Will adding more ram to my Macbook Pro make it faster?

Question

So I have about mid-2010 Macbook Pro and after all these OS upgrades throughout the years (currently running OSX 10.9.5), it's starting to run annoying slow but still useable. My specs on this Macbook is a 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor and 4 GB of ram. If I upgrade my ram to 6 or 8 GB will my Macbook run a lot more faster? I use my Macbook mostly for entertainment purposes such as web browsing, movies and music as well as for school mainly Microsoft Powerpoint and Word. Also, if I were to upgrade my ram is it as simple as popping out the old ram and installing the new ones? Thanks.

Answer 1

Hi kidrobot123,
Thanks for your question.  Think of Random Access Memory (RAM) as the amount of information your computer can think about at any one time.  Your operating system requires a certain amount of memory for basic functions.  Every software program that you have open needs memory as well.  So, increasing the available memory is one of the things you can do to improve performance.  
The resource below explains how to do it.  I've highlighted the section of the article that pertains to your Mid 2010 model.  Click on the link for more details.
MacBook Pro: How to remove or install memory - Apple Support
http://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201165
MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2010), MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2.53GHz Mid 2009), MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009)
Number of memory slots
2
Base memory
4 GB
Maximum memory
8 GB
Memory card specifications
- Double Data Rate Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Module (DDR3) format
- 30mm (1.18 inch)
- 2 GB or 4 GB
- 204-pin
- PC3-8500 DDR3 1066 MHz type RAM
Additional notes
For best performance, fill both memory slots, installing an equal memory module in each slot.
Removing or installing memory
Warning: The internal components of your MacBook Pro can be warm. If you have been using your MacBook Pro, wait ten minutes after shutting down the computer to let the internal components cool before continuing.
Step 1: Remove the bottom case
Shut down your MacBook Pro. Disconnect the power adapter, Ethernet cable, USB cables, security lock, and any other cables connected to the MacBook Pro to prevent damaging the computer.
Turn over your MacBook Pro and remove the ten (10) screws that secure the bottom case. Because the screws are different lengths, note the screw lengths and locations so you can replace the screws correctly. Put them aside in a safe place. Lift off the case and place it to the side.
Touch a metal surface inside the computer to discharge any static electricity from your body.
Step 2: Remove existing memory (if present)
Push the levers on the sides of the memory module in an outward direction to release the module from the memory card slot. The memory pops up at an angle. Before removing it, make sure you find the half-circle notches. If you don’t, try pressing the levers outward again.
Hold the memory module by its notches and remove it from the slot.
Remove the other memory module.
Important: Hold the memory modules by their edges, and do not touch the gold connectors.
Step 3: Install memory
Align the notch on the gold edge of the module with the notch in the lower memory slot.
Tilt the card and push the memory into the slot.
Use two fingers with firm, even pressure to push down on the memory module. There should be a click when you insert the memory correctly.
Repeat this procedure to install an additional memory module in the top slot. Press down on the module to make sure it is level.
Note: Make sure you install the memory according to this illustration, with the gold contacts inserted almost completely into the connector.
Step 4: Replace the bottom case
Replace and tighten the ten screws you removed earlier, making sure to put the different length screws in their proper locations.
 The resource below provides some other considerations to improve your computer's performance using Mavericks.OS X Mavericks: If your Mac runs slowly
http://support.apple.com/kb/PH13895
OS X Mavericks: If your Mac runs slowlyIf you find your Mac is running slowly, there are a number of potential causes that you can check.
An app you’re using may require more memory than your computer has easily available. To see how much memory your computer has, choose Apple menu > About This Mac. See the help that came with the app to find out what it requires. To find out how to increase your computer’s memory, see the documentation that came with your computer.Find the manual for your Mac 
Quit any app that isn’t compatible with your computer. For example, an app may require a different processor or graphics card. See the documentation that came with the app to find out what it requires.
To see what processor your computer has, choose Apple menu > About This Mac.
To see what graphics card your computer has, choose Apple menu > About This Mac, click More Info, then click Displays.
Your computer’s startup disk may not have enough free disk space. To make disk space available, move files to another disk, then delete files you no longer need on the startup disk.Increase disk space
Quit any apps you’re not using.
Use Disk Utility to verify and fix any issues with your hard disk.If you have problems with your disk
Use Activity Monitor to see if a particular app or activity is making a large demand on your Mac.
Last Modified: May 8, 2014
Cheers,
- Judy