Is it possible to increase GMA 950 Video Ram from 64MB?

That might be a good idea. I started out with an upgrade myself and had a few problems. I then did a new install and it runs much better. You might want to try an Archive and Install.

Mac OS X: About the Archive and Install feature

Mac OS X 10.4, 10.5: About installation options

Apple OS X 10.5: Leopard Installation and Setup Guide

How much RAM you have in your MacBook depends on how much memory gets allocated to the graphics. It is not locked at 64 MB. This is from the MacBook specs for the GMA 950

+Memory available to Mac OS X may vary depending on graphics needs. Minimum graphics memory usage is 80MB, resulting in 944MB of system memory available on 1GB configurations.+

I have a core duo maxed at 2 gb using an 19 inch external monitor in digital mode. I always have multiple windows open in spaces and don't have a problem with it being choppy.

Sorry, but the information given by Magnus is absolutely wrong. Lastest MacBooks withe Intel GMAX 3100 graphic chip, will be using up to 144 MB from the main RAM. Older Core2Duo MacBooks (Intel GMA 950) like mine will have a limitation of 64MB VRAM. Despite the fact that Intel GMA 950 is capaple of using more the 200 MB, Mac OS X does not allow this. I find this myself stupid. But hey, they still do want to sell MacBook Pros, right?

The information I gave is copied directly from Apples specs it is not something I made up. Also the OP does not have the latest MacBook so my answer was geared to that. You might want to check the specs to see what it says about allocation. This has been discussed many times about the 64 MB spec. I am not going to rehash it. Do a search and you can see the discussions.

Sorry Mort,

I inadvertently posted the message before finishing it. Just wrote an update.

Ron

Thats all right I updated mine also:-> The 64MB question has been talked to death in since the MacBook came out.

just read you just upgraded to Leopard recently. How is it like with the 2GB of RAM? Any noticable differences regarding Intel GMA950? Is the system slower / is Leopard a RAM eater compared to Tiger?

I have found it runs better than Tiger did. I have not had a big problem with graphics. The same I do wish I could put more RAM in but with a CD MacBook I am stuck at 2 GB. Overall I am very impressed with Leopard. When I first switched I kept a bootable copy of Tiger on one of my externals. I tried using it two weeks after I installed Leopard and found it clumsy and awkward to run. I have been running Leopard exclusively ever since.

I would imagine Leopard would be even better with more RAM but until I replace my CD MacBook I won't know.

Thanks Mort, you feedback is really helpful to me...

Concerning your urge on upgrading your RAM, found this site earlier this morning. I'm considering doubling my RAM in the near future, too. Hope this will help you in your decisions...

http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/MemoryBenchmark/AppleMacBook/

Ron

Message was edited by: rhein75

Appreciate it Ron. I use that link a lot when answering questions. My problem is I have a core duo which has a maximum (in real life) of 2 GB. I'm pretty happy right now I have maxed my MacBook out as much as I can. I have 2 GB RAm and a 320 GB Hard drive. The drive alone helps a lot. I used an 80 GB for around 14 month so it is almost like a new computer now:->

Great discussion, and much appreciated you guys. I have been curious as to whether or not I should sell my C2D Blackbook to trade up to a new Santa Rosa. I had tried the Santa Rosa in a drugstore and was stunned by the performance boost. Then I remembered that a hard drive upgrade can potentially offer stunning improvement too. So I ordered a new drive (my warranty just expired - nothing to lose there) which is in the mail. Regarding this thread: I was doubtful about a RAM upgrade (from 1GB). This thread has convinced me to go that route also, so thanks again.

Off ThreadTopic:

Since I am "going in" for a Hard Drive + RAM upgrade, I may as well ask: is there any common wisdom out there regarding a wireless card upgrade? Or is the stock (Extreme) card already the performance limit?

Cheers

Unless you have a core duo you have the best card for the MacBook. It has 802.11n capability where the core duos don't. You just have to activate it.

I just upgraded my black C2D (Aug 2007) from 1 GB to 3GB, the price was about $75 from OWC and they have a $8 trade-in for your old RAM.

Look at /Utilities/Activity Monitor and see how much your RAM and virtual memory usage is. When you have more than 1GB you will have more free RAM and less usage of slow swap space on the hard drive for virtual memory. The speed up you will notice may be subtle, but it also reduces wear on the drive. When you have multiple applications running and switch back and forth the response is definitely faster with the more RAM. 2GB is probably suitable. More is a little better if your version of the MacBook can support it, go for 3GB. Depends on the number and kind of apps you typically run if you really need it.