MacBook memory: 2 x 512 MB or 1GB + 256MB

[kraftzwerg]

It is actually cheaper to upgrade a MacBook CD from its original 2 x 256 MB memory to 1.25 GB by putting in a single GIG-stick, compared to buying two
512 MB sticks. Only thing holding me back is that Apple recommends buying matched pairs of memory for maximal performance.

What do you guys recommend?

 

[ChickenSwartz]

I would go for 1gb+256MB. Not having matched pairs won't hurt your computer. 1.25 unmatched will probably still be faster than 1 matched. Save up your money and buy a second 1gig stick and max it out at 2gigs. This will be faster and save you money in the long run.

 

[Scarlet Fever]

1.25GB works great for me. And it also means if you want/need to upgrade it further in the future, you don't have to throw away two perfectly fine 512MB sticks as well.

 

[kraftzwerg]

1.25GB works great for me. And it also means if you want/need to upgrade it further in the future, you don't have to throw away two perfectly fine 512MB sticks as well.

Great, thanks, I'll go with 1.25 GB then.
A quick follow-up question:
At OWC they sell 1 GB from three different brands, which differ significantly in price, see http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/memory/MacBook/DDR2/
Is there any reason not to go with the cheapest one?

 

[ChickenSwartz]

I think it is probably worth extra $10 to go with the OWC brand. I don't see any reason to shell out the money for the Samsung.

 

[phungy]

Newegg has cheaper RAM. I believe the G.Skill is about $95 per 1GB stick.

 

[Apple Corps]

I think it is probably worth extra $10 to go with the OWC brand. I don't see any reason to shell out the money for the Samsung.

I agree - a small premium (over Crucial) for SAMSUNG has worked for me in the past - but the premium has just gotten too large.

 

[mike5732]

I got this when I upgraded to 1.25
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820227099
It is currently about $96 after a rebate for 1gb. Installation was very easy and the performance is great compared to the 512mb stock. I would definitely go for the 1.25 now and possibly upgrade to 2gb later.