How much RAM is too much?

[Richard Cavell]

Hi,

I'm running an iMac11,1 with 2 x 2 gig RAM. It has two empty slots, and can accept 4 gigs in each slot for a total of 16 gigs. It's easy to upgrade. I'm using FCP X, putting together half-hour TV episodes, but nothing fancy. Will I see any benefit from upping from 4 gig to 8, 12 or 16? I'll be using Motion too.

Richard

[Eric Olson]

Originally Posted by Richard Cavell

Will I see any benefit from upping from 4 gig to 8, 12 or 16?

It is only too much RAM if the additional memory causes hardware or software malfunction. I would be surprised if additional RAM caused overheating or timing related memory errors; however, such things have happened in the past. Similarly, I'd expect FCPX and the latest version of OS/X to work well with more memory; however, strange things can happen with 32-bit programs when you go beyond 4GB.

Unless you have a year-end budget that needs to be spent, I suggest leaving a working machine alone. Buy a backup RAID instead.

[Geoff Addis]

Moving up to 16GB will give a major boost to performance. Go for it!!

[Chris Medico]

The only way to have too much ram (assuming you have a 64bit operating system) is to have more memory sticks than will physically fit in the machine. ;)

In practice though you reach the point of reasonable diminishing return between 12-16gig of ram.