2GB 1067 MHz DDR3... question about upgrade to lower clock-speed

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2GB 1067 MHz DDR3... question about upgrade to lower clock-speed

So I am 1-day-in with my new 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Macbook Pro... Its fantastic.

However, I can't seem to find an answer about a potential memory upgrade.

The brand new machine came equipped with "2GB 1067 MHz DDR3"... and today my wife purchased for me a new 2GB-stick of memory as a surprise gift (she loves to make the nerd happy), however the clock-speed on this new stick is 667MHz (the unopened package reads "DDR2 2GB PC5300 SO-DIMM 667MHz, Single Module").

I'm not sure how all this works, but my current clock speed is higher than the new 2GB stick... am I trading down by upgrading?

I would look at the Apple store for reference, but unfortunately the Apple store doesn't carry ANY memory for my model:
http://store.apple.com/us/memorymodel/ME15_2_4MBP

I googled and combed the the boards, but I can't seem to find out if this install will be a step back, sideways, or forward.

Any idears/advice?

15" MacBook Pro 2.4 GHz, Mac OS X (10.5.5), Overweight cat, 5-years in a Rock Band, Hazelnut Coffee, Fox Soccer Channel on mute, Smiling

Posted on Nov 20, 2008 12:53 PM

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Answer 1

Kappy

Level 10

362,023 points

Nov 20, 2008 1:21 PM in response to killola

You cannot use that module in your new computer. DDR2 RAM has 200 pins whereas the DDR3 module has 204 pints. They are not interchangeable. You should not use RAM that does not conform to the specifications provided with your computer. Although faster or slower RAM may work, they can never run faster than the memory speed of your bus. In the case of slower RAM the bus speed will be forced to run at the slower speed thus making all your RAM run at the slower speed. Stick to the specifications - that's what they are there for.

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Answer 2

killola Author

Level 1

0 points

Nov 20, 2008 2:36 PM in response to Kappy

That means the tech-writers goofed in the new manual... this is page 42 of the "Everything Mac" guide that came with my brand new unibody MBP... its telling people that 200-pins is the way to go:

I only found that after researching further into Kappy's post. Thanks for the advice man. 🙂

I'll be returning my DDR2 and getting this:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148191&Tpk=N82E16820148 191

"so... mystery solved" - Dwight Schrute

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Answer 3

Kappy

Level 10

362,023 points

Nov 20, 2008 2:51 PM in response to killola

I've reported it. Thanks for pointing that out.

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