MacBook question

[Sepp Ultura]

Hi Folks!

I've got one simple question about the black MacBook. I bought mine back in summer 2007, so Intel Core 2 Duo 2.16 GHz, 2 GB RAM, and a 4'500 RPM 200 GB HD.

Now, I've just replaced the HD with a 7'200 RPM 250 GB HD, and I'm actually feeling a boost, wow!

I've been toold at the Apple store that I'm not gonna be able to upgrade to 4 GB RAM, but just to 3 GB.

Now, here's my question: Will I feel the 1 GB-difference? Does it make sense to invest in ONE GB, or should I just leave it as it is to get the most out of my Mac?

My plan is to run shows just by using samples. I won't use any VSTs, as I'll sample all my Reaktor and Absynth instruments and whatelse I'm using.

Matt

[Alextronica]

What's the RPM? 4'500 or 7'200 and how do I find out what mine is?

I got the same computer 2.16 but I have 160 gig HD with an external HD

got 4 gig of memory and I love it but I went from 1 gig to 4 gigs

I went to Kingston.com/applestore and got a great deal 4 gig for 80 bucks

I replaced the memory myself

Its super easy just turn off the computer take out the battery

When you slide the lever the memory pops right out

Let me know you know about RPM thanks

Alex

[Sepp Ultura]

I think you didn't get my question right.. I was asking if I feel a big difference between 2 GB and 3 GB of RAM, since I won't be able to upgrade to 4 GB. The system won't accept anything more than 3 GB. Summer 2007 model..

RPM is the speed of your HD. Rounds Per Minute. To find out the speed of your HD, go to the system profiler (Apple logo in the top-left corner of your screen --> about your Mac --> more info), then check what make it is, check the model number and type those into Google. You'll find out about your HD speed.

I'm still looking forward to some Apple expert's answer to my question..

[Scott Righteous]

In general, more RAM makes your system run smoother and faster.
Certainly if you are using Ram-mode on your clips - it will totally make a difference.
Often, it will not be noticed until you reach some threshold of sample/clip usage, so in one project you won't notice anything, but in another project you will.

If you are not having any problems with the amount of clips and samples you are using, then it might not make much difference until the day that you add the sample that breaks the camels back.

Third party sampler plug-ins usually load a portion (or all ) of the sample into memory for fast usage - particularly drum sample plug-ins. I'm not sure how Live's built in sampler works, I never use it, but I'm sure that's in the manual. For those kinds of sample usage, you need more Ram.

I hope that helps?

[FurnitureFunk]

Not sure if this will really help or not, but I have the same model of MacBook (except white). I only had 1 Gig of RAM, until last weekend when I upgraded to 3 Gigs for about $40.

Now, I heard that for top performance, you should always use matched pairs, so in other words, 2x2Gigs. From all my reading on the 'net, this model would only recognize 3.3 Gigs, as opposed to the expected 4 Gigs.

I went for a 2 Gig + 1 Gig upgrade, and I've yet to really notice any "huge" difference. The guy at the store said that the difference would be unnoticeable between a 3 Gig config and 4 Gigs. I'd say that if you don't experience any issues at the moment, then stay put. If you do get some overloads when running your sets, then it might be worth it to go for the 2x2Gig option and max it out. Perhaps you'll find a slight performance enhancement. It really isn't all that expensive to do, so depending on your budget, it might be worth it to just bite the bullet and go for it.

[Sepp Ultura]

If what you say about the matched pairs is true, then I'll stay with the 2 GB for the moment. I haven't experienced any problems yet..

Thanks for the suggestions, anyway!

Cheers
Matt

[Zygi]

the "Matched pairs" thing is not that important right now. It was about..... 5 years ago? With ddr 1's.

Even though - 4gb is not necessary as long as Live isn't 64bit. Or you use external samplers, especially kontakt

[Sepp Ultura]

the "Matched pairs" thing is not that important right now. It was about..... 5 years ago? With ddr 1's.

Even though - 4gb is not necessary as long as Live isn't 64bit. Or you use external samplers, especially kontakt

No, I'd like to use as much Live-internal stuff as possible. So, only as many 'tweakable' effects as possible.

So, I think I'd definately stay with 2 GB at the moment.

Thanks for all the advice!

Matt

[supamonsta]

3gb is cool. I upgraded first to 2, then to 3gb (2gb+1gb) in my older macbook, because I used more and more samples in my set.

then from 1 to 2gb, the difference was huge. From 2 to 3gb the difference was less visible, but there was one difference
no problem with the absence of symmetry. Just more headroom for your system to run, more place for your samples.

I would say go for it if you can find a cheap 2gb sodimm. (and there are )

cheers

[Sepp Ultura]

3gb is cool. I upgraded first to 2, then to 3gb (2gb+1gb) in my older macbook, because I used more and more samples in my set.

then from 1 to 2gb, the difference was huge. From 2 to 3gb the difference was less visible, but there was one difference
no problem with the absence of symmetry. Just more headroom for your system to run, more place for your samples.

I would say go for it if you can find a cheap 2gb sodimm. (and there are )

cheers

OK, thanks for the tip! I'll see what I can do; I'll check my finances..