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User profile for user: Eye lash
Eye lash Author
User level: Level 1
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Installing more memory on Mac OS X

Hi! I am looking to install more memory on my mac but haven't a CLUE of how to do it!! I was wondering if anyone could help me?! The technicalities of my computer are :

Hardware Overview:

Model Name: MacBook
Model Identifier: MacBook2,1
Processor Name: Intel Core 2 Duo
Processor Speed: 2 GHz
Number Of Processors: 1
Total Number Of Cores: 2
L2 Cache (per processor): 4 MB
Memory: 1 GB
Bus Speed: 667 MHz
Boot ROM Version: MB21.00A5.B07
SMC Version: 1.13f3
Serial Number: 4H64 *JWGL
Sudden Motion Sensor:
State: Enabled

I have almost filled up my memory as do a lot of graphic design on the computer and would like to install more memory if I can instead of using hardrives all the time. What is the max amount of memory my computer can hold? Where do I purchase the memory from and how do I install it??!!

Thanks ,

Eily (Ireland)

mac os x tiger 10.4.11, Mac OS X (10.4.11), 1 GB memory

Posted on Nov 18, 2009 6:53 AM

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23 replies
User profile for user: Limnos
Limnos
User level: Level 10
411,121 points

Nov 18, 2009 7:21 AM in response to Eye lash

By "memory" do you mean RAM or hard drive space ("memory" usually refers to RAM)?

For faster hardware upgrade advice it is usually best to post on the specific hardware forum for your computer. On this forum it is users of many different model computers but all using Tiger.

I believe that model can support up to 2 GB RAM.

The hard drive interface is SATA. There isn't any practical limit to the size of the drive except what is currently available.

Message was edited by: Limnos
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User profile for user: cornelius
cornelius
User level: Level 6
17,826 points

Nov 18, 2009 7:25 AM in response to Eye lash

Eye lash:

Your 13 inch mid-2007 MacBook will support a maximum of 3 GB of 200-pin PC2-5300 (667MHz) DDR2 SO-DIMM in 2 slots. You can add a 2 GB module to the 1 GB module already installed. Installation is quite easy with step by step directions from iFixit.
I have almost filled up my memory as do a lot of graphic design on the computer and would like to install more memory if I can instead of using hardrives all the time.

This statement is a bit puzzling. If you mean that because you don't have sufficient RAM that the computer is swapping out to disk more often, adding RAM will definitely help. If you mean you don't have sufficient storage capacity, you need a larger HDD.

Please do post back with further questions/comments.

😉 cornelius

Message was edited by: cornelius
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User profile for user: cornelius
cornelius
User level: Level 6
17,826 points

Nov 18, 2009 7:32 AM in response to Limnos

Limnos:

This is how Mactracker lists it:
3.0 GB (Actual) 2.0 GB (Apple)

The Apple specs are 2 GB. The computer will actually support 3 GB.
EveryMac adds it in an explanatory note:
Standard RAM: 1.0 GB Maximum RAM: 2.0 GB*
Details: 1 GB of RAM is installed as two 512 MB modules, no slots free.

*Apple officially supports 2 GB of RAM, but third-parties have been "unofficially" able to upgrade it to 3 GB or 4 GB of RAM (it can hold 4 GB but cannot fully utilize the memory beyond 3 GB).


😉 cornelius
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User profile for user: cornelius
cornelius
User level: Level 6
17,826 points

Nov 18, 2009 7:50 AM in response to Limnos

I remember the G3 too could support larger chips than existed when it was initially brought out.

We used to say that the more compact architecture of modern RAM modules made it possible. Now, however, I am not sure what the explanation is. I think it is good that Apple underestimates the total capacity rather than the other way around.

😉 cornelius
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User profile for user: Eye lash
Eye lash Author
User level: Level 1
0 points

Dec 1, 2009 1:50 AM in response to Limnos

I really don't know if it's hard drive space or RAM I'm looking for really, all I know is when I look at info about Mac it says the capacity is 74.21 GB and available is 7.72. How do I create more available?! My computer has slowed down so much and need to put more prgrams on it so thought it was new memory slots I needed? But as you can probably tell I know VERY little about computers!!
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User profile for user: Rod Hagen
Rod Hagen
User level: Level 7
32,000 points

Dec 1, 2009 3:48 AM in response to Eye lash

You need a bigger hard drive most of all, Eye lash, or you need to delete a lot of things from your existing hard drive to make more room.

Yes , you could certainly do with some more "RAM" memory too, but your HD is right at the lower limit of "safe" operating space.

My suggestion would be that you upgrade both. You'll find doing so gives your MacBook a whole new lease of life.

http://manuals.info.apple.com/enUS/MacBook_13inch_HardDriveDIY.pdf explains how to install a bigger HD if you wish to do it yourself.

http://manuals.info.apple.com/enUS/MacBook_13inch_MemoryDIY.pdf tells you how to add more "RAM"

But if you don't understand the difference between the "memory" on the HD and "RAM" memory , then I'd suggest you might want to think about getting a dealer to install them for you.

Cheers

Rod
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User profile for user: Rod Hagen
Rod Hagen
User level: Level 7
32,000 points

Dec 1, 2009 3:54 AM in response to cornelius

cornelius wrote:
I remember the G3 too could support larger chips than existed when it was initially brought out.

We used to say that the more compact architecture of modern RAM modules made it possible. Now, however, I am not sure what the explanation is. I think it is good that Apple underestimates the total capacity rather than the other way around.




Apple's maximum "RAM" specifications are variously based on the largest RAM modules available at the time of release for a given specification OR on the maximum accessible by the computer because of limitations imposed by other aspects of the "memory controller" or the logic board. Unfortunately they are not consistent, and never indicate which particular factor was involved in deciding the "maximum" official specification.

Accordingly sometimes you can use more than the official "specifications" claim, and sometimes you can't, depending on the computer model concerned.

Cheers

Rod
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User profile for user: cornelius
cornelius
User level: Level 6
17,826 points

Dec 2, 2009 9:02 AM in response to Eye lash

EyeLash:

The RAM you listed will be fine to give you 2 GB total RAM. For 3 GB total RAM you will need this pair. However, since you already have 1 GB installed, you need to add only a single 2 GB module to max out your RAM capacity.
Then that is the memory right?! Where do I purchase the RAM?!

Actually, RAM and Memory refer to the same thing. In addition to beefing up the RAM/Memory we are suggesting upgrading your internal Hard Disk Drive. Any one of these drives at OWC will work for you. Look over the list, and ask about any that catch your interest.

😉 cornelius
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User profile for user: frederic1943
frederic1943
User level: Level 6
10,004 points

Dec 2, 2009 10:56 AM in response to Eye lash

That 320gb drive from OWC would work fine in your MacBook.

Adding memory or replacing a hard drive in a MacBook is very easy. Take the battery out, undo three screws and you have access to the memory and hard drive. You'll need and #00 Phillips screwdriver and a #6 Torx driver (Star shaped head)for the four screws on the hard drive caddy. You'll want to clone your hard drive to the new one in an external case before taking the old one out.

Here's a video showing how.

http://www.macworld.com/article/50899/2006/05/macbookvideo.html

Here's Apple's instructions on doing it.

http://manuals.info.apple.com/enUS/MacBook_13inch_HardDriveDIY.pdf

http://manuals.info.apple.com/enUS/MacBook_13inch_MemoryDIY.pdf
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Installing more memory on Mac OS X

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