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.

Read below to find out how much RAM your mac is currently using and if installing more would be worthwhile:

Locate and open your Activity Monitor (it should be in your Utilities folder). Click on the System Memory tab. If the chart is mainly green and blue (representing free and inactive memory), 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 slowdowns. Try opening your activity monitor while performing different tasks. For example, you’ll probably have RAM to spare if you’re only checking email, but rendering video will probably show different result.

How much Memory should I get?

Thats the easy part. Get as much memory as your system can support.

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.

Some advice:

All mac computers now have at least two memory slots. Although the brand name of RAM isn’t altogether very important, some issues can arise if you mix brands (for example, run one Samsung and one Micron). It is inadvisable to do this.

The variations of RAM can be intimidating for the unfamiliar. The most important thing to remember is this: If your computer calls for DDR2, then use it and nothing else. DDR3 will not speed up your computer- it simply won’t work. Do not mix up your DDR’s under any circumstances.

In general, the memory that you purchase for your macbook will have the ability to “downclock”. For example, a 1333Mhz RAM module will run in a laptop which is designed for 1066Mhz. Doing this has both benefits and drawbacks. The major benefit of doing this is pricing. Like any other commodity, scarcity can result in price increases. It may be a challenge to find 1066Mhz RAM, as it is seldom used anymore (and the price has therefore increased). In this case it may be worth your while to purchase 1333mhz RAM instead.

It should be mentioned however that doing this may cause problems with youryour mac, especially older macbooks. In addition, if your mac uses a “Penryn” processor (2008, 2009), it is recommended that you use only the actual RAM as specified by Apple- some concerns have been revealed.

James Anderson is a leading authority in Apple hardware and upgrades. To find out more about memory for your mac visit our website.