Upgrading ram in 2008 aluminum macbook 5, 1

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Upgrading ram in 2008 aluminum macbook 5, 1

I have late 2008 Macbook 5,1 with intel core 2 duo processor. My ram is 2GB 1067 MHz DDR3. I run Mac OS X version 10.6.8. I don't want to upgrade to mountain lion because of all the problems I heard about it

I really do not know too much about ram and other computer hardware stuff and would like to upgrade my ram. I want to get the newest version of Logic Pro to make my own music and feel my cpu doesn't have the memory to run the program well. I went to the apple store and the guy said that the max that is recommended on my model is a total of 4GB of ram with two 2GB DDR3 chips. I don't know if that will be enough to run logic on my CPU. I would like to upgrade to more if possible.Also, getting a new laptop with a new processor is not in the cards right now.

-Does anyone know what the max ram I could use on my macbook?

-What type of ram cards should I get?

Again, I want the maximum ram that my computer will run fine on. Also, my computer has never had any problems and still runs quite well.

thank you!!

MacBook, Mac OS X (10.6.8)

Posted on Apr 24, 2013 9:27 AM

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Answer 1

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stedman1

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Apr 24, 2013 9:29 AM in response to gmcguitar4

Maximum Memory 8.0 GB (Actual) 4.0 GB (Apple)

Memory Slots 2 - 204-pin PC3-8500 (1066 MHz) DDR3 SO-DIMM

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Answer 2

mende1

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93,538 points

Apr 24, 2013 9:31 AM in response to gmcguitar4

Welcome to the Apple Support Communities

You have the specs of the memory the Late 2008 Aluminum MacBook needs in this site > http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1651?viewlocale=en_US&locale=en_US#link2

A Late 2008 Aluminum MacBook supports 4 GB of RAM officially, but you can install 8 GB. You can buy the RAM in OWC or Crucial > http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/memory/Apple_MacBook_MacBook_Pro/Upgrade/DDR3 Logic should run with 4 GB of RAM, but more memory won't hurt to the MacBook

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Answer 3

Apr 24, 2013 10:15 AM in response to gmcguitar4

I actually own both 2GHz and 2.4GHz late 2008 Macbook Uni - they both can be upgraded to 8GB DDR3 1066MHz RAM - that's what I have in my Macbook.

When you decide to purchase your RAM - do not install non-Apple Certified/Tested RAM - you will have nothing but issues. Spend the extra $5 - $10 to get the ones that are Apple Tested.

RAM made by Cruicial, G.Skill, Mushkin, Patriot, Corsair all offer Apple RAM.

Depending on where you live - expect to spend $45 - $65 for 8GB DDR3 1066MHz Apple Certified/Tested RAM.

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Answer 4

gmcguitar4 Author

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Apr 24, 2013 10:21 AM in response to gmcguitar4

Thank you for the responses, this definitely helps a lot.

So since you say 4GB should be fine, I was thinking maybe 6GB would be good just to be safe(just to save a little money). Do you think it is worth going all the way to get the 8GB or is 6GB going to give me everything I need? Would I notice a huge difference between 6GB and 8GB?

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Answer 5

mende1

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93,538 points

Apr 24, 2013 10:27 AM in response to gmcguitar4

If you are going to use professional applications, install the maximum memory as you can, so I think you should install 8 GB on your computer. Also, note that it's an old computer, so Logic may not work as fast as on a new computer

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Answer 6

Apr 24, 2013 10:32 AM in response to gmcguitar4

I'm with mende1 on this - install the max.

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Answer 7

gmcguitar4 Author

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Apr 24, 2013 11:08 AM in response to gmcguitar4

Thank you guys for the help.

I bought 8GB of ram from the website provided by mendel

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Answer 8

mende1

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Apr 24, 2013 11:59 AM in response to gmcguitar4

You are welcome

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Answer 9

PelosR

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Dec 24, 2013 8:53 AM in response to mende1

I'm in the same boat as gmcguitar4, but am wondering if you are talking about installing two 4GB slots or two 8GB slots?

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Answer 10

gmcguitar4 Author

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Dec 24, 2013 9:01 AM in response to PelosR

I installed two 4GB slots for a total of 8GB. 8GB is the maximum that the model can support.

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Answer 11

PelosR

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Dec 24, 2013 9:17 AM in response to gmcguitar4

Great. Thanks!

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Answer 12

raytooth

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Nov 7, 2014 8:20 AM in response to gmcguitar4

Hi all, i now running mountion lion10.8.5 very good.
i upgrade my macbook 2GB 1066 DDR3 (ori) to 8GB 1333 DDR3 (now)
and upgrade intel 120GB SSD and 500GB sata harddrive (remove DVD)
now running well....if no upgrade part pls dun go upgrade mountion lion 10.8 becoz u will feel slow slow slow......
this macbook 5.1 already maximum upgrade part....pls dun go upgrade10.9 is support but will slow.

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Answer 13

Jan 17, 2016 7:14 AM in response to mende1

Your post was so helpful to me -- I purchased the 8GB (2x4GB) OWC ram and had it installed yesterday at my local BB store since I didn't have the correct size of screwdrivers to do it myself & am so glad I did! What a huge difference it has made on my 2008 13" macbook 5,1 -- awesome!!!! Thank you so much!

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