Upgrading RAM Late 2008 Macbook 5gb?

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Ekwaiban Author

Level 1

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Upgrading RAM Late 2008 Macbook 5gb?

Hey guys,

Got a few questions before upgrading my computer.

I currently own a Late 2008 MacBook. 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo. 2 GB 1067 MHz DDR3

Standard stuff...

Issues I've been having lately is mega lag when running multiple tabs on my google chrome... I'm thinking that the issue may be the memory being all used up... so I'm looking to upgrade the RAM in order to speed things up a bit. Several question come to mind.

1. Will adding on RAM alleviate the lagging problem?

2. I'm looking at RAM and I don't know which one to get, is the Packed Kingston DDR3 4G 1333-compatible 1066 notebook memory compatible with my computer?

3. I'm under the impression that my computer only has two slots for memory, can my computer run on 4gb kingston + 1gb stock?

4. Does configuration matter?

5. Will adding this ram help my processing speed? If not, what can i do to upgrade that?

MacBook

Posted on Aug 2, 2012 12:25 AM

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Answer 1

Best reply

japamac

Level 7

24,400 points

Aug 2, 2012 12:52 AM in response to Ekwaiban

1- Likely:

http://eshop.macsales.com/Reviews/Framework.cfm?page=/Benchmarks/CS5BenchmarkPag e-MacBook.html

2- Pick here:

http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/memory/Apple_MacBook_MacBook_Pro/Upgrade/Macbook_ selector

Or, buy ONLY guaranteed Mac compatible memory.

Kingston has such, as does Micron.

3- 1x 4GB + 1x 1GB is fine.

4- Not really.

5- RAM only holds data for processing and does nothing to increase processor speed.

More RAM helps smooth and expedite processing but cannot affect processor speed.

Processors cannot be upgraded, so buying a new machine is the only alternative if processor speed is needed.

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Answer 2

Ekwaiban Author

Level 1

0 points

Aug 2, 2012 1:08 AM in response to japamac

Appreciate the quick reply =D!

Do you know where i can verify whether my kingston will work or not? Cause I have this one laying around, but i'm reluctant to try installing it unless i know it'd work for sure.

Thanks!!

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Answer 3

japamac

Level 7

24,400 points

Aug 2, 2012 1:35 AM in response to Ekwaiban

The pre-2009 MacBook Intel Core 2 Duo 2.4GHz takes PC5300 DDR2 667MHz 200 Pin modules.

Doesn't sound like your Kingston is of the right spec.

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Answer 4

Aug 2, 2012 7:42 AM in response to japamac

japamac wrote:

The pre-2009 MacBook Intel Core 2 Duo 2.4GHz takes PC5300 DDR2 667MHz 200 Pin modules.

Doesn't sound like your Kingston is of the right spec.

Not quite - the late 2008 aluminium body uses 204-pin PC3-8500 (1066 MHz) DDR3 SO-DIMM

However I wouldn't use the Kingston - it sounds like generic PC memory and is unlikely to play well in the Mac.

ekwaiban:

Try OWC from the link provided. You should be able to use up to 8GB.

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Answer 5

Aug 2, 2012 7:45 AM in response to japamac

No, the Late 2008 model 5,1 Aluminum Unibody can use 8gb of 1066mhz PC3-8500 RAM. It's the White plastic 2008 MacBook that can use 6gb of 667mhz PC2-5300 RAM.

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Answer 6

Aug 2, 2012 12:53 PM in response to noondaywitch

I can verify as I just bought 8 GB PC2 6400 RAM and it works fine for my Mac Book Pro and its working great. By the way an SSD would not hurt at all *_*.

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