In mathematics, the easiest equations to solve are the simplest equations. And like in math, this principle applies to your technology. At Other World Computing, this philosophy is put into practice when providing an easy equation for upgrading your machine. To put it simply: More Memory = A Faster Mac.
When using a computer, one of the most important factors is speed. Speed affects how smoothly applications will run and how many can run at once. Running multiple apps with insufficient memory can cause drastic slowdowns, costing you valuable work time. And programs like Photoshop, Final Cut Pro, iMovie, even iPhoto can be severely limited by too little memory.
As outlined previously here at the OWC blog, upgrading your memory is incredibly easy. All you need to do is check your model ID number with ‘About This Mac’. Then use OWC’s memory guide to see how much your Mac can take and the cost. If you need help installing the memory, installation videos make this a simple “DIY” job for almost any Mac.
So how much can your Mac take? It may be more than you thought. Macs can take more than the factory-supported amount of memory and many models can take twice as much as Apple says they can. OWC has tested and certified the maximum amount of RAM all recent Macs can take and has collected the information in one place. Of course, you will want RAM that’s certified to meet or exceed manufacturer specifications and comes backed by a Lifetime Warranty, such as OWC’s.
It should be noted while most Macs are user upgradeable, the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro with Retina display have their memory soldered-in, preventing aftermarket upgrading. You will likely want to make sure you get at least 8GB (preferably 16GB) when you order.
So when you’re looking to upgrade your Mac, remember the simple formula: More Memory = A Faster Mac. It just adds up.
Any chance for 16GB sticks some day? ;) – Would love 2012 non-retina Macbook Pro with 32GB RAM, or should I stop dreaming as this would be technically unsupported?
Some day? Anything is a possibility. But there are no 16GB SO-DIMMs on the brink of availability today and if/when they do arrive, they’ll likely command quite a premium.
What sped up my iMac most, beside the RAM upgrade, was installing an SSD and enabling Fusion Drive. That was by far the best upgrade I could get for it.
32GB of memory from OWC made my sweet new imac even sweeter!