• Is MaxRAM compatible with my version of RAM Doubler?
• What happened to the old indicator feature?
• Can I choose a lower amount of memory?
• How does MaxRAM work?
• How do I disable MaxRAM?
• Why would I use MaxRAM?
• Does MaxRAM slow down my computer?
• Is MaxRAM safe? Is it incompatible with anything?
• Why is MaxRAM only giving me between 8MB and 16MB of RAM?
• How can I make my Mac 32-bit capable?
• How come MaxRAM won’t give me more than 256MB of RAM?
• Why does sound ‘break up’ on my Macintosh when using MaxRAM?
Questions & Answers
Is MaxRAM Compatible with my version of RAM Doubler?
MaxRAM 1.6 is compatible with ONLY RAM Doubler version 1.6 (on regular Macs and PowerMacs). If you’re not running RAM Doubler version 1.6, you can download a freely available RAM Doubler Updater to upgrade your version of RAM Doubler to version 1.6. The RAM Doubler 1.6 Updater is currently available at Connectix’s Web site at:
http://www.connectix.com/
The RAM Doubler 1.6 Updater is also available at most Info-Mac mirrors, including:
Because of my busy school schedule, I can no longer release any more versions of MaxRAM. MaxRAM 1.6 is the last and final version of MaxRAM.
What happened to the old indicator feature?
Since MaxRAM 1.6 has no configurable user interface, there is no ability to turn the indicator on or off. To use the indicator feature, use Ross Bergman’s excellent “RD 1.6 Indicator Patch” (included with MaxRAM 1.6).
Can I choose a lower amount of memory?
No. The previous versions of MaxRAM allowed the user to have 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, or 6 times the memory. MaxRAM 1.6 only gives you 6 times the memory. I removed this configurability from MaxRAM because the multiplier value has no affect on performance. Your system will slow down according to how much RAM you actually use, not according to the multiplier value.
How does MaxRAM work?
Usually RAM Doubler’s RAM multiplier value is “2”, but MaxRAM increases it at the cost of speed, a trade-off that is your choice.
How do I disable MaxRAM?
Simply move MaxRAM out of the System Folder and restart your Macintosh.
Why would I use MaxRAM?
MaxRAM is most useful in environments with many applications that do not require extremely large amounts of memory. When multi-tasking with several programs, MaxRAM allows you to work with more programs at once. MaxRAM is also useful if software temporarily needs more memory than installed. MaxRAM lessens the effect of memory fragmentation by giving you more “blocks” of RAM. By increasing your amount of memory with MaxRAM, the memory used by the System Software has more room to expand, thus lessening the chance for potential crashes.
Does MaxRAM slow down my computer?
The speed hit of using MaxRAM depends on several factors: type of Macintosh, amount of real RAM, Disk Cache size (also known as the RAM Cache), and types of software used. When using data intensive multimedia software, MaxRAM is not the most ideal solution. For example, when recording video with an AV Macintosh, MaxRAM will drastically slow your system to a snail’s pace. MaxRAM works with most “common” software. With MaxRAM, the more RAM you use, the slower your Macintosh will become. When using memory-intensive software, like the game DOOM, your Macintosh may slow down a lot because of the way the software programs use memory. If a program tries to use all free memory, your Macintosh will slow down, even without MaxRAM.
Is MaxRAM safe? Is it incompatible with anything?
The only problem I’ve had with MaxRAM is when UUParser loads into high memory on certain Macintoshes. To use UUParser with MaxRAM, simply open other programs to fill up RAM, so that UUParser opens in the area from 0MB to 16MB (programs try to open into memory as high as possible). I’ve heard that MaxRAM has a similar problem with the American Heritage Dictionary DELUXE edition. I haven’t been able to test this myself, however, the American Heritage Dictionary REGULAR edition works fine on my Macintosh.
Why is MaxRAM only giving me between 8MB and 16MB of RAM?
If 32-bit Addressing is turned off, your Macintosh can only use a limited amount of RAM. By turning on 32-bit Addressing (in the Memory control panel), your Macintosh can use its full potential of RAM. Please make sure that your software is 32-bit compatible before turning on 32-bit Addressing. Please consult the Macintosh Memory Guide available from Connectix.
How can I make my Mac 32-bit capable?
Some older Macs cannot use 32-bit Addressing without the MODE32 extension from Connectix. If your Macintosh is not 32-bit capable, installing MODE32 will allow you to turn on 32-bit Addressing.
How come MaxRAM won’t give me more than 256MB of RAM?
MaxRAM is limited to 256MB of RAM.
Why does sound ‘break up’ on my Macintosh when using MaxRAM?
This is more apparent with MaxRAM because the Macintosh must use the hard drive more often, slowing it down, making it unable to service sound processing as frequently. The only solution is to open fewer programs, freeing up more memory.
