What determines the maximum RAM for a Macbook?

[Nosrettap]

What exactly determines the maximum RAM for a Macbook? Is it the processor? And why exactly does this limit exist?

Additionally, is there any chance that a future update (OS X update or the like) will change this maximum limit?

Thanks

 

[msjones]

I think it's a firmware limitation. On some models like the 2008 aluminium MacBook there was a 'secret' firmware that unlocked the system to 8GB.

Here is an article about it.

 

[42streetsdown]

there are also real limitations of the chipset

 

[iThinkergoiMac]

Other than the 2008 Aluminum MacBook, the RAM limitations are hardware-based. Software/firmware can't change it.

 

[Nosrettap]

Other than the 2008 Aluminum MacBook, the RAM limitations are hardware-based. Software/firmware can't change it.

And what about the 2008 Aluminum MacBook? Because that is what I have

 

[GGJstudios]

You can find specs, including maximum RAM, on all Apple products:

• By visiting EveryMac.com
• By using Mactracker
• By entering your serial number here to find specs for your model. (Be aware that some models can use more RAM than Apple shows. Check EveryMac or MacTracker to verify.)

 

[Nosrettap]

You can find specs, including maximum RAM, on all Apple products:

• By visiting EveryMac.com
• By using Mactracker
• By entering your serial number here to find specs for your model. (Be aware that some models can use more RAM than Apple shows. Check EveryMac or MacTracker to verify.)

Why would my computer be able to support more memory than Apple recomends? What incentive does Apple have for not officially supporting 8GB?

 

[GGJstudios]

Why would my computer be able to support more memory than Apple recomends? What incentive does Apple have for not officially supporting 8GB?

Good question! Who knows? It happens a lot, though.

 

[dukebound85]

Good question! Who knows? It happens a lot, though.

With that said, do the current portables have support for 16gigs once the 8 gig chips become more widely sold

 

[MultiFinder17]

Why would my computer be able to support more memory than Apple recomends? What incentive does Apple have for not officially supporting 8GB?

Apple only tests the machines and lists them as officially supporting as much RAM as they will configure it with. If a higher amount is so expensive that they will not offer it in their store when the machine comes out, then they will not officially support it. As time goes on, and prices go down, people can buy the RAM and often find that it works perfectly fine in their machine. 8GB of PC8500 was very expensive in late 2008, so they did not offer it, and did not test the machines with it. That's all it is - it's not some insidious plot on their part.

 

[GGJstudios]

With that said, do the current portables have support for 16gigs once the 8 gig chips become more widely sold

I haven't checked all current models, but many of them do support 16GB, as EveryMac.com, Mactracker and many threads in this forum have shown.