Is it worth it to upgrade a MacBook to 1GB of RAM?

Question

I am not a power Mac user, mostly Word and browsing the Internet, but would like the machine to work faster if possible...

Answer 1

If you are just using it to browse and write, 512 should be enough. IF you still want something more 1024 is the next step but for what you are saying 1gb is not needed.

Answer 2

Upgrading RAM only provides a larger operating environment. In some cases when you upgrade RAM, you are providing the needed operating space for your applications. The resultant affect is that the computer appears to run faster.

Upgrading RAM does not make a computer faster than its Benchmark (Maximum Performance Level).

So one of two things would happen if you upgrade your RAM.

1. The computer would be able to "breathe" as you run applications
2. Your system performance is already fine so the resultant affect would be that you can run more applications at the same time or a larger application.

Also read my answer to a similar question:
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AuNW.gV0wxczSsC6GKl446fsy6IX?qid=20070105083238AASzK3O

Answer 3

Yes. We did some testing at work and 1gb made the computer run much smoother. With 512 the hard drive was always thrashing around as OSX used the virtual memory all the time.

Answer 4

Well, I dont have a Mac, but a Compaq, and I just updated my ram [myself] from 512 MB to 2 GB and it was the best investment I have ever made. I can multitask finally, listen to iTunes without hastle, and navigate the internet without delays. I would highly recommend it, no matter what kind of user you are.

Answer 5

More RAM is the single most and cheapest way to make ANY computer run More efficiently.

Answer 6

Yes, but don't upgrade through Apple, they will charge you a fortune. Buy third party RAM and put it in yourself.