MacBook Pro - 15.4" 2.16 mbp memory config question

jsnschmasn · jsnschmasn #1 (**permalink**)

06-18-2006, 12:39 PM

Hello all. I wonder if anyone has an opinion on an issue. There are apparently 2 versions(part numbers) for the MacBook Pro 2.16ghz 15.4". MA466LL- uses 2 512ram cards and MA601LLA which uses a single 1gig ram card. Is there a reason why I would not want the two 512s other than expandability? Was there a difference or issues with the older model?

Thanks in Advance,

J

MagicBoy · MagicBoy #2 (**permalink**)

06-18-2006, 07:18 PM

Likely a pricing "issue". At Apple prices a 512Mb SODIMM is $100, and 1Gb SODIMM is $300. Use 2x512 and you "save" $100.

As an aside - if you install a pair of SODIMMS the chipset activates dual-channel mode on the memory controller which doubles the memory bandwidth to the CPU. There's no real performance increase on the MBP as a single channel has enough bandwidth to supply the CPU.

The Mini and MacBook benefit from dual channel as the integrated graphics need additional memory bandwidth on the same bus hence why they come fitted with pairs of memory modules.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
imac memory question for memory men	brendan67	Apple Desktops	6	09-06-2005 08:23 PM
Mini Memory Upgrade question	RogerC	Apple Desktops	2	07-10-2005 06:43 PM
G4 Yikes PCI Memory Question	flowforth	Apple Desktops	4	01-16-2005 06:09 AM
memory question	oo5yolo10	Apple Notebooks	8	11-19-2004 10:43 PM
Power PC G3 Memory question	Malibu	Other Hardware and Peripherals	1	10-13-2003 08:54 AM

MacBook Pro - 15.4" 2.16 mbp memory config question

Internet Services

Web Development

Digital Marketing

Consumer Tech

jsnschmasn #1 (permalink)
Guest Posts: n/a	06-18-2006, 12:39 PM Hello all. I wonder if anyone has an opinion on an issue. There are apparently 2 versions(part numbers) for the MacBook Pro 2.16ghz 15.4". MA466LL- uses 2 512ram cards and MA601LLA which uses a single 1gig ram card. Is there a reason why I would not want the two 512s other than expandability? Was there a difference or issues with the older model? Thanks in Advance, J
	QUOTE Thanks

MagicBoy #2 (permalink)
Guest Posts: n/a	06-18-2006, 07:18 PM Likely a pricing "issue". At Apple prices a 512Mb SODIMM is $100, and 1Gb SODIMM is $300. Use 2x512 and you "save" $100. As an aside - if you install a pair of SODIMMS the chipset activates dual-channel mode on the memory controller which doubles the memory bandwidth to the CPU. There's no real performance increase on the MBP as a single channel has enough bandwidth to supply the CPU. The Mini and MacBook benefit from dual channel as the integrated graphics need additional memory bandwidth on the same bus hence why they come fitted with pairs of memory modules.
	QUOTE Thanks

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)