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mak_attack · Feb 17, 2005, 09:10 PM

hi,

how much would one notice in terms of performance when running the mac mini with 512mb ram and 1gb of ram.

thanks,

thunderous_funker · Feb 17, 2005, 09:13 PM

Originally posted by mak_attack:
hi,

how much would one notice in terms of performance when running the mac mini with 512mb ram and 1gb of ram.

thanks,

You can always replace RAM later. Right now a 512 stick is dirt cheap and plenty fast. A year from now if 1GB sticks are cheap, I'll probably upgrade.

At least, that was my thinking when I got my Mini.

andrewgf · Feb 17, 2005, 09:17 PM

Running 512Mb on a 1.25Ghz. I have a mix of background and foreground stuff running at once.

I've yet to really tax the machine but no spinning beachballs yet. Unlike running 256Mb.

Originally posted by mak_attack:
hi,

how much would one notice in terms of performance when running the mac mini with 512mb ram and 1gb of ram.

thanks,

mak_attack · Feb 17, 2005, 09:21 PM

wow thanks for super quick replies.

yeah the 1gb is more expensive at the moment. i can afford the 512 upgrade now. Just wanted to know whether it was worth forking out for the extra ram now or later on.

what kind of programs are you guys running?

thanks,

iREZ · Feb 18, 2005, 01:52 AM

If your looking to do any semi serious PS, Flash, or FC work, then opt for the 1gb chip. You'll thank yourself later. Your going to spend $75 for a 512 chip now and $100 1gig chip later which, if you sell your 512 chip for say $30-$40 then, will cost you $130 overall, when you could just buy a gig stick for $180 now and use your machine to the fullest from day one. It's another story if you can't afford it right now, but if you can...do so, you'll thank yourself later.

Burke · Feb 18, 2005, 02:48 AM

1 GB of RAM isn't all that expensive, seeing as how Apple wants $325 for it installed at the factory and you can snag a 1 GB module at Crucial.com for around $220 shipped. You could toss in a $150 7200 RPM drive and get a double speed boost for about $50 more than Apple wants for 1 GB, too.

iREZ · Feb 18, 2005, 04:02 AM

Actually you could get the RAM for $180 at OWC which is Mac certified as well.

andrewgf · Feb 18, 2005, 04:48 AM

I run Konfabulator and adium in background.

A mix of Firefox, Ilife, Photoshop Elements plus a terminal session.

Nothing taxing. However just with this mix on 256Mb I'd get the spinning beach ball.

Will be doing php & mysql development soon.

As per other peoples comments. It depends on what your running. But I'd imagine heavy photoshop sessions or a truck load of apps would be better off with a gig.

I can recommend Kingmax tiny bga memory. Its a super slim chip that fits easily into the small space available.

Cheers.

Originally posted by mak_attack:
wow thanks for super quick replies.

yeah the 1gb is more expensive at the moment. i can afford the 512 upgrade now. Just wanted to know whether it was worth forking out for the extra ram now or later on.

what kind of programs are you guys running?

thanks,

Randman · Feb 18, 2005, 04:57 AM

You might save a few dollars now but if your performance lags, is it worth the cost?

mak_attack · Feb 28, 2005, 08:07 PM

hi,

how much of a difference did people notice when jumping from the stock 256mb ram to 512 or 1 gig ?

less beachballs? less lag?

thanks,

typoon · Feb 28, 2005, 10:24 PM

Hell I got the 1Gb Ram Shipped for under 200. It think it was like 190 shipped. I went to ramseeker.com and found the best price. I ordered from 18004memory.com I've ordered from them before and have had no problems with the RAM they sell.

I decided to go with the 1GB since the Mini only has 1 RAM slot. Why have the extra RAM if I upgrade from 512. Just upgrade once and forget it. That was my thinking

b11051973 · Feb 28, 2005, 11:48 PM

Originally posted by mak_attack:
hi,

how much of a difference did people notice when jumping from the stock 256mb ram to 512 or 1 gig ?

less beachballs? less lag?

thanks,

I played around with my mini for about 10 minutes before shutting down and installing my 1 gig chip. I definitely noticed a speed increase. I would not recommend using a mini with only 256.

SmileyDude · Mar 5, 2005, 12:40 AM

obviously, you at least need 512 on the mini to make it fast enough, but I think a 7200RPM drive in conjunction with the 512MB would give you better spead than a 1GB stick.

Of course, the best option is to do both

andreas_g4 · Mar 6, 2005, 02:51 PM

1 GB RAM is not necessary for most users. Anyhow, it gives you the ease of mind not to worry about open applications, large files and heavy-duty multitasking.

I was up to that decission, too, when I ordered my mini. I chose the 1GB variant, and I have to say that it's absolutely worth the extra $ (� in my case).

How does the spinning beachball look like, after all?

Oh, wait. There's still the crappy Finder�