MacBook White 5,2 (Early 2009) 8GB RAM?

[Curtis 92]

I've saw a lot of posts about my MacBook White 5,2 (Early 2009) 2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo saying it it can support 8GB of RAM instead of the (6GB 1x4GB & 1x2GB) through an EFI update. Has anyone tried this here? I've currently got 4GB RAM & SSD 128GB on my MacBook and I rather keep it an extra year or for how ever long and max out the RAM if possible before getting a new one.

PS;
I'd rather people not post replies saying its only 6GB if they haven't actually tried it

 

[GGJstudios]

I've saw a lot of posts about my MacBook White 5,2 (Early 2009) 2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo saying it it can support 8GB of RAM instead of the (6GB 1x4GB & 1x2GB) through an EFI update.

Your MacBook will only support a maximum 6GB of RAM, with or without an EFI update. Some models will support higher amounts of RAM through EFI updates, but that doesn't apply to your model. You're not likely to get any responses from those trying it, since it's clear in advance that it doesn't work.

 

[Curtis 92]

Your MacBook will only support a maximum 6GB of RAM, with or without an EFI update. Some models will support higher amounts of RAM through EFI updates, but that doesn't apply to your model. You're not likely to get any responses from those trying it, since it's clear in advance that it doesn't work.

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/2751054?start=30&tstart=0

People on this forum have said that it works? The title says on this link 5,2 same as mine

 

[BrettApple]

It definitely can work. I had an Early 2009 (5,2) that I had 8GB in shortly while testing it just to see before giving it to my cousin with 4GB (800MHz too).

It was identical to yours. Early 2009 MacBook 5,2. 128GB SanDisk Ultra SSD, I had 10.6.8 and 10.10 on there, but eventually settled with Yosemite since my cousin likes the new look and features despite lack of TRIM support.

I had 2 4GB DDR2 sticks in it, 800MHz I think, but could have been 667. Both work in this model since the chipset supports it.

The sticks went elsewhere and are long gone now, but they were working fine for me. There are some screenshots out there from those who did the upgrade and had it working.

There is still a chance that it won't work, but it also should.

My Late 2008 MacBook (5,1) didn't work with 8GB out of the box, but through updates it did, it was an EFI update with the system ROM of MB51.007D.B03 combined with 10.6.6 and up back then. It's had 8GB in it since 2011 and no issues for 3 almost 4 years.

So feel free to try it. Might as well. If it doesn't work return the sticks and go back to what you've got. Or upgrade all together if you really NEED it (and have the $$$ of course).

 

[DaKKs]

I can second that. I have 8GB in my MB5,2. I can fire it up and take a few screenshots if you want even more proof.

 

[Curtis 92]

It definitely can work. I had an Early 2009 (5,2) that I had 8GB in shortly while testing it just to see before giving it to my cousin with 4GB (800MHz too).

It was identical to yours. Early 2009 MacBook 5,2. 128GB SanDisk Ultra SSD, I had 10.6.8 and 10.10 on there, but eventually settled with Yosemite since my cousin likes the new look and features despite lack of TRIM support.

I had 2 4GB DDR2 sticks in it, 800MHz I think, but could have been 667. Both work in this model since the chipset supports it.

The sticks went elsewhere and are long gone now, but they were working fine for me. There are some screenshots out there from those who did the upgrade and had it working.

Image

Image

There is still a chance that it won't work, but it also should.

My Late 2008 MacBook (5,1) didn't work with 8GB out of the box, but through updates it did, it was an EFI update with the system ROM of MB51.007D.B03 combined with 10.6.6 and up back then. It's had 8GB in it since 2011 and no issues for 3 almost 4 years.

So feel free to try it. Might as well. If it doesn't work return the sticks and go back to what you've got. Or upgrade all together if you really NEED it (and have the $$$ of course).

Thank you bro, I have been wanting a straight up answer with a couple of screenshots just to confirm. Could you point me into the right direction on to buying 4GBx2 as I don't want to buy the wrong modules.

 

[BrettApple]

Thank you bro, I have been wanting a straight up answer with a couple of screenshots just to confirm. Could you point me into the right direction on to buying 4GBx2 as I don't want to buy the wrong modules.

Sure! It looks like prices have gone WAY up since I last looked though. I got 8GB (2X4GB) for my MacBook back in 2011 and it was $52.99! Now a single stick is around $100 new retail.

OWC has some

As does Crucial

This are examples though, better prices could probably be found. It's just 2 4GB sticks of PC2-5300 or PC2-6400. Either will work, I'd go with whatever has the best price. Might have to take to eBay, but you never really know what you're getting there. Otherwise, it'll probably run about the same cost as the whole MacBook is worth to upgrade it. I got my Early 2009 for $199 in great condition. Same as the RAM would cost retail.

 

[IntelBoy4790k]

Thank you bro, I have been wanting a straight up answer with a couple of screenshots just to confirm. Could you point me into the right direction on to buying 4GBx2 as I don't want to buy the wrong modules.

The correct memory modules would be DDR2 pc 5300 laptop memory, 200 pin at either 667 megahertz or 800 megahertz