Apple recently released the new 2011 MacBook Pro range, and now OWC has announced a new 16GB RAM upgrade for this year’s new MacBook’s.
Should you need to upgrade the RAM to 16GB in your new MacBook Pro, it is going to be fairly expensive as this new upgrade kit from OWC will set you back a massive $1,599, which works out at almost $100 per GB.
The OWC 16GB MacBook Pro kit comes in the form of two 8GB DDR3 1333MHz chips, but you can get the cost down slightly to $1573.99 by trading in your existing 4GB of RAM from your new MacBook Pro.
Is the Upgrade Worth the Cost?
Personally, I think this is a little expensive as the new MacBook Pro comes with 4GB of standard, and an upgrade to 8GB from Apple will cost you an extra $200. However, for power users who require extensive multitasking capabilities, video editing, or running virtual machines, the 16GB upgrade could be a game-changer. The additional RAM can significantly improve performance in memory-intensive applications, reducing lag and increasing efficiency.
For example, professionals working with large datasets in software like MATLAB or those editing high-resolution video files in Final Cut Pro will benefit from the extra memory. The 16GB upgrade can also be advantageous for developers running multiple virtual environments or compiling large codebases.
Alternative Options
If the $1,599 price tag is too steep, there are alternative options to consider. Upgrading to 8GB of RAM directly from Apple for an additional $200 is a more budget-friendly option that still offers a noticeable performance boost over the standard 4GB. Additionally, third-party vendors may offer more affordable RAM upgrade kits, though it’s essential to ensure compatibility and reliability.
Another option is to wait for prices to drop. As with most technology, the cost of RAM tends to decrease over time. If you can manage with the standard 4GB or an 8GB upgrade for now, you might find that the 16GB kits become more affordable in the future.
Moreover, it’s worth considering whether you truly need 16GB of RAM. For everyday tasks such as web browsing, word processing, and streaming media, 4GB or 8GB is usually sufficient. The 16GB upgrade is primarily beneficial for specialized, high-demand use cases.
In conclusion, while the OWC 16GB RAM upgrade for the 2011 MacBook Pro is undoubtedly expensive, it offers significant performance benefits for users with demanding computing needs. For those who can justify the cost, the upgrade can enhance productivity and streamline workflows. However, for the average user, more affordable options like the 8GB upgrade may provide a better balance of cost and performance.
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