Yes, another MacBook RAM thread..Sorry

[M.Capz]

Ok, I'm planning to get a MacBook in the next few days and like everyone else I want to upgrade the RAM to 1GB. How should I go about doing this...bite the bullet get the extra 512 from Apple, buy and install the 512 myself or, buy a 1GB stick and be at 1.25GB? I've read that 1.25GB beats out the dual channel 512 sticks by a small amount, so I'm not concerned with that. Also, where did you guys/gals buy your RAM from? I'm not technically inclined when it comes to RAM specifications. I don't want to spend to much for the 512's, because if thats the case I'll just get 2GB and not worry about upgrading later on. Thanks, and sorry for the repeat question's. I searched around and found information, but I wanted to be 100% sure so I made this thread Thanks again.

 

[MRU]

Ok, I'm planning to get a MacBook in the next few days and like everyone else I want to upgrade the RAM to 1GB. How should I go about doing this...bite the bullet get the extra 512 from Apple, buy and install the 512 myself or, buy a 1GB stick and be at 1.25GB? I've read that 1.25GB beats out the dual channel 512 sticks by a small amount, so I'm not concerned with that. Also, where did you guys/gals buy your RAM from? I'm not technically inclined when it comes to RAM specifications. I don't want to spend to much for the 512's, because if thats the case I'll just get 2GB and not worry about upgrading later on. Thanks, and sorry for the repeat question's. I searched around and found information, but I wanted to be 100% sure so I made this thread Thanks again.

I have two pieces of the Apple 512mb ram for sale. I ordered 1gb as 2x512 for my macbook, but have subsquently upgraded to 2gb.

I could do you a good price if interested. PM me.

 

[CanadaRAM]

At the risk of repeating ourselves....

Order the Mac in the minimum stock configuration.

Buy one or two 1 Gb modules (depending on your budget) from a reputable seller who tests and guarantees compatibility with your model Mac, offers a lifetime warranty and a no-cost (no-restocking charge) return if the RAM doesn't work.

In the USA, MR members most often recommend OWC, Crucial and Data Memory Systems

Keep the Apple RAM that came out incase you have to send the machine in for warranty service, you can retuirn it to stock condition 1st.

Thanks
Trevor
CanadaRAM.com

 

[Makosuke]

CanadaRAM is, as usual, the one to listen to. One comment, though:

I've read that 1.25GB beats out the dual channel 512 sticks by a small amount, so I'm not concerned with that.

Although I've also seen benchmarks showing that more RAM is better than the small dual-channel benefit in most apps (regardless, we're talking MAYBE a 5% speedup, if you're lucky), I was under the impression that the MacBook and Intel Mini were somewhat special cases, since the graphics chip uses main memory for its RAM. As a result, the additional speed of dual-channel makes more of a difference than on a MacBook Pro or iMac, but only with graphics rendering.

I've seen a couple of different benchmarks that seem to indicate this, and it seems to be backed up by the Apple Store--the iMac and MBP both have the option of one or two sticks depending on configuration, while the MacBook and Mini are only available with pairs. Could be a cost issue, but I'm doubting it based on the other options that are available on the MacBook.

 

[M.Capz]

I understand what you are saying, but I hardly do any graphics work. I'm still not sure if I should get a 1GB stick or two 512MB sticks. I do plan to upgrade to 2GB down the road, and it would be cheaper if I already had a 1GB stick....

 

[chairguru22]

i would consider looking at newegg.com for 1GB sticks (for 1.25GB). it should be about $85 and you can always get another one in the future if you need more. i know there are other sites recommended here but newegg.com i think is just as cheap (if not cheaper) and i've had experience with them.