Memory RAM Should I buy 512MB or 1GB? I already have 512MB installed..

Hi, I am still not sure if I should buy a 512MB DDR2 RAM or a 1GB DDR2 RAM. On this version of the iMac, Apple has included a Built in 512MB RAM, which sucks cuz you only have one slot available. Well I have been thinking, if I should buy a 512MB or a 1GB? If I install 512MB I will have 1GB, if I install 1GB I will have 1.5 GB. Will I notice any difference? Is it true that, your computer actually slows down, if you have more memory than what you should? Memory brands change its performance?
These are the specs of the Memory I am thinking on buying:
*240-pin unbuffered DIMM
*Capacity: 1GB
*Maximum 4.3GB bandwidth
*JEDEC standard 1.8 + 0.1V power supply
*CAS Latency: 4
*4 Bank
*Off-chip driver (OCD) impedance adjustment on die termination (ODT)
I am a newbie, is that supposed to me a good memory ram?

 

Hey, Thanks for the reply. I am using the computer for photoshop, itunes, safari and all that stuff. I usually tend to open a lot of windows at once. My motherboard can handle up to 2.5 GBS.

 

Mac memory isn't really cheap, so you'll have to make a choice between cost and performance.
1GB will probably be more than enough, even using Photoshop. It depends how many apps you want to run simultaniously.
Generally the more memory you have the better and smoother your system will run, especially when using multiple heavy apps, and / or large files at the same time..

 

Hey thanks for getting back. i found the memory on ebay for $72.00 with shipping included. Not a bad deal for a 1GB RAM. The 512MB is $40 with shipping charges. Money is not an issue here but I also don't want to waste it. So should I go for the 512MB or 1GB?

 

Sorry, but my question was in general, for many people. I read that you said 1 gig but I would also like to hear from an expert. No need to get rude dude.

 

oh ok my apologies then...

 

@DDP
Funny you just mentioned

My mother just gave me her old computer to set up for my kids(Micron PC-mobo supports 2GB ddr2100 memory) and it came with windows ME.
I just used the OS disc for fresh install, and noticed it only had 128MB so I purchased 1GB and am waiting its arrival. Is that too much? SHould I only get 512? Why do you say it has a problem? Thanks in advance.

 

Hey deadrum. I am not sure if it is a rumor or not, but I have read in some web forums (don't remember which though, think it was geek.com) a guy stated that enough memory is good (like 1gb for a pentium 4 or pentium D is good but when you add too much, it starts slowing the computer down). I found that hard to believe but then again it could be true. That's why I posted this threat. If anyone who reads this, know if it true or not, please let us know. Thanks!

 

thiagofll --- I was aware of that also. I'm no technician, but it was explained to me that its like looking for a specific page in a book. Easier to find if the book has 10 pages vs. 10,000,000. I think thats a thing of the past though with screaming fast dual core processors and better motherboard architecture that we have now.

DDP --- Thanks for the link, I don't know if I should use the help and change the values to better use a full 1GB or to just save the 1/2 GB stick for later when I upgrade it to Win XP. It won't be online and mostly used for homework and audio/video encoding/editing. Its still a good computer and don't see anything that would keep me from upgrading (besides not having any more licenses for windows) beacause with it being for kids, lets just say the last time they had a computer to themselves, it was crashed in a month due to ad/spyware and viruses. Fresh install was easiest option. Any ideas, leave it at 1/2 or go to full and change values? WOrds of wisdom from anyone?

 

Hey deadrum. I just switched from Windows to Mac and I fell in love with it. You mentioned that your kids computer crashed due to viruses and spyware. Maybe you should get them a mac. No viruses, easier to use, doesn't crash like windows. You don't need to use antivirus. I will never buy a PC again.
You could buy them an used mac from Ebay, it would work just great...Just an idea...

 

Back to the memory topic......640K ought to be enough!

Seriously, though, 1 gig total should be plenty, unless you are doing video editing or 3d rendering. If its just PS and a few other random programs, you should be fine with the 1 gig in the machine. BUT, if you have the extra $32 bucks, you might just wanna buy the gig stick and call it a day. If you notice a slow down due to too much memory (which I have never heard of), you could always pull the 512 and be back to 1 gig.

~Rich

 

Hey Rich...I bought a PC2-4200 1GB off of Ebay for $70 (with shipping) I got a great deal (i think) compared to the other sellers, the 512 was only $20 difference. I will keep you guys updated, as I test it. I am sure it won't slow down, nor I will notice much difference, but you never know. I bought 1 GB bc if one day I decide to sell my computer, 1.5 GBs will attract more buyers than 1 GB would. Thank you guys for all the help!

 

For gods sakes man how hard can it be 1gig of DDR2 is obviuosly going to be more beneficial than 512mb no matter what your using the comp for

 

Sypher did you read the whole thread? My computer already comes with 512MB RAM built it, I was just asking if I should Get another 512 MB or 1GB. I wanted to know if there is any difference (in speed) if I have 1GB or 1.5 GB. Next time read the thread, not just the last sentece.