Ever since computers have been around, RAM (or Random Access Memory) has been the one defining factor associated with loading performance and your computer's ability to quickly access information or display the desired output.
But running a search for 'RAM' on the Mac App Store will bring up a number of options. Remember to check the reviews to find something reputable. Read next: How to find the best apps on the Mac. Feb 26, 2020 Yellow: Memory resources are still available but are being tasked by memory-management processes, such as compression. Red: Memory resources are depleted, and macOS is using your startup drive for memory. To make more RAM available, you can quit one or more apps or install more RAM. This is the most important indicator that your Mac may need.
Today we will talk about something related to Mac RAM upgrading. If you had lots of Mac memory, you were the 'fastest kid on the block' or something along those lines. And this still holds true today.
We will discuss 2 key ways through which you can effectively add RAM to your MacBook Pro, iMac or MacBook Air.
- Part 2. The Cheapest and Easiest Way to Get More Mac RAM with Software
Part 1: Knowledge of RAM
Random Access Memory (RAM) refers to a small, replaceable circuit board inside your computer that gives your Mac temporary workspace - that is, a place where data is temporarily stored. That is why the data can be quickly loaded and accessed. So for example, when you launch an app or do anything else that requires you to load data, your Mac brings RAM into play to store any relevant data while it continues to work with it. Modern computers often come equipped with 4, 8, 16 or more gigabytes of RAM pre-installed.
More available RAM means you can run larger and more apps and programs simultaneously, without slowing down your Mac or waiting for long disk load operations before you can actually access or start using a specific program.
Should I Do a Mac Memory Upgrade?
If your system is running low on RAM, you will experience slowdowns when launching programs, loading documents, and otherwise using your system. It makes sense to upgrade your RAM - because more RAM means faster CPU access times and as a result, your storage media also works faster. We can know the details at below:
1. Take More Multitasks
The more physical RAM you have installed, the more programs you can run at the same time, and with more efficiency as well. This can be particularly useful if you work a lot with photo editing software like Photoshop or you have too many browser windows and tabs opened at the same time, along with the usual word processor or presentation software running in the background.
2. Open Programs Faster
Naturally, adding memory to your iMac can launch your programs faster ' something which can be a frustrating ordeal otherwise when you're working with a program that's memory-intensive.
3. Get Better Gaming Performance
This may not be seen as a potential advantage by everyone. But if you also use your Mac for entertainment, then you can expect games to generally perform better, run smoother and of course, load faster between screens.
4. More productivity
3D modeling and photo editing software are just two examples of applications that suck up a lot of resources. Having more RAM means you can stay productive as you won't have to wait too long for things to load.
Part 2: The Cheapest and Easiest Way to Get More Mac RAM with Software
The easiest and most cost-effective way to increase Mac RAM is to release more internal memory space on your Mac. With longer operation times, more memory can get clogged up. Using a professional tool like iMyFone Umate Mac Cleaner, you can free up unused RAM on your computer and instantly see noticeable performance gains.
Advantages of using iMyFone Umate Mac Cleaner:
- It support all Mac models and versions
- Very straightforward operation, allowing you to free up memory in a single operation or in bulk
- Very easy for new users and you can free up RAM yourself without any technical knowledge
- The low-cost tool that offers amazing features for a lifetime
- Lists out all apps and processes which are eating up RAM larger than 50MB
- Shows real-time statistics to help you manage RAM
- All-in-one Mac manager helps to delete large and unnecessary files, duplicate files, private data that's no longer needed, junk files, etc. It helps to manage all apps and extensions on your computer which are occupying too much memory.
- Helps you get twice as much RAM
Here is how to download, install and use this tool to increase Mac RAM
- Download the tool by clicking the above button.
- Launch Umate Mac Cleaner and click on 'Speed Up Your Mac' on the left panel.
- Click on 'Start Now'.
- It will show you all the programs that can be closed to release more RAM. Click on 'Free Up RAM'.
Now, you have got the super easy steps to increase Mac RAM. Of course, if you don't want to adopt the simple way we mentioned above, there is another relatively hard way to add RAM to your Mac. Next, we are going to tell you something you should pay attention to when doing Mac memory upgrading.
Part 3: Complex and Expensive Way: Manually Add RAM to your Mac/MacBook
Unlike using the solution to increase RAM with software, adding RAM to Mac is a hard way for most of us. We can conclude this way as a high-cost, complex and technology necessary method. If you don't mind spending extra cash and arming yourself with some technical knowledge, then here's how you're going to physically do a Mac memory upgrade:
3.1 Preparations before Mac Memory Upgrading
1. To prevent damage from static electricity, shut down your Mac (without removing the Mains plug) and wait for at least 10 minutes.
2. Keep your new RAM in its packaging right up until you're about to install it.
3. Touch an unpainted metal surface in your Mac to discharge any remaining static in your body.
4. When mounting your RAM into the slot, ensure that the gap in the front-facing gold contacts matches up with the protrusion in your motherboard's RAM housing.
3.2 Check the Actual Expandable Size of Your Mac
Access the Apple menu and select 'About this Mac'. Under the Memory tab, you can access a variety of information about your RAM, including the maximum it can hold.
Alternatively, you could also visit Apple's web support.
3.3 Check if Your Mac Models Can be Upgraded
You can use the same Apple menu and pull down the 'About this Mac' option to see if your model can be upgraded. Below the current memory size, if you see slots that say 'Empty', that means your Mac is upgradeable. Also, you can check the list we have posted below.
With some Mac models, the RAM is fixed into place and not upgradeable. Check the list below to know if your Mac models can be upgraded.
Some iMacs, like all the 27' models, have an access panel specifically for adding RAM. And it takes only a few seconds to pop that panel off. Other models, like the latest 21.5' iMac models, require you to remove the screen and logic board which may take at least a few hours. As things stand now, you can upgrade the RAM yourself in the following Mac models:
- MacBook Core 2 Duo
- MacBook Unibody
- MacBook Pro 13' (Mid 2009-Mid 2012)
- MacBook Pro 15' (Late 2008-Mid 2012)
- MacBook Pro 17' (All Models)
- iMac 17' (All Models)
- iMac 20' (All Models)
- iMac 24' (All Models)
- iMac 27' (All Models)
- Mac Mini (Mid 2010-Late 2012)
- Mac Pro (All Models)
Because Apple has taken to soldering the RAM to the motherboard of the computer - particularly on laptops in the last few years. You currently cannot upgrade the RAM yourself in these Mac models:
- iMac Pro (All Models)
- Retina MacBook (All Models)
- MacBook Air 11' (All Models)
- MacBook Air 13' (All Models)
- MacBook Pro 13' with Retina Display (All Models)
- MacBook Pro 13' with Touch Bar (All Models)
- MacBook Pro 15' with Retina Display (All Models)
- MacBook Pro 15' with Touch Bar (All Models)
3.4 Steps to Install More RAM
- Completely shut down your Mac.
- Turn your computer over so that the back is facing you.
Remove all the screws to take the case off.
Discharge any static electricity in your body by touching a painted metal surface inside your Mac.
- 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 a 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.
- The last step is to replace and tighten the ten screws you removed earlier, making sure to put the different length screws in their proper locations.
Hwot O Give Apps Ram Macbook Pro
That's how to upgrade Mac RAM t get more running space! If you have any question about the steps on how to install RAM on Mac, then you can check the Apple official guide for details.
Important
If you apply the manual way to upgrade RAM, there truly exist some risks. We can have an idea as follows:
1. You may damage your Mac
There's a good chance that you may damage the really expensive and fragile components inside your Mac if you don't exercise certain antistatic precautions and general care.
Even if you do take all the necessary precautionary measures, you are still undertaking the task of a MacBook pro memory upgrade on your own. If you inadvertently damage anything in the process, the repairs will not be covered under your warranty.
2. Installing the wrong RAM
Not all RAM modules are made the same. Install the wrong-spec RAM, and you may irrecoverably damage the RAM module itself as well as some of the components inside your computer. Furthermore, you may also be looking at a string of hardware and software corruption issues that can be costly to fix.
3. Some Macs Are Not Upgradeable
Whether or not you can upgrade the RAM in your Mac—and how easy it is to do so—depends entirely on the model. Some iMacs, like all the 27” models, have an access panel specifically for adding RAM. And it takes only a few seconds to pop that panel off. But for some other models, they are not supported to upgrade or install more RAM. There will be a detailed list for all supported Mac models on part 3.
4. It's complex, technical and expensive
By not knowing which RAM module to use in your computer or not understanding whether your computer allows RAM upgrades, you are taking a colossal risk. Besides, buying genuine mac memory upgrades from an authorized dealer can be very expensive.
For these potential risks of upgrading Mac RAM in a manual way, we recommend increasing Mac RAM with software solution - Umate Mac Cleaner.
In Closing
Freeing up RAM on your MacBook Pro, iMac, or MacBook Air is as simple as knowing what RAM module to use and how to install it. However, for the easiest, cheapest and most hassle-free way to free up Mac memory, we'd still recommend iMyFone Umate Mac Cleaner.
Optimized Storage in macOS Sierra and later* can save space by storing your content in iCloud and making it available on demand. When storage space is needed, files, photos, movies, email attachments, and other files that you seldom use are stored in iCloud automatically. Each file stays right where you last saved it, and downloads when you open it. Files that you’ve used recently remain on your Mac, along with optimized versions of your photos.
* If you haven't yet upgraded to macOS Sierra or later, learn about other ways to free up storage space.
Find out how much storage is available on your Mac
Choose Apple menu > About This Mac, then click Storage. Each segment of the bar is an estimate of the storage space used by a category of files. Move your pointer over each segment for more detail.
Click the Manage button to open the Storage Management window, pictured below. This button is available only in macOS Sierra or later.
Manage storage on your Mac
The Storage Management window offers recommendations for optimizing your storage. If some recommendations are already turned on, you will see fewer recommendations.
My Ram App
Store in iCloud
Click the Store in iCloud button, then choose from these options:
- Desktop and Documents. Store all files from these two locations in iCloud Drive. When storage space is needed, only the files you recently opened are kept on your Mac, so that you can easily work offline. Files stored only in iCloud show a download icon , which you can double-click to download the original file. Learn more about this feature.
- Photos. Store all original, full-resolution photos and videos in iCloud Photos. When storage space is needed, only space-saving (optimized) versions of photos are kept on your Mac. To download the original photo or video, just open it.
- Messages. Store all messages and attachments in iCloud. When storage space is needed, only the messages and attachments you recently opened are kept on your Mac. Learn more about Messages in iCloud.
Storing files in iCloud uses the storage space in your iCloud storage plan. If you reach or exceed your iCloud storage limit, you can either buy more iCloud storage or make more iCloud storage available. iCloud storage starts at 50GB for $0.99 (USD) a month, and you can purchase additional storage directly from your Apple device. Learn more about prices in your region.
Optimize Storage
Click the Optimize button, then choose from these options.
- Automatically remove watched movies and TV shows. When storage space is needed, movies or TV shows that you purchased from the iTunes Store and already watched are removed from your Mac. Click the download icon next to a movie or TV show to download it again.
- Download only recent attachments. Mail automatically downloads only the attachments that you recently received. You can manually download any attachments at any time by opening the email or attachment, or saving the attachment to your Mac.
- Don't automatically download attachments. Mail downloads an attachment only when you open the email or attachment, or save the attachment to your Mac.
Optimizing storage for movies, TV shows, and email attachments doesn't require iCloud storage space.
Empty Trash Automatically
Empty Trash Automatically permanently deletes files that have been in the Trash for more than 30 days.
Reduce Clutter
Reduce Clutter helps you to identify large files and files you might no longer need. Click the Review Files button, then choose any of the file categories in the sidebar, such as Applications, Documents, Music Creation, or Trash.
You can delete the files in some categories directly from this window. Other categories show the total storage space used by the files in each app. You can then open the app and decide whether to delete files from within it.
Learn how to redownload apps, music, movies, TV shows, and books.
Where to find the settings for each feature
The button for each recommendation in the Storage Management window affects one or more settings in other apps. You can also control those settings directly within each app.
- If you're using macOS Catalina, choose Apple menu > System Preferences, click Apple ID, then select iCloud in the sidebar: Store in iCloud turns on the Optimize Mac Storage setting on the right. Then click Options next to iCloud Drive: Store in iCloud turns on the Desktop & Documents Folders setting. To turn off iCloud Drive entirely, deselect iCloud Drive.
In macOS Mojave or earlier, choose Apple menu > System Preferences, click iCloud, then click Options next to iCloud Drive. Store in iCloud turns on the Desktop & Documents Folders and Optimize Mac Storage settings. - In Photos, choose Photos > Preferences, then click iCloud. Store in iCloud selects iCloud Photos and Optimize Mac Storage.
- In Messages, choose Messages > Preferences, then click iMessage. Store in iCloud selects Enable Messages in iCloud.
Best Mac Ram
- If you're using macOS Catalina, open the Apple TV app, choose TV > Preferences from the menu bar, then click Files. Optimize Storage selects “Automatically delete watched movies and TV shows.”
In macOS Mojave or earlier, open iTunes, choose iTunes > Preferences from the menu bar, then click Advanced. Optimize Storage selects “Automatically delete watched movies and TV shows.” - In Mail, choose Mail > Preferences from the menu bar, then click Accounts. In the Account Information section on the right, Optimize Storage sets the Download Attachments menu to either Recent or None.
Empty Trash Automatically: From the Finder, choose Finder > Preferences, then click Advanced. Empty Trash Automatically selects “Remove items from the Trash after 30 days.”
Other ways that macOS helps automatically save space
With macOS Sierra or later, your Mac automatically takes these additional steps to save storage space:
- Detects duplicate downloads in Safari, keeping only the most recent version of the download
- Reminds you to delete used app installers
- Removes old fonts, languages, and dictionaries that aren't being used
- Clears caches, logs, and other unnecessary data when storage space is needed
How to free up storage space manually
Even without using the Optimized Storage features of Sierra or later, you can take other steps to make more storage space available:
- Music, movies, and other media can use a lot of storage space. Learn how to delete music, movies, and TV shows from your device.
- Delete other files that you no longer need by moving them to the Trash, then emptying the Trash. The Downloads folder is good place to look for files that you might no longer need.
- Move files to an external storage device.
- Compress files.
- Delete unneeded email: In the Mail app, choose Mailbox > Erase Junk Mail. If you no longer need the email in your Trash mailbox, choose Mailbox > Erase Deleted Items.
Learn more
- The Storage pane of About This Mac is the best way to determine the amount of storage space available on your Mac. Disk Utility and other apps might show storage categories such as Not Mounted, VM, Recovery, Other Volumes, Free, or Purgeable. Don't rely on these categories to understand how to free up storage space or how much storage space is available for your data.
- When you duplicate a file on an APFS-formatted volume, that file doesn't use additional storage space on the volume. Deleting a duplicate file frees up only the space required by any data you might have added to the duplicate. If you no longer need any copies of the file, you can recover all of the storage space by deleting both the duplicate and the original file.
- If you're using a pro app and Optimize Mac Storage, learn how to make sure that your projects are always on your Mac and able to access their files.