Deciding between ram and whatever else members recommend

[helloshirosan]

Hi,

I'm new to the forum so forgive me if my post is not completely relevant in the correct thread. I just recently purchased my second Apple computer (Mac Mini Late 2012) with the stock configuration of 2.3GHz and 1tb 5400 RPM HDD and 4gb ram. I have recently purchased a Samsung 840 Pro 256gb and it is being installed as a boot drive only while the conventional drive will be for data storage, but files will also be backed up externally. For my monitor, I'm running a Dell U2212HM 21.5 inch. The purpose of this Mini is to be used with Final Cut Pro X to edit my lifestyle vlogs for youtube. I've read through a lot of the forums and members have said that the Corsair (CMSX16GX3M2A1600C10) 16GB (2x8GB) DDR3 1600 MHz (PC3 12800) is faster speed wise than the Crucial 16GB (2 x 8GB) 204-Pin SODIMM DDR3 PC3-12800 offering. If there is anyone who has this set up, please tell me your pros and cons. I have Crucial in my 13 inch MBP, but from what I read, members have rated it as the slowest between Corsair and Kingston. Which one will benefit me the most while editing video in Final Cut Pro X and pushing the Mini to its limits so that the Mini doesn't bottleneck? If it matters what camera in terms of file size etc in which I'm not sure myself, I will using a Canon 340 ELPH and Canon Vixia Mini X updates that have just been announced at CES 2014, but my current cameras are the 330 ELPH and Vixia Mini from last year. Thanks in advance.

 

[fig]

The difference between two identically rated sticks of RAM from different but quality brands is going to be miniscule and probably never noticeable by a user.

Get a name brand and you'll be fine.

 

[helloshirosan]

Thanks for your reply

The difference between two identically rated sticks of RAM from different but quality brands is going to be miniscule and probably never noticeable by a user.

Get a name brand and you'll be fine.

Okay thanks. I think I will go for Crucial since it's cheaper and they have great customer service if anything comes up

 

[iizmoo]

Have almost identical setup, i use my mini as a server for a web site that translate the web into lolcats. The only difference is I also spent $70 to get a 7200 RPM drive, a Western Digital Black, the speed difference is very noticable if you're using the HDD for storage. i use the original drive that came with the mini as an external backup unit.

Only issue I got with corsair is they seem to have a very high memory defect rate. Had a bad stick both times I tried their brand, never again, sticking with kingston or crucial, have ordered probably around 20 sticks of crucial and 40 of kingston and never got one that failed memtest.

If you're upgrading the RAM, do make sure to memtest the new kit at least 12 hours, I normally do 24-48 to make sure it doesn't have any funky instability. Differeences in RAM speed is honestly so insignificant (if you're using the right and max clock speed rated) you wouldn't notice, the stability if the RAM so it doesn't crash the system is more important.

 

[helloshirosan]

Thanks for your reply

Have almost identical setup, i use my mini as a server for a web site that translate the web into lolcats. The only difference is I also spent $70 to get a 7200 RPM drive, a Western Digital Black, the speed difference is very noticable if you're using the HDD for storage. i use the original drive that came with the mini as an external backup unit.

Only issue I got with corsair is they seem to have a very high memory defect rate. Had a bad stick both times I tried their brand, never again, sticking with kingston or crucial, have ordered probably around 20 sticks of crucial and 40 of kingston and never got one that failed memtest.

If you're upgrading the RAM, do make sure to memtest the new kit at least 12 hours, I normally do 24-48 to make sure it doesn't have any funky instability. Differeences in RAM speed is honestly so insignificant (if you're using the right and max clock speed rated) you wouldn't notice, the stability if the RAM so it doesn't crash the system is more important.

This is super helpful as I am fairly new to an Apple Desktop set up. I am currently stuck on how to upgrade to Mavericks. I have it downloaded but can't save it on a thumb drive because I get message that says " the volume is too large and cannot be copied" The thumb drive is empty and it's 16gb. How do I do a fresh install of Mavericks and do I need to specify the computer to put the OS onto my SSD and not my HD? The technician at the shop said since I have not files or accounts that need to be transferred over to my mini, all I need to do is go into the apple store and download Mavericks and it will automatically put it on my SSD...is that right?