Max Ram for Penryn Macbooks-4 or 6GB

[chan2004]

Hi

I was looking into some RAM upgrade options for my Penryn MB

In almost all websites, its mentioned that the max RAM limit is 4GB

But in this guide,
http://guides.macrumors.com/Understanding_Intel_Mac_RAM
it is mentioned as 6GB

So, which one is correct - 4GB or 6GB?

 

[Hellhammer]

Officially 4GB, unofficially 6GB.

 

[chan2004]

Officially 4GB, unofficially 6GB.

If I install 2 * 3GB cards, will i get the maximmum performance of the card or just a minor improvement from 2 * 2GB Cards?

I searched the forum for this topic, but couldn't find any topic relating to this.
Has anyone tried the 2 * 3GB option?

 

[Eidorian]

If I install 2 * 3GB cards, will i get the maximmum performance of the card or just a minor improvement from 2 * 2GB Cards?

I searched the forum for this topic, but couldn't find any topic relating to this.
Has anyone tried the 2 * 3GB option?

You'd be installing 4 GB + 2 GB to get your 6 GB.

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/573906/

 

[chan2004]

You'd be installing 4 GB + 2 GB to get your 6 GB.

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/573906/

Thanks for the link
I still have to learn how to use search function effectively

 

[J&JPolangin]

...does anyone even make a 3GB stick of RAM?

 

[Hellhammer]

If I install 2 * 3GB cards, will i get the maximmum performance of the card or just a minor improvement from 2 * 2GB Cards?

I searched the forum for this topic, but couldn't find any topic relating to this.
Has anyone tried the 2 * 3GB option?

There is no 3GB chips (or at least they are very rare). You have to buy 2GB + 4GB.

 

[chan2004]

one more question

I have selected a Ram

Product Number: KVR667D2S5/2G
Description: Kingston ValueRAM 2GB DDR2-667 SODIMM
Dimensions: 2GB
Speed: DDR2-667 (PC-5300)
Timing: CL5
Buffer: unbuffered
Pin: 200-pin

Will this be compatabile with my peryn MB?

 

[Hellhammer]

one more question

I have selected a Ram

Product Number: KVR667D2S5/2G
Description: Kingston ValueRAM 2GB DDR2-667 SODIMM
Dimensions: 2GB
Speed: DDR2-667 (PC-5300)
Timing: CL5
Buffer: unbuffered
Pin: 200-pin

Will this be compatabile with my peryn MB?

It should be but Macs are picky with RAM so I would buy from Crucial or OWC, you can't get wrong one if you buy from them

 

[socamx]

It should be but Macs are picky with RAM so I would buy from Crucial or OWC, you can't get wrong one if you buy from them

In all my years of using Macs, I have never run into one where I had to buy specifically 'made for mac' ram. Just match up the specifications correctly, run memtest86 if you're paranoid and you are good to go. Memory is just as generic as CD rom drives, hard drives and so on. It isn't like video cards or PCI cards.

I purchase generic 'PC' ram all the time for my Macs and not once had a problem. I've saved hundreds over the years because of that.

 

[Cave Man]

In all my years of using Macs, I have never run into one where I had to buy specifically 'made for mac' ram. Just match up the specifications correctly, run memtest86 if you're paranoid and you are good to go. Memory is just as generic as CD rom drives, hard drives and so on. It isn't like video cards or PCI cards.

The unfortunate reality is that there are many chips that have the "correct" specifications, but when you install them the computer won't even boot. In particular, the current 9400m-based Macs are especially prone to such problems.

 

[mscriv]

I purchase generic 'PC' ram all the time for my Macs and not once had a problem. I've saved hundreds over the years because of that.

The unfortunate reality is that there are many chips that have the "correct" specifications, but when you install them the computer won't even boot.

Sorry, socamx, but Cave Man is right. It happened to me just last week. I bought a 4gb kit from Fry's for the MBPro in my signature line and it didn't work. I bought Corsair (Value Select) ram with the right specifications, but the machine would not turn on. I just got the loud "you've jacked up your ram" beep when I tried to start the machine. I did a little research and went back to Fry's for a different type. It turns out Corsair makes their "Value Select" line for PC only and do not guarantee it's usability in macs. They do make a separate line of memory that is guaranteed to be mac compatible and it's a little more expensive. What's the exact difference? I don't know, but I'd encourage everyone to double check before they buy and make sure that you have the option to return what you buy in the event that it doesn't work.

To the op, everymac.com will tell you the supported and unsupported ram configurations for every mac on their website. 4gb single sticks are still expensive $100+ and you will get really good performance from 4gb in a matched set (2 x 2gb). So, unless you are just doing some major heavy tasks I wouldn't go for the 6gb at this point. I do photo and video stuff on the machines in my signature line and 4gb is plenty.