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Upgrading Ram in Macbook PRO

Sdahe

Sdahe

macrumors 68000
Original poster
Oct 26, 2007
1,725
25
San Juan, PR
Hello guys,

I'm thinking about upgrading the ram in my MacBook PRO. I have MBP 2.4Ghz with 2GB of Ram and I would like to take it all the way to 4GB of RAM. My question is... does it really make that big difference?... is going to cost me a couple of hundred dollars and I want to be sure...

Thanks guys
 
the simple answer is..... it depends.

If you're only running relatively lightweight applications, then the difference is fairly small. If, on the other hand, you run heavyweight stuff such as Parallels/VMWare Fusion, Adobe CS3 or that kinda thing, then it's well worth it - everything is that much more responsive under load.

..... typing this on a 17" MBP with 4gb RAM ..... :D
 
tersono said:
the simple answer is..... it depends.

If you're only running relatively lightweight applications, then the difference is fairly small. If, on the other hand, you run heavyweight stuff such as Parallels/VMWare Fusion, Adobe CS3 or that kinda thing, then it's well worth it - everything is that much more responsive under load.

..... typing this on a 17" MBP with 4gb RAM ..... :D
Click to expand...

Well... I work as a photographer and I do a lot of photo editing work using Nikon Capture NX and Photoshop CS3 so I guess it will make a big difference with 4GB... where can I buy this memory from?...

Thanks
 
Sdahe said:
Well... I work as a photographer and I do a lot of photo editing work using Nikon Capture NX and Photoshop CS3 so I guess it will make a big difference with 4GB... where can I buy this memory from?...

Thanks
Click to expand...

Yes, if you're doing heavy duty photo work, you could benefit from the ram. Photoshop is widely used in computer and ram testing. (because it can use so much)

Most people here go with Crucial.com or otherworldcomputing.com

Also, if you're really curious, look at the amount of "Page outs" and "swaps used" by opening Activity Monitor > System Memory. I've read if you have any of those, you would benefit from more ram.
 
Sdahe said:
I'm thinking about upgrading the ram in my MacBook PRO. I have MBP 2.4Ghz 4GB of RAM... is going to cost me a couple of hundred dollars and I want to be sure...
Click to expand...
If you live in North America, there's no way 4 GB is going to cost a couple of hundred dollars if you buy third party RAM from a reputable dealer. You do not have to pay Apple's massively inflated RAM prices.

MR Guides : Hardware : Buying RAM
 
Yes. That should work. However you don't even need to search for memory branded for Apple. I'm running OCZ in my pro and adata in my mini. No problems. 4gb memory was under $80USD
 
Page outs and swaps used ???

NP3 said:
Also, if you're really curious, look at the amount of "Page outs" and "swaps used" by opening Activity Monitor > System Memory. I've read if you have any of those, you would benefit from more ram.
Click to expand...

Hello there: And what do these things mean? I am considering a similar upgrade and am new to mac, so what do these things mean? Is there some kind of guide on these boards anywhere where I can know what kind of maintenance I should need to keep my MPB optimized?

Cheers,
e
 
phatcat said:
Yes. That should work. However you don't even need to search for memory branded for Apple. I'm running OCZ in my pro and adata in my mini. No problems. 4gb memory was under $80USD
Click to expand...

If you read some of the 4gb ram reviews on NewEgg, you will see that sometimes the MBP rejects it. So, make sure you're buying a compatible brand.

I believe this works for MBP (It's under my bookmarks MBP folder): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820134560
 
I was planning on buying from OWC as they offer the memory stick rebate....which makes it about the same price as the value pack from Newegg. I am not sure what I would do with the old stick anyway.
 
Sdahe said:
Well... I work as a photographer and I do a lot of photo editing work using Nikon Capture NX and Photoshop CS3 so I guess it will make a big difference with 4GB... where can I buy this memory from?...

Thanks
Click to expand...

I use Photoshop a bit (CS3) and I don't think it even takes up the 2GB I have. Therefore, I don't know that adding another 2GB would be all that helpful. It won't hurt, but it won't necessarily help much. In fact, a test before the latest MacBook revision had the MacBook running Photoshop CS3 slightly faster than the MacBook Pro. I think it was at macworld.com.

Anywho, you'll be fine with 2GB for photo editing. Now if you're editing video, you should hold out for the 16-core Mac Pro. :)
 
I got an MBP from the generation before the SR. So i am limited to 3gb. but have just gone from 2 to 3gb and so far I am noticing that my machine chugs less with multiple apps. best 40buck upgrade ever !
 
lol said:
If you read some of the 4gb ram reviews on NewEgg, you will see that sometimes the MBP rejects it. So, make sure you're buying a compatible brand.

I believe this works for MBP (It's under my bookmarks MBP folder): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820134560
Click to expand...

That's nice but I don't understand why this place charges me more for shipping than the memory...

Look at this... :confused:
35bcu8g.png
 
If you bought your unit at an applestore within the last two weeks, you qualify for the apple ram buyback program. Take the machine and receipt to a manager, mention the program. They technically buy your machine back, install 4 gigs for $150 (and keep the original), install it, test it, and hand it back to you.

No hassles, no waiting, no worries.
 
Thumbs up for upgrading to 4GB, but $77 for shipping is outrageous. Your memory seems to be DDR, so you must have the previous generation MBP. I would recommend buying from OWC (macsales.com).
 
It seems you're in Puerto Rico. So they (FedEx, UPS) always change more, a lot more, even though you have a USPS ZIP.

Consider asking to have it sent by the postal service, or FedEx ground.

Yes, I know -- ground seems silly when it has to go overseas. But FedEx will allow mixed-mode shipping, for example from NY to Hawaii ground (which I've done many times). All that means is that they will carry it as ground to CA, then put it on a plane for the last leg. It's much cheaper than air all the way. The last time I checked, UPS doesn't have such a service.

Why don't you check with Crucial direct, to see how their shipping goes? They might send it all the way via the PO, which probably wouldn't cost too much. Or shop other vendors. Somebody has to have reasonable shipping to PR.
 
Well, finally got a great deal for 4GB in Ebay... I bought the Kingston 4GB kit for the Mac for $69.85 and free shipping to Puerto Rico. This is the same kit that you find in Best Buy for $344.... nice!!!!

ix5bup.png
 
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