RAM Guide: mixed versus matched pairs, what does this mean?

[iMacNoob]

Hi,

What does a matched pair mean?
2gb + 2gb

mixed = 2gb + 1gb ??

OR does it mean a matched pair is the same size, from the same mfg?

I have 2 gigs on my iMac, should I buy 2gb more from crucial OR buy 4gb and 'toss' the 2gb that came with it?

 

[iToaster]

Mixed is (for example) 2 Gb + 1 Gb where matched (for example) is 2 Gb + 2 Gb. Manufacturer doesn't matter as long as the chips are the same spec it will count as matched. For most people, 2 Gb is enough, but if you are editing HD videos in iMovie or something on the more intensive side of computing, 4 Gb would add a little speed.

 

[iMacNoob]

yeah I am running vmware to windows xp for programming, so I think its a good idea for me also.

thanks for clearing this up!