iMac 2.8Ghz - Hows much RAM should I get?

[Tsurisuto]

Should I stick with the 2GB that comes with it or should I upgrade to 4GB?

Will I see much of a difference in:

- Startup time.
- General usage.
- Adobe Photoshop.
- iPhoto.
- Windows Vista (gaming).

 

[ascender]

RAM is so cheap that I'd upgrade to 4Gb. Given the cost of the machine, its a tiny amount of outlay in comparison.

 

[Tsurisuto]

RAM is so cheap that I'd upgrade to 4Gb. Given the cost of the machine, its a tiny amount of outlay in comparison.

It wasn't the cost that I was worried about... but I don't want to upgrade if I'm not going to see any visible difference.

 

[Nordichund]

It wasn't the cost that I was worried about... but I don't want to upgrade if I'm not going to see any visible difference.

Well if it´s any help, this is how I reasoned my decision to install an extra 2gb with the 1gb that came with the machine.

Following the message boards about the new iMac I came to the conclusion that running the machine with anything less than 2gb could be at times slow. Since it is cheaper to order an iMac with a 1gb stick of ram and buy a 2gb stick from Crucial than ordering an iMac with 2gb of Apple ram, that what I did. I am very happy with my 3gb, the machine runs like a dream.

When ram becomes cheaper and if I feel that the my Mac needs an extra boost, I will probably replace the Apple 1gb stick for another 2gb stick at a later date.

 

[Sandman1969]

So you can have a 1x1GB and a 1x2GB installed in the new iMACs?

 

[sabesh]

So you can have a 1x1GB and a 1x2GB installed in the new iMACs?

Yes.

 

[CanadaRAM]

If you look near the top of this window, you'll see a tab called "Guides" which has answers to many frequently asked questions.

MR Guide to Understanding Intel Mac RAM

Photoshop can use 3 Gb all for itself, for maximum performance.

 

[Sun Baked]

Leopard and Rosetta chew through a bit more memory than Tiger did, making 2GB likely the minimum you want to run without slowdowns (though you will likely get pageouts at 2GB in Leopard, you probably won't live with the spinning ball.)

So running Photoshop will likely bump you to where you want to stick 4GB in it.

It should be "under $70" with tax and/or shipping for the 2GB SO-DIMM. Since that is what is here to grab one off the shelf. So there isn't a big reason not to do it.