Uneven RAM

Does anyone know the real, true answer to whether it's OK to have uneven RAM (one 512, one 1 gig chip) in a macbook? I don't use it for games or design, but I use a lot of apps at one time, including Word and Entourage and occasionally Parallels, and at 1 gig I'm always low on RAM. I want to buy a 1 gig chip and pair it with one of my 512s. Is it OK?
Also, is there a place I can look on Activity Monitor to find out what is using all this RAM? It really is low virtually ALL the time. Last time I looked, something called root_kernel was using about 512 mB - is that normal?

It is perfectly fine to run unmatched pairs of RAM in your MacBook without anyill effects. Apple does recommend that you use matched pairs for optimal video performance, but I doubt that anyone who doesn't game would ever notice the difference.
To find out how much RAM is in use, open the activity monitor and choose the option for "system memory." Under that you will be able to see your current RAM usage.
The best indicator that you need more RAM is the number found under page ins/outs. That shows the number of times that your RAM contents needed to be written to the HD. The larger that number, the more often your RAM "buffer" has overflowed. Keep in mind that this number is cumulative since your last restart.

Similar Messages

Ram for macbook pro

I'm thinking of getting the 2.33 Macbook pro and configure it with 3gigs of ram. I noticed that there was mention that only 2 gigs could actually be recognized. Is this true and if so what is the benefit of 3 gigs?
thanks
Scot
titanium 15 inch original, Mac OS X (10.3.7)

well, I'm only going on a quote from someone at apple in an interview/review I read online of the new MBPs. apparently the uneven RAM slot use you would get with 3GB is still a performance hit, but I have no idea how much of a problem this is. if you really are working in a way that can eat up all that RAM, then it may be worth doing it, I wouldn't imagine they'd even offer 3GB if it was unstable or caused a performance hit so bad that rendered it useless. but that's just my guess.

Temp Case

So far i love my macbook and it's a good laptop for the money and the look, but i'm just worry about how long it can last for...
i just got a replace from the apple store for a new serial number h24 macbook
due to the high temp of 79C regularly.
but the new one with h24 has 75C CPU degree with only safari and adium running...
should I go back to mac store soon... or call the apple care?
please give me an idea what should i do.
thanks.

Others may give you different opinions.
I noticed after a week, about a 5 degree drop in temperature.
Also adding 2g of RAM made a few degrees drop.
Your uneven RAM banks may have a subtle effect on usage and temperature.
If you are restricted by a 2 week return policy, don't wait until the final day to decide.
Your actual case temperature may not reflect the numeric processor temperature. (to your touch)
Sleeping your MacBook 5 minutes should cool it majorly.
Resetting the PMU helps some issues as well.
Study this list to see some of the variables: http://www.intelmactemp.com/list
MacBooks (2) 2gb RAM Mac OS X (10.4.6)

Graphics and Warranty

Okay, so at this point I am not in any kind of rush to get my MacBook, but I do have some questions in regards to it.
1) I have heard mixed sayings about the new Integrated Graphics.
I will using GIMP and maybe Photoshop one day when I can afford it and it is universal binary). I was told that it will run terrible, but I was also told it will run fine. I am guessing it will run fine. -- I will at the most do LIGHT video editing of personal minute long clips and what not, but nothing pro, so I'm sure it will do fine. I am not a gamer but if it could run a light game or two that would be great. The side I'm leaning on is that the 950 Intel Graphics are fine, but people are just talking smack ignorantly because of previous bad integrated graphics, and that it will do fine.
2) The AppleCare Warranty.
Should I buy an extended warranty (if I get it through Amazon it is 200 bucks for 3 years AppleCare)? Or will I be better off not getting it. Part of me wants to protect my investment, part of me says I wont have any major problems with it anyway. and if I do buy it, I was told that adding ram to my MacBook can possibly void my AppleCare Warranty, and Apple may refuse to fix my MacBook if something does go wrong. -- I did read that my AppleCare is not violated if I leave one of the 256meg Apple Branded memory sticks in and just ADD a stick to it, is this true? I was going to add a 1 GB stick to it, meaning I would have 1256ish megs of ram... which leads to the other question, will uneven ram sticks have a bad/noticeable effect on my performance?
Thanks in advanced,
APLARDI

Upgrading your RAM won't, unless you clearly damaged your MacBook during the process, void your warranty.
As for possible performance drops due to an unmatched pair, personally I would doubt any real noticable performance loss under normal user conditions. If you will use your MacBook in such a way that would require the maximum possible memory throughput then upgrade in matching pairs. There are few instances where the difference between a 10GBps throughput of a matched pair is noticable different to a 5GBps throughput.

Can I Get a Full Refund for Uneven Backlighting on MPB after 50 weeks?

I bought a Macbook Pro C2D 17" exactly 50 weeks ago from one of the mac re-sellers that are in towns like Bristol and Swindon in the UK that don't have proper mac's own shops.
I've developed some really bad uneven backlighting on my monitor which is really noticeable when I put a mid tone colour to fill the screen (and even more noticeable when I look at it from a slight angle) and also a light coloured area at the bottom of my screen with is noticeable when he screen is black.
I also have the slight 'grainy' effect that people have been making a lot of fuss about ever since these new macbook pros were brought out, It's a glossy screen also.
A few days ago I passed round the shop and asked if I could qualify for my computer to be replaced with one of the (new) new ones, I'd like this since I find the fans go on with I use second life (and stops and starts a lot) and photoshop on full blast with various other software. Also could do with the extra RAM and resolution.
The salesman at the mac re-seller shop said that It would take about 10 days for my computer to be fixed, now I'm a graphic designer and depend on the computer for my income so that's not an option.
What I'm wondering, and the reason I'm writing this post...I heard somewhere that under UK consumer law that if a product fails to live up to what it's promised to be or is faulty, the consumer is entitled to the choice of a repair, replacement or refund. Is this true and can I qualify for it? The mac re-seller shop is only giving me the option to replace the screen it seems for a lengthy delay instead of giving me other options, what I'd like is the computer to be replaced with the new machine or mac to refund me, so I can give it to apple again by buying the (new) new macbook pro that's just come out.
Cheers,
Any advice much appreciated.
Message was edited by: Scottishengineer
Message was edited by: Scottishengineer
Message was edited by: Scottishengineer

Good Afternoon,
I can't speak for British Law, however, you should still be covered by the Apple 1 Year Limited Warranty. If you have a verified problem with your computer you should be able to send it in for repair, however, Apple is not required to replace the machine so long as they are making an attempt to make your machine operate normally.
Normal repair time will range from 10-30 business days on most issues when the machine is sent in for repair and, unfortunately, Apple is not responsible for any lost productivity time you will encounter during that time.
You may wish to contact Apple Support or Customer Care for more details.
Hope this helps! 
David

Color Correction Auto Levels results uneven

Good Mornig,
My Color Correction Auto Levels results are uneven. I applied them to a short clip to Test, and they look fine when they apply...but every now and then there is a flicker for a few frames/seconds and it reverts to original colors. I have a 6month old computer 64bit, 12gigs ram....and it is only a 5 minute clip.
Any suggestions??
Thanks in advance

did somemore testing and i think you will be correct.
Why is this?...is it because Auto is "too broad a brush" or my computer doesn't have enough power (12 gigs ram??)
or is it a software weakness. is this usually the same for other, similar, effects??

One more ram question

I'm going to get a 2 gig ram memory for my new iMac (2.4 ghz, 320 hard drive, 20" screen with new thin keyboard, isight camera, etc.) and can I just add the 2 gig to the one extra slot and leave my other 1 gig in there making it 3 gigs of ram? I have read in some places it's best to have even memory in each slot but in other areas I have read it's ok to have them uneven.
I'd sure like some feedback before I purchase the 2 gigs of ram.
Thank you!
Martha

YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!

Uneven Brightness (new 17" Hi-Res Glossy Penryn MBP)

Finally got the new Penryn MBP I ordered the day they came out, and it seems to be working fine, but the only "issue" I see is the back light seems uneven. Its only noticeable on a white/light color solid background. Just wondering how common this is. I had to wait almost 3 weeks to get it, so I assume the wait would be just as long or longer to get it fixed. Just a bit of a let down, especially after having to wait 3 weeks for it.

Obviously, quality control is something Apple feels it can afford to do without, as they are usually quick to replace these defective products at the counter.
This statement is blatantly false. Granted lemons do slip through the cracks, and sometimes it is impossible to make a system crackproof when dealing with so many products. Just a single 128 MB RAM board has one billion parts. That's as many as the Saturn V Rocket! Apple's sales of notebooks have gone through the roof, and if you do get something in warranty that obviously needs repair, do use the warranty to take care of it.
Opened a second 2.4 15 Inch Penryn and found the LED on this one had a gradient that darkened on the far right. They
Disassembling the machine as you have done basically exposes the machine to static electricity and other problems, and frequently is noticeable because of the difficulty of reassembly. I would let the warranty people take care of it, or the store return policy take care of it.
Apple's quality still is the best in the industry, if you read Consumer Reports.
So don't let the preponderance of issues reported on this board make you think they all have issues. Quite the contrary many without problems never have reason to report here.
If you have a specific problem, please start a new topic thread here:
http://discussions.apple.com/forum.jspa?forumID=1150&start=0
If you don't have anything else to contribute to the original user in the thread.

Scrolling is uneven and slow since I reloaded my system software (MacBook)

I used to be able to scroll quickly through a webpage. Now it scrolls as a cursor. This is slow and uneven.

As EtreCheck just provides a snapshot in time, it is not terribly useful for figuring out what is slowing the system down unless you have known bad actors running on your Mac that show up in the report.
You need to watch Activity Monitor when it slows down and see what is chewing up CPU and Memory.
If the Memory Pressure gets into the Red while using it, then it is likely not enough RAM for what you are trying to do. With the check you posted above, you weren't having any memory issues at that moment.
You've got a handful of startup items which I know nothing about. Try disabling them and see if things are better.
User Login Items:
    WBE Desktop Notifier
    WorkspaceUpdate
    iTunesHelper
    AdobeResourceSynchronizer
And
[loaded]    com.starfield.backupservice.plist 3rd-Party support link
You can test by booting into Safe Mode. If it works reasonable well there, it is likely one of the startup or login items.
If not, I would agree with others that it is the lack of RAM.

Uneven CPU useage and revving fans...according to iStat?

Hello All,
As with others, I've had the revving fan issues on my G5 for as long as I can remember. The other day, I installed the iStat Pro widget, which tells you information on what's being used in your computer, which fans are going what speed, temperatures, RAM useage, and such. According to iStat, whenever the fans are revving and I check, it's the fan and intake fan on 'CPU A' that's revving up to 1500-3000 rpm, whereas the ones on CPU B stay in the 300-500 range...and in terms of temperatures, CPU A is always at least 10 degrees higher than CPU B in farenhite. Is this unevenness normal in an dual processor G5? Does the second one kick in only when it's needed for heavy computing? Is GPU A being overtaxed, leading to the revving fans? And again, those randomly revving fans only seem to be the ones on CPU A. The drive bay fan seems to hover constantly at around 1000 rpm.
Any insight would be greatly appreciated.
PowerMac G5 Mac OS X (10.4.3) Dual 1.8

Hi. You could try installing Hardware Monitor
http://www.bresink.com/osx/HardwareMonitor.html
which will give a more comprehensive picture of temps and fan speeds, etc. - and how they vary over time, and according to CPU loading. You can create probes/sensors for processor load and check that everything varies in (fairly) logical unison, at least.
Some fans and temps will be either almost unvarying or show steady progressive change, e.g. Drive Bay Fan; PCI Slot Fan (names may vary slightly in HM on your G5)
Most dual processor G5s will show some variation between processors - there are some, fairly historical, examples here
http://macosg.com/group/viewtopic.php?t=1314&highlight=temperatures
some of which are greater than 10deg F. If, after observing the readings in HM for a while, you are still concerned, you could run the Apple Hardware Test, explained here
http://www.thexlab.com/faqs/aht.html
or, if you still have AppleCare, download TechTool
https://support.apple.com/techtooldeluxe/main?id=dl
or contact AppleCare, when you have some numbers, and see what they say.
Probably also worth checking that there is no fluff build-up in the cooling fins of the CPU heat-sinks.
No doubt you have tried changing Processor Performance to 'Highest' in System Preferences > Energy Saver > Options to reduce the Random Pointless Revving.
If you note the CPU loads in HM or use the 'Floating CPU Window' in the Window menu in Utilities > Activity Monitor, the algorithm for allocation of CPU load appears to be more sophisticated than it was in some earlier Applications that pushed one task to one specific processor.
Please post again if any of this isn't clear. Good Luck.

RAM for an LGA 2011 sysytem....

Will this gSkill Ram work well on a lga2011 3930k system?
[url=http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231490]G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 32GB (2 x 8GB) 12800CL10Q-32GBXL [/url]
Someone else said I needed zSeries, what is the difference?
Also what will there be a problem with running dual channel ram in a 2011 sysytem?
[url=http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231489]G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) F3-12800CL10D-16GBXL [/url]
I fear I may need to sell off some pre bought RAM.
What are the main considerations for buying RAM for a 2011?

Many of the recommendations including those of Harm are items you should consider. Overall the important points to keep in mind are noted below.
The IMC memory controller is only validated at 1333 and 1600. While our UEFI and board have been developed to allow for support of higher dividers this supports varies on the quality of the IMC. Most IMCS will not have issues running up to 1866 in full population. Keep in mind though that the higher the density and the higher the frequency the hard it becomes for the memory controller to stability. Currently we have for normal users validated up to 2400 XMP but this requires an outstanding IMC ( with sheer luck in that a CPU will offer running this frequency and density ). Higher frequencies are of course supported whether it be overclocking a module or even using higher rated kits ( 2600+ )
If you are pursuing high density configurations whether it be 32GB or even 64GB to ensure the best level of compatibility and stability i would advise you run 1600. 1866 as well should be ok. In regards to vendors GSKill has outstanding SPD and XMP programming and we have an extremely close relationship with them during the development and validation of their modules ( this is why you will see our boards continually under there compatibility lists for kits ) Although keep in mind that for all memory vendors much of the higher frequency memory kits are validated on high performance IMCs on select CPUs. In this respect while that module has been ensured to run at that speed it is not a guarantee to run on your CPU ( unless the frequency is conservative and applicable to most IMCs )
Keep in mind also that not all memory manufacturers are using correctly defined XMP tables (meaning they can potentially make adjustment to voltages they should not be adjusting). Technically under the XMP 1.3 specification vendors are only allowed to define timings and frequency all MRC timings and voltages must be auto defined by the board ( excluding the primary DRAM voltage ). This is important as XMP in itself is actually defined to work on the worst motherboards this actually is not always ideal as it may have to work on vendor’s motherboards who have poor bios/uefis or lower quality trace layout which is key for optimal memory performance and compatibility. All in all XMP from a quality vendor will work on our boards but just keep in mind XMP may not always be "guaranteed or even the best settings for the modules".
Great vendors to consider for memory on X79.
GSKill, Corsair, Kingston, Patriot, Mushkin, Crucial,
In regards to compatibility we have currently validated with all active kits on the market for 32GB and 64GB. As of now we have no current compatibility or bit initialization issues ( can occur when vendors incorrectly code SPD or XMP information ).
Following up on your question in reference to QVL's these are outlined at the initial launch and generally completed 2weeks to a month prior to the launch as such you will find many newer kits not present. Additionally in transition periods of density increases ( like the commonness of 4GB or even now 8GB dimms affects considerations as these modules and even frequencies were not available at the time of the launch ).
Overall though we do compatibility and interoperability tests continually to ensure the best support possible. With that in mind there are factors that can influence initialization of memory.
Installation issues
1. Damaging of pins during installation ( even 1 pin slightly pin or damage can impact memory initialization )
2. Too much pressure from heatsink assembly can uneven pressure contact with the pin / pad ( socket to CPU )
3. Mixed memory revisions ( this can occur even with the same model memory kits ) Memory vendors change ICs over time as such memory while it should work at lower frequencies and more relaxed timings can have compatibility issues in higher densities due to sensitivities of the IMC. If possible also try to buy matched sets and ensure the revision number is the same across all modules.
4. Memory controller voltage this can be modified ( increased at times to help stabilize higher frequencies and higher densities ) this is more common for high speed kits 1866 and greater
Hope this helps!

Uneven processor core didtribution

Why does Logic distribute plug in processing unevenly?
I am currently getting regular Core Audio system overloads and my System Performance meter is showing core 1 and 4 running at about 30%, core 2 is unused and core 3 is running in the red (90%-100%). I am using all 3rd party plug ins with the exception of 2 instances of EXS24.
I have tried re-instantiating plug ins and setting up my local machine as a node. It makes no difference. It seems that all 3rd party plug ins want to use a single processor.
Does anyone know a workaround?
Logic 7.2.3
Mac OS X 10.4.10
Mac Pro 2x2.66 Dual Core
5GB RAM
1 x 250GB Internal System Drive
1 x 500GB Internal Audio Drive
2 x 500GB Internal Sample Drives
RME FireFace 800
Emagic AMT8
Mac Pro 2 x 2.66GHz Dual Mac OS X (10.4.8) 5GB RAM, Fireface 800, LP 7.2.3

Welcome to the forum bof,
Mac-Pro Quad runs in Symmetric with Memory of Rams,
so it may be a case of the Rams being un-even.
Rams has to run in pairs for you to get the full 256/bits,
in the Memory performance.
Try taking out 1 Giz and allow Four Gizs of Rams,
and see what happens.
Secondly i am guessing use use Migration to cross over,
to the Mac-Pro,
if that is the case, the Machine will run like Molasses,
therefore its best to do a clean in-stall.
Before doing a in-stall back-up your stuff,
then erase all H.D. and re-format,
then install.
You only need to install OSX on the boot Drive.
No need for Apps on one H.D. and Sample on another H.D.
Put Apps/Samples on same boot Disk, Bay 1
and File/Audio on the other H.D. in Bay 2
the other H.D. other than the boot H.D. can be set to raid,
give-ing twice the speed if its two H.D. set to a Raid 0,
And the Forth H.D. for back-up which can be set also to Mirror
for the set of Raid.
Also get some form of Data-Recovery sofware in recovery H.D.
never know when the Sh£t hits the Fan.
Disk Warrior can be consider.
Hope all this makes sense,
Fr.BlayZay.

Board giving error codes for RAM

I have a Z87-GD65 GAMING board. I am having an issue with running the RAM in DUAL channel. It will running OK with each stick individually installed, but not together. Error codes I'm getting are a 10, followed by 19, and then 55. With just one stick, code is A0. My RAM is Corsair Vengeance Pro Series Red 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 1600 MHZ (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory CMY8GX3M2A1600C9R.
This is on the very first boot after everything was installed. no BIOS changes were made.
Any help would be appreciated.

Quote
I didn't have a chance to look at socket. But, I did notice that the 1st two dimm slots don't work, but 3 and 4 do.
Classic bent CPU socket pin(s) scenario.
Quote
I hear that the LGA 1150 socket pins aren't really easy to bend. I placed the CPU in and clammed down. There wasn't really anything I could have done to mess it up. I'm pretty positive of that.
Unfortunately, not true at all. They are very fragile. A CPU cooler mounted uneven or that has incorrect torque will also cause this behavior.

Mixing RAM Modules

Several weeks ago, I replaced my 256 MB RAMs with 2 1 GB modules in a late 2005 G5. They seemed to work fine, though my GPU seemed to be running a bit hotter. I just installed an additional 2 GB bought from OWC, and also added back the 2 original 256 MBs to bring my total to 4.5.
Looking in System Profiler, I see that my original 256s and the latest 1 GB modules are PC2-4200U-444, as specified in the online compatibility guide. I see the I GB modules from my first upgrade are PC2-3200U-288.
I bought them at a local shop- for way too much money, by the way - and was told that the number printed on them was wrong and they were compatible with my model. Is that right, or this a problem?
Thanks

Hi! The PC2-4200 modules are the correct ones and you shouldn't run anything slower. You can run faster ones but you shouldn't run slower ones or mix speeds. And if the computer sees them as the slower ones then most likely they are! Tom
Message was edited by: Thomas Bryant

Mixing RAM Modules (1gig + 2gig = 3gig)

Hello,
I am about to buy a Mac Mini and I am on a tight budget. The one thing I want to do for sure is upgrade the memory, but I'm in a quandary of sorts given my budget. The retailer where I want to buy the Mini from only sells the appropriate RAM for the Mini in 2gig modules. So here's my question: I know it is possible to mix the stock 1gig stick with a 2gig stick to get 3 gig of RAM total, but will it be worth it to me? I realize that the best configuration would be to slap in 2 2gig modules in and just be done with it, but with 3gig, would I be appreciatively shooting myself in the foot and killing the machine's performance, or wouldn't I notice? I need to have the memory installed at purchase because I am physically handicapped and adding the memory myself is out of the question. And after researching how to replace memory on the Mini, I wouldn't have the courage to ask anybody I know to attempt to do it after buying it. Is mixing RAM modules a good idea?
Thanks in advance.
Malcolm

Nope, I am not confused, There does have generation between Mac mini model. Maybe not official, but we all know. Check About This Mac ---> More Info ---> Model Identifier : Macmini2,1 (That means, 2nd generation)
Macmini 3,x (means 3rd generation I supposed)
And the 3rd generation doesn't support Dual Channel, referred to Crucial.com
http://www.crucial.com/store/listparts.aspx?model=Mac%20mini%20%28Intel%20Core%2 02%20Duo%202.0GHz%20DDR3%29%20MB463LL/A&pl=Apple&cat=RAM

Uneven RAM

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