Hey Dogfight!

Now I'm not sure how many of you are into computers and all that, but I thought I'd start a thread relating to any and all topics of the kind. For the most part, I was hoping we could share feedback with our dealings in this electronic world. My folks aren't exactly computer connoisseurs, so everything I think I know about computers I've found on the internet.

I think I might trust you guys a bit more, or at the very least I'd appreciate any input!

Anyways, here's what I run:

Macbook (Late 2009)
Operating System: OSX Yosemite (v.10.10.2)
Processor: 2.26 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
Memory: 2 GB 1067 MHz DDR3
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce 9400M 256 MB

Yes, I know, it's not very impressive. I've had this baby since my freshman year, which was 2011. Even then, it was a hand-me-down, but it's my first laptop I've owned, and I've kept it in fairly good shape. I'm not sure if you guys are the type to hate Macbook users on the spot, but I have legitimate reasons for sticking with the thing.

Other than regular schoolwork and general internet activity, I also use my laptop for other reasons; mainly music composition and graphic design. I currently use it to run graphic-heavy programs including the wide array of tools from Adobe CC, and some lighter software like GIMP and Inkscape. My work in these programs are usually along the lines of light cartooning and line art, nothing too intensive; so even my crappy 2GB RAM can usually keep up. Unless it's Adobe After Effects, that will kill my computer.

What my current problem is the other use I have on my laptop; music composition. When I first started out, I was using Apple's Garageband, which my system could handle just fine. I eventually upgraded to Logic Pro 9, and then Logic Pro X. Now recently, I've decided to take my compositions to a higher level and invest in some better sound libraries, so I went and purchased East West's Symphonic Orchestra Silver. It sounds absolutely amazing, but now my Logic projects are having a terrible time trying to process the high-quality samples.

Before, when I ran with the samples from Logic's default EXS-24, I could have over 50 instrumental tracks playing at once, no problem. Now, with just only 5 instances of Symphonic Orchestra's instruments, my projects are crashing and burning like crazy. So, I decided to invest in better RAM, and I went and ordered a 6GB set to replace my 2GB.

My only concern is something I've read on the Apple website. It says that Macbooks utilize dual-processing when it comes to the memory slots, but it only works if both cards have the same storage capacity. I currently have two 1GB cards (2GB in all), but I've purchased one 4GB and one 2GB (6GB in all) to replace them. Does anyone know if the loss of dual RAM processing will impact performance? From what I understand, the simple fact that there's going to be much more RAM should outweigh the cost of dual-processing with 2GB.

I would have gone with the two 4GB cards (8GB in all), but there are numerous accounts online saying that my particular model's system tends to get unstable with 8GB, but 6GB has been proven safe.

I'll see soon how it will play out. I'm expecting the new cards to arrive in a couple days, and I'll replace it then. I'm not too worried; the cost of RAM these days is really low. The cards I bought only amounted to $40... hopefully it's a good investment!

I Don't know about Macbook but in windows there are two types operating system. One is 32 bit and the other one 64 bit.

32 bit operating system will use max of 4GB RAM but in 64 bit you can expand RAM even above 4GB.

You can check that with Macbook also whether they have different operating system to use the expandable RAM over 4GB.

Edit: You have to load 64 bit operating system to take advantage of over 4GB RAM.

It's the same with the MacBook Blue.

Thanks Blue.

Yes, the Core 2 Duo processor is 64-bit.

support.apple.com/en-us/HT3696

I'm still able to use the latest operating system for MacBooks (Yosemite), so that means I'm good for 64-but processing. From what information I've found, my particular model can be optimized for 6GB of RAM. There's been reports of 8GB causing instability in the system.

Octiva,

I'm using 8GBRAM in my office PC as well as Home PC with no problem at all.

Check Operating System: OSX Yosemite (v.10.10.2) version. Is it 32bit or 64 bit?

If you are using 64 bit system, you can go ahead with 8GB RAM. The processing will definitely become faster after that but I insist that you first reinstall the software which is giving trouble to double check that the problem is not due to some corrupted file.

If you face the same problem, then you can go ahead with upgrading RAM to 8GB.

I am not "Macintoshish".

But nowadays, Apple products just use (almost) the same hardware used by "IBM PCs" since 1990s. Apple engineers gave up making weird, hermetic hardware (their smartest move in history, btw).

I use PCs since 1993 (my first one was a 386 with amazing 40 mhz... lol). And since then I upgraded almost every year, so I know what I am talking about.

To the point: From my experience, if your software is optimized to dual-channel technology, it is wiser to use 4 gb on two 2 gb "twin" modules than using 6 gb without dual-channel. If memory modules cost is low, you can test, first, if a pair of 4 gb modules really makes your system unstable; if they do, your best bet is to use a pair of 2 gb modules.

A true case of "less is more".

But attention: both modules of the pair must have the same specs (they need to match not only on the size specs, but in several other specs like clock, latency, voltage settings, etc). Preferably (and highly recommended) they should be the same brand and model.

Like Pedrinho said, but also I have come to understand that when adding RAM you need to have them all the same size, i.e. TWO 4 gig modules or FOUR 2 gig ones.. not a mixture as you're doing.. AND they need to have the same specs like Pedrinho also said concerning clock speed, etc. or whatever is the lowest quality specs throttles down the capabilities of the others.

I'm not a computer guru by no means, but that is my understanding of it..

To make things clear: There is nothing preventing one to use two modules of different sizes (as Octavia did).
But when aiming to achieve dual-channeling, the modules need to be the same specs (size, voltage, etc).

If you look HERE you can see that there is little difference in real performance with Dual channel vs one single stick so you would have to think it can only get better with both slots occupied but you would have to see for yourself. Really the best way to proceed in my opinion is have a look at the qualified vendors list for your machine and they will give you exact model numbers for ram that has been lab tested by the manufacturers and guaranteed to work. I go to Kingston or Crucial and see if they have any designed for your system.

Well I looked for you and they do and it's this:

www.crucial.com/usa/en/macbook-pro-2*26g...a-mid-2009/CT3309044

and looking at the reviews everyone seems very happy and I would bet very little problems.

See memory is tricky there is the timing the voltage and then just weird stuff that happens. I have one machine that had 4 slots and they had matched identical pairs in the proper slots same voltages and timings just different manufacturers. Well every time I started the computer a random usb port wouldnt work. It was bizarre to say the least....tested the memory ...all good still the problem remained. Pulled out 2 sticks so only identical sticks we installed poof problem gone and either set worked just not together.

What I am getting at is I would bet that your mismatched config of 6 maybe bad news and will be worse than any "guaranteed to work" tested 8 gb kit would be. Now you could be lucky and the 4 is a tested model for your machine then you could just buy another and be complete...if not...if I were you I would probably return the ones I was getting and order some from a good manufacturer thats tested for your machine.