hernie55

Q: Mac Upgrade

I have a late 2008 MacBook (aluminium, 13") with Intel C2D 2 GHz processor, 2 GB (2 x 1GB) 1067 MHz DDR3 Memory and 160 GB Toshiba Hard Disk {all original configuration}. The Apple guys refer to this model number of MacBooks as 5,1. I want to upgrade memory to 4 GB and the hard disk to at least 320 GB. Regardless of the cost I want to find out what is best possible memory and hard disk upgrade that I can have?

 

Appreciate all help, guidance and responses.

Posted on Aug 19, 2011 1:18 PM

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Q: Mac Upgrade

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  • by Kappy,Helpful

    Kappy Kappy Aug 19, 2011 1:22 PM in response to hernie55
    Level 10 (271,184 points)
    Desktops
    Aug 19, 2011 1:22 PM in response to hernie55

    Visit OWC where you can purchase the RAM you want, hard drives, enclosure for the old drive, and video tutorials.

  • by Wicky,Helpful

    Wicky Wicky Aug 20, 2011 6:11 AM in response to hernie55
    Level 1 (10 points)
    Aug 20, 2011 6:11 AM in response to hernie55

    hi there,

    i own that exact macbook,

    i've read that it can run up to 8 gb of ram without problems and an SSD would be the best option for an hd upgrade.

    i  was looking after that, but i didn't understand which kind of SATA compliance would be more appropriate.

    also i wonder if the 2.0 ghz processor would become a bottleneck after those upgrades.

     

    thanks for any answer

  • by Kappy,

    Kappy Kappy Nov 15, 2012 9:35 AM in response to Wicky
    Level 10 (271,184 points)
    Desktops
    Nov 15, 2012 9:35 AM in response to Wicky
    Maximum Memory8.0 GB (Actual) 4.0 GB (Apple)
    Memory Slots2 - 204-pin PC3-8500 (1066 MHz) DDR3 SO-DIMM

     

    SATA II - 3.0 Gb/s interface controller.

     

    The CPU speed is adequate. The GPU is a 9400M that has been problematic in some models. This was due to a faulty batch of chips from Nvidia. Apple had a replacement program: MacBook Pro: Distorted video or no video issues.

  • by SantoB,

    SantoB SantoB Nov 15, 2012 9:45 AM in response to hernie55
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Nov 15, 2012 9:45 AM in response to hernie55

    I really like http://www.crucial.com . They have a neat little applet that checks your computer and automatically tells you what is upgradable on that particular model. They also have AWEsome prices!

  • by Wicky,

    Wicky Wicky Jan 3, 2014 5:08 AM in response to hernie55
    Level 1 (10 points)
    Jan 3, 2014 5:08 AM in response to hernie55

    i am now running 8 GB of RAM since 1 year ago, no problems whatsoever.

  • by dwb,

    dwb dwb Jan 3, 2014 6:09 AM in response to hernie55
    Level 7 (24,194 points)
    Notebooks
    Jan 3, 2014 6:09 AM in response to hernie55

    I upgraded my 2009 MBP with a 256GB Samsung SSD and I cannot begin to describe the impact. It was like getting a new computer. I doubled the RAM - to 8GB - a few months later and that gave it another boost. Just to give you an idea - I have a top end 2013 iMac with a Fusion drive and my MBP doesn't feel slow in comparison - it would have before the upgrades. Your 2008 isn't that much different from mine so you should feel a similar impact with a lot less impact to the wallet.

     

    BTW at the shop where I work part time the three favorite drives among the techs are Samsung (for the price and quality) with Crucial and OWC tied (for speed and quality).