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User profile for user: philskl
philskl Author
User level: Level 1
5 points

MacBook (early 2008) - 4gb RAM upgrade

Hi all,

I'm experiencing similar issues as others trying to upgrade my MacBook to 4gb RAM. I recently purchased two 2GB memory modules from Crucial.
Like others have reported, when I install the 2x2gb the computer can turn on but do not boot up and get stuck on a black screen.
If I install only one of the 2gb module in any of the slots it doesn't work either.
The only way to make it work is by inserting 1x2gb and 1x1gb (original module) in any of the slots. As such, the Macbook works properly and recognise 3gb.

Clearly, the memory modules are not faulty. I just don't understand why it would work only while inserting one of the original modules?

During the purchase, I made sure that I selected the correct memory modules using Crucial tool and I also checked that I got the correct speed (PC2-5300 667MHz).

I sent an email to Crucial and they suggested that I ensure I have the latest firmware as it seems to be a limitation/restrictions on the motherboard. Crucial also recommended me to check directly with Apple on the matter.

What do you think?

If that helps here is the information from the System profiler:
- Boot ROM Version: MB41.00C1.B00
- SMC Version: 1.31f0

Thanks.

Message was edited by: philskl

Macbook (White Early 2008) 2.4 GHz, 2gb RAM, Mac OS X (10.6.1)

Posted on Sep 23, 2009 6:10 AM

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27 replies
User profile for user: robnich
robnich
User level: Level 3
844 points

Sep 23, 2009 7:14 AM in response to philskl

I find this very puzzling, as I also have an early 2008 white MacBook with the identical Boot ROM and SMC versions and 4GB of identical PC2-5300 667MHz DDR2 RAM installed without any difficulty and performing normally. The RAM modules (2GB) are also Crucial RAM, although purchased from New Egg in January 2009. This is the identifier for the RAM kit I purchased: NBM 2Gx2|CRUC CT2KIT25664AC667 - OEM.

As far as I can tell, you and I have identical MacBooks and RAM modules, so I am at a loss to explain your situation.

Bob N.
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User profile for user: y_p_w
y_p_w
User level: Level 6
17,642 points

Sep 23, 2009 3:32 PM in response to philskl

philskl wrote:
Hi all,

I'm experiencing similar issues as others trying to upgrade my MacBook to 4gb RAM. I recently purchased two 2GB memory modules from Crucial.
Like others have reported, when I install the 2x2gb the computer can turn on but do not boot up and get stuck on a black screen.
If I install only one of the 2gb module in any of the slots it doesn't work either.
The only way to make it work is by inserting 1x2gb and 1x1gb (original module) in any of the slots. As such, the Macbook works properly and recognise 3gb.

Clearly, the memory modules are not faulty. I just don't understand why it would work only while inserting one of the original modules?


Sounds like a classic case where a PC2-6400 (DDR2 800) module was labeled as PC2-5300 (DDR2 667) - and then is used with one of the Intel chipsets (the NVIDIA chipsets don't have this problem and reportedly will run PC2-6400 at full speed). Once a true PC2-5300 module is used in the pair, the memory controller knows to default both modules in the system to the slower setting. By itself, it doesn't know what to do with PC2-6400.

I didn't think that Crucial would do that. Kingston ValueRAM seems to be notorious for it. However - PC2-5300 is being phased out and there's a good chance that they simply label it as such to avoid having to produce inventory that's been phased out. For the most part it should be easy for a memory assembler to use PC2-6400 parts and just encode the serial presence detect EEPROM as PC2-5300. I've even heard of OCZ providing reflash image to do just that for customers who purchased PC2-6400 but needed a specific PC2-5300 SPD.
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User profile for user: philskl
philskl Author
User level: Level 1
5 points

Sep 23, 2009 8:27 PM in response to robnich

I've tried resetting the SMC by unplugging the power cord and taking out the battery then press the power button for 5 seconds. It has been unsuccessful.
I think resetting the PRAM is a different thing so I will give a try tonight!

If the modules have been mislabeled, is there any way to found out what is the speed of the modules?

Thanks for the info.

Message was edited by: philskl
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User profile for user: scottch.eezem
scottch.eezem
User level: Level 1
0 points

Sep 25, 2009 9:24 AM in response to y_p_w

Totally having the same problem with my macbook Rev3,1. also bought 2x2gb crucial sdram modules from local store. I Can get any combination of original .5gb and 2gb working except 2x2gb.

Another post suggested that taking the laptop to Apple might result in the instalation(probably something more like a fromware flash) of some new board, but I can't confirm this. (Anyone else?)

have also noticed that one 2gb module by itself will not allow computer to boot.

I will probably just end up taking mine back(even though they seem to be fine, but in the case that they have been mislabeled, maybe they have a set that is label correcty and will work)
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User profile for user: jim692
jim692
User level: Level 1
0 points

Oct 12, 2009 6:52 PM in response to philskl

Same problem here. Have an early 2008 4,1 Macbook & bought 4GB of PNY RAM in October 2009. Running Snow Leopard with latest update. Both 2GB modules were very firmly seated and all I get is the black screen and no boot. Substitute either 2GB module and the original 512MB module and it works fine and sees 2.5GB. It does seem a little quicker than the original 1GB it sold with. Don't see any firmware update as being pertinent as I have all available updates. Maybe they downlabeled a higher speed as PC2-5300, but I can't spend more bucks chasing this possibility. I have verified the serial no. that I have is good for 4GB. The 2 module kit I bought yesterday was $60 with the rebate. The apple store has it for $200. This should not be happening across several of the major manufacturers as I've read here and elsewhere. I and others need a solution.
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User profile for user: philskl
philskl Author
User level: Level 1
5 points

Oct 13, 2009 5:15 AM in response to jim692

Hi all,

I have done some extra tests with memory modules from a friends and the Macbook starts perfectly. Tried to put 1 module (from my friend) and 1 that I purchased from Crucial - the MB works fine and recognise the 4gb.

If you ordered from Crucial - have a look at that thread http://forum.crucial.com/t5/Standard-DRAM-Memory/Macbook-upgrade-incompatible/m- p/5262#M2437

I contacted Crucial support about this issue, they initially suggested to return the items so that I would get an exchange but have asked to get a refund and they agree on that!

Hope that helps,
Philippe.
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User profile for user: y_p_w
y_p_w
User level: Level 6
17,642 points

Oct 17, 2009 10:41 PM in response to myhighway

myhighway wrote:
+If the modules have been mislabeled, is there any way to found out what is the speed of the modules?+

The Apple Hardware Test reports the speed, and I believe it's an accurate reading since it also reports each module's serial number, and those are not printed on the outside of a module, or the package they ship in.


I don't recall any memory's absolute speed ratings listed in AHT since maybe my iBook G3 600. In System Profiler all it ever reports is the speed that it's being operated at. I remember once experimenting with PC2-4200 modules by themselves and mixed with PC2-5300. As long as one was in there, both modules were being reported as "533 MHz". I suspect that if you mix a PC2-6400 module with a PC2-5300 module, both will be reported as "667 MHz".
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User profile for user: myhighway
myhighway
User level: Level 5
7,270 points

Oct 17, 2009 11:45 PM in response to y_p_w

+reports ... the speed that it's being operated at+

True, not absolute speed ratings, but the speed at which they're operating. Still, testing different modules individually would reveal the speed of each. Also, PC2-4200 and PC2-5300 modules have different part numbers, so all that's needed is to just look up the module part number that's reported in System Profiler or in the Apple Hardware Test results to see the speed at which the module could be operated. In this manner the label on the outside can indeed be confirmed as being accurate or mislabeled.

In addition, I seem to recall that last time I used it a couple years ago TTP also reported the latency of modules in addition to the other data, so all sorts of info must be available one way or another.
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MacBook (early 2008) - 4gb RAM upgrade

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