Macbook RAM upgrade limits on 32 bit os?

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Level 1

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Macbook RAM upgrade limits on 32 bit os?

So, I've noticed how Mac OS 10.6 the Late 08 macbooks will only boot into a 32 bit kernel (despite being fully 64 bit capable as proved by my installation of a 64 bit Windows OS). I've tried holding the 6 and 4 keys to get into 64 bit mode, no dice. So, I'm wondering, I have 2 gigs of RAM now, if I dropped another 2 gigs in it, would it be subjected to the 3.3 gig 32 bit RAM limit since the OS kernel is 32 bit, or does the 64 bit EFI allow it to address the whole 4 gigs?

If it's got the 32 bit limit on it, that utterly ***** that Apple seems to be holding back hardware that I paid for simple because I bought the Macbook instead of the Macbook Pro.

MacBook Aluminum, Mac OS X (10.6.2), Boot Camp Dual Boot with Windows 7 RC 7100

Posted on Dec 10, 2009 12:55 AM

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Answer 1

GfulDedFan

Level 4

3,315 points

Dec 10, 2009 3:29 AM in response to Link48010

The late '08 models will utilize all of the RAM up to 6GB regardless of the fact that you are using a 32 or 64bit OS. -GDF

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Answer 2

JoeyR

Level 6

8,305 points

Dec 10, 2009 6:01 AM in response to Link48010

There really are no limitations at this point in using the 32 bit kernel. Unlike Windows where you have two separate versions of the OS... OS X can work sort of as a hybrid of the two. Current MacBook Pros default to the 32 bit kernel as well and are capable of supporting up to 8GB and the MacPro desktop systems have been able to support up to 32GB even under Leopard (10.5). As GfulDedFan indicated, your specific model will support up to 6GB... so you'll be fine with 4.

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