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6GB in MacBook (Pro); Yes it works. - 8GB... well...
- Thread starter ayeying
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4GB + 2GB is much better than 2x2GB if you go over ~3GB usage!
Intel has the ability to use the first 2GB on each SODIMM as dual channel (it's called "Flex Memory") and then the last 2GB would just be much better because it is still 100+ times faster than swap memory (hard drive). The performance of dual channel isn't really all that much better anyway. So more memory even with out dual channel is always better (especially if you get close to the max, in your case if you go over 3GB on a 4GB system, I'd wish I had 6GB).
Xreliable, you now have a maxed out 17" MacBook Pro, very nice, (except maybe no 750GB 7200 RPM HDD, I'd wait for the 9.5mm 1TB 2.5" drives). That'll last you a couple, if not a few more years. : )
Intel has the ability to use the first 2GB on each SODIMM as dual channel (it's called "Flex Memory") and then the last 2GB would just be much better because it is still 100+ times faster than swap memory (hard drive). The performance of dual channel isn't really all that much better anyway. So more memory even with out dual channel is always better (especially if you get close to the max, in your case if you go over 3GB on a 4GB system, I'd wish I had 6GB).
Xreliable, you now have a maxed out 17" MacBook Pro, very nice, (except maybe no 750GB 7200 RPM HDD, I'd wait for the 9.5mm 1TB 2.5" drives). That'll last you a couple, if not a few more years. : )
+1 with what gatortpk says.
I did tests with my 2x 2GB in and then with 1x 2GB and 1x 4GB and they perform almost exactly the same, and in some cases the 6GB is faster. So yes, I would say do it. Same performance but 2GB more RAM...
I did tests with my 2x 2GB in and then with 1x 2GB and 1x 4GB and they perform almost exactly the same, and in some cases the 6GB is faster. So yes, I would say do it. Same performance but 2GB more RAM...
Thanks for confirming.
I was pretty sure, but I hadn't actually tested my hypothesis in this exact example.
Nice MacBook Pro you have, I almost bought that one, until I saw this 2.8GHz Quad Core i7 iMac for $1599 (no tax, no shipping charges!)
I was pretty sure, but I hadn't actually tested my hypothesis in this exact example.
Nice MacBook Pro you have, I almost bought that one, until I saw this 2.8GHz Quad Core i7 iMac for $1599 (no tax, no shipping charges!)
Works Perfect in Late 2008 2.4 GHz 15" MacBook Pro
I just put 8GB of Crucial DDR3 in my late 2008 15" 2.4 GHz MacBook Pro 5,1. It works flawless no kernel panics and no slowdowns at all. Im figured I would try for $75. Im glad I did Im also in also running on the stock 32-bit kernel of Snow Leopard 10.6.6. So I glad it works and it was a worthy upgrade.
I just put 8GB of Crucial DDR3 in my late 2008 15" 2.4 GHz MacBook Pro 5,1. It works flawless no kernel panics and no slowdowns at all. Im figured I would try for $75. Im glad I did Im also in also running on the stock 32-bit kernel of Snow Leopard 10.6.6. So I glad it works and it was a worthy upgrade.
Nice to see original unibody MacBook Pro's being able to support 8GB even if they're not officially supported. It's nice to know that if I ever need it, I have one more upgrade I can still perform (not including HDD) before I even consider a new computer. I wonder what changed...
I wonder too... and don't buy a new MacBook Pro now!
It's "Snow Leopard" 10.6.6 now, it wasn't before, this thread started October 3, 2008, just after "Leopard" 10.5.5 update on September 15, 2008. There's quite a change in software under the hood from then and now. I'm not sure if there were any firmware updates in the past two years on those machines? If so, that could make the difference. I don't have time to research it at the moment...
iLog.Genius, you shouldn't need an upgrade for a little while, and wait for the 9.5mm thick 1TB 7200 RPM HDDs to come out too. Definitely, don't buy a new one now! The next revision should have Sandy Bridge (Second Generation of the Core i5, i7, etc.) a whole new architecture with AVX and more. And the first chips will be mobile like the Core 2 Duos were, unlike Nehalem.
The 13" MacBook (Pro)s and MacMini's could get a double generation jump (Core 2 Duo to Sandy Bridge, skipping Nehalem all together! Something like going from a 286 to a 486.) Apple waited 3.5 years instead of 2 years to go from the Core 2 Duo to Nehalem (Core i3/i5/i7 series) because the first Nehalem chips weren't very mobile (above 35 Watts TDP). Possibly the Core i5/i7 15" and 17" MacBook Pros will only be around for 8 months instead of two years because Apple waited so long on the last generation (Nehalem) for mobile computers. At least they finally put Desktop chips in the iMacs earlier though, because my 2009 iMac, 27" Quad Core i7 (with 16GB RAM) is Awesome! (And it has massive heat sinks with heat pipes for cooling the 95 Watt chips! iMac used mobile chips before, so they never got very warm, mine will get to around 140°F on the outside aluminum back! 190°F inside!)
Also, I hope Apple doesn't wait for Ivy Bridge to make a quad-core MacBook Pro! That'll mean not until H1 2012. But it seems that Apple won't put anything more than 35 Watt CPU in there and the newest (Sandy Bridge) 32nm mobile Quad-cores are still 45+ Watts. Ivy Bridge will all start at Quad-cores and 22nm, and hopefully get the power usage down to 35 Watts.
It's "Snow Leopard" 10.6.6 now, it wasn't before, this thread started October 3, 2008, just after "Leopard" 10.5.5 update on September 15, 2008. There's quite a change in software under the hood from then and now. I'm not sure if there were any firmware updates in the past two years on those machines? If so, that could make the difference. I don't have time to research it at the moment...
iLog.Genius, you shouldn't need an upgrade for a little while, and wait for the 9.5mm thick 1TB 7200 RPM HDDs to come out too. Definitely, don't buy a new one now! The next revision should have Sandy Bridge (Second Generation of the Core i5, i7, etc.) a whole new architecture with AVX and more. And the first chips will be mobile like the Core 2 Duos were, unlike Nehalem.
The 13" MacBook (Pro)s and MacMini's could get a double generation jump (Core 2 Duo to Sandy Bridge, skipping Nehalem all together! Something like going from a 286 to a 486.) Apple waited 3.5 years instead of 2 years to go from the Core 2 Duo to Nehalem (Core i3/i5/i7 series) because the first Nehalem chips weren't very mobile (above 35 Watts TDP). Possibly the Core i5/i7 15" and 17" MacBook Pros will only be around for 8 months instead of two years because Apple waited so long on the last generation (Nehalem) for mobile computers. At least they finally put Desktop chips in the iMacs earlier though, because my 2009 iMac, 27" Quad Core i7 (with 16GB RAM) is Awesome! (And it has massive heat sinks with heat pipes for cooling the 95 Watt chips! iMac used mobile chips before, so they never got very warm, mine will get to around 140°F on the outside aluminum back! 190°F inside!)
Also, I hope Apple doesn't wait for Ivy Bridge to make a quad-core MacBook Pro! That'll mean not until H1 2012. But it seems that Apple won't put anything more than 35 Watt CPU in there and the newest (Sandy Bridge) 32nm mobile Quad-cores are still 45+ Watts. Ivy Bridge will all start at Quad-cores and 22nm, and hopefully get the power usage down to 35 Watts.
I think I'm going to try this upgrade .. I have the last of the non-unibody macbook pros.. 4 (2x2) gb right now.
I want 667 right? not 800 speed?
(http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ..._re=patriot_sodimm_4gb-_-20-220-495-_-Product vs http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ..._re=patriot_sodimm_4gb-_-20-220-382-_-Product )
and it's straightforward to install? I've never been inside my Mac, but I have build desktop PCs from scratch. Does it matter what slot it goes in?
I want 667 right? not 800 speed?
(http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ..._re=patriot_sodimm_4gb-_-20-220-495-_-Product vs http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ..._re=patriot_sodimm_4gb-_-20-220-382-_-Product )
and it's straightforward to install? I've never been inside my Mac, but I have build desktop PCs from scratch. Does it matter what slot it goes in?
Either slot is fine for a 2GB and a 4GB SoDiMM
I have never heard of two slot MacBooks preferring one slot over the other. You can usually leave one empty even, or put two different kinds either way. (As long it's the same kind of DDR, DDR2, DDR3, ETC!)
Also, about that dual-channel memory speed that you may loose with out a matching set, trust me, you would have to run very specific tests on only the first 4 GB to see if there is a difference. Intel uses "Flex", the first 2GB in each DIMM will be Dual Channel, and trust me, if you go just over 3GB every now and then, then you've got to upgrade! More memory in this case would be hundreds of times faster than swapping to the HDD even without dual channel! (Dual Channel in most cases is way over rated)
Also, putting the SoDIMMs in a MacBook is almost always pretty easy. I would suggest to look up the simple instructions for your particular MacBook. Apple.com or I just Google the instructions. I really is quite easy for just about any Mac notebook from the last 10 years.
I have never heard of two slot MacBooks preferring one slot over the other. You can usually leave one empty even, or put two different kinds either way. (As long it's the same kind of DDR, DDR2, DDR3, ETC!)
Also, about that dual-channel memory speed that you may loose with out a matching set, trust me, you would have to run very specific tests on only the first 4 GB to see if there is a difference. Intel uses "Flex", the first 2GB in each DIMM will be Dual Channel, and trust me, if you go just over 3GB every now and then, then you've got to upgrade! More memory in this case would be hundreds of times faster than swapping to the HDD even without dual channel! (Dual Channel in most cases is way over rated)
Also, putting the SoDIMMs in a MacBook is almost always pretty easy. I would suggest to look up the simple instructions for your particular MacBook. Apple.com or I just Google the instructions. I really is quite easy for just about any Mac notebook from the last 10 years.
yeah i found the thing on the apple site and some youtube videos. Looks super straightforward!
My system inf osays the ram currently is 667 Mhz so I'm guessing best to stick with that.
I am excited.. my computer has been chugging a lot lately and this should give it new life!
My system inf osays the ram currently is 667 Mhz so I'm guessing best to stick with that.
I am excited.. my computer has been chugging a lot lately and this should give it new life!
so i just checked prices again and a 4gb stick is now under $50. i've got 6gb now in my late '08, so i'm thinking of replacing the remaining 2gb stick with another 4 to bring it to 8.
my one question, is it advised to buy the exact same ram to match my current 4gb stick? its corsair value select ram, i don't know if thats considered very good quality, but the current stick has been working fine, and i ran several hardware tests to check for any errors.
the other options from the retailer are kingston valueram, and mushkin essentials.
thanks for any advice!
my one question, is it advised to buy the exact same ram to match my current 4gb stick? its corsair value select ram, i don't know if thats considered very good quality, but the current stick has been working fine, and i ran several hardware tests to check for any errors.
the other options from the retailer are kingston valueram, and mushkin essentials.
thanks for any advice!
Keep in mind that Macs are very sensitive to RAM timings. Even if a chip is advertised as such, there seems to be greater tolerances in the chips that don't work on Macs. My advice is to get exactly the same 4 gb chip as you currently have.
Upgrading Late 2008
I just ordered (from crucial.com) 2x4GB DDR3 SODIMMs for my Late 2008 2.53 GHz 15" Macbook Pro, based on the info in this thread. I need to run multiple VMs for development work that I'm doing and I'm really limited to one at a time now, so I'm excited that I can finally get > 4 GB. What I'd really like though would be 16 GB in my Macbook Pro...
I just ordered (from crucial.com) 2x4GB DDR3 SODIMMs for my Late 2008 2.53 GHz 15" Macbook Pro, based on the info in this thread. I need to run multiple VMs for development work that I'm doing and I'm really limited to one at a time now, so I'm excited that I can finally get > 4 GB. What I'd really like though would be 16 GB in my Macbook Pro...
Woohoo, switched the slots and now the 8GB works like a charm. Don't know why, but I'm happy, haha.
well 8gb is in and no issues yet! (my main concern was the quality of the 'corsair value select' brand)
will be interesting to see how it handles some heavy after effects work in the coming weeks.
one thing confuses me though. we had reports that 8gb initially would not work in the first generation unibodies. so it seems like apple proactively changed something in 10.6 to enable it. and yet they are still reporting that 4gb is the limit for late '08 mbp. seems like it would be beneficial for them to acknowledge the raised limit, as it's another model for them to offer pricey "apple approved" ram upgrade kits. i suppose there's the counterargument that apple would prefer you to buy a whole new computer instead, but then why bother enabling it at all?
will be interesting to see how it handles some heavy after effects work in the coming weeks.
one thing confuses me though. we had reports that 8gb initially would not work in the first generation unibodies. so it seems like apple proactively changed something in 10.6 to enable it. and yet they are still reporting that 4gb is the limit for late '08 mbp. seems like it would be beneficial for them to acknowledge the raised limit, as it's another model for them to offer pricey "apple approved" ram upgrade kits. i suppose there's the counterargument that apple would prefer you to buy a whole new computer instead, but then why bother enabling it at all?
Hello all,
I read the first post with the updates and skimmed the thread (sorry, don't have time to read all 36 pages thoroughly right now ). In the first post it looks like you have all determined that 2x4GB for 8GB total works on all 13" unibodies? I have a 13" MBP 5,5 2.53ghz running 2x2GB RAM right now. Am I good to go upgrading to 8GB RAM? (they are running a good deal on buy.com right now http://www.buy.com/prod/kingston-ap...ddr3-sodimm-imac-and/q/loc/101/210663054.html ).
Thanks for the help...
I read the first post with the updates and skimmed the thread (sorry, don't have time to read all 36 pages thoroughly right now
). In the first post it looks like you have all determined that 2x4GB for 8GB total works on all 13" unibodies? I have a 13" MBP 5,5 2.53ghz running 2x2GB RAM right now. Am I good to go upgrading to 8GB RAM? (they are running a good deal on buy.com right now http://www.buy.com/prod/kingston-ap...ddr3-sodimm-imac-and/q/loc/101/210663054.html ).Thanks for the help...
Sigh, spoke too soon. Still having issues with the 8GB so it must be a faulty SO-DIMM. It gives no errors with the cover off during testing with memtest, but as soon as I put the cover back and worked like normal I started getting kernel panics and another test with memtest gave errors...
I installed 8GB DDR3 Crucial into my 15" 2.4GHz MacBookPro5,1 two days ago.
I have latest version of OS X and firmware/bios, and it's working great.
I believe I've seen threads over at the MacBook forums with people having success with the same kit on Aluminum MacBooks from the same period.
Note, Mushkin 8GB kit did not work when I tried it last month.
I was going to upgrade the computer at the next refresh, but now that I have 8GB of RAM and Intel SSD, I don't think it will be necessary. Core 2 Duo is still plenty fast.
I have latest version of OS X and firmware/bios, and it's working great.
I believe I've seen threads over at the MacBook forums with people having success with the same kit on Aluminum MacBooks from the same period.
Note, Mushkin 8GB kit did not work when I tried it last month.
I was going to upgrade the computer at the next refresh, but now that I have 8GB of RAM and Intel SSD, I don't think it will be necessary. Core 2 Duo is still plenty fast.
Thanks guys 8GB works on my late 2008 macbook pro 2.4 also.
i was at the apple store the other day and they said 4GB is the max that i can put in but because of you guys help and useful info i'm rocking with 8GB.
Can someone tell me why apple has the wrong info about 4GB is the max that we can put in??
Thanks
i was at the apple store the other day and they said 4GB is the max that i can put in but because of you guys help and useful info i'm rocking with 8GB.
Can someone tell me why apple has the wrong info about 4GB is the max that we can put in??
Thanks
I think it's because 4GB works for sure, 8GB doesn't always work. So it's easier for Apple to support. I believe 8GB only started working after a specific SMC/bios update, and even still some memory modules don't work, like the Mushkin kit I described above.
It did work in my experiment, with the same MacBook (non Pro) you have.
Earlier in this thread, I described with screen shots 8 GB in your exact MacBook (non Pro), and this was a 2.0 GHz instead of 2.4 GHz, but that doesn't matter.
8GB appeared to work perfectly. But I downgraded my friend's MacBook to 6GB just to be on the safe side since he barely ever uses more than 3GB.
I ran a single process at 6.11 GB if I recall, so I know that more than 6GB will work on one app or process alone, along with everything else and the kernel.
Earlier in this thread, I described with screen shots 8 GB in your exact MacBook (non Pro), and this was a 2.0 GHz instead of 2.4 GHz, but that doesn't matter.
8GB appeared to work perfectly. But I downgraded my friend's MacBook to 6GB just to be on the safe side since he barely ever uses more than 3GB.
I ran a single process at 6.11 GB if I recall, so I know that more than 6GB will work on one app or process alone, along with everything else and the kernel.