Choosing Upgrade RAM: PC5300, PC5400, and even PC4200

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Choosing Upgrade RAM: PC5300, PC5400, and even PC4200

Hi,

I bought a macbook with an (underwhelming) 512MB of ram, so I want to upgrade to 2 gigs. Since June I have been shopping around, and trying to determine what brands/speeds/specifications would work.

I have seen verious postings online about PC5300, PC5400, and even PC4200. What are the differences? More importantly can you use PC5400 ram in MacBooks?

After significant searching, I have come to a few conclusions:

PC5300 is the ram listed in the Apple specifications. PC5300 runs at 667MHz, and tends to be both less common and more expensive than the PC5400.

PC5400 also runs at 667MHz, and seems to also be the same voltages, timings and so on, as well as being supplied (conveniently) in paired 2 gig (2x 1 gig) configurations.

From other posts, I understand this to be a common set of questions, and I'm surprised that a thread isn't pinned to the top of this MacBook forum addressing this issue.

See here for various related posts:

Is there a difference between PC53000 and PC5400?
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=2805629

Posted on Oct 16, 2006 1:16 PM

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Answer 1

Oct 16, 2006 1:48 PM in response to franciswhite

What other answer are you looking for?

You've already noted several posts stating that "Overall, it would seem that using PC5400 memory is not a problem for the macbook (and several posts indicated that applecare telephone support had reassured them that using PC5400 ram is fine)."

The most important thing is to buy from a retailer that offers a lifetime guarantee for the memory-and guarantees compatibility.

http://www.crucial.com
http://www.macsales.com
are two of the most popular and both can automatically provide the recommended memory options for your computer.

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Answer 2

franciswhite Author

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Oct 16, 2006 1:56 PM in response to Mike-N-nahyunil

Are there any different PC5300/PC5400 modules which are a different size (and hence won't fit into the slot)?

Thanks,
Francis

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Answer 3

Oct 16, 2006 2:08 PM in response to franciswhite

Hi, Welcome to apple forum.

PC 5300 runs on 667 mhz (666.666 x 8 = 5300 (round down))

PC 5400 actually capable to runs on 675 mhz, but downward compatible and can run 667 mhz (675 x 8 = 5400).

Be advised that some pc5400 memory brand might not downward compatible and make your macbook behave abnormal or the memory module won't detected at all.

I use the pc5400 in my macbook and never let me down and I installed it in a snap since it is the same size as pc5300.

Whatever memory you buy, check the apple specs compatibility and also return policy to ensure you can get replacement or your money back if that memory not working on your Macbook.

Good Luck.

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Answer 4

franciswhite Author

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Oct 16, 2006 2:10 PM in response to franciswhite

Sorry, the links I used to indicate older posts are broken... here are the proper links:

Is there a difference between PC53000 and PC5400?
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=2805629?

I'm sorry about asking whether this RAM will work...
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=2922892?

RAM Question PC5300 vs. PC4200
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=616169&tstart=180

PC2-5300 vs PC2-5400
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=2750122?

I couldn't find a few of the original links I originally posted. Argh.

MacBook, 2.0GHz, White, 512MB Mac OS X (10.4.8) Windows XP

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