In the real world, having as much RAM as you can put in the computer does make a difference unless you only have one or two programs open (or especially if you have multiple users logged in). If you usually have half a dozen like I/we do, with limited RAM, you will end up with some memory paging out to disk (and a large swap file).
Install the free iStatMenus (memory module) and you can monitor this. If you have a swap file at all, having more physical memory would have benefited you. Have a look after you have used the computer in typical mode for a while to get the real world statistics. I initially upgraded my MacBook Pro from 2 to 4 and then, noticing the difference, upgraded our iMac too. Sent via Marks BlackBerry from Telstra -----Original Message----- From: Dark1 <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Date: Sat, 03 May 2008 03:13:00 To:WAMUG Mailing List <wamug@wamug.org.au> Subject: Re: New iMac Advice Also performance difference between 2Gb and 4Gb of RAM was very marginal. > Thanks Rob for this info. It's interesting reading. Did they ever > resolve why the Halo gaming scores were so low? I don't game but > know others who do and these results are significantly lower than > the previous (to the last model) iMac performance, across the board. > E.g. 32 fps v 126 fps. > > Reg > > On 2 May 2008, at 3:50pm, Robert Howells wrote: > >> >> On 29/04/2008, at 6:34 PM, Reg Whitely wrote: >> >>> Dear WAMUGgers >>> >>> If I was *tempted* to buy a new iMac 24" 3.06GB at Apple Ed price >>> of $2787, would it be good value to upsize to 4GHz RAM instead of >>> 2GHz (2 x 2 GHz v 2 x 1GHz) for an extra $269.50, and to upsize >>> the HDD from its 500GB to 750GB [Plus A$ 135.30] or to 1TB [Plus A >>> $ 333.30]? I'm not really worried about upgrading to wireless >>> mouse and keyboard at this time. >>> >>> The specs look Ok to me out of the box for what we currently need, >>> but I've always subscribed to the good advice of getting the >>> highest specs we can at purchase. >> >> >> AND here is a URL to benchmarks that say extra RAM equals faster Mac >> >> <http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/Memory_Benchmark/Apple_iMac/> >> >> >> Bob >> >> >> >> >>> >>> >>> Would it be better to update later, if needed, with Apple or non- >>> Apple hardware? >>> >>> Daniel, other? Just dreaming but Elaine's Ruby iMac is getting >>> very slow with Tigger and all her digital pics and rellie's PPTs >>> on board. We'll need a new baby to do it all on one day soon. >>> >>> Regards >>> >>> Reg >>> >>> -- The WA Macintosh User Group Mailing List -- >>> Archives - <http://www.wamug.org.au/mailinglist/archives.shtml> >>> Guidelines - <http://www.wamug.org.au/mailinglist/guidelines.shtml> >>> Unsubscribe - <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> >>> >> >> >> -- The WA Macintosh User Group Mailing List -- >> Archives - <http://www.wamug.org.au/mailinglist/archives.shtml> >> Guidelines - <http://www.wamug.org.au/mailinglist/guidelines.shtml> >> Unsubscribe - <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > > > -- The WA Macintosh User Group Mailing List -- > Archives - <http://www.wamug.org.au/mailinglist/archives.shtml> > Guidelines - <http://www.wamug.org.au/mailinglist/guidelines.shtml> > Unsubscribe - <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> -- The WA Macintosh User Group Mailing List -- Archives - <http://www.wamug.org.au/mailinglist/archives.shtml> Guidelines - <http://www.wamug.org.au/mailinglist/guidelines.shtml> Unsubscribe - <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> -- The WA Macintosh User Group Mailing List -- Archives - <http://www.wamug.org.au/mailinglist/archives.shtml> Guidelines - <http://www.wamug.org.au/mailinglist/guidelines.shtml> Unsubscribe - <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
