Does it help to add more RAM than I use?

[thesmallelder]

On my MBP, I typically use about 1.5GB of RAM, so there is almost always 500mb or more free. Will adding additional RAM (2GB more) make a difference in this case if I never use all of my current 2GB?

 

[iLog.Genius]

You can never have "too much" RAM. If you have the money, I would definitely max out my MacBook Pro.

 

[xoggyux]

having a bigger glass with the same amount of water that an small glass can hold does not mean that it will calm your thirst better.
Anyway seeing 4GB instead of 2GB have a profound psychological effect, so go ahead.

 

[jeremybuff]

Despite what others may say, more ram does help. Of course, it depends on the situation, but I would def suggest adding the RAM. It's helped me in the past on systems that I don't necessarily "need" it.

 

[Outrigger]

having a bigger glass with the same amount of water that an small glass can hold does not mean that it will calm your thirst better.
Anyway seeing 4GB instead of 2GB have a profound psychological effect, so go ahead.

Best quote I've seen. Many if not most think maxing the RAM will help and yet not even using 2GB in reality. But it sure does help psychologically so go ahead.

 

[emt1]

On my MBP, I typically use about 1.5GB of RAM, so there is almost always 500mb or more free. Will adding additional RAM (2GB more) make a difference in this case if I never use all of my current 2GB?

If its more than you use, then no. It will not help. It won't hurt, but if you aren't even going to use it, then it won't help. Why buy a 500GB HD when you only need 250GB?

 

[belvdr]

If you have the money, I would definitely max out my MacBook Pro.

This is great. If the OP has the money, iLog.Genuis is going to max out his machine.

 

[Thiol]

On my MBP, I typically use about 1.5GB of RAM, so there is almost always 500mb or more free. Will adding additional RAM (2GB more) make a difference in this case if I never use all of my current 2GB?

Perhaps average usage is not the best way to judge if you need more RAM. I prefer to ask what your page in to page out ratio is. If you never page out, then you don't need more RAM.