I am going to be purchasing a new Macbook Pro once they get updated (MWSF, if not then then later). I was wondering if I need to start the machine up for the first time with the original RAM or can I just open the box, install the 4GB, then start up for the first time? My instincts say it would be fine but switching from Windows, I do not know if there would be a setting that I would need to change or anything. Thanks for the help.
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Installing RAM before first startup?
- Thread starter capitanbuzo
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You can put the new RAM in at any time: before or after the first startup. It makes no difference.
Thanks. Logically thinking it would make no difference putting it now or later but was being careful because I have a lot less experience with Macs than what I have with Windows machines.
No settings to change with a mac when installing your RAM. To check it's installed and recognised, check Apple Menu>About This Mac. Enjoy 
No settings to change with a mac when installing your RAM. To check it's installed and recognised, check Apple Menu>About This Mac. Enjoy
The beauty, grace, power, and simplicity that is Apple. I can't wait to get my MBP after MacWorld!
Exactly what I said when someone else posted this thread a few hours ago. You might want to make sure your MBP isn't afflicted with the yellow screen, dead battery, frozen keyboard, killer drive, etc. before swapping out the memory. Cuz if it's bad, you're just going to have to take it out anyway.
Agreed. Best to make sure it runs fine straight out of the box before adding RAM. Otherwise you may have to swap RAM in and out if you do have a problem and need to diagnose whether it's covered by Apple or if it's due to the third-party RAM.
What, you have a PC that is graceful, beautiful and simple to use? Which PC do you have?umm my windows pc does the same exact thing.
Back to the OP's question, I would start it up and make sure it works first, for the reasons stated above. No point in changing the RAM out and back again if there's a problem. And no re-configuration is required after the RAM is installed, so there is no benefit in installing the RAM before the first start-up.
Thanks for the help. I will start it up first and check for the normal problems. On a side note, does anyone know the approximate wait times for delivery of a new Apple product that has been ordered online and customized? I will be buying my MBP form the developer store in Jan and also be adding the 7200RPM HDD option on it.