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neel2k9

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Nov 27, 2011
3
0
Hi, so I want to increase memory on my macbook pro mid 2009 from 4 gb to 8 gb, will this increase my battery life or decrease it?
 
what im trying to ask is that will increasing my RAM use more power or less?
As I said, neither.
You must forgive GGJ. He throws that FAQ around so often it's just out of habit he does it again here.
I don't post anything "out of habit". I post it because it's relevant. The BATTERY LIFE FROM A CHARGE section clearly shows factors that relate to battery life. Increased RAM is not one of those factors.
 
Haha! I agree. Almost every thread he throws his links at us. They're helpful sometimes though.
The links I post directly relate to the questions posted. The reason you keep seeing the same links is people continuously ask the same questions. I post links so people can see the source of my information, rather than simply taking my word for it. I also post them so people will find the resources to answer future questions. I specifically answered the OP's question, and gave them a link to additional related information.
 
I would guess if the Macbook Pro had more than 2 memory slots, then adding more memory might impact battery life, if it were added through additional chips. DDR3 1333MHz RAM consumes about 130W loaded? But I doubt there is any significant increase in power consumption, if any at all, between a 2GB, 4GB or 8GB chips of the same type.
 
In general, neither unless you are doing a lot of caching to the hard drive. Then, battery life might improve slightly.
 
alright thanks, was just wondering since it would use less of the virtual memory kinda use less memory, but thanks for all the help everyone!
 
The newer model MBP's can use the 1.35v as well as the 1.5v DDR3 memory. Supposedly 1.35v cuts power usage up to 20% over the 1.5v. What that translates to in terms of battery life, I don't know. Likely not a significant figure. The mid-2009 uses 1.5v only AFAIK, though I could be wrong.
 
The newer model MBP's can use the 1.35v as well as the 1.5v DDR3 memory. Supposedly 1.35v cuts power usage up to 20% over the 1.5v. What that translates to in terms of battery life, I don't know. Likely not a significant figure. The mid-2009 uses 1.5v only AFAIK, though I could be wrong.

1.35 vs 1.5 volts on a 60W or 85W (13 and 15-17 respectively) isn't gonna make a significant difference at all. i don't think you'll be able to notice it.
 
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