Need more RAM in 24" Imac, getting a 27"

[chrisandersen]

I have to use Fusion for XP for a couple of work related programs (quickbooks being one of them). My 24" imac will only hold 4 gb. Along with all the rest of mac programs running, I'm constantly swapping out. Plus the HD is only 320 and had to move media files to external drive.
So, I love the idea of having at least 8 gb in the machine, that way I can give Fusion 3 gb for XP (currently giving it 1 gb).
Money is not an issue, but it doesn't grow on trees here either. But, I want this one to last (the 24" is only 2 years old).
The i7 upgrade is cheap enough, but do I pay the extra for 8 gb of ram (2 x 4 gb) to leave expansion (to 16gb) later?

 

[Hellhammer]

Max out the RAM in your current machine, it can take 6GB

 

[chrisandersen]

Ran the Crucial scanner and it still reports max at 4gb.

 

[Hellhammer]

Ran the Crucial scanner and it still reports max at 4gb.

OWC has tested 6GB and it works fine

http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/memory/iMac/Intel_Core_2_Duo_PC2-6400

 

[416049]

Ran the Crucial scanner and it still reports max at 4gb.

Hey have you checked the application mactracker or there is also a website I think macupgrades that will tell you your machine does unofficially support 6gb

 

[Flynnstone]

I have the same problem, sort of. Parallels though.

So I can just buy a 4 gig stick and drop it in?
end up with 6 gig.
Any speed issues with a 4 & 2 gig RAM?

 

[darkplanets]

Ive always wondered about this...

Since the 4 and 2 won't be paired (unlike the 2x2), would the speed really be impacted greatly?

If my memory serves me correctly, there's only a small % increase to gain from paired sticks. Now if only someone would modify it so the memory controller could recognize more...

 

[alust2013]

Ive always wondered about this...

Since the 4 and 2 won't be paired (unlike the 2x2), would the speed really be impacted greatly?

If my memory serves me correctly, there's only a small % increase to gain from paired sticks. Now if only someone would modify it so the memory controller could recognize more...

You're correct, the speed really only would be noticed by benchmarks, not by anyone using the computer.

 

[Hellhammer]

Ive always wondered about this...

Since the 4 and 2 won't be paired (unlike the 2x2), would the speed really be impacted greatly?

If my memory serves me correctly, there's only a small % increase to gain from paired sticks. Now if only someone would modify it so the memory controller could recognize more...

Matched pairs will enable dual-channeling but it will only help if you're using apps that needs insane memory bandwidth e.g. games. Theoretically, it should work with unmatched pairs too but matched pairs provide the best compatibility. However, I doubt you notice any difference thus the extra 2GB is definitely worth it

 

[chrisandersen]

Bit the bullet and got a new i7 with 16 GB ram. Going through migration now. Can't wait to throw everything we have at it.
Going to give the 24 to step daughter. 4 GB should do her just fine.

 

[Sammy Cat]

Bit the bullet and got a new i7 with 16 GB ram. Going through migration now. Can't wait to throw everything we have at it.
Going to give the 24 to step daughter. 4 GB should do her just fine.

Don't ever underestimate Webkinz!

 

[J&JPolangin]

OP, have fun with your new toy!