Think it's time to go for 4GB

[Logsi]

Hi there,

I have an old 2.33Ghz Macbook Pro here with 2GB of RAM. I have noticed of late that it maxes out pretty quickly and i reckon another GB would do it wonders.

I know that this model can only use 3GB of RAM which imo is retarded, (my old PM can have 8GB in. Stupid intel chipset) But i was looking at getting a 2x2GB kit to keep the dual channel goodness.

What i was wondering is what's the fastest speed RAM this macbook can take? I know that it's supposed to have PC2-5300 but i just wondered if it would take PC2-6400? Giving a minor speed increase.

Thanks

 

[Logsi]

Just found thread on mac rumours and it says that it doesnt utilize the extra speed because of the chipset.

Is this true?

Think i'll just go for the 5300

 

[Logsi]

Just bought a 4GB kit 2x2GB. Went for the PC2-5300 in the end. I plumped for Saturday delivery cos im impatient. If OcUK had these in stock i would have probably bought here.

Hopefully this extra GB i can use is worth it! Aperture is so god damn sluggish it's unreal!

I can transfer this RAM onto my next Laptop or even sell my old RAM. It's just such a shame that the intel chipset on this model is carp and only recognizes 3GB. 4GB on my PowerMac Dual G5 is stunning, so smooth and snappy. Safari seems snappier on my PowerMac also

 

[Logsi]

I believe a 1GB and 2GB DIMM will still maintain dual channel, as there's still two DIMMs present.

Are you sure?

I was always under the impression that they had to be matching DIMMs for it to work.

I really want mine to utilize the full 4GB

 

[Logsi]

Buy a Santa Rosa or newer machine for 4Gb then.

I don't have the money or time to do that at the moment.

Anyway, got my kit through today.

It recognizes there is 4GB there;

But only uses 3Gb and a bit. Interesting....

 

[Logsi]

does it feel faster then?

Feel!?

Ummm, I'm not sure i would say faster but it doesn't seem to bog down anymore when under heavy load which is great and that is what i wanted to get rid of.

I can open loads of programs now with no HDD caching. 2GB was fine on tiger but having the 4GB on leopard is great, Aperture is great now and so is PS CS3. Haven't been able to max out the RAM yet which is good sign!

It may be a little faster due to loading more of the kernel into the RAM but it's hard to say just yet.

I'm a happy chappy though! Thumbs up from me!

 

[Logsi]

How do i find that second screen? The one with CPU,system memory........

It's the activity monitor. You can also use iStat Pro to get the same details.

Just search in the spotlight for activity monitor. Command + Space.

 

[Logsi]

Damn you rp, you can utilize the full 4Gb.

Glad i upgraded it even though i can "only" use 3.3GB.