2 X 4GB works with MacBook 2009?

Question

5480 Author

Level 1

78 points

2 X 4GB works with MacBook 2009?

I have this machine (but so slow):

Mac OS X (10.6)

2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo

2GB 1067 MHZ DDR3

Would this memory upgrade work with my MacBook:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/memory-upgrades-4GBx2-1066MHz-Macbook/dp/B004TQGF1E/ref= sr_1_2?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1380953055&sr=1-2&keywords=crucial+2+X+4GB+apple

In theory, does not support...

Posted on Oct 4, 2013 11:11 PM

Reply

Answer 1

AnaMusic

Level 9

57,562 points

Oct 4, 2013 11:13 PM in response to 5480

Macs are Very Fussy about RAM...

It is Important to get the Correct and Matching RAM

You can use these Links to check which RAM is suitable for your Mac...

http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/apple/memory/

If in the UK... Go to http://curcial.com

Those sites also have videos on how to Install RAM should you need it....

Reply

Answer 2

Oct 5, 2013 6:52 AM in response to 5480

I have Macbook late 2009 white, Apple officially say this can only support 4gb, but as it has the same logic board as the pro, this can support 2x4GB DDR3 PC3-8500 1066mhz 204 pin RAM, as i have this installed on this laptop, cost me £50 off amazon (Komputerbay)

Reply

Answer 3

5480 Author

Level 1

78 points

Oct 5, 2013 3:01 PM in response to davscanlon

So why does not Apple support/recommend 2 X 4GB?

Would this work for me?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/memory-upgrades-4GBx2-1066MHz-Macbook/dp/B004TQGF1E/ref= %20sr_1_2?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1380953055&sr=1-2&keywords=crucial+2+X+4GB+app le

Reply

Answer 4

Oct 5, 2013 5:06 PM in response to 5480

Apple only tests the MacBooks with the RAM that’s affordable at the time that they’re made. At that time 4gb RAM sticks were over $400 apiece. Later as RAM sticks drop in price they don’t go back and retest them. After all they’re no longer selling that model, they’re on to the next one.

Reply

Answer 5

5480 Author

Level 1

78 points

Oct 5, 2013 10:37 PM in response to frederic1943

So it does not mean that it would not work? So this may work for me:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/memory-upgrades-4GBx2-1066MHz-Macbook/dp/B004TQGF1E/ref= %20sr_1_2?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1380953055&sr=1-2&keywords=crucial+2+X+4GB+ap p le

Reply

Answer 6

nbar

Level 5

7,019 points

Oct 5, 2013 10:55 PM in response to 5480

You can only install a maximum of 6 GB:

Standard RAM:

2 GB

Maximum RAM:

6 GB*

Details:

2 GB of RAM is installed as two 1 GB modules, no slots free.

*Apple officially supports a maximum of 4 GB of RAM but third-parties have been able to upgrade the system to 6 GB of RAM using one 2 GB and one 4 GB memory module.

In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells memory -- as well as other upgrades -- for this MacBook.

http://www.everymac.com

There are conflicting reports on crucial and OWC regarding this upgrade.

What is your exact model?

Reply

Answer 7

5480 Author

Level 1

78 points

Oct 5, 2013 11:20 PM in response to nbar

Apple officially supports a maximum of 4 GB of RAM. Originally, this model was only unofficially capable of stably supporting 6 GB of RAM, but as confirmed by site sponsor OWC, it is capable of supporting 8 GB of RAM if updated to Boot ROM Version MB51.007D.B03 and running MacOS X 10.6 "Snow Leopard" or higher. So in theory, it shd work. However, do I really need 2 X 4GB for regular email traffic, occassional surfing (no gaming, no iMovies, inothing which requires power)?

Should I go for 1 X 2GB & 1 X 4Gb or 2 X 4GB?

My specs are:

Mac OS X (10.6)

2GHz Intel Core 2 Duo

2GB 1067 MHZ DDR3

Reply

Answer 8

5480 Author

Level 1

78 points

Oct 7, 2013 10:17 PM in response to nbar

Crucial just informed me that my Macbook is NOT compatible with their 8GB module.

Are they just playing safe or is OWC wrong?

Reply

Answer 9

Oct 8, 2013 12:18 AM in response to 5480

For your usage, why not consider 2x 2GB? Much less expensive, no compatibility issues, and with the option to upgrade further later if you find you need to.

Reply

Answer 10

5480 Author

Level 1

78 points

Oct 9, 2013 12:05 PM in response to Nick Baldwin

Sure, I thought about it but is it ENOUGH for regular use? Would it be better to have 2x4GB?

Reply

Answer 11

Oct 9, 2013 9:11 PM in response to 5480

I have a Mid 2009 MacBook with Snow Leopard and 2x 2GB, which works perfectly well for me. Unless there is a need to run several high end applications at once, excessive RAM will just be wasted.

You can check your actual RAM usage with Activity Monitor to see if you are being limited by what you have now.

Reply