Upgrading RAM & HD on my 2.33 ghz C2D MBP, suggestions/opinions?

Question

So I'm looking to upgrade my MBP 2.33 Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo, to 4 GB of RAM and also upgrading the internal drive to a 320GB 7200 rpm and I wanted opinions from people here.
I've been researching these upgrade options the last few days and came across a lot of people talking about the limitations that the system will have in regards to the utilizing all 4gigs. Apparently it will register all 4, but will only utilize 3.2 of the total 4 gigs of RAM.
Now I don't think it's that wise to install different sized pairs of RAM sticks, so I'm probably just going to go in for the full 4, but I'm curious to know that if the system does register all 4, but is only using 3.2, is it possible that certain software will still be able to utilize all 4 gigs of RAM?
Also, when talking about the internal drive, would it be better to stick with the 320 gb @ 7200, or for just $50 more, get a 500 gb @ 7200?
I do a lot of video and audio production and live performance, but I'm wondering it's worth the extra money to get more space, when I'm just going to be back it up anyway, since it is a portable. However, 500 gb's would be the same size as the external that I'm also looking to get, which makes me wonder if I should get the 320 gb and stick with the 500 gb external. So at least that way, I can keep dumping things, when my internal gets full. Cause I think if I have an internal that is 500 gbs I might get too used to have a lot of data on here.
Right now, I'm using a 160 @ 7200, so either one would definitely be nicer that what I have now. And some of the reasons I'm changing it, besides the capacity, is because it's seems to make a bit of noise at start up and I'm a bit paranoid it will be going soon. This beast has last a while, seen a lot of travel and been through **** and back, but it's never failed me. I kind of hate to change it, but also need to upgrade my OS and figured it might be a good time to just get everything up to date.
SO YAH, I hope that makes sense some how to everyone and that some of you could give me some possible opinions. I'm probably going to take my MBP down to Tekserve later to get this started, but wanted to see what people here thought. I always enjoy these forums, and value a lot of what I read here. So let me here it!
;]

Answer 1

Hi D,
DIGIT216 wrote:
Now I don't think it's that wise to install different sized pairs of RAM sticks, so I'm probably just going to go in for the full 4, but I'm curious to know that if the system does register all 4, but is only using 3.2, is it possible that certain software will still be able to utilize all 4 gigs of RAM?
I cannot say for a fact, but from everything I know/understand about Macs and computers, I'm confident the answer is "no."
Also, when talking about the internal drive, would it be better to stick with the 320 gb @ 7200, or for just $50 more, get a 500 gb @ 7200?
Unless you've found some sight-unseen deal on a 320, you should be able to get a 500 for less than $50 more.
I do a lot of video and audio production and live performance, but I'm wondering it's worth the extra money to get more space, when I'm just going to be back it up anyway, since it is a portable.
But until it is backed up, more storage is nice. And if for whatever reason you cannot backup to the portable HD, that extra room could come in handy.
However, 500 gb's would be the same size as the external that I'm also looking to get, which makes me wonder if I should get the 320 gb and stick with the 500 gb external. So at least that way, I can keep dumping things, when my internal gets full. Cause I think if I have an internal that is 500 gbs I might get too used to have a lot of data on here.
I suspect that will be true. HDs are kind of like garages, storage sheds, and basements; the bigger they are, the more stuff they seem to collect. But as far as a HD is concerned, I consider that a convenience, not having to throw things away until/unless I 100% know they're junk.
Right now, I'm using a 160 @ 7200, so either one would definitely be nicer that what I have now. And some of the reasons I'm changing it, besides the capacity, is because it's seems to make a bit of noise at start up and I'm a bit paranoid it will be going soon.
Sounds like you depend on it for income, so being proactive would seem to be a good idea. I know of people who replace a HD every three years regardless of its "health."