Matching Memory?

Discussion in 'Mac Basics and Help' started by hewcardpacklet, Jul 2, 2008.

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  1. hewcardpacklet, Jul 2, 2008

    hewcardpacklet macrumors member

    Joined:
    Mar 19, 2008
    Location:
    Montreal Canada
    #1
    On my iMac I have the original 1GB memory chip, and I have added a 2GB memory chip from canadaram.com - the specs are the same: DDR2 SDRAM 667 MHz. The machine seem to behave correctly, very stable and fast.

    However, I have read in some posts some people recommending to match the memory - have 2 1GB chips, or 2 2GB chips - they say that if they don't match, it affects speed and reliability...

    Is it true, or are those saying that inventing stuff to look smart? Any expert would like to comment?
     
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  2. CanadaRAM, Jul 2, 2008

    CanadaRAM macrumors G5

    CanadaRAM

    Joined:
    Oct 11, 2004
    Location:
    On the Left Coast - Victoria BC Canada
    #2
    If you have matching memory ( 2 x 1 GB or 2 x 2 GB ) then the machine can implement dual-channel memory access. That's good for about a 6% - 8% increase in performance - nice to have, but certainly not necessary.

    However, overall having three GB totall (unmatched) is more of an advantage than limiting yourself to two GB with matching RAM.

    If you're feeling flush, the ultimate is to go with a pair of 2 GB to get both the extra RAM and the small % boost. (you get the benefit of dual-channel access even if you have an earlier model Core2Duo that can only let OSX address 3 GB)
     
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