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MPG Table of Contents   Page 1: MacBook Pro Virtual Memory Considerations Page 2: How The MacBook Pro Virtual Memory Tests Were Done Page 3: Terms Used in Virtual Memory Test Graphs Page 4: Virtual Memory with 32-bit Snow Leopard Kernel (MacBook Pro) Page 5: Virtual Memory with 64-bit Snow Leopard Kernel (MacBook Pro) Page 6: MacBook Pro Virtual Memory Recommendations

Virtual Memory with 32-bit Snow Leopard Kernel (MacBook Pro)

This page shows the results using the 32-bit Snow Leopard kernel.

As can be seen by comparing with the 64-bit results, performance of virtual memory with the 32-bit kernel is awful. Switch to the 64-bit kernel for virtual memory and other performance improvements.

The fast solid state drives tested here hugely outperform hard drives.

RAID-0 Stripe size really matters on the 2009 MacBook Pro (dual internal drives). Choose a 16K stripe size for a substantial speedup over a 32K stripe size.

Results

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The run-away winner is the dual OWC Mercury Extreme solid state drive in RAID-0 stripe setup. Use of a 16K stripe size is fastest.