MacBook 4,1 HDD Upgrades Help

[skorada123]

I was wondering if any of you out there could help with what I'm concerned about. As of now, my MacBook 4,1 (Early 2008) only has upgraded RAM to 4GB (from 2x512mb). I've been looking all over the internet and came across a lot of different information.

According to the Apple docs, there's no specific information about upgrades. AFAIK:
- HDD can be upgraded to 250 GB only and can only be a 5400RPM drive?

My question is:
- Can I upgrade to a 320 GB or potentially a 500 GB HDD?
- Does it have to be a 5400 RPM drive or can it be 7400 RPM? Can the MacBook 4, 1 handle a 320 or 500 GB 7400 RPM HDD drive?

Thanks again, I really need to choose quick. I have a feeling my HDD is going to fail me soon.

 

[spinnerlys]

That MacBook can handle any 2.5" S-ATA HDD with a maximum height of 9.5mm, thus the current maximum capacity is 750 GB in a 5400RPM HDD.
You can also install 7200RPM HDDs, the Apple documents you refer to might be only mentioning the updates they offered in the Online Store during the availability of that MB.

MRoogle will you give hundreds of threads about this (upgrading a white, pre-unibody MB), there were three in the last two days.

 

[skorada123]

That MacBook can handle any 2.5" S-ATA HDD with a maximum height of 9.5mm, thus the current maximum capacity is 750 GB in a 5400RPM HDD.
You can also install 7200RPM HDDs, the Apple documents you refer to might be only mentioning the updates they offered in the Online Store during the availability of that MB.

MRoogle will you give hundreds of threads about this (upgrading a white, pre-unibody MB), there were three in the last two days.

So I won't have any issues with excessive heat right? At times this one gets really hot, and it's only 5400 RPM.

 

[spinnerlys]

So I won't have any issues with excessive heat right? At times this one gets really hot, and it's only 5400 RPM.

No, as the 7200RPM HDDs only radiate 2-3K more heat than their 5400RPM counterparts.