Upgrade early 2008 Macbook Pro RAM

Revision 3,x can handle 6GB

http://blogs.zdnet.com/Apple/?p=2465
http://smoove-operator.blogspot.com/2008/09/macbook-pro-rev3-works-with-6gb-ram. html

The Early 2008 (aka Penryn) MBPs are limited to 4 GB of RAM. Those have an 800 MHz frontside bus. The Late 2008 (Unibody) MBPs have a 1066 MHz frontside bus and can take 6 GB of RAM (for the 15" model). The Early 2009 17" MBP can use 8 GB of RAM.

Just plug it in. Of course you have to make sure the RAM is DDR3 PC3-8500 1066MHz RAM.

That will only work if they have a late-2008 (Unibody) MacBook Pro

Right. I was looking at wiki and it is screwy.

The 2.5GHz MBP is early 2008 FSB 800MHz MB134LL/A (unless it is the 17" but either way it uses the same RAM).

It takes 667MHz PC2-5300 DDR2 like [this Crucial 2X2GB set|http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148201] on Newegg for $37.99 and free shipping.

Don't forget [2% cash back|http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=DMMneqKtzskNampKdYmMZA%3D%3D] on Newegg.

Thanks for the info but I knew that already, which is why I pointed out your initial recommendation would not work. And I have 4GB from Crucial already.

Dear all,

I'm new here, and was wondering if "non ECC" RAM work for early 2008 Mac Pro? ECC RAMs are way too expensive ....

Here are the memory requirements from the manual:

"DIMMs for Mac Pro (Early 2008) must fit these specifications:
800 MHz, DDR2, FB-DIMMs•
72-bit wide, 240-pin modules•
36 memory ICs maximum per DIMM•
+Error-correcting code (ECC)+•" (Emphasis added)

Message was edited by: deggie

Not true.

The early 2008 Penryn's CAN use 6GB. Mine does.

I know sometimes these machines have capabilities beyond what apple "recommends" or acknowledges so I'm interested in the MAX ram I can install for my early 2008 macbook pro http://support.apple.com/kb/SP4
In the specs, it says 667mhz, but I'm also seeing on this thread (and others) that 800mhz upgrade is possible. Same dilema with max ram @4gb vs. 6gb (or maybe even 8gb?)

Is this the same mbp you're using Michael Swengel?

Ok, I just ended up calling Kingston's support line since that was the product brand of memory I was looking at and they explained the bus speed of my laptop must be GREATER than the mhz of the memory. Sooo... the 800mhz 4gb memory WILL NOT work with my mbp because my bus speed is 800mhz also. I still question the possibility of 6gb instead of 4gb.

Michael Swengel or anyone else here using the early 2008 MBP, stating that the machine could use 6GB of RAM. Could you please prove this, post a picture of the screen under "about this Mac". I too have a early 2008 MBP, Penryn model, 2.4Ghz. I want to upgrade my RAM, and want to max it out completely.

Thank you very much.

xrayeyes1502 :

I don't personally use this machine but thinking of getting one. Hoping to avoid all the external display problems the unibody models are experiencing. And yes I will be putting 6GB RAM in the machine. But to answer your question, check these links:

http://macperformanceguide.com/Mac-OWC6GB.html

http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Other%20World%20Computing/5300DDR2S6GP/

Hope this helps

Hi all!

I read the links posted.. is this safe? is it confirmed that 6GB will work?
i have 4gb installed now.. i am using it for audio 😉
to those who upgraded, kindly share your insights .

hoping to hear from you guys.

thanks!

pkdip

Message was edited by: pkdip