Crucial should be fine as well and does have good ratings. Price difference is negligible. You should join their eblast to get discounts. I got my G. Skill set for $29.99.
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8GB of RAM in late 2009 unibody MacBook?
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Crucial should be fine as well and does have good ratings. Price difference is negligible. You should join their eblast to get discounts. I got my G. Skill set for $29.99.
Wanted to offer my follow-up.
I received my Crucial ram today.
Model info: CT2KIT51264BC1067
2x 4gb 204-pin sodimm 512Mx64 DDR3 8500 PC 1066
Worked perfectly on first boot-up.
So, in summary, for my 13" late 2009 white unibody Macbook running Mountain Lion os and the latest firmware
The following Corsair ram DID NOT WORK: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233179
The following Crucial ram WORKED:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148276
I received my Crucial ram today.
Model info: CT2KIT51264BC1067
2x 4gb 204-pin sodimm 512Mx64 DDR3 8500 PC 1066
Worked perfectly on first boot-up.
So, in summary, for my 13" late 2009 white unibody Macbook running Mountain Lion os and the latest firmware
The following Corsair ram DID NOT WORK: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233179
The following Crucial ram WORKED:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148276
Hi, I want to update to 8gb on my white macbook 2010 version. Would this one be okay? http://www.amazon.co.uk/Kingston-Te...9UKW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1363870148&sr=8-1
As an Amazon Associate, MacRumors earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.
Hello the ram for My Macbook late 2009, Puzzled here!
Hey,
I am from India, there is a lot of deficit of the available mac rams.
The only available ram is http://www.flipkart.com/corsair-ddr...KCGZ&ref=6d4db703-bf50-4277-9871-125848d0a6e2
Well, infact i can get this ram from US or Australia.
Is the Indian ram i suggested is ok for my Macbook late 2009?
Please suggest.
Thanks in advance!
Sai Venkatesh
Hey,
I am from India, there is a lot of deficit of the available mac rams.
The only available ram is http://www.flipkart.com/corsair-ddr...KCGZ&ref=6d4db703-bf50-4277-9871-125848d0a6e2
Well, infact i can get this ram from US or Australia.
Is the Indian ram i suggested is ok for my Macbook late 2009?
Please suggest.
Thanks in advance!
Sai Venkatesh
Response to upgrading
Yes you can upgrade a 2009 unibody 2.26 processor up to 8gb of ram, when Apple says 4gb on their site. I have one, and I did it, although not every type works so I recommend doing it in store like Fry's where can make sure. If doesn't work it is a ram, not a computer and all it does is beep over and over, and doesn't load. Simply remove it and put next.
However if you have 2 1gb now stay some format so 2 4 GB is the only way not 1 8
I used Patriot and had no problem, and the factory was a Samsung on mine
The reason apple says 4, is on a very very few of the units, it was before Mountain lion had been public yet, and so they used some chip or memory bad on what it was, but something that would only support up to 4gb of ram because 32 bit operating system was thought to be all it would be for, but when 64 bits became real, they started making it her 8 would work. So for that tiny group if they said 8gb each time one of them tried it wouldn't work because of that one thing and sorry I just can't remember, but it is something a card type or s driver, but then apple would have to replace that part of that small group of persons, but it is very small. I am positive that is it, and have seen one that was the case broken apart, I just cannot remember the exact name of what it was that was limited. But it works great, and next year when SSD gets to the 3rd generation and 700 to 750 read and with 650 675 write on a 128 size then I am going to do that also. It is kinda like that argument where because our SATA is 3G not 6G when we put SSD we have to divide speed in half to account for that, same thing with this 8G where on those rare few it would load but still only use 4g of them. But at next generation it will be worth it gets 300% read and 400% write even with only half the advantage.
Yes you can upgrade a 2009 unibody 2.26 processor up to 8gb of ram, when Apple says 4gb on their site. I have one, and I did it, although not every type works so I recommend doing it in store like Fry's where can make sure. If doesn't work it is a ram, not a computer and all it does is beep over and over, and doesn't load. Simply remove it and put next.
However if you have 2 1gb now stay some format so 2 4 GB is the only way not 1 8
I used Patriot and had no problem, and the factory was a Samsung on mine
The reason apple says 4, is on a very very few of the units, it was before Mountain lion had been public yet, and so they used some chip or memory bad on what it was, but something that would only support up to 4gb of ram because 32 bit operating system was thought to be all it would be for, but when 64 bits became real, they started making it her 8 would work. So for that tiny group if they said 8gb each time one of them tried it wouldn't work because of that one thing and sorry I just can't remember, but it is something a card type or s driver, but then apple would have to replace that part of that small group of persons, but it is very small. I am positive that is it, and have seen one that was the case broken apart, I just cannot remember the exact name of what it was that was limited. But it works great, and next year when SSD gets to the 3rd generation and 700 to 750 read and with 650 675 write on a 128 size then I am going to do that also. It is kinda like that argument where because our SATA is 3G not 6G when we put SSD we have to divide speed in half to account for that, same thing with this 8G where on those rare few it would load but still only use 4g of them. But at next generation it will be worth it gets 300% read and 400% write even with only half the advantage.
Crucial 8GB RAM 1600 SODIMM
My mac osx 10.6.8 (Snow Leopard) 2.26 Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo
originally with memory 2GB 1067Mhz DDR3
I wanted to push for 8Gb(2x4Gb) and I bought Crucial 4Gb DDR3L - 1600 SODIMM
Unfortunately, when I plug in both 4GB RAM and boot up...I hear 3 beep sets OS does not boot up. However, if I put 1 4GB and one 1GB it boots up perfectly fine and displays 5GB RAM.. I switched each of 4GB RAMs with 1GB. I observed : as long as one was 1GB (old RAM that came at the time of purchase with my machine), it would boot. Two 4 GB RAMs wont work together?
Any pointers/suggestions.
Somebody was talking about firmware earlier in this thread. Will upgrading to Mavericks upgrade firmware as well?
EDIT: 2 weeks later...
returned Crucial 2x4Gb 1600 RAM and bought 2x4GB RAM 1066 (had to pay a restocking fee with NewEgg where I ordered it from) ....Mac 6,1 (Snow Leopard) booted up first time and system shows 8GB memory 1066 Speed!! So I am guessing, speed mismatch was the problem.
I must say, I was kind of misled by a "technician" at BestBuy Store who told me to buy higher speeds as the differences in price were negligible (or negative in this case: 2x4Gb 1600speed : 79$ versus 2x4GB 1066speed: 84$)...nevertheless, my fault too for being misled
I bought RAM from Microcenter this time for same price you would find it on Amazon or NewEgg etc.
Detail RAM specs here:
8GB Kit NOTEBOOK ( 2- 4GB DDR3 - 1066 SODIMM MAC)
#CT2C4G3S1067M
Thanks!!!
Vik
My mac osx 10.6.8 (Snow Leopard) 2.26 Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo
originally with memory 2GB 1067Mhz DDR3
I wanted to push for 8Gb(2x4Gb) and I bought Crucial 4Gb DDR3L - 1600 SODIMM
Unfortunately, when I plug in both 4GB RAM and boot up...I hear 3 beep sets OS does not boot up. However, if I put 1 4GB and one 1GB it boots up perfectly fine and displays 5GB RAM.. I switched each of 4GB RAMs with 1GB. I observed : as long as one was 1GB (old RAM that came at the time of purchase with my machine), it would boot. Two 4 GB RAMs wont work together?
Any pointers/suggestions.
Somebody was talking about firmware earlier in this thread. Will upgrading to Mavericks upgrade firmware as well?
EDIT: 2 weeks later...
returned Crucial 2x4Gb 1600 RAM and bought 2x4GB RAM 1066 (had to pay a restocking fee with NewEgg where I ordered it from) ....Mac 6,1 (Snow Leopard) booted up first time and system shows 8GB memory 1066 Speed!! So I am guessing, speed mismatch was the problem.
I must say, I was kind of misled by a "technician" at BestBuy Store who told me to buy higher speeds as the differences in price were negligible (or negative in this case: 2x4Gb 1600speed : 79$ versus 2x4GB 1066speed: 84$)...nevertheless, my fault too for being misled
I bought RAM from Microcenter this time for same price you would find it on Amazon or NewEgg etc.
Detail RAM specs here:
8GB Kit NOTEBOOK ( 2- 4GB DDR3 - 1066 SODIMM MAC)
#CT2C4G3S1067M
Thanks!!!
Vik
Last edited:
I think it has to do with the nVidia controller on these late-2009/mid-2010 core2duo Macbooks. It's definitely tricky installing 1333 and 1600 DDR3 modules on these Macbooks.
I'm glad to know you could install and it worked (although needing to keep an original 1066 module). Maybe I could buy 2x8GB 1600 modules and install on my Mini and my late-2009 Macbook, totalling 12GB on each together with 4GB 1066 modules I use on my Macbook.
8 GB RAM upgrade for white Unibody late 2009 2.26 Ghz Macbook, SSD upgrade notes
I've just had an experience upgrading this specific unit for It's the 2.26 Ghz one. This unit uses DDR3 RAM. I wanted to upgrade from 2 GB to 8. The original RAM was DDR3-1066 Mhz. Normally a faster module would work just fine but in this case doesn't. Macs are known to be particularly picky about RAM, and Crucial sells modules which are specifically labeled as "Apple Memory". Seems it's best to use memory of the same exact speed as the original modules to be sure it will work.
THIS ONE WORKED:
Crucial 8GB DDR3-1066 (PC3-8500) CL7 SO-DIMM Laptop Memory Kit (Two 4GB Apple Memory Modules)
http://www.microcenter.com/product/396556/8GB_DDR3-1066_(PC3-8500)_CL7_SO-DIMM_Laptop_Memory_Kit_(Two_4GB_Apple_Memory_Modules)
SKU: 854703
Mfr Part #: 649528761972
UPC: 649528761972
I had previously tried this one: Crucial 8GB DDR3-1600 (PC3-12800) CL11 SO-DIMM Laptop Memory Kit (Two 4GB Apple Memory Modules)
SKU: 854885 Mfr Part #: 649528762092 UPC: 649528762092
That didn't work, just constant beeping with black screen, even with a single module. So it's either the speed of 1600 that makes it incompatible, or the chips are of a different type and the computer is unable to recognize them. It's the same number of chips btw, they both have 16 chips, 8 chips on each side of the module, the photos on the web are not of the actual modules!
Sure it's tempting to buy the faster 1600 memory since it's not only more modern and would be compatible with newer computers, but it's also a little cheaper! ($85 vs $89)
As for the speed: The computer was very slow with the original 240 GB HD and 2 GB RAM. Replacing the original HD with an SSD, a 120 GB OCZ Vector 150 SATA III (6Gbps) yielded a tremendous speed improvement. But when I upgraded the 2 GB RAM to 8 GB, it was clearly even faster! Just lightning fast! (I guess this avoids the SSD being used for virtual memory which isn't a good idea) I'm sure a Macbook purchased today isn't any faster. It was running Yosemite 10.10.1 btw.
Additionally, with the new SSD the reported speed was 3 Gbps (the original drive had reported a 1.5 Gbps speed, (although it was a SATA II and supposedly capable of 3Gbps.) Interesting how the computer was able to negotiate a faster 3 Gbps speed with the SSD drive. (I thought this computer is SATA I, but apparently it's SATA II).
I've just had an experience upgrading this specific unit for It's the 2.26 Ghz one. This unit uses DDR3 RAM. I wanted to upgrade from 2 GB to 8. The original RAM was DDR3-1066 Mhz. Normally a faster module would work just fine but in this case doesn't. Macs are known to be particularly picky about RAM, and Crucial sells modules which are specifically labeled as "Apple Memory". Seems it's best to use memory of the same exact speed as the original modules to be sure it will work.
THIS ONE WORKED:
Crucial 8GB DDR3-1066 (PC3-8500) CL7 SO-DIMM Laptop Memory Kit (Two 4GB Apple Memory Modules)
http://www.microcenter.com/product/396556/8GB_DDR3-1066_(PC3-8500)_CL7_SO-DIMM_Laptop_Memory_Kit_(Two_4GB_Apple_Memory_Modules)
SKU: 854703
Mfr Part #: 649528761972
UPC: 649528761972
I had previously tried this one: Crucial 8GB DDR3-1600 (PC3-12800) CL11 SO-DIMM Laptop Memory Kit (Two 4GB Apple Memory Modules)
SKU: 854885 Mfr Part #: 649528762092 UPC: 649528762092
That didn't work, just constant beeping with black screen, even with a single module. So it's either the speed of 1600 that makes it incompatible, or the chips are of a different type and the computer is unable to recognize them. It's the same number of chips btw, they both have 16 chips, 8 chips on each side of the module, the photos on the web are not of the actual modules!
Sure it's tempting to buy the faster 1600 memory since it's not only more modern and would be compatible with newer computers, but it's also a little cheaper! ($85 vs $89)
As for the speed: The computer was very slow with the original 240 GB HD and 2 GB RAM. Replacing the original HD with an SSD, a 120 GB OCZ Vector 150 SATA III (6Gbps) yielded a tremendous speed improvement. But when I upgraded the 2 GB RAM to 8 GB, it was clearly even faster! Just lightning fast! (I guess this avoids the SSD being used for virtual memory which isn't a good idea) I'm sure a Macbook purchased today isn't any faster. It was running Yosemite 10.10.1 btw.
Additionally, with the new SSD the reported speed was 3 Gbps (the original drive had reported a 1.5 Gbps speed, (although it was a SATA II and supposedly capable of 3Gbps.) Interesting how the computer was able to negotiate a faster 3 Gbps speed with the SSD drive. (I thought this computer is SATA I, but apparently it's SATA II).
Last edited:
These Macbooks need 1.5v modules. Most DDR3 ram nowadays is 1.35V. Which would explain why some modules work and other nearly identical ones dont.
PS: I bought one recently, 7,1, Mid 2010. Stuck on 4GB because none of my 4 or 8 gb modules work in it. They're all 1.35v.
PS: I bought one recently, 7,1, Mid 2010. Stuck on 4GB because none of my 4 or 8 gb modules work in it. They're all 1.35v.
Yes. Some. As a matter of fact, the two modules i have in it now are 1066mhz and 1333mhz respectively.
It seems the speed is secondary to voltage.
The current modules consist on one 2GB/1066 and one 2GB/1333, right? Just for understanding the configuration that is currently working.
Correct. A 2GB Samsung 1066mhz and a 2GB Hynix 1333mhz. And this is in a Macbook 7,1 mind you. I can't confirm if the 6,1 reacts the same. But as an educated guess (6 years of IT), it should.
it seems that i'll have to ask the same, the 8gb(4x2) crucial ram i bought which does not work well, my system and some apps randomly crashes and restart itself...
I have 8GB ram and I have never had any kind of issue.
This is my ram model if someone want to konw:
Kingston PC3-8500 DDR3 1066 MHz
This is my ram model if someone want to konw:
Kingston PC3-8500 DDR3 1066 MHz
As an Amazon Associate, MacRumors earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.
RAM Upgrade on Macbook Unibody Late 2009
I wanted to upgrade my RAM from a total of 4GB to a total of 8GB. So I googled and did the research as well as and per Crucial.com, I needed DDR3 PC3 8500 1066 MHz (2x4GB). So I purchased it off of Amazon installed it and all I got was the sound of 3 beeps. I then put my old memory in and it works fine. Then I noticed that per my specifics below, my particular Unibody says that the memory slots are 1333MHz. So my question is, do I need 2x4GB of DDR3 PC 10666 1333 MHz? Because the DDR3 PC3 8500 1066 MHz (2x4GB) only give me 3 beeps and will not allow my Macbook to boot. Thanks in advance for any help received.
Hardware Overview:
Model Name: MacBook
Model Identifier: MacBook6,1
Processor Name: Intel Core 2 Duo
Processor Speed: 2.26 GHz
Number of Processors: 1
Total Number of Cores: 2
L2 Cache: 3 MB
Memory: 4 GB
Bus Speed: 1.07 GHz
Boot ROM Version: MB61.00C8.B02
SMC Version (system): 1.51f53
Memory Slots:
ECC: Disabled
Upgradeable Memory: Yes
BANK 0/DIMM0:
Size: 2 GB
Type: DDR3
Speed: 1333 MHz
Status: OK
Manufacturer: 0x80AD
Part Number: 0x484D54333235533642465238432D48392020
Serial Number: 0x1F4111C8
BANK 1/DIMM0:
Size: 2 GB
Type: DDR3
Speed: 1333 MHz
Status: OK
Manufacturer: 0x80AD
Part Number: 0x484D54333235533642465238432D48392020
Serial Number: 0x1FC111BE
I wanted to upgrade my RAM from a total of 4GB to a total of 8GB. So I googled and did the research as well as and per Crucial.com, I needed DDR3 PC3 8500 1066 MHz (2x4GB). So I purchased it off of Amazon installed it and all I got was the sound of 3 beeps. I then put my old memory in and it works fine. Then I noticed that per my specifics below, my particular Unibody says that the memory slots are 1333MHz. So my question is, do I need 2x4GB of DDR3 PC 10666 1333 MHz? Because the DDR3 PC3 8500 1066 MHz (2x4GB) only give me 3 beeps and will not allow my Macbook to boot. Thanks in advance for any help received.
Hardware Overview:
Model Name: MacBook
Model Identifier: MacBook6,1
Processor Name: Intel Core 2 Duo
Processor Speed: 2.26 GHz
Number of Processors: 1
Total Number of Cores: 2
L2 Cache: 3 MB
Memory: 4 GB
Bus Speed: 1.07 GHz
Boot ROM Version: MB61.00C8.B02
SMC Version (system): 1.51f53
Memory Slots:
ECC: Disabled
Upgradeable Memory: Yes
BANK 0/DIMM0:
Size: 2 GB
Type: DDR3
Speed: 1333 MHz
Status: OK
Manufacturer: 0x80AD
Part Number: 0x484D54333235533642465238432D48392020
Serial Number: 0x1F4111C8
BANK 1/DIMM0:
Size: 2 GB
Type: DDR3
Speed: 1333 MHz
Status: OK
Manufacturer: 0x80AD
Part Number: 0x484D54333235533642465238432D48392020
Serial Number: 0x1FC111BE
I have purchased OWC 8 GB RAM for my early 2009 24" mac as per apple instructions.
Install instructions look straightforward.
What I cannot find any where is whether I have to move programs somewhere else.
Is it as simple as turn off, take out old, put in new and then turn on again,
or do I have to move stuff off the old ram and put it back on the new ram, do I have to do any other procedures aside from what little it has in the apple instructions?
I have time machine backups and backups to other hard drives and cloud in place. But I don't understand whether anything is stored on the RAM.
thanks
Install instructions look straightforward.
What I cannot find any where is whether I have to move programs somewhere else.
Is it as simple as turn off, take out old, put in new and then turn on again,
or do I have to move stuff off the old ram and put it back on the new ram, do I have to do any other procedures aside from what little it has in the apple instructions?
I have time machine backups and backups to other hard drives and cloud in place. But I don't understand whether anything is stored on the RAM.
thanks
RAM doesn't act as permanent storage, it's volatile memory so once your computer is shut off, anything stored within memory is lost. So basically you don't have to do anything else, just install the new RAM and that's it.
I just got offered a deal on a late 09 13" MB A1342 2.26ghz that I COULD NOT turn down.....the barter cost me literally $0.09 total for a 100% functioning Macbook6,1.
I saw this thread and headed to Microcenter to pickup an 8GB Kit and an SSD for this MB.....They had a 2x4GBPC3-1600 Crucial kit on sale for like $40. I know stock is 1066 but I also know memory will "under clock" itself to meet the required speed, so I thought nothing of it.
They also had an OCZ Trion 100 120GB SSD on sale for $45. I couldn't go wrong that day it seemed. Until I got home.
I install the RAM, turn on computer and just get a black screen with a ton of beeping. CRAP!!!!
I remove one stick, turns on no problem. I swap that stick with the other. Also works, so its not a bad DIMM. I add an original 1gb stick for a total of 5gb and have no issues.
I had no clue the nightmare I was in for.
I get an OS X 10.6.8 DVD from my friend. Install SSD, boot from DVD. Everything's going great. I get to the select drive screen and nothing is there.....1st problem.
I remove SSD and place it in an enclosure, plug into the iMac I got for $40 the day before and run disk utility. erase it, OS X Extended Journaled, 1 Partition GUID as instructed. Try again, install still won't work.
I have a dual drive SATA docking station w/ cloning feature. I partitioned the original 250gb drive with working OS to 120gb w/ no issue. Clone to SSD no problem, reinstall into MB and am met with a flashing folder w/ ?.
I download El Capitan from the App store, make a bootable USB drive....Try installing on original drive to ensure its ok. Works fine. I clone the drive. Install and it seems to have worked. I get the same loading screen as the HDD w/ progress bar, only when it gets to 100% it stays there. Left it on overnight, still no go.
Then I find one forum post. Apparently the Trion 100 chipset does not play well with the chipset in this particular Macbook.
All the time wasted.....
Tomorrow I will be exchanging the Trion 100 SSD for an OCZ Arc SSD which a few people have verified work with the Macbook.
My question is about the memory. Is it due to the Crucial kit being PC3-1600? THE ONLY NON 1600 8GB kit Microcenter has is a PNY Optima 8GB PC3-1066 kit.
Will this kit work? http://www.microcenter.com/product/...el_Laptop_Memory_Kit_(Two_4GB_Memory_Modules)
I saw this thread and headed to Microcenter to pickup an 8GB Kit and an SSD for this MB.....They had a 2x4GBPC3-1600 Crucial kit on sale for like $40. I know stock is 1066 but I also know memory will "under clock" itself to meet the required speed, so I thought nothing of it.
They also had an OCZ Trion 100 120GB SSD on sale for $45. I couldn't go wrong that day it seemed. Until I got home.
I install the RAM, turn on computer and just get a black screen with a ton of beeping. CRAP!!!!
I remove one stick, turns on no problem. I swap that stick with the other. Also works, so its not a bad DIMM. I add an original 1gb stick for a total of 5gb and have no issues.
I had no clue the nightmare I was in for.
I get an OS X 10.6.8 DVD from my friend. Install SSD, boot from DVD. Everything's going great. I get to the select drive screen and nothing is there.....1st problem.
I remove SSD and place it in an enclosure, plug into the iMac I got for $40 the day before and run disk utility. erase it, OS X Extended Journaled, 1 Partition GUID as instructed. Try again, install still won't work.
I have a dual drive SATA docking station w/ cloning feature. I partitioned the original 250gb drive with working OS to 120gb w/ no issue. Clone to SSD no problem, reinstall into MB and am met with a flashing folder w/ ?.
I download El Capitan from the App store, make a bootable USB drive....Try installing on original drive to ensure its ok. Works fine. I clone the drive. Install and it seems to have worked. I get the same loading screen as the HDD w/ progress bar, only when it gets to 100% it stays there. Left it on overnight, still no go.
Then I find one forum post. Apparently the Trion 100 chipset does not play well with the chipset in this particular Macbook.
All the time wasted.....
Tomorrow I will be exchanging the Trion 100 SSD for an OCZ Arc SSD which a few people have verified work with the Macbook.
My question is about the memory. Is it due to the Crucial kit being PC3-1600? THE ONLY NON 1600 8GB kit Microcenter has is a PNY Optima 8GB PC3-1066 kit.
Will this kit work? http://www.microcenter.com/product/...el_Laptop_Memory_Kit_(Two_4GB_Memory_Modules)
That should work. All you have to look for is that its 1.5volts. Other than that, the speed is optional. But newer 1.35volt och mixed mode modules wont work.