM2DDR4GBK/

[CaptainCanuck]

Just bought 2GB from OWC. So far it's working like a charm. Just remember to keep at least one of the original cards in case you ever have to send the MBP in to AppleCare.

[cmeriptahoe]

alright thanks for all that info. heres another question... will the difference between 2 gigs and 4 gigs of ram give me a noticeable upgrade when i am using bootcamp? because of school i need to use some windows based programs. also will i be able to see a noticeable boost in overall performance with the 7200 hard drive?

[Gymnut]

Hmm..I recall reading somewhere where Windows Vista was not recognizing the full 4GB of RAM. I don't use Bootcamp so I wouldn't be able to answer that. The faster hard drive would be useful for Final Cut Pro projects although it'd be best if your scratch disk was just as fast.

[CanadaRAM]

Never ever ever get RAM from Apple. They overcharge worse then any company in the industry.

Oh no they don't -- have you looked at HP/Compaq/Digital server RAM or Cisco RAM or Xerox laser printer RAM? We're not talking 200% over market, we're talking more like 600%

At any rate: Choose a reputable seller who offers guaranteed compatible Mac RAM, a lifetime warranty, and a no-charge exchange if the RAM is DOA, and go for the 4 Gb. Photoshop and Final Cut make it worth it.

[cmeriptahoe]

alright well thanks everyone for all the useful responses. im now just gonna buy the extra ram after market so i am for sure gettin that. its down to whether or not i should get the faster hard drive. will it make a difference in day to day activities?

[Gymnut]

Oh no they don't -- have you looked at HP/Compaq/Digital server RAM or Cisco RAM or Xerox laser printer RAM? We're not talking 200% over market, we're talking more like 600%

Yeah and the PC Gamer boutiques do just the same. To upgrade the ram to 4GB in Alienware's laptops can run up to $1000.

[NickD]

Yeah don't buy from Apple. Buy some 3rd party RAM like Crucial or Corsair. It will make all the difference in the world.

Coming from a fellow Final Cut and PS user.

[cmeriptahoe]

is the 7200 rpm worth it?

[cmeriptahoe]

also, how hard is it to replace the RAM on your own?

[Gymnut]

also, how hard is it to replace the RAM on your own?

It's simple.

http://eshop.macsales.com/tech_center/installation.cfm

[bmat]

Simple, except when Apple has overtightened the screws. Even using a precisions 00 screwdriver, I had issues removing one of the screws to put in my 4 gbs. Make sure you have the right tools -- if you use the wrong screw driver the crappy screws will strip.

[Zeeno]

Just bought 2GB from OWC. So far it's working like a charm. Just remember to keep at least one of the original cards in case you ever have to send the MBP in to AppleCare.

Really? Do you guys think that this is important?

[Gandhi]

4 gigs is worth it for me - especially at the prices they are currently selling at - they are a steal (not from the Apple store though). Just purchased 2x2gb Crucial crucial sticks for $92.50 from Buy.com before they jacked the prices to $150 :D

Now, it is recommended that you hold on to the original sticks. Especially if your laptop is sent in under Apple Care for kernal panics. Failing RAM is the number 1 culprit for such panics, and Apple many times says you need to use the original RAM to resolve the problem first, then they will look it at if the problem persists with the original RAM installed.

[MaskedPhantom]

is the 7200 rpm worth it?

I would also like to know this...

[squeeks]

Simple, except when Apple has overtightened the screws. Even using a precisions 00 screwdriver, I had issues removing one of the screws to put in my 4 gbs. Make sure you have the right tools -- if you use the wrong screw driver the crappy screws will strip.

thats becuase the screws are #0 not #00