MacBook White upgrade

[skaertus]

I currently have a white MacBook 4,1. It's the model released in early 2008, with a Core 2 Duo (Penryn) 2.4 GHz processor, 2 GB RAM and a 160 GB HD.

I am thinking of upgrading it to give it some new life. So I intend to put more memory (4 GB) and a 128 GB SSD (instead of the slow 5,400 RPM HD).

I have two questions:

1. The MacBook has two memory slots. Each one is filled with 1 GB DDR2 at 667 MHz. I would like to put 2 GB in each slot. According to Apple, I should use two similar memory modules. Would it be possible to put 800 MHz modules, since the MacBook has a FSB of 800 MHz?

2. Although Apple recommends not to swith the HD in the white MacBook, I've seen many people doing that. Is there something I must be aware of in switching the HD for an SSD?

 

[Zeke D]

I can answer the memory question. Using overrated ram shouldn't cause any issues. When upgrading I usually get a speed over what the default it is.

 

[skaertus]

I can answer the memory question. Using overrated ram shouldn't cause any issues. When upgrading I usually get a speed over what the default it is.

Thank you. That was helpful.

I would also like to know about the SSD, though. My MacBook has a SATA 160 GB HD. I've found a Corsair Force GT SSD for sale, and it is SATA 3 (but backwards compatible with both SATA and SATA 2). Does anybody know if this SSD would work with the MacBook?

 

[Zeke D]

Thank you. That was helpful.

I would also like to know about the SSD, though. My MacBook has a SATA 160 GB HD. I've found a Corsair Force GT SSD for sale, and it is SATA 3 (but backwards compatible with both SATA and SATA 2). Does anybody know if this SSD would work with the MacBook?

I expect it would, but I have no first hand knowledge on it.

 

[skaertus]

I expect it would, but I have no first hand knowledge on it.

Thank you, I'll give it a try.

 

[logana]

Please dont put anything other than PC5300 (667 MHz) ram in that MacBook - it will only boot with at least 1 genuine PC5300 chip in it....

You can fit 6GB though - one 4GB and one 2GB (just as long as one of them is PC5300 - the other can be faster PC6400 (800MHz) but it won't run any faster than PC5300 ram !!

 

[skaertus]

Please dont put anything other than PC5300 (667 MHz) ram in that MacBook - it will only boot with at least 1 genuine PC5300 chip in it....

You can fit 6GB though - one 4GB and one 2GB (just as long as one of them is PC5300 - the other can be faster PC6400 (800MHz) but it won't run any faster than PC5300 ram !!

Thank you. I thought the MacBook would support a maximum of 4 GB.

 

[peeaanuut]

apple always understates the max ram. My iMac, apple says 16GB, I have 32GB. I have an 08 Blackbook and it runs excellent with a 4GB and 2GB combo.

 

[skaertus]

apple always understates the max ram. My iMac, apple says 16GB, I have 32GB. I have an 08 Blackbook and it runs excellent with a 4GB and 2GB combo.

Thank you. Anyway, I don't think I will need more than 4 GB of RAM in this MacBook... it's just to run Lion smoothly.