RAM Install Question

The battery connector is just pressed back onto the logic board, be sure to align it correctly, not difficult tp do.

The memory modules are insert into the socket with the small notch along the pin edge aligned with the correct spot in the socket, and then pressed straight in until fully seated. They are then pushed down so they are flush.

Also go to the OWC site, http://www.macsales.com and pull up their on-line video...it is really good and demonstrates each step on an actual machine.

Horace from seoul wrote:

I'm planning to install a new RAM chip, not taking out any other chips.

You shouldn't do this, you should replace both RAM modules with 2 - 4GB - 204-pin PC3-8500 (1066 MHz) DDR3 SO-DIMM from a tested Mac memory like Crucial.com or OtherWorld Computing.

Do not use PC or other Mac's RAM memory, unless from the same model or series.

This way it's in matching pairs and of the same maker and buying quality tested RAM makes sure you only do the job once.

If you mix, then your opening it up and trying to find out what the problem is, which increases the potential for damage to the machine, as your finding out the screws are tiny and the cables are weak.

The screws have to go back into the same exact holes they come out of and the heads can become stripped with much use.

If you now have a 4 GB module, add one more 4 GB module. There is no reason to replace a good module. Buy the additional module fom a Mac specialist like OWC, http://www.macsales.com or Crucial, http://www.crucial.com and you will be fine. Don't waste your money replacing a good, working module.

Ralph Landry1 wrote:

If you now have a 4 GB module, add one more 4 GB module. There is no reason to replace a good module.

Usually the case is they have 2 -2GB modules from the factory and they think to go cheap and buy one 4GB module for 6GB total, but it's better to have 2-4GB modules right away as it's not that much more and if one module is bad they can opt to do the 6GB route with a 2 + 4 = 6GB combination and not waste money on more postage, time and phone calls.

They will use the full 8GB eventually as software bloats up under 64bit processors, it's a resell point as well.

90% of the time the modules from a good vendor work right away, but work more successfully together in matching pairs from the same vendor.

Apple's Hardware Test or Rember can run a overnight test on the modules and flag one if it's bad.

I agree, Ralph.

I'e done that several times, all with no problems.