Mac nerds: memory upgrade for my macbook pro?

**Arno** · 02-06-2011, 10:18 AM

I have one of the pre-unibody macbook pro, full spec as follows:

2.4 ghz intel core 2 duo
2 gb 667 mhz ddr2 sdram

generally the performance is decent but it does hang sometimes especially when i am using Aperture 3 for processing photos. haven't really done any video work recently but i expect it'll be pretty slow on HD video too.

i don't really want to go down the road of buying a new machine just now so would getting a 4gb memory upgrade make a worthwhile difference?

i guess the alternative is to buy a newer machine and sell my current one - will probably be able to still get a reasonable price for it

**advres** · 02-06-2011, 10:30 AM

I have the identical machine. I bought it when the uni's came out to save money. I put 6 GB in it and it smokes. upgrade the ram and you'll have no issues. This is my machine I bring to clients offices and do After Effects and FCP edits on. It is more than adequate with more ram. Also if you got some loot put a SSD in it.

**jon turner** · 02-06-2011, 10:41 AM

Going from 2gb to 4 or 6 will make a big improvement. Check dealram.com for prices.

**Arno** · 02-06-2011, 11:09 AM

thanks guys - sounds like more memory is the way to go

to get 6gb, do i just get a 2gb and a 4gb card? i'm assuming there are 2 1gb cards fitted now

sorry for JONGness

**unpossible** · 02-06-2011, 11:23 AM

You can confirm its memory by doing the following:

1.) Run your workflow to the point where you think its slow.
2.) Launch the application 'Activity Monitor' from the /Applications/Utilities folder.
3.) At the bottom of the window select the tab that says 'System Memory'
4.) If you see anything under 'Page outs:' then you are running out of memory and it is hitting the disk, which is going to be slow.
5.) Buy more memory.

**advres** · 02-06-2011, 01:05 PM

Originally Posted by Arno

thanks guys - sounds like more memory is the way to go

to get 6gb, do i just get a 2gb and a 4gb card? i'm assuming there are 2 1gb cards fitted now

sorry for JONGness

Yes, these versions will only 'see' 6GB. This is the set you want to get. Contact them and they will buy back your 1GB chips if you want. It will be pennies on the dollar nut at least you'll get something for them. You can also try to sell them on ebay but who knows what you'll get there.

I think they gave me $12 per chip for the memory out of my mac pro, but no one wants to put 1GB chips in a MP

**Arno** · 02-06-2011, 01:07 PM

Originally Posted by unpossible

You can confirm its memory by doing the following:

1.) Run your workflow to the point where you think its slow.
2.) Launch the application 'Activity Monitor' from the /Applications/Utilities folder.
3.) At the bottom of the window select the tab that says 'System Memory'
4.) If you see anything under 'Page outs:' then you are running out of memory and it is hitting the disk, which is going to be slow.
5.) Buy more memory.

thanks - that confirms what i thought - aperture really slows things down. 4gb ordered