More ram

[b0tt094]

Hi I have a mac mini and Im thinking about getting more ram for it, right now i have both slots filled with a 256mb ram card but i need 1 gb to run Photoshop which im saving up for now


now here is my question, Can I remove one of the cards and replace it with a 1gb card or am I stuck with these two cards for the rest of my mini's life?


oo ya and it would be a nice bonus if u could tell me how much it would cost


Thanks

 

[WildCowboy]

You absolutely can upgrade the RAM on your mini. Getting the case open can be a bit tricky, but here is a good guide to help you.

As for the actual RAM, you'll find OWC and DMS both come highly recommended here. Both are great companies that know Macs and stand behind their products. Both sites also have wizards where you can input your exact model and it'll give you a list of appropriate RAM.

Good luck!

 

[CanadaRAM]

You can install a 1 Gb module beside a 256 Mb module for 1.25 Gb total.
There is a small performance benefit (estimate 6% - 8%) to having matching RAM in pairs (2 x 512 or 2 x 1 Gb) but going the 2 x 512 route means you'll be wasting some of that investment when you want to upgrade again. Of course 2 x 1 Gb is optimum if you can budget for it.

Thanks
Trevor
CanadaRAM.com

 

[b0tt094]

You can install a 1 Gb module beside a 256 Mb module for 1.25 Gb total.
There is a small performance benefit (estimate 6% - 8%) to having matching RAM in pairs (2 x 512 or 2 x 1 Gb) but going the 2 x 512 route means you'll be wasting some of that investment when you want to upgrade again. Of course 2 x 1 Gb is optimum if you can budget for it.

Thanks
Trevor
CanadaRAM.com

is the 6%-8% really that imporatant because I really need photoshop because gimp isnt cutting it,


PS thank you for the help, I actually didnt know where to buy them before

 

[WildCowboy]

I'd say that the benefits of upping to a total of 1.25 GB, even unmatched, outweigh those of going with a matched 1 GB (2 x 512 MB).

 

[CanadaRAM]

Here's the thing: Photoshop isn't Universal binary and it runs under Rosetta. 1.25 Gb will be just barely enough for it --- You're running a $600 program, you already have the bottom of the line intel Mac, performance wise, so spash out on the dual 1 Gb RAM for US$220-$250; it will be worth the investment.