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RAM upgrade - Leave Magsafe connected?

O

orangezorki

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Aug 30, 2006
633
30
Hello everyone,

I've got a mid-2009 15" MBP with the 2.8Ghz Core2Duo and 4Gb of RAM. Aside from some silly and unaffordable ideas of getting a 11"MBA and a thunderbolt display, it's still more than enough for my needs. However, Lion has come along, and with the fantastic ability to full screen apps and swipe between them, I suddenly find the machine bogging down and paging out, despite having over 1Gb of inactive memory.

So, I have ordered 8Gb of RAM, and will swap when it arrives tomorrow. However, I have always been a bit afraid of frying the logic board when going anywhere near it. When upgrading desktops in the past, I have usually kept the machine plugged in but switched off at the wall so the machine is earthed, but I can't find anything on these forums saying if keeping the magsafe connected but off would do the same.

Is there any received wisdom on this matter?

Thanks in advance,

David
 
I would recommend having it unplugged and wearing a static bracelet. If you don't have one, simply touch a metal surface before getting close to the chips (I believe this is in the manual that came with the computer, check there for more detailed info.)
 
The recommendation given by Apple is to just touch a metal surface inside your computer to discharge static build-up. Before beginning, you should unplug and turn off your computer.
 
Thanks for the quick replies.

So does this mean that the idea of keeping it plugged in but off has been wrong all along, or does it only apply to desktops?

David
 
orangezorki said:
Thanks for the quick replies.

So does this mean that the idea of keeping it plugged in but off has been wrong all along, or does it only apply to desktops?

David
Click to expand...

No, not all along. PSUs and most electronics are just more advanced than back in the day and don't "leak" as much current anymore even when turned off. The most you need to worry about is making sure you're earthed or have the same charge as the machine by touching it before the RAM and installing it. If you're still weary of it all, then do as iVikD suggests and wear a static bracelet.
 
iVikD said:
I would recommend having it unplugged and wearing a static bracelet. If you don't have one, simply touch a metal surface before getting close to the chips (I believe this is in the manual that came with the computer, check there for more detailed info.)
Click to expand...

Do that, and I would add to remove the battery as an extra precaution. For whatever reason you don't want to click the power button, or have an energy source close to your work environment.
 
Thanks again for the advice - have successfully installed the memory, and it's showing up and working fine, including 1 and a half loops of rember on the free memory at boot up.

David
 
accessoriesguy said:
Do that, and I would add to remove the battery as an extra precaution. For whatever reason you don't want to click the power button, or have an energy source close to your work environment.
Click to expand...

You realize that the batteries are built in?

OP just touch a metal surface like a washer or dryer and you will be fine. Never have I had a problem installing any type of ram.
 
Glad to see you done it without issues.

Instead of removing the battery, I would have just recommended disconnecting it.

Also, not sure how one would press the power button if the lid is closed...
 
kappaknight said:
Glad to see you done it without issues.

Instead of removing the battery, I would have just recommended disconnecting it.

Also, not sure how one would press the power button if the lid is closed...
Click to expand...

The battery is still "powering" the computer.
The power button could be pressed if something is in between the display and the power button.

Why try to be Indiana McGyver McCool fiddling with the dangers of electricity?
 
McGiord said:
Why try to be Indiana McGyver McCool fiddling with the dangers of electricity?
Click to expand...

Well call me Indiana McGyver McCool!

Seriously though, I wasn't happy either with having the battery connected, but as far as I could see, there is a big warning that removing it voids your warranty, and whilst it is out of warranty, I guess it is there for a reason. Anyhow, Apple's instructions don't ask for it, and it did work fine. I've been using it for two days now and it is working fine. So so much for my frying the logic board and 'having' to buy a new maxed out MBP...

David
 
I've installed lots of RAM in my computers over the years. Not once have I ever used a grounding cable or even worried about it and never had an issue. I think unless you purposely rub a balloon on your head to build up a massive static charge, you'll be fine.
 
How to ground yourself & keep yourself safe:
1. Touch metal surface connected to ground (e.g. MBP plugged in). Connect antistatic bracelet to it if desired.
2. Disconnect MBP PSU and battery.
3. Mod away.
 
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