Resolved Late 2008 Unibody MacBook - RAM question?

[user1690]

Hey all!

Just scored a Late 2008 Unibody (Aluminium?) MacBook from a friend, it has 4GB (2x 2GB Crucial modules) RAM and i want to max it out if i can.

My internet searching is giving me conflicting info, some places say 6GB, some say 8GB, some say to just not bother.

Here is what the system profiler says about the system;

MacBook5,1
Intel Core 2 Duo
2.4GHz
4GB Memory
1.07GHz Bus Speed
BOOT ROM: MB51.007D.B03
SMC: 1.32f8

===

MEMORY
BANK 0/DIMM0 - 2GB - DDR3 - 1067 MHz - OK
BANK 0/DIMM1 - 2GB - DDR3 - 1067 MHz - OK

The MacBook will be running 10.9.5 as well

All i want to know is, what is the max the system will take, and is it a good idea to stick with Crucial RAM?

Thanks in advance for any info!

 

[DeltaMac]

Max memory is 2 x 4GB (8GB total)
Your MacBook5,1 needs PC3-8500 SO-DIMMs, and is somewhat picky about the memory that will work.
Crucial can take care of your needs with that.
OWC will be good, too.
Data Memory Systems (DMS) is where I buy my memory now...

 

[user1690]

Thank you!

 

[DeltaMac]

More RAM is good - even better, an SSD. It will be like a new system!

 

[Erdbeertorte]

8GB (2x4GB) should work with your Boot ROM version.

http://www.everymac.com/systems/app...-2.4-aluminum-13-late-2008-unibody-specs.html

These Crucials should be save and are in stock:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008LTBJFM/

 

[Erdbeertorte]

More RAM is good - even better, an SSD. It will be like a new system!

That would really be a much better upgrade option if you don't already have one and can't afford both.

 

[irishv]

8GB (2x4GB) should work with your Boot ROM version.

I'm using a 2008 unibody MB with 8GB right now. I upgraded this summer with that Crucial memory, also added an SSD and swapped out the super drive with a data doubler. The difference is night and day, wish I had done it sooner.

Lightroom is still a bit sluggish, but everything else I use it for flies now. This should hold me over until rev 2 of the rMB.

 

[user1690]

Thanks guys!

I'm a bit short on cash right now so i've ordered 1x4GB Crucial module for now and i hope it'll play nice with the 2GB one that'll be in the other slot, i can get another 4GB one in a week or so.

I have a spare 256GB SSD i can put in the laptop too

Heres the one i ordered; http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/offer-listing/B008PK113C/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&condition=new

 

[user1690]

Just a little bump, thanks to all once again for the info, the 4GB module i ordered in the link above works perfectly and at the moment i have 6GB in the machine, i'll be ordering another 4GB module in a week or so.

 

[Primejimbo]

I have the same MacBook and added 8GB of RAM and a SSD, and it flies. You need to be careful what SSD you use, some don't play nice with that chip set.

 

[user1690]

I have the same MacBook and added 8GB of RAM and a SSD, and it flies. You need to be careful what SSD you use, some don't play nice with that chip set.

I got a Crucial 256GB one in it now, seems to work really nice

 

[Primejimbo]

I got a Crucial 256GB one in it now, seems to work really nice

it has to do with speeds. if you go under System information > SATA/SATA Express > Nvidia MCP79 AHCI look at the Link Speed and Negotiated Speeds. If they say 1.5 Gigabit, it's not working 100%, but both show 3 Gigabit, you're fine.

 

[user1690]

it has to do with speeds. if you go under System information > SATA/SATA Express > Nvidia MCP79 AHCI look at the Link Speed and Negotiated Speeds. If they say 1.5 Gigabit, it's not working 100%, but both show 3 Gigabit, you're fine.

Yep, 3 Gigabit here! Woohoo!

 

[Primejimbo]

Yep, 3 Gigabit here! Woohoo!

Awesome!! I am amazed how mine works and flies.