How much RAM is useful?

[varian55zx]

Adding more RAM, say from 8gb to 16gb, does provide a noticeable performance increase, for even the most basic of tasks.

It can be the difference between an extra millisecond or two of lag, which is, a huge amount. That right there is a massive difference.

There's a difference between being able to simply perform every day tasks and having your computer perform them on a high level, with the addition of multitasking.

 

[MRxROBOT]

I noticed an improvement moving from 8GB to 16GB, actually I noticed a substantial improvement.

I wasn't maxing out my RAM either. As said, caching is where it shined.

I think most people who say that you don't need more than 4 or 8 GB of RAM haven't used the same system with 16 GB for an extended period of time or else I don't see how they didn't see an improvement. Just because it works well with 4/8GB doesn't mean it won't work better with 16,32 etc.... My .02

 

[mattDC5R]

Does anyone have any comments on a RAM set up for an upgrade on 2011 iMac?

Presently it is had 4 x 2Gb modules in it for 8Gb.

I would like to go to 16Gb, but I'm thinking of doing that with 2x 8Gb rather than 4 x 4gb so that I can move to 32Gb easier in future if the need arose.

So I could leave 2 slots free, or leave in 2 of the existing 2gb modules to 20Gb total.

Or is 4 x 4 Gb modules a better option?

Usage isn't anything extreme though I use Virtualised Windows 7 on my MBP presently and that chews 8Gb rapidily hence allowing for the future upgrade to 32gb seemed a good idea.

 

[MRxROBOT]

Does anyone have any comments on a RAM set up for an upgrade on 2011 iMac?

Presently it is had 4 x 2Gb modules in it for 8Gb.

I would like to go to 16Gb, but I'm thinking of doing that with 2x 8Gb rather than 4 x 4gb so that I can move to 32Gb easier in future if the need arose.

So I could leave 2 slots free, or leave in 2 of the existing 2gb modules to 20Gb total.

Or is 4 x 4 Gb modules a better option?

Usage isn't anything extreme though I use Virtualised Windows 7 on my MBP presently and that chews 8Gb rapidily hence allowing for the future upgrade to 32gb seemed a good idea.

2x 8GB

 

[h9826790]

Does anyone have any comments on a RAM set up for an upgrade on 2011 iMac?

Presently it is had 4 x 2Gb modules in it for 8Gb.

I would like to go to 16Gb, but I'm thinking of doing that with 2x 8Gb rather than 4 x 4gb so that I can move to 32Gb easier in future if the need arose.

So I could leave 2 slots free, or leave in 2 of the existing 2gb modules to 20Gb total.

Or is 4 x 4 Gb modules a better option?

Usage isn't anything extreme though I use Virtualised Windows 7 on my MBP presently and that chews 8Gb rapidily hence allowing for the future upgrade to 32gb seemed a good idea.

My understanding is that the 2011 iMac has 2 memory channel, so, technically 2x8G is better than 4x4G. Even though in real world you shouldn't able to tell the difference.

Anyway, 2 sticks should be more reliable, and more room for expension. So, it make more sense to go for 2x8G, unless you already had 2x4G or able to get 4x4G with much lower cost.

 

[varian55zx]

I think most people who say that you don't need more than 4 or 8 GB of RAM haven't used the same system with 16 GB for an extended period of time

You know, my opinion is they just lack attention to detail. When it's the details that are the part that matters most.

 

[necromac]

hhmm.. in my opinion, i always max out my mac's ram... always check what is the max and install the max.

 

[mattDC5R]

2x 8GB

so, technically 2x8G is better than 4x4G..

Thanks,

2 x 8 is is cheaper anyhow so thats works well!