bruf

Q: 2.16 GHz Intel Core Duo/ 2GB ram upgrade ?

Please could someone tell me if I can upgrade my MacBook Pro 2.16 GHz Intel Core Duo/ 2 GB SDRAM running 10.6.8 to Lion as I need it to run some 2015 software ? 

IF I can, what are the dangers I must look for and will my laptop then be even slower than it is now?

Thank you very much,

Posted on Mar 15, 2015 6:17 AM

Close

Q: 2.16 GHz Intel Core Duo/ 2GB ram upgrade ?

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by OGELTHORPE,Solvedanswer

    OGELTHORPE OGELTHORPE Mar 15, 2015 6:29 AM in response to bruf
    Level 9 (52,313 points)
    Mac OS X
    Mar 15, 2015 6:29 AM in response to bruf

    2 GB RAM is the maximum a core duo Mac will accept.  There are no dangers involved.  just follow the installation instructions.  The performance of the MBP should be improved.

     

    The best sources of Mac compatible RAM are OWC and Crucial.

     

    Ciao.

     

    However be advised that 10.6.8 is the highest OSX that your MBP will run.  Lion (10.7) is NOT an option on that MBP.

  • by bruf,

    bruf bruf Mar 15, 2015 6:48 AM in response to OGELTHORPE
    Level 1 (5 points)
    Wireless
    Mar 15, 2015 6:48 AM in response to OGELTHORPE

    Dear Oglethorpe,

    Thank you very much for replying.

    It was Lion 10.7 that I really need.

    Thank you for telling me - before I bought it !

    Best wishes

    bruf

  • by OGELTHORPE,Helpful

    OGELTHORPE OGELTHORPE Mar 15, 2015 7:00 AM in response to bruf
    Level 9 (52,313 points)
    Mac OS X
    Mar 15, 2015 7:00 AM in response to bruf

    The minimum requirements for Lion are listed here:

     

    https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202328

     

    You might consider purchasing a second hand MBP.   Personally I would suggest a 2011 or newer model.

     

    As an aside, I am responding to you on my 2006 17" core duo MBP with Snow Leopard installed.

     

    Ciao.

  • by bruf,

    bruf bruf Mar 15, 2015 9:20 AM in response to OGELTHORPE
    Level 1 (5 points)
    Wireless
    Mar 15, 2015 9:20 AM in response to OGELTHORPE

    Dear Oglethorpe,

    I'm not alone then!

    I wouldn't be bothered about Lion at all except the business software I use requires that or later from April.

    As I'm self-employed I'll have to buy a newer mac.

    I'm personally very happy with my 2006 17" and dread having to downsize.

    Anyway, you think 2011 is the starting point when searching ?

    I apologise for my ignorance and thank you again.

    Best wishes,

    bruf

  • by OGELTHORPE,Helpful

    OGELTHORPE OGELTHORPE Mar 15, 2015 10:39 AM in response to bruf
    Level 9 (52,313 points)
    Mac OS X
    Mar 15, 2015 10:39 AM in response to bruf

    bruf wrote:

    Anyway, you think 2011 is the starting point when searching ?

    I apologise for my ignorance and thank you again.

    You have no reason to apologize.  We all have to start from the beginning in every endeavor.

     

    I too am very happy with my 2006 MBP however with the introduction of HDTV, the 2006 MBP was not up to the task.  That resulted in the purchase of the 2010 17" MBP because I needed that capability.  Technological change does often require newer and better equipment.  As I have alluded to, I still use the 2006 with great pleasure.

     

    I have also purchased a late 2011 17" MBP which I feel is a slightly better machine than the 2010.  The 2011 has SATA3 internal interface whereas the 2010 has SATA2.  What this means is that the 2011 MBP can utilize the full potential of current SSDs whereas the 2010 cannot.  Do not misunderstand, an SSD in a 2010 will still be a significant performance enhancement.  Also a 2011 MBP will accept up to 16GB RAM (also at 1600 MHz) whereas the 2010 can only utilize 8GB RAM (the 2010 13' model being an exception).  The 2011 MBPs also have slightly better GPUs than the 2010.

     

    On the plus side for the 2010 MBP, it is more energy efficient than the 2011.  In other words, longer battery run time.

     

    The 2011 MBP has a quadcore CPU which is not the great advance that some may lead you to believe.  It shines only when a given application can utilize the parallel processing that it affords.  Though not as critical, do opt for the fastest CPU available if there is a choice.

     

    I like the 17" displays in the newer MBPs  (late 2008 and newer) due to the 1980 x 1200 resolution.  That is compatible with HDTV.  The retina display are nice, but not nice enough to warrant my purchase of a 15" model.

     

    Both my 2010 and late 2011 MBPs will run any applications that a newer MBP will, but perhaps not quite as fast.  Neither is obsolete, yet.

     

    Ciao.

  • by bruf,

    bruf bruf Mar 19, 2015 8:01 AM in response to OGELTHORPE
    Level 1 (5 points)
    Wireless
    Mar 19, 2015 8:01 AM in response to OGELTHORPE

    Dear Oglethorpe,

    My apologies for not responding before this but I have only just found your reply.

    Goodness ! You do know an awful lot don't you ?

    Thank you for all the advice and information. I feel slightly better equipped now to search for a second hand newer model.

    I am very grateful for your time and patience - it has helped to relieve that 'floundering' sensation !

    My very best wishes,

    bruf