Using unmatched RAM

[Mr. DG]

Hi, i have a mini core solo with the basic 2x256MB RAM. If i buy a 1GB stick and install it so i have 1.25GB will my performance be ok? i know apple recommends using matched memory but i cant afford 2GB right now, ill probably pick up another 1Gb stick in a few months.

 

[®îçhå®?]

Hi, i have a mini core solo with the basic 2x256MB RAM. If i buy a 1GB stick and install it so i have 1.25GB will my performance be ok? i know apple recommends using matched memory but i cant afford 2GB right now, ill probably pick up another 1Gb stick in a few months.

Performance will be fine. Matched RAM does not give a major speed boost. (Not really noticeable to me).

 

[jsw]

Agreed.

Matched RAM has an advantage over unmatched RAM for a given amount of memory (i.e., 2 x 512MB matched is faster than 1 x 1 GB). However, more RAM is always faster than less RAM as soon as you use more than that lesser amount (i.e., 1.25 GB is faster than 1 GB once you exceed 1 GB in use).

Given how easy it is to eat up RAM and virtual memory on a mini or any Intel Mac, esp. those with integrated graphics, you're almost always going to be better off with more RAM than with matched RAM.

 

[Mr. DG]

cheers for the quick answers guys.

*goes off to order some RAM*

 

[MRU]

That's the thing though isn't it. Noticeable improvement. With these new macs anything over 1gb is only just marginably noticeable...