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iMac Memory Problems?

Q

qubert

macrumors newbie
Original poster
I just bought a shiny new iMac, installed some bargain memory and cranked up WOW, but the framerate is sitting around 15 fps. Does anybody know whats going on? It recognizes the memory, but is there someway it may be hamstringing the computer?

Thanks
 
qubert said:
I just bought a shiny new iMac, installed some bargain memory and cranked up WOW, but the framerate is sitting around 15 fps. Does anybody know whats going on? It recognizes the memory, but is there someway it may be hamstringing the computer?

Thanks
Click to expand...

I'm thinking about doing the same. Where did you buy your memory from and how much did you pay? Also do you think the fact it's budget got anything to do with the FPS problem?

Thanks,

JC...
 
qubert said:
I just bought a shiny new iMac, installed some bargain memory and cranked up WOW, but the framerate is sitting around 15 fps. Does anybody know whats going on? It recognizes the memory, but is there someway it may be hamstringing the computer?

Thanks
Click to expand...


Why would you put 'bargain memory' in a brand new machine? Is it POSSIBLE that all memory isn't the same and therefore the price difference?? I've read too many tales of woe over cheap memory. I've got 2X2Gig memory sticks sitting here waiting for my new iMac....but I got them from a store that has 100% guarantee. Are they 'bargain' memory? No. Would I put 'bargain memory' into my new machine? No.

I also run 91 octane gas in my car. The manual specifies it. Can it run on cheaper, lower octane fuel? Yes. Will it run as well. No.

I don't understand the logic of spending lots of $$ in one area, and then bargain basement $$ in another.

JimmyD
:apple::apple::apple::apple:
 
In my opinion, more often than not you get what you pay for. If you've spent a lot of money on a nice brand new machine, why skimp out on such an important component such as memory?

When it comes to buying RAM for your Mac, I recommend reviewing the guide we have here on MacRumors. 😎
 
Jamcox said:
I'm thinking about doing the same. Where did you buy your memory from and how much did you pay? Also do you think the fact it's budget got anything to do with the FPS problem?

Thanks,

JC...
Click to expand...

I'm not sure it's the memory, but I've noticed some serious performance problems recently. I'm running memtest now, but it seems like that's going to take all afternoon.

Here's where I got the memory:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820208323
Reviewers said it worked fine in MacBook Pros, so I figured I'd be okay. But 15 fps in something like WOW just doesn't seem right. My Powerbook G4 gets comparable performance.
 
~Shard~ said:
In my opinion, more often than not you get what you pay for. If you've spent a lot of money on a nice brand new machine, why skimp out on such an important component such as memory?

When it comes to buying RAM for your Mac, I recommend reviewing the guide we have here on MacRumors. 😎
Click to expand...

Thanks for the tip. Working on it now.
 
So are you just running that one stick of ram? Or did you leave one stock stick in and just add this? if so it might be because your ram is running in single channel instead of dual channel.
 
I bought Transcend memory for my Mac, but the screw on the latch will not budge. I'm afraid to apply too much pressure as I don't want to strip it. I'll probably bring it back to the store this weekend to have one of their "geniuses" remove the screw. It seems ridiculous as adding memory is such a simple thing!
 
I bought my iMac with the RAM already in it. To be honest, I don't think you should buy third party RAM unless you really know what you're getting - get it from Apple and have the peace of mind that if something is wrong, it's Apple's problem - not yours. My guess is that if you were to call Apple support, they would tell you that your third party RAM is not covered by their warranty, and before they can diagnose any problems (especially speed ones) they want you to put the RAM your iMac came with back in. Just my 2 cents😀.

Rich 😎
 
qubert said:
Thanks for the tip. Working on it now.
Click to expand...

No problem. 🙂

RichardI said:
I bought my iMac with the RAM already in it. To be honest, I don't think you should buy third party RAM unless you really know what you're getting - get it from Apple and have the peace of mind that if something is wrong, it's Apple's problem - not yours. My guess is that if you were to call Apple support, they would tell you that your third party RAM is not covered by their warranty, and before they can diagnose any problems (especially speed ones) they want you to put the RAM your iMac came with back in. Just my 2 cents
Click to expand...

I understand where you're coming from, but there are some very reputable 3rd party dealers out there (OWC, DataMem, CanadaRAM) which are excellent alternatives and often quite cheaper than Apple. As with anything, do your homework before purchasing so you know what you're getting.
 
how big of a difference does 1.5 gigs of ram have?

Right now I will have 1.5 gigs of ram installed on my new iMac but Im thinking of getting a 2gb stick for a total of 3gb of ram instead

the computer I have right now is pretty fast already...so is the change that noticeable or should I just wait it out for a bit so the ram prices drop a bit more before I buy?
 
stuff99 said:
how big of a difference does 1.5 gigs of ram have?

Right now I will have 1.5 gigs of ram installed on my new iMac but Im thinking of getting a 2gb stick for a total of 3gb of ram instead

the computer I have right now is pretty fast already...so is the change that noticeable or should I just wait it out for a bit so the ram prices drop a bit more before I buy?
Click to expand...

What types of tasks are you using your machine for? You will definitely notice an improvement if you are a heavy PS user, etc.
 
stuff99 said:
I'm definately a photoshop user

Im just wondering how 'fast' ram prices usually tend to drop?
Click to expand...

It's tough to say. Although the general trend is usually down as technology becomes cheaper and cheaper, RAM prices do not follow and hard and fast rules - in fact, RAM prices fluctuate and in some cares actually rise.

Our resident RAM expert here on MacRumors is CanadaRAM so if you have specific RAM questions you could always direct them towards him.
 
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