Maxing out a 2007 Black Core 2 Duo

[Brandon Miles]

Hey guys, I've got a 2007 black macbook 2.14 core 2 duo. Was wondering what is the theoretical limit to this device? I'd like to upgrade to a 2.4ghz, 6gm ram, nvme m.2 (with an adapter of course) and a 1080p screen if possible.

Edit: if limits can be pushed further e.g. lcd wise or there's no technical way to get a nvme drive to cooperate then please let me know!

 

[Damtoft]

Why not buy a newer Macbook? Pay $200 and get a much better macbook than a 2007.

 

[CooperBox]

I agree with the previous poster.
I know it's tempting to upgrade some of these older Macbooks, but frankly the A1181 models are far from the best to be spending extra dollars on. For a start one sees so many available with defective logic boards, and even a serviceable one would probably not hold up for too long in regular or even occasional use. Secondly the 'Merom' CPU is really getting long in the tooth and to be honest the A1181 pre-unibody models are not particulary pleasant to work on.

If you want a truly excellent, not-too-modern MacBook, imho there's really only one. The mid 2010 2.4GHz A1342 'Penryn' model MacBook7,1 introduced May 2010 and discontinued July 2011. With a very simple installation of an SSD to replace the original HD, and RAM upgrade these MacBooks are well worth having. Although I've reconditioned several of the earlier A1181 pre-unibody models, I personally wouldn't bother with them now.
If you need to know more, HERE's a link to my post on refurbishment and upgrade of the unibody mid 2010 2.4GHz A1342 model. Since then it's been in regular use; I've upgraded the memory to 8GB (can be extended to 16GB) and with the Samsung SSD and Dosdude's patch it runs Mojave very well indeed. During refurbishment the fan should be removed for thorough cleaning, and it's always good practise to repaste the CPU to prolong the life of these excellent little MackBooks.

 

[MBAir2010]

what OSX can run on this notebook?
i can do more things on mountain lion than show leopard internet and iCloud wise, but snow leopard is more responsive.
I miss my powerbook G4 and igloo iMac g4
but the better half does of my brain does not let me purchase a replacement because i am tired.
so dont listen to those saying what a waste of time and $ this is, the  systems back then were fun to use!

 

[CooperBox]

For those who say, "dont listen to those saying what a waste of time and $ this is, the  systems back then were fun to use!", that's fine but the truth is for those who wish to dabble with an early OS say 10.4 'Tiger to 10.7 'Lion' (which incidently a 2007 black Macbook will still run) one gets very little in return for money spent on upgrading these old black MacBooks. Been there, done that!
One get's far more 'fun' from upgrading a unibody A1342, or even a G4 iMac with extra Ram and SSD, than a black MacBook - if one chooses the correct iMac. The 17" or 20" USB models are the ones to go for, and generally have far more appeal running early systems such as 'Tiger' or 'Leopard', they're a joy to use, plus they still attract a lot of attention on the second-hand market. I recently sold a 20" iMac G4 which I'd upgraded with SSD for an excellent price.
Summary: Spend extra money on your Black MacBook if it rocks your boat (it would capsize mine), far better go for the 2.4GHz unibody A1342, or a 17" G4 iMac for a fun and far more rewarding upgrade project.