How Can I Check Memory On My Mac

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Mac can be conveniently purchased from the Apple store and most of configuration allows you to upgrade the memory so that you don't need to open the case and take the risk in using an incompatible memory which would cause system lockups.

The only thing is the upgrade from Apple store cost a lot more money if compared to the one that it purchased from a computer store. For example, an additional 2GB of memory cost $50 at Apple Store while it only cost less than $10 if you search in Pricewatch. If you're willing to take the risk in adding extra memory in your Mac either to save money or perhaps you have a few lying around, it is best to run a memory test to make sure that the RAM is fully compatible and won't make your Mac unstable.

You can check the memory on a Mac computer in its Activity Monitor. The memory pressure graph will let you check your memory. In basic terms, if the graph appears green, you have a lot of memory. Save the file to your desktop, or wherever you prefer. Navigate to the CrucialScan.exe file and open it. If you get a security warning, select 'Run' to allow the download. It may take several moments for your browser to update with your scan results. For Mac users: Click the 'I agree to the terms and conditions' box. Click the 'Scan my Computer.

Here we suggest 3 different methods to easily run a memory test on your Mac OS X including the latest Mountain Lion 10.8.

Adding more RAM to your Mac is one of the easiest ways to increase the capability of the system. In addition, at around $40 for an 8GB upgrade these days, it is quite cheap to do so.

1. Rember

Rember is actually a GUI for the popular command line memory testing tool called Memtest OS X. Instead of typing commands in terminal, you can run the test by clicking a button. You are able to test a selected amount or all of the memory, specify the number of times the tests should run and also viewing of the log. Rember includes Memtest OS X in the package so there is no need to manually download and install the memtest. Running Rember will show a table displaying the detected memory on your Mac. Select the amount of memory to test, number of loops and click the Test button to start checking the memory. When the tests is finished, Rember will show the test results.

Rember runs in Mac OS X which means that not all of the ram can be tested due to a portion of RAM being reserved for housekeeping.

Download Rember

Check My Ram Memory Online

2. Memtest86+

If your Mac has a SuperDrive, you can burn the pre-compiled bootable ISO image of the Memtest86+ and boot up the Mac with the disc. Just press and hold the C key when starting up Mac to boot from the disc.

The good thing about Memtest86+ is it runs by itself without relying on the operating system, giving you a more accurate memory test result.

Download Memtest86+

3. Apple Hardware Test

This is the recommended way by Apple to test your memory using their diagnostic tool. If you have an installation disc, insert the disc, restart your Mac, press and hold the C key. Select the language for the Apple Hardware Test and click the Test button to start testing. You can also tick the 'Perform extended testing' option which would perform a more thorough test that takes considerably more time to complete. On the latest Mac OS X Mountain Lion, the Apple Hardware Test is already pre-installed and it doesn't come with an installation disc. Simply boot up, press and hold the D key to start the Apple Hardware Test.

You can also see the amount of memory installed on your Mac at the Hardware Profile tab to confirm that the memory is correctly installed and detected. There are some Apple Hardware Test images that can be downloaded for older models. Do note that the Apple Hardware Test images are machine specific meaning that you cannot use the iBook version on a Mac Mini.

Download Apple Hardware Test

Matt Cone June 2, 2012 TutorialsMac

Do you know how much RAM is installed in your Mac? You should. RAM, or random access memory, stores the code and instructions for OS X and any applications open on your Mac. The more RAM you have, the more applications you can have open at once. Knowing how much RAM you have installed in your Mac is an important piece of information that could change how you use your computer.

Here's how to check how much RAM you have installed:

  1. From the Apple menu, select About This Mac. The window shown below appears.

  2. The amount of memory installed in your computer is displayed.

All Macs being sold today have at least 2 gigabytes (GB) of memory installed. If you need more RAM in your Mac, you can upgrade it - unless you own a MacBook Air. (The RAM modules in the MacBook Air are not replaceable.) See the links at the end of this article for more information.

Checking Memory Slots on Mac OS 10.7 or Later

If you have Mac OS 10.7 or later, you can see how the memory slots in your computer are currently being utilized. Many Macs have two memory slots, and although Apple recommends that you always have two memory modules of the same size installed, there can be discrepancies.

How Can I Check Memory On My Mac Drive

Here's how to check your Mac's memory slots on Mac OS 10.7 or later:

  1. From the Apple menu, select About This Mac.

  2. Click More Info. The About This Mac window appears.

  3. Click Memory. The window shown below appears.

Use the information in this window to determine how many memory modules - and what size memory modules - are currently installed on your computer. You can click the Memory Upgrade Instructions link to access Apple's guides for replacing the memory modules in your computer.

How Can I Check Memory On My Mac

Help! My Mac is Always Out of Memory

If your Mac always seems to be running out of memory, you probably need to upgrade the RAM. You can never have enough! If you own a newer iMac, Mac Mini, or MacBook Pro that you purchased in 2011 or later, we recommend that you purchase these RAM modules for a total of 8 GB of RAM - enough memory for all but the most professional users. Users with other models of Macs can find inexpensive memory modules here.

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