1st Generation MacBook Pro 15" RAM upgrade

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Level 1

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1st Generation MacBook Pro 15" RAM upgrade

Hey Guys!

I believe I have a 1st generation MacBook Pro 15". I got it on May-2006. I like to update my RAM to the highest possible capacity. Someone please tell me what is the RAM limit for my Mac. Also, I like to get some advice/help on how to make it faster, because she is getting little slow.

Here is my notebook info:

Hardware Overview:

Model Name: MacBook Pro 15"
Model Identifier: MacBookPro1,1
Processor Name: Intel Core Duo
Processor Speed: 2.16 GHz
Number Of Processors: 1
Total Number Of Cores: 2
L2 Cache (per processor): 2 MB
Memory: 1 GB
Bus Speed: 667 MHz
Boot ROM Version: MBP11.0055.B08
SMC Version: 1.2f10

BANK 1/DIMM1:

Size: 1 GB
Type: DDR2 SDRAM
Speed: 667 MHz
Status: OK

Also, please recommend me a reliable RAM brand/maker and a trustworthy website where I can order it from.

Thanks Guys for the help…

MacBook Pro 15", Mac OS X (10.4.11)

Posted on May 14, 2009 9:22 AM

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Answer 1

mac wise

Level 2

276 points

May 14, 2009 9:31 AM in response to The-Z

So you are allowed 2 GB max. I suggest crucial.com as a good source to buy memory. When i buy Ram i just make sure it has a good warranty. Stick with names you are familiar with. For instance kensington is a good brand..

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Answer 2

JoeyR

Level 6

8,305 points

May 14, 2009 9:36 AM in response to mac wise

+*For instance kensington is a good brand*+

Did you mean Kingston? I don't think Kensington offers RAM.

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Answer 3

mac wise

Level 2

276 points

May 14, 2009 9:42 AM in response to JoeyR

Oops, Kingston is what i meant.

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Answer 4

The-Z Author

Level 1

0 points

May 14, 2009 9:52 AM in response to The-Z

Thanks guys for the advice!!!!!
Any suggestion on how I can make her a little faster? It seems she is getting slower compare to herself.......

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Answer 5

May 14, 2009 10:23 AM in response to The-Z

I upgraded the same machine. I maxed out the RAM - which you are doing, replaced the wireless card with an 'N', and replaced the hard drive with a larger, newer model. I also replaced the fans and the screen due to hardware issues. Saying that, opening up one of these and working on the hardware is for the brave (very tiny pieces), and I wouldn't recommend the screen replacement unless you like to stress yourself out. With Snow Lepoard coming out and the statement that this is a meaner and leaner OS, that will probably be the best bet for getting more life out of your laptop.

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Answer 6

mac wise

Level 2

276 points

May 14, 2009 10:31 AM in response to Mark Shykula

I agree with Mark Shykula. Snow Leopard will probably help. I would also suggest doing a fresh install when snow leopard comes out. This way you have a fresh system and then you can move your programs back over. But replacing your HD with a faster one can also speed things up. Also you can always benefit from more storage.

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Answer 7

kmac1036

Level 4

2,370 points

May 14, 2009 10:36 AM in response to The-Z

OWC has been pretty good to me. if you have a "Micron" brand simm installed already, then just pick up an additional simm of the same brand from OWC. Apple recommends (strongly) to used matched pairs in these machines. otherwise, the @GB mached kit is $30 + shipping.

I'd also consider putting 10.5 or 10.6 (when released) on there too. will be better off as updates will likely cease this fall when 10.6 is out.

http://eshop.macsales.com/MyOWC/Upgrades.cfm?sort=pop&model=245&type=Memory&TI=2 715&shoupgrds=Show+Upgrades

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Answer 8

May 15, 2009 7:43 PM in response to The-Z

You should also look into grabbing a 7200 rpm drive with no less than 8MB cache, 16MB is better. It might not make the machine a speed demon, but the reduced read/write times definitely makes it feel faster.

Plus you can never have enough HD space.

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