iMac memory upgrade.

[stoutboy1]

I have and iMac 2.16 dual core intel with 2GB ram, would I see a noteable preformanc increase if I swaped out one of those one 1GB stciks for a 2GB, increaseing the overall to 3GB. I think I heard you should match up the size 1:1 but why would Apple build a computer that only handles 3 GB if it's pointless? If this has already been asked in the forums, Sorry please reply with the link, I did try to search around for this. I just want to get the most out of my computer and its a bit of cash for the 2 bg stick so just wanted a little clarification.

Thanks in advance

 

[Theatrics]

This really depends on what your doing with your machine, but yeah you will notice a difference, nothing major though. Also, i would go for 4 if you can. Can't go wrong with a 1:1 ratio.

 

[stoutboy1]

Thats wasted money though, right? If it only runs three why spend all that money to get 2 2GB sticks?

 

[SaSaSushi]

Thats wasted money though, right? If it only runs three why spend all that money to get 2 2GB sticks?

You can get deals now on 2 x 2GB sticks of RAM now that might be even cheaper than buying a 1GB and 2GB separately. That said, yes it would be a waste on your machine that will only be addressing 3GB of the 4GB. It couldn't hurt for the future though if you think you might ever be moving it into a new machine.

As for the advantages of dual channel (matched pairs) 3GB total should boost your performance more than 2GB in dual channel matched pairs.

 

[mzd]

i'm currently running 3GB of ram, and though i only ran 2GB for a short while, i did notice a difference with 3GB.
but, i would say only do it if you are really getting a deal on that 2GB chip.
you can also check your current usage. when you are in the middle of your typical work flow, check the system monitor (or the iStat widget) and see how much RAM is free. if you still have a good chunk of that 2GB (total) free then you won't see much real world change with 3GB.

 

[srt42b]

As others have said, it really depends on what you're using it for. If you're into 3D rendering, heavy games, photo/video editing then you will notice. Otherwise, probably not.