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Do I need to Upgrade to 4gb Ram?

B

BrooklynNoise

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Oct 18, 2008
18
4
Hi all,

I am considering buying a new Macbook Pro

2.4GHz
Intel Core 2 Duo
15-inch widescreen
320GB hard drive1
NVIDIA GeForce 9400M + 9600M GT with 256MB

I am trying to decide whether it is worth/necessary to upgrade the RAM to 2 2gb sticks (4gb) from 2 1gb sticks (2gb).

I am mainly going to use the computer for internet, word processing, iphoto, imovie video editing, itunes,and watching movies/tv shows both on disc and streaming. My current computer has 512mb of SRAM and I get beachballs all the time. Will the 2 1gb RAM sticks be enough for my needs? Will the 4gb RAM only provide incremental speed boost or possibly none at all?
 
For what you're doing, 2GB should be more than enough memory. I can do all that (and easily) on my 2.0 GHz MacBook (from 2006) with 2 GB of RAM as well.
 
It isn't necessary, but you will appreciate it if you do it. I just bought an iMac that came with 1 GB - and found it was extremely fast and I had no problems doing anything. But then RAM went on sale at my local store - I got 4GB of Kingston RAM for $59! Installed and my imac is a beast.

So I'd suggest you hang tight with 2 GB, but keep your eye out on a deal for RAM.
 
you dont need it for what you are doing. i would wait for the price to drop way down then get it. it will help as the machine ages.
 
For what your doing it really shouldnt make a huge difference. I could easily get away with the 2gb mine came with but with 4gb I can sleep at night knowing its as fast as it can be :D
 
natebookpro said:
For what your doing it really shouldnt make a huge difference. I could easily get away with the 2gb mine came with but with 4gb I can sleep at night knowing its as fast as it can be :D
Click to expand...
buzz kill. your computer can support 8 gb
 
buzz kill. your computer can support 8 gb
Click to expand...

Yeah I just read about the 8gb possibility. Holy crap.

Thank you everyone for the advice! Based on the suggestions, I think I may just stick with the standard 2 1gb RAM. I was worried mainly for the Imovie stuff because I assumed it would be heavy on the memory, but if I don't need it I would rather save the money.
 
BrooklynNoise said:
Yeah I just read about the 8gb possibility. Holy crap.

Thank you everyone for the advice! Based on the suggestions, I think I may just stick with the standard 2 1gb RAM. I was worried mainly for the Imovie stuff because I assumed it would be heavy on the memory, but if I don't need it I would rather save the money.
Click to expand...


I ordered the same machine you want, with 2 Gb of RAM. I can wait 6 months to see a lowering of the RAM price, then I'll upgrade it and I'll feel that I used better my money.

No?
 
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