Mac OS X RAM Limits

Started by rcallicotte, July 30, 2007, 12:35:05 PM

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rcallicotte

What is the maximum amount of RAM that a Mac OS X system will take?  Windows XP is 4G (see http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-US/library/aa366778.aspx#physical_memory_limits_windows_xp)
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old_blaggard

Actually, the amount of RAM OS X can handle is limited by the hardware, not by the software.  It is natively 64-bit and 32-bit, so unlike Windows there aren't separate versions for each type.  Thus, it can handle huge amounts of RAM.  Right now, I think you can pack 32GB into the Xserve, Apple's server option, and 4GB into the MacBook Pro.  The MacBook Pro is limited in expandability by Intel's chipset.

OS X is a memory wizard when you have limited RAM and when applications require lots of RAM.  For example, I think that Jo did a test to see how much memory TG2 could address before it crashed, and found that it can access up to 3.5GB at a time on OS X, while only being able to access 2 or 2.5GB on Windows.

*Takes off Apple hat that he hadn't even realized he had put on :P*
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rcallicotte

I'm very fascinated by this, o_b.  I might move to OS X, but only if I can move everything I use.  I like gaming, but it isn't the primary concern.  I have other more or less expensive apps that I need to ensure I can use on the Mac before moving over. 

Plus, I can always have a PC laying around for GAMING MADNESS!!!   :o
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old_blaggard

If you need any help finding replacement apps or choosing which system to get, you know who to ask ;).  Also, if you're seriously considering moving, I'd wait until October so you can get Leopard.
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BPauba

I myself have not used boot Camp yet, but thatll let you run nearly any Windows app on your mac.

rcallicotte

Boot Camp?  Is it pretty reliable? 

I'm not in any hurry.  But, I was thinking about Leopard, though I like the present Mac OS right now.

So this is Disney World.  Can we live here?

old_blaggard

Boot Camp is 100% reliable - it essentially allows you to have a windows partition and boot into it whenever you want.  The only problem is that you have to buy a fresh copy of windows.  You could also look into Parallels if you want true virtualization without rebooting.

Also, my father has an Apple Developer account, and as such we have the alpha copies of Leopard, and trust me, you want to wait for it.
http://www.terragen.org - A great Terragen resource with models, contests, galleries, and forums.

rcallicotte

Brilliant!  Thanks o_b.  I'll wait and this encourages me to.

As far as Windows, I have about three copies of Windows XP, since I once worked where I was given a subscription to MSDN and this was for everything except SQL server.  I'm all licensed out.   :P 

This is good info to know.


Quote from: old_blaggard on August 01, 2007, 10:59:08 AM
Boot Camp is 100% reliable - it essentially allows you to have a windows partition and boot into it whenever you want.  The only problem is that you have to buy a fresh copy of windows.  You could also look into Parallels if you want true virtualization without rebooting.

Also, my father has an Apple Developer account, and as such we have the alpha copies of Leopard, and trust me, you want to wait for it.
So this is Disney World.  Can we live here?