how determine which ram is compatible with late 2009 macbook (white)

[weedeemer]

Hi everyone,
I have Googled about ram compatibility, but found no specific answer. What really determines ram compatibility? I think it has something to do with specific memory controller on the board and some 'little' chip beside it. And what I find interesting I that - the same 'little' chip must be on the RAM module. (probably standardized chip or just 'generic' or just some numbers, code, etc..)
So, can someone provide more information so we can make a table (geek stuff) to help others.

And, I would appreciate information about specific MacBook model (late 2009, - 6.1) so I don't have to open it and search for a needle in the haystack
Where I live, 'mac certified' ram module has double or even triple price than regular.

Thank you!!

 

[Gav2k]

PC3-8500 DDR3 SO-DIMM 1066 MHz Type RAM

8gb if your running snow leopard or earlier

16gb for any o/s after

 

[keysofanxiety]

PC3-8500 DDR3 SO-DIMM 1066 MHz Type RAM

8gb if your running snow leopard or earlier

16gb for any o/s after

This, except max supported RAM on his model is 8GB (2x4GB). Won't support 16GB.

 

[weedeemer]

PC3-8500 DDR3 SO-DIMM 1066 MHz Type RAM

8gb if your running snow leopard or earlier

16gb for any o/s after

I have upgraded to Yosemite(first is was snow leopard), but, max ram is limited by memory controller and another parameters...

Another question, is there any difference between latency numbers when we are talking about performance. (higher speed modules have higher cl... But when they run on lower speed than declared, does latency stays like declared or it can be/is changed?)

 

[keysofanxiety]

I have upgraded to Yosemite(first is was snow leopard), but, max ram is limited by memory controller and another parameters...

Another question, is there any difference between latency numbers when we are talking about performance. (higher speed modules have higher cl... But when they run on lower speed than declared, does latency stays like declared or it can be/is changed?)

I'd just stick with putting the correct speeds in (1066MHz). There have been so many issues with different speeds and stuff, from just general sluggish performance to kernel panicking/won't even post. Not worth taking the risk.

If you need some links to the correct RAM, please let us know where you're based (US/UK) and I'm sure we can get an Amazon link up for you.

 

[Gav2k]

This, except max supported RAM on his model is 8GB (2x4GB). Won't support 16GB.

"Apple only officially supports a maximum of 4 GB of RAM in both lines. However, site sponsor Other World Computer has discovered that the "Late 2009" (MacBook6,1) model actually is capable of supporting 8 GB of RAM. Likewise, OWC has determined that the "Mid-2010" (MacBook7,1) model actually supports 8 GB of RAM running Mac OS X 10.6 "Snow Leopard" and 16 GB of RAM running OS X 10.7.5 "Lion" or higher and the latest EFI update."

My mistake I didn't look at his model identifier

 

[keysofanxiety]

"Apple only officially supports a maximum of 4 GB of RAM in both lines. However, site sponsor Other World Computer has discovered that the "Late 2009" (MacBook6,1) model actually is capable of supporting 8 GB of RAM. Likewise, OWC has determined that the "Mid-2010" (MacBook7,1) model actually supports 8 GB of RAM running Mac OS X 10.6 "Snow Leopard" and 16 GB of RAM running OS X 10.7.5 "Lion" or higher and the latest EFI update."

My mistake I didn't look at his model identifier

No need to worry Gav, no damage done

 

[weedeemer]

"Apple only officially supports a maximum of 4 GB of RAM in both lines. However, site sponsor Other World Computer has discovered that the "Late 2009" (MacBook6,1) model actually is capable of supporting 8 GB of RAM.

Ok but, which ram?
i.e. if i buy no-name brand (cheap) - what should i pay attention to? Chip manufacturer, some codes printed on the chip? I really don't know how to express what i mean. (how to formulate question right... I'm not a native English speaker so that might be the problem)

Probably the original question should be like:
What determines which ram chip is 'acceptable' by the board ....by the specific memory controller or any other chip that is on the mainboard

 

[Gav2k]

Ok but, which ram?
i.e. if i buy no-name brand (cheap) - what should i pay attention to? Chip manufacturer, some codes printed on the chip? I really don't know how to express what i mean. (how to formulate question right... I'm not a native English speaker so that might be the problem)

Probably the original question should be like:
What determines which ram chip is 'acceptable' by the board ....by the specific memory controller or any other chip that is on the mainboard

Any generic ram fitting the above specs will function fine.

 

[ApolloBoy]

Ok but, which ram?
i.e. if i buy no-name brand (cheap) - what should i pay attention to? Chip manufacturer, some codes printed on the chip? I really don't know how to express what i mean. (how to formulate question right... I'm not a native English speaker so that might be the problem)

I would just go for a name brand. I tried doing a 16 GB upgrade once on my mid-2010 MacBook which used generic sticks and I got kernel panics up the wazoo. Right now I've got a couple of 4 GB Corsair sticks in it and it works perfectly fine with those. I've also had luck with Crucial and Hynix.

 

[brdeveloper]

I have upgraded to Yosemite(first is was snow leopard), but, max ram is limited by memory controller and another parameters...

Another question, is there any difference between latency numbers when we are talking about performance. (higher speed modules have higher cl... But when they run on lower speed than declared, does latency stays like declared or it can be/is changed?)

It's not that other modules won't work, but the best match would be 2x4GB 1066 MHz, 1.5V, CL7 modules (if I'm not wrong, the "normal" latency of 1066 modules is CL9, but the bundled 2GBs of RAM were CL7).

In my late-2009 I have "unbranded mac-compatible" CL7 2x4GB 1066 modules (bought from a chinese seller on Ebay; it works flawlessly for about 4 years). In my 2010 Mac Mini I use 2x8GB 1333MHz Corsair Value modules with SPDs rewritten to be recognized as 1066MHz modules.

Both of them are far from being "officially compatible" modules, but they work very well... I can't remember of any crash pattern or something.

 

[Dimwhit]

I always go to Crucial.com and use their tool advisor. As a plus, it's good RAM for a good price.