Max RAM on late 2008 MacBook Pro

[journeyingsoul]

Hello, I have a Macbook Pro (5,1 / A1286 model) 2.93GHz running Mavericks.. currently with 4GB Ram. Does anyone know if this model supports 8GB, as i have been receiving conflicting information from various sites..

All help appreciated.

Thanks

 

[MagicBoy]

8GB, with the latest firmware installed and OS X 10.6 upwards.

I'd order guaranteed compatible RAM for the MBP, rather than generic PC RAM to ensure compatability.

 

[journeyingsoul]

Thanks. How can I check if I have latest firmware? I recently upgraded from snow leopard to Mavericks, would this mean firmware is the most current? (Sorry if the question sounds silly.. im a newbie to Apple)

Thanks again. .

8GB, with the latest firmware installed and OS X 10.6 upwards.

I'd order guaranteed compatible RAM for the MBP, rather than generic PC RAM to ensure compatability.

 

[Weaselboy]

Thanks. How can I check if I have latest firmware? I recently upgraded from snow leopard to Mavericks, would this mean firmware is the most current? (Sorry if the question sounds silly.. im a newbie to Apple)

Thanks again. .

Just run software update and if there is a firmware update available for your machine it will show up there. There has not been an update on those 2008 models in forever so I bet you installed the latest update ages ago.

 

[aziatiklover]

Thanks. How can I check if I have latest firmware? I recently upgraded from snow leopard to Mavericks, would this mean firmware is the most current? (Sorry if the question sounds silly.. im a newbie to Apple)

Thanks again. .

Check your bootrom version, and if it is like this you should be able to run 8gb of ram max.

Boot ROM Version: MBP51.007E.B06

 

[journeyingsoul]

Thanks. Boot ROM Version states : MBP51.007E.B05

Does this mean I'm stuck with 4gb ?

Check your bootrom version, and if it is like this you should be able to run 8gb of ram max.

Boot ROM Version: MBP51.007E.B06

 

[journeyingsoul]

Thanks. It appears the firmware was not updated.

It now shows as: Boot ROM Version: MBP51.007E.B06

Has anyone increased RAM to 8GB successfully on this model? I called Applecare and they say it only goes to 4GB Max..

Just run software update and if there is a firmware update available for your machine it will show up there. There has not been an update on those 2008 models in forever so I bet you installed the latest update ages ago.

 

[Steve686]

Flash the boot rom. I did it to my 2008 Unibody and 8 gigs worked.

 

[RedRaven571]

Thanks. It appears the firmware was not updated.

It now shows as: Boot ROM Version: MBP51.007E.B06

Has anyone increased RAM to 8GB successfully on this model? I called Applecare and they say it only goes to 4GB Max..

I did about 1 year ago, 8GB and running fine; used Crucial RAM.

 

[journeyingsoul]

Thanks. Can you provide me with the 8GB memory kit part number that you used to upgrade? i want to make sure i buy the correct memory..

I did about 1 year ago, 8GB and running fine; used Crucial RAM.

 

[aziatiklover]

Thanks. It appears the firmware was not updated.

It now shows as: Boot ROM Version: MBP51.007E.B06

Has anyone increased RAM to 8GB successfully on this model? I called Applecare and they say it only goes to 4GB Max..

Here is my thread about having issue!
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1760095/

Then I bought 2 sticks of 4GB and it works like a charm now.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4505186&sku=C13-6130

 

[eneisch]

Check out OWC at the link below. They have information and sell the memory you need. Since they specialize in Mac upgrades the products they sell should work well. I upgraded my 2008 unibody MacBook to 4GB shortly after purchase and their memory is still working fine 6 years later.

http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/memory/Apple_MacBook_MacBook_Pro/Upgrade/DDR3

Hope this helps!

 

[RedRaven571]

Thanks. Can you provide me with the 8GB memory kit part number that you used to upgrade? i want to make sure i buy the correct memory..

Crucial 8GB Kit (4GB x 2) DDR3 1066 MT/s (PC3-8500) CL7 SODIMM 204-Pin Mac Memory CT2K4G3S1067M

$72.99 on amazon

 

[snaky69]

8GB, with the latest firmware installed and OS X 10.6 upwards.

I'd order guaranteed compatible RAM for the MBP, rather than generic PC RAM to ensure compatability.

There is no such thing as RAM "for Macs", anyone who tells you otherwise is either misinformed or full of it.

Buy RAM from a reputable brand from a shop with a good return policy should you get bad sticks, and you're good to go.

 

[MagicBoy]

There is no such thing as RAM "for Macs", anyone who tells you otherwise is either misinformed or full of it.

Buy RAM from a reputable brand from a shop with a good return policy should you get bad sticks, and you're good to go.

I never said there was "RAM for Macs". Stop making things up!

I've always used (and recommend) Crucial RAM. Their configurator just works.

 

[Steve686]

There is no such thing as RAM "for Macs", anyone who tells you otherwise is either misinformed or full of it.

Buy RAM from a reputable brand from a shop with a good return policy should you get bad sticks, and you're good to go.

He's referring to RAM that has been tested in MACS and has no timing or other issues I believe.

Crucial is also my favorite memory. If I recall, Crucial formed from Micron computers? Had a Micron PC back in '92.

 

[MagicBoy]

He's referring to RAM that has been tested in MACS and has no timing or other issues I believe.

Crucial is also my favorite memory. If I recall, Crucial formed from Micron computers? Had a Micron PC back in '92.

Got it in one.

 

[journeyingsoul]

It works ! Hoorah !

Just to update - ordered the 4GBx2 upgrade, installed it this morning and its good! a significant improvement in speed..

Thanks to everyone for responding to my post..

 

[aziatiklover]

Just to update - ordered the 4GBx2 upgrade, installed it this morning and its good! a significant improvement in speed..

Thanks to everyone for responding to my post..

Brand,price,where? I just returned my 8gb corsair because I thought $112 was expensive. So I am still shopping around for something close to $65. I still can't believe I paid $75 at Frys for 16gb 4 years ago for the 2010 mac mini, and now price just goes up.

 

[jav6454]

Hello, I have a Macbook Pro (5,1 / A1286 model) 2.93GHz running Mavericks.. currently with 4GB Ram. Does anyone know if this model supports 8GB, as i have been receiving conflicting information from various sites..

All help appreciated.

Thanks

8GB is the highest it'll ever go. All Late 2008 models can get 8GB standard.

 

[journeyingsoul]

Brand,price,where? I just returned my 8gb corsair because I thought $112 was expensive. So I am still shopping around for something close to $65. I still can't believe I paid $75 at Frys for 16gb 4 years ago for the 2010 mac mini, and now price just goes up.

I purchased mine from crucial uk. crucial ram. 65 uk pounds. Bit pricey but well worth it when it just works.

 

[jav6454]

I purchased mine from crucial uk. crucial ram. 65 uk pounds. Bit pricey but well worth it when it just works.

Tad pricey. However, did that include shipping?

 

[journeyingsoul]

Tad pricey. However, did that include shipping?

Yes.. it was bit pricey but Shipping was included.. and it works without any issues.