RAM Question for New iMac 24"

[mikef07]

I have a few different choices and I need some help deciding.

Option #1 - Keep Apple Ram at 1GB (Not an option really)

Option #2 - Can get 1x2GB OCZ Memory from Fry's for $129 that pushes it up to 3GB (PC5300)

Option #3 - Can get 2x2GB OCW memory from OCW for $269 that pushes it up to 4GB (PC5300)

I do not play games and am wondering if the difference between 4GB paired and 3GB not paired will have a big difference.

I do simple excel, word, iweb, idvd (eventually), safari, handbrake, slingbox.

 

[slimslam]

They always say the more RAM the better, and if money really isn't the issue then you can go for the 4gb and you will still have that 1gb stick to sell on. But i have read that the jump from 3gb to 4gb won't make much of a difference for low usage users like you or i. (didn't stop be from buying 4gb of RAM though). But if those applications are the only ones you are going to use and you aren't going to run them all at the same time. Then i would definately advise buying a 2gb stick and upgrading your RAM to 3gb. Anymore may just be a waste of money and could be spent increase hard disk space or processor speed.

 

[TBi]

I thought you were going to ask if it would support 800MHz ram instead of 667MHz to give you a little speed boost.

 

[wakerider017]

I thought you were going to ask if it would support 800MHz ram instead of 667MHz to give you a little speed boost.

will it?

 

[Sean Dempsey]

I have a few different choices and I need some help deciding.

Option #1 - Keep Apple Ram at 1GB (Not an option really)

Option #2 - Can get 1x2GB OCZ Memory from Fry's for $129 that pushes it up to 3GB (PC5300)

Option #3 - Can get 2x2GB OCW memory from OCW for $269 that pushes it up to 4GB (PC5300)

I do not play games and am wondering if the difference between 4GB paired and 3GB not paired will have a big difference.

I do simple excel, word, iweb, idvd (eventually), safari, handbrake, slingbox.

Go with 2 gigs total. You won't use that, or even 3. I have essentially the same machine at home and use the same types of programs, and rarely do I use all my ram. I run the activity monitor in my dock showing the RAM pie chart, and even after some heavy usage, I barley use 60-70%. On my mac pro with 5 gigs, I use an average of 25%.

Throw in 1 more 1GB and I think you'd be totally fine. Seriously, use the activity monitor to watch your ram usage and you'll see that you aren't going to need more than 2 gigs for what you do.

 

[slimslam]

i disagree, the cost from buying a 1gb stick to a 2gb stick is tiny and is well worth the extra gb of RAM.
In response to the earlier question, no one really knows whether the 800mhz RAM will work but i have read in several posts that it probably will work but will not give you any noticable speed difference, therefore it is not worth the extra expense.

 

[CanadaRAM]

i disagree, the cost from buying a 1gb stick to a 2gb stick is tiny and is well worth the extra gb of RAM.
In response to the earlier question, no one really knows whether the 800mhz RAM will work but i have read in several posts that it probably will work but will not give you any noticable speed difference, therefore it is not worth the extra expense.

We REALLY know it will not make the slightest bit of difference. The hardware memory controller is fixed at 667 MHz and no faster.

Intel RAM discussion

If you are using Photoshop, Digital Audio or Digital Video production software, go for at least 3 Gb total. These programs can utilize 3 Gb (or in the case of Logic Pro, 4Gb) of RAM all for themselves. You should see a good increase in Photoshop performance between 2 Gb and 3 Gb.

 

[mikef07]

I don't use Photoshop and probably never will. Is OCZ decent memory?

 

[CanadaRAM]

I don't use Photoshop and probably never will. Is OCZ decent memory?

Problems have been reported with it in Intel Macs, but at this point I don't know if the rate of error is higher than the normal DOA percent of any brand.

I always recommend getting your RAM from a reputable dealer who is Mac supporting and guarantees compatibility, and who offers a no-charge return (no restocking, no shipping) in the case of it not working.

PLus you can do just as well or better than Frys ($129 free shipping) at Data Memory Systems, for example

 

[TBi]

will it?

I have no idea