Maximizing your Mac’s RAM can prove to be the best upgrade you’ll ever make. Multi-tasking is improved dramatically and processing times for memory intensive software (think Photoshop or Final Cut) are reduced significantly. The end result is a higher level of overall productivity, unless of course you’re gaming, although RAM helps here too.

Here’s an easy way to find out how much RAM your computer is using and if you would benefit from more:

Open your Activity Monitor (it should be in your Utilities folder). Click on the System Memory tab. If the pie chart is mostly green and blue (representing free and inactive memory, respectively), then you’re in good shape. If the chart is mostly yellow and red (active and wired), then you’re running out of RAM and may experience problems. Try opening your activity monitor while conducting different activities. For example, you’ll probably have RAM to spare if you’re only checking email, but rendering video will probably reveal a different result.

How much RAM should I get?

Its pretty simple. Get the most RAM that your system supports.

What kind of RAM should I get?

Don’t be overly concerned with the brand name of RAM you choose. Apple usually buys Samsung, Hynix and Micron RAM modules in bulk. There is nothing special about Apple branded memory (on top of that, Apple’s mark-up is outrageous). Any brand of RAM should do- just make sure it fits the specs of your system. Also, consider the warranty offered some offer 1 year while others offer a lifetime warranty- the choice should be obvious. Read the rest of this entry »