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Macbook pro 5.1 (late 2008?) RAM update - how much?

Hi there,

I'm very confused. Starting to feel the limit of 4gb on my MacBook pro, and interested in updating the RAM, but very confused about how much I can install, and the spec I need.

I am in the process of installing OSX Lion (so not sure if this updates any of the limitations I've read that older MacBook's have memory wise).

Here is my current spec:

Model Identifier: MacBookPro5,1

Processor Name: Intel Core 2 Duo

Processor Speed: 2.8 GHz

Number Of Processors: 1

Total Number Of Cores: 2

L2 Cache: 6 MB

Memory: 4 GB

Bus Speed: 1.07 GHz

Boot ROM Version: MBP51.007E.B05

SMC Version (system): 1.33f8

I'd sincerly appreciate input from a knowledgeable source! How much RAM can I/should I install, and how perhaps more details on the type of RAM and where to get it from *UK.

Many thanks!

Deep.

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.7)

Posted on Jul 21, 2011 12:01 PM

21 replies

May 6, 2012 11:36 AM in response to Frosty698

Now to the hard drives, been finding a few options on those too. Still a little unclear. Maybe a hybrid drive or i believe i can intall a flash drive into the express card slot to run the OS. Should help speed up the OS & opening applications.

Now that's interesting, read a lot about ssd's improving performance significantly. I was concerned about the price, and the durability. Although the former seems to have fallen (see link below for example).

I read somewhere that either the hardware or software for macbook had or has an issue with SSD's. For the life of me I don't know what it was. And either the new range of computers, or the forthcoming Mountain Lion solves it. Sorry, that is really unhelpful and possible very inaccurate I know!

I'd be very interested in how it goes for you, let us know...

http://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/crucial-256gb-m4-sata-6gb-s-2-5-ssd-169-98-deliv ered-with-code-dabs-1207691

...Also, well done on the two for one deal on you RAM, what a bonus!

steve359

Level 6

17,169 points

May 6, 2012 11:40 AM in response to Csound1

Csound1 ...

You forgot about the part where the Selective Gravitation is so selective it bends around the deepest back corner of the heaviest table.

Csound1

Level 9

59,973 points

May 6, 2012 11:55 AM in response to steve359

steve359 wrote:

Csound1 ...

You forgot about the part where the Selective Gravitation is so selective it bends around the deepest back corner of the heaviest table.

Under a randomly chosen carpet seems to be the particular gravitational anomaly at my place.

pieman44

Level 1

0 points

May 6, 2012 5:21 PM in response to Frosty698

Hi Frosty,

yeah sorry for the incomplete profile... Late 2008 15"

Model Identifier: MacBookPro 5.1

Boot ROM Version: MBP51.007E.B06

SMC Version: 1.41f2

I had an Apple tech on the phone couple weeks ago on unrelated problem and asked about SMC chart. I explained I was going to upgrade RAM and was wondering why my SMC version didn't match any on the chart. She said not to worry about that, I would be fine. I guess we'll see.

May 7, 2012 4:44 AM in response to deepandmeaningless

Cheers for the link Deep.

Prices do seem to be coming down, maybe a little more & at least to match the HD memory i have now (320GB) & research compatibility before i get one maybe. I see crucial do a 512GB for £452. I'd be tempted to put that money to an iPad rather than update my hard drive.

May 7, 2012 5:05 AM in response to pieman44

Hi Pieman,

Interesting that your SMC is different, wonder why that is ? So looks like apple are officiall supporting the 8GB RAM, just not broadcasting it.

Macbook pro 5.1 (late 2008?) RAM update - how much?