8GB of RAM in late 2009 unibody MacBook?

[alex240289]

Going to Buy 8gb (4+4gb) DDR3 PC3-8500 for my Macbook 2.26 Late 2009 (White)

I just bought the following RAM for my Macbook white 2.26ghz Intel Core 2 Duo who already has 2Gb 1067Mhz DDR3.

Can you please tell me if my macbook will support this one:

Part Number: CT2KIT51264BC1067

Module Size: 8GB Kit (4GBx2)
Package: 204-pin SODIMM
Feature: DDR3 PC3-8500
Specs: DDR3 PC3-8500 • CL=7 • Unbuffered • NON-ECC • DDR3-1066 • 1.5V • 512Meg x 64 •

I read all the conversation but it is still confusing ! No one gave a confirmation about the possibility to upgrade the late 2009 2.26ghz Macbook (White) !

If I install it, could it damage my Mac if it's too much for it?

I just bought this one:

http://www.crucial.com/store/partspecs.aspx?imodule=ct2kit51264bc1067

PLEASE SOMEONE WHO HAS 8gb on this machine confirm that it can work.

 

[alex240289]

Respond to Miltonius question

Hey there guys,
I currently have a 2009 (Late) Macbook White Unibody, running Snow Leopard. I was going to upgrade my RAM, and came across a small question...

Which RAM stick should I use... I am wondering which one is better of the two...

http://www.amazon.com/Kingston-Modules-1066MHz-KTA-MB1066K2-8G/dp/B001PS9UKW

http://www.amazon.com/Crucial-204-p...ectronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1338629416&sr=1-1-fkmr0

Just on a side note: Will both of these work on my Macbook?
In system profiler my current Mac is saying, that the Ram it is using - is 1067 MHz and the ones offered on amazon (as far as I am aware) are only 1066 MHz (does this mean they are better) and compatible or not?

Please & Thank You In Advanced Guys,

Regards,
Milt.

Hi Miltonius,

You cannot have the second link one as 1333ghz is too much for your laptop.

The first one looks ok but I'm in the same position as you. We need someone to confirm that we can install a 8gb on Macbook 2.26ghz Unibody White A1342.

8GB Kit (4GBx2), 204-pin SODIMM, DDR3 PC3-8500 - Specs: DDR3 PC3-8500 • CL=7 • Unbuffered • NON-ECC • DDR3-1066 • 1.5V • 512Meg x 64 •

This is where I ordered mine: http://www.crucial.com/store/partspecs.aspx?imodule=ct2kit51264bc1067

NEEEEDD HEEELLPPPP !

 

[Miltonius]

Hi Miltonius,

You cannot have the second link one as 1333ghz is too much for your laptop.

The first one looks ok but I'm in the same position as you. We need someone to confirm that we can install a 8gb on Macbook 2.26ghz Unibody White A1342.

8GB Kit (4GBx2), 204-pin SODIMM, DDR3 PC3-8500 - Specs: DDR3 PC3-8500 • CL=7 • Unbuffered • NON-ECC • DDR3-1066 • 1.5V • 512Meg x 64 •

This is where I ordered mine: http://www.crucial.com/store/partspecs.aspx?imodule=ct2kit51264bc1067

NEEEEDD HEEELLPPPP !

Hahaha - Thanks - was about an inch away from clicking the confirm button to buy it, when I remembered that I had posted this - Thanks for the heads up, can't tell you how much I appreciate it. Thanks Alex.

 

[MaCamZa]

Seems the best...

So I am upgrading my RAM on my Late-'09 Macbook White to 8GB from 2GB.

I'm ordering off crucial.com and decided to search for 8GB Ram Kits (x2 4GB) with the same specs (apart from the size obv) as the 4GB Kit that is said to be compatible so that it is most likely to be recognised and work without problems.

Hopefully, this RAM should work considering it has the exact same tech specs as the 4GB Kit that is compatible... so therefore there should be no problems.

8GB Kit - http://www.crucial.com/uk/store/partspecs.aspx?IMODULE=CT2KIT51264BC1067

4GB Kit (Approved Compatibility) - http://www.crucial.com/uk/store/mpartspecs.aspx?mtbpoid=18CAEA65A5CA7304

 

[fabio.pdm]

I bought and will test this week.

Hi Guys,

I bought this Memory Kit:

http://produto.mercadolivre.com.br/...odimm-ddr3-kit-8gb-2x4gb-1066mhz-para-mac-_JM


And I'll test this week, I did my research, try to find answers to my question (this macbook 6.1 works with 8GB?) and I saw many people saying that 8Gb works fine. Including I even sent an e-mail to Corsair asking about the CMSA8GX3M2A1066C7 Kit, if this works in Macbooks 6.1 and the answer is no, but I guess that answer is coming from a newbie technician.

Bellow follow the answer (by Corsair):

"Hello Fabio,

I'm sorry but this memory kit will not work with your Mac book pro model. You need to find a low density 4 gb x 2 modules, which unfortunately we don't make any longer. We truly sorry for this inconvenience. "


Even with all this, I already bought my Kit and when I get the results I'll post here.


See ya guys!

OBS: Sorry for my english, but I'm Brazilian and try to do my best without google translator.

OBS2: The 4Gb Kit from Corsair is offline. So, today we only have 8Gb Kits in production.

 

[fabio.pdm]

It Works!

People!!!

I did install the Kit and It works fine! I'll do some tests and post here the results!

Now, 8Gb on my Macbook 6.1!!!


[ ]

 

[fabio.pdm]

Results of the tests using 8Gb in MacBook 6.1

Rember Test Results

All tests passed!

Total built-in memory: 8 GB


This is the total amount of physical memory that the computer has installed. If this figure is not showing the correct amount of memory there may be a problem with one or more installed DIMMS.

Available memory: 5235 MB

Available memory is the amount of physical memory that is currently not in use by any other processes. All available memory will be used for testing when the "All" option is selected. To increase the amount of available memory, you can restart your computer before testing. If you are familiar with the command line (CLI), you can run memtest (the core of Rember) in single-user mode. See Rember help, or http://www.memtestosx.org for more information.

Requested amount: All MB

The total amount of memory requested for testing by the Rember application. Not all requested memory can be allocated for testing. See information on "Available memory" for more information.

Memory allocated for testing: 5235 MB

This is the total amount of memory that memtest was able to allocate for testing. See "Available memory" section for more information.

-------

Loops selected: 1

Total loops selected by user for testing. All loops should complete when testing is successful. Test failure when the "Continue on Error" preference is selected will cancel tests before this number of loops has been completed. Users can also cancel testing before this number is reached.

Loops completed: 1

Total loops completed by memtest. Note that the Rember is not always able to identify how many loops ran. If there are discrepancies between this and the loops selected, the log should be examined to determine exactly how many loops were performed.
-------

Total execution time:  ok

All tests passed! Execution time: 5352 seconds

This is the total amount of time that it took to execute the selected tests. Execution time may vary from system to system, and is provided as a guide for determining how long users can expect tests to run based on the amount of memory installed on the system.

Testing start time: 2012-07-23 00:06:16 +0000

Testing end time: 2012-07-23 01:35:32 +0000


Rember version: 0.3.7b Memtest version: 4.22

 

[imageWIS]

8GB will work on 2008 Unibody MB's, as long as they have the latest firmware. Without the latest firmware, the max RAM that will work properly will be 4GB.

 

[juanchopelancho]

You can upgrade with no problem

Hey there guys,
I currently have a 2009 (Late) Macbook White Unibody, running Snow Leopard. I was going to upgrade my RAM, and came across a small question...

Which RAM stick should I use... I am wondering which one is better of the two...

http://www.amazon.com/Kingston-Modules-1066MHz-KTA-MB1066K2-8G/dp/B001PS9UKW

http://www.amazon.com/Crucial-204-p...ectronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1338629416&sr=1-1-fkmr0

Just on a side note: Will both of these work on my Macbook?
In system profiler my current Mac is saying, that the Ram it is using - is 1067 MHz and the ones offered on amazon (as far as I am aware) are only 1066 MHz (does this mean they are better) and compatible or not?

Please & Thank You In Advanced Guys,

Regards,
Milt.

Hello, i just upgrade today my ram memory to 8gb for my macbook unibody late 2009, i got the kingstone from amazon, you don't have to worry about the mhz say, in the moment you put the ram and turn on your mac, the memory runs at the speed that should be.

 

[juanchopelancho]

Kingstone works fine

Hey there guys,
I currently have a 2009 (Late) Macbook White Unibody, running Snow Leopard. I was going to upgrade my RAM, and came across a small question...

Which RAM stick should I use... I am wondering which one is better of the two...

http://www.amazon.com/Kingston-Modules-1066MHz-KTA-MB1066K2-8G/dp/B001PS9UKW

http://www.amazon.com/Crucial-204-p...ectronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1338629416&sr=1-1-fkmr0

Just on a side note: Will both of these work on my Macbook?
In system profiler my current Mac is saying, that the Ram it is using - is 1067 MHz and the ones offered on amazon (as far as I am aware) are only 1066 MHz (does this mean they are better) and compatible or not?

Please & Thank You In Advanced Guys,

Regards,
Milt.

I just uptade my macbook unibody late 2009 with kingstone 8 gb ram, it works perfect, i got it from amazon, don't worry about the mhz, once you install the ram and turn on the mac, the speed of the memory will run at 1067 MHz.

 

[saivenkatesh]

In australia

I am new to this forum.

I have, Macbook white 2.26ghz Intel Core 2 Duo who already has 2Gb 1067Mhz DDR3 late 2009 model

I wanted to upgrade my machine's ram to 8 GB. Few of the friends here said that they upgraded the ram with no issues, so i wanted to buy one from amazon but i am not from the US. So, I am asking you to suggest me a model which suites my Macbook.

I filtered through few in the ebay,
http://www.ebay.com.au/sch/Memory-R...mac&_dmpt=AU_Components&Capacity=4%20GB&rt=nc

http://www.ebay.com.au/sch/i.html?_...Capacity=4%20GB&_catref=1&_dmpt=AU_Components

Thanks in advance!

 

[Brian Y]

I am new to this forum.

I have, Macbook white 2.26ghz Intel Core 2 Duo who already has 2Gb 1067Mhz DDR3 late 2009 model

I wanted to upgrade my machine's ram to 8 GB. Few of the friends here said that they upgraded the ram with no issues, so i wanted to buy one from amazon but i am not from the US. So, I am asking you to suggest me a model which suites my Macbook.

I filtered through few in the ebay,
http://www.ebay.com.au/sch/Memory-R...mac&_dmpt=AU_Components&Capacity=4%20GB&rt=nc

http://www.ebay.com.au/sch/i.html?_...Capacity=4%20GB&_catref=1&_dmpt=AU_Components

Thanks in advance!

Pretty much any of those will work. As long as it's 2*4GHz DDR3 SODIMM at 1066Mhz (or greater, it will underclock) you'll be fine.

 

[saivenkatesh]

compatibility

Pretty much any of those will work. As long as it's 2*4GHz DDR3 SODIMM at 1066Mhz (or greater, it will underclock) you'll be fine.

Hello again,
Thanks for your reply, i am a little worried about the compatibility check from kingston website,
http://www.ec.kingston.com/ecom/con...B1066K2/8G&root=&LinkBack=&submit1=Click+Here

I am a bit skeptical in buying from Kingston or Corsair!

Thanks in advance!

Regards,
SaiVenkatesh

 

[saivenkatesh]

Compaibility

Pretty much any of those will work. As long as it's 2*4GHz DDR3 SODIMM at 1066Mhz (or greater, it will underclock) you'll be fine.

Hello again,
Thanks for your quick reply.
I am a bit skeptical about the compatibility after i checked it in kingston website, http://www.ec.kingston.com/ecom/con...B1066K2/8G&root=&LinkBack=&submit1=Click+Here

Can anyone suggest about which is to be purchased? Kingston or Corsair(given as mac memory)?

 

[cory15000]

I am looking to upgrade my late 2009 Macbook unibody to 8 GB. The other day I purchased CORSAIR 8GB (2 x 4GB) 204-Pin DDR3 SO-DIMM DDR3 1066 (PC3 8500) Laptop Memory Model CM3X8GSDKIT1066 G and when I installed them, my computer beeped 3 times and wouldn't work. I am curious if maybe I just had some bad RAM, because there is other people that have said they used this exact product..

 

[brop52]

I am looking to upgrade my late 2009 Macbook unibody to 8 GB. The other day I purchased CORSAIR 8GB (2 x 4GB) 204-Pin DDR3 SO-DIMM DDR3 1066 (PC3 8500) Laptop Memory Model CM3X8GSDKIT1066 G and when I installed them, my computer beeped 3 times and wouldn't work. I am curious if maybe I just had some bad RAM, because there is other people that have said they used this exact product..

Here is your system specs.

Max is 8GB of PC3-8500 1066MHz 204-pin. Any such item should work. Potentially you have a bad set of RAM. Where did you buy it from? You should probably reseat the RAM to make sure it is in there correctly. You should also run the Apple Hardware Test to check the RAM. Personally, I have the G.Skill 2X4GB set in my late 2008 unibody MB for $34.99 (Got it on sale for $29.99).

 

[Persiva]

Macbook white late 2009

Hey there guys,
I currently have a 2009 (Late) Macbook White Unibody, running Snow Leopard. I was going to upgrade my RAM, and came across a small question...

Which RAM stick should I use... I am wondering which one is better of the two...

http://www.amazon.com/Kingston-Modules-1066MHz-KTA-MB1066K2-8G/dp/B001PS9UKW

http://www.amazon.com/Crucial-204-p...ectronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1338629416&sr=1-1-fkmr0

Just on a side note: Will both of these work on my Macbook?
In system profiler my current Mac is saying, that the Ram it is using - is 1067 MHz and the ones offered on amazon (as far as I am aware) are only 1066 MHz (does this mean they are better) and compatible or not?

Please & Thank You In Advanced Guys,

Regards,
Milt.

Hello,

I have the exact same query as you. Can you confirm that 8gb worked? despite the 1067- 1066 difference.

Also are they easy to install your self?

Thanks

 

[simsaladimbamba]

Hello,

I have the exact same query as you. Can you confirm that 8gb worked? despite the 1067- 1066 difference.

Also are they easy to install your self?

Thanks

8 GB will work: http://www.everymac.com/systems/app...13-polycarbonate-unibody-late-2009-specs.html

Upgrading RAM in MacBooks and MacBook Pros​

As for the 1066MHz vs 1067 MHz issue, it is 1066.6666666 MHz, thus it is rounded up to 1067 MHz.

 

[howlandm]

Late 2009 unibody won't recognize 8gb ram

Hi,

Trying to upgrade my late 2009 white unibody from 2 gb to 8 gb but I get the 3 beep ram error each time on startup.

Computer specs:
Late 2009 white unibody
2.26 ghz core 2 duo
2 gb ddr3 1066 ram
OS X Version 10.8.2
Boot ROM Version: MB61.00C8.B00
SMC Version (system): 1.51f53

Tried to upgrade ram using following ram:
2x 4gb Corsair 2x204 pin SODIMM DDR 1066 MHz
Model # CMSA8GX3M2A1066C7

Upon first install I received 3 beep warning, took out ram and re-installed, same problem. Tried to put one of the new 4gb sticks with an original 1gb stick, same problem. Put the original 2x1gb sticks back in my macbook and it booted up fine. I figured it was bad ram. Returned ram to Newegg, replaced with same model ram. Same problems. Tried installing ram in my fiance's laptop which is the same as mine, same problem. Upgradede my OS from Lion to Mountain Lion (though I doubted this would have an impact, I read on a forum that it helped one person) and again this had no impact.

I assume I am running the latest firmware as http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1237 does not have a firmware update for Macbook 6,1.

Thoughts? Do I just cave and do the recommended upgrade to just 4 gigs, or do I try a different brand ram? Reading forums and even Newegg reviews for this Corsair memory had many late 2009 unibody macbooks having a successful upgrade from 2gb to 8gb so I dont know what my problem is.

 

[brop52]

Hi,

Trying to upgrade my late 2009 white unibody from 2 gb to 8 gb but I get the 3 beep ram error each time on startup.

Computer specs:
Late 2009 white unibody
2.26 ghz core 2 duo
2 gb ddr3 1066 ram
OS X Version 10.8.2
Boot ROM Version: MB61.00C8.B00
SMC Version (system): 1.51f53

Tried to upgrade ram using following ram:
2x 4gb Corsair 2x204 pin SODIMM DDR 1066 MHz
Model # CMSA8GX3M2A1066C7

Upon first install I received 3 beep warning, took out ram and re-installed, same problem. Tried to put one of the new 4gb sticks with an original 1gb stick, same problem. Put the original 2x1gb sticks back in my macbook and it booted up fine. I figured it was bad ram. Returned ram to Newegg, replaced with same model ram. Same problems. Tried installing ram in my fiance's laptop which is the same as mine, same problem. Upgradede my OS from Lion to Mountain Lion (though I doubted this would have an impact, I read on a forum that it helped one person) and again this had no impact.

I assume I am running the latest firmware as http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1237 does not have a firmware update for Macbook 6,1.

Thoughts? Do I just cave and do the recommended upgrade to just 4 gigs, or do I try a different brand ram? Reading forums and even Newegg reviews for this Corsair memory had many late 2009 unibody macbooks having a successful upgrade from 2gb to 8gb so I dont know what my problem is.

Should work. Possibly a bad stick. RMA for refund.

Could try this G. Skill set on Newegg that worked for my MB as well as my Mom's iMac. Send me a message because I have an additional discount you can get at Newegg.

 

[howlandm]

Thanks for the response. I understand, but I already assumed the first shipment was a bad stick and RMA'd for refund. I then purchased and received a second package of the same type of ram and again had the same problems. What are the odds of receiving two bad shipments of ram? Perhaps there is a different problem.

 

[brop52]

Thanks for the response. I understand, but I already assumed the first shipment was a bad stick and RMA'd for refund. I then purchased and received a second package of the same type of ram and again had the same problems. What are the odds of receiving two bad shipments of ram? Perhaps there is a different problem.

As an FYI, my 2008 Macbook went through multiple sticks of RAM from OWC and since it was the first DDR3 RAM in the Macbook as well as the completely new unibody design Apple had me switch for a new machine due to the RAM problems. They matched me with Apple-Branded RAM and took the OWC RAM I had purchased and had problems with.

If the original RAM works and doesn't cause the chiming then it's the new RAM you are putting in and not the connections with the RAM or the logic board. It couldn't hurt to run the Apple Hardware Test though.

 

[howlandm]

What is the apple hardware test? Is it something I run with the new ram? If so, how do I run the test with the new ram if I can't get my computer to boot up with the new ram?

Did you say in your post that Apple replaced your laptop because it wouldn't read new ddr3 ram?

I'm thinking about RMA'ing this ram again, still giving 8 gb another shot, but maybe switching brands. I read a lot of people using Kingston and G.skil

 

[brop52]

What is the apple hardware test? Is it something I run with the new ram? If so, how do I run the test with the new ram if I can't get my computer to boot up with the new ram?

Did you say in your post that Apple replaced your laptop because it wouldn't read new ddr3 ram?

I'm thinking about RMA'ing this ram again, still giving 8 gb another shot, but maybe switching brands. I read a lot of people using Kingston and G.skil

This should help. As I said before, G. Skill worked for me with the linked one.

 

[howlandm]

I have again RMA'd this Corsair ram and decided to go with http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148276 Crucial ram as it received a 5 star review average with over 200 people reporting. The G.Skill had a review average of either awesome or defective. I will let you know how the Crucial works out when I receive it in about a weeks time. Newegg's new system of DHL to Postal Service has increased my delivery time from an average of 2-3 business days to almost 7 business days.