Update memory on 2006 MacBook

I have a 2006 MacBook with 1.83 GHz Intel Core Duo processor. I'd like to replace the memory. Would it hurt the computer to install 4 GB of memory instead of 2 GB? I'm not looking to increase the memory; I just happen to have 2 2GB sticks already.

MacBook, Mac OS X (10.6.8)

Posted on Nov 11, 2015 3:19 PM

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13 replies

Nov 12, 2015 5:16 AM in response to gracelaine

It won't damage it. But depending on the module you have it may or may not work.


The 2006 should be able to take 4GB.

http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/memory/MacBook/DDR2/


Make sure the extra 2GB stick you have has the right specs for it.

MacBook (13-inch, Late 2006) - Technical Specifications

667MHz DDR2 SDRAM (PC2-5300)


Worst case scenario, it will make a beeping noise when you turn it on, and won't boot.

In which case all you would need to do, is put the original RAM back in.

Nov 11, 2015 3:45 PM in response to gracelaine

If your MacBook1.1 13-inch 1.83GHz CoreDuo is a first edition, early model,

total memory you can add to upgrade would be one each 1024MB X 2 slots

for total of 2GB. [The second edition used a Core2Duo processor and could

use more RAM. The second edition also had the ability to run Lion 10.7.5...]


Introduced May 2006

Discontinued November 2006

Model Identifier MacBook1,1

Model Number A1181

EMC 2092

Order Number MA254LL/A (White), MA255LL/A (White), MA472LL/A (Black)


While the first-edition can only upgrade to Snow Leopard 10.6.8 maximum.


My first edition runs fine because the original slow RPM hard disk drive was

updated from 5400-RPM to 7200-RPM, plus it has 2GB max RAM...


So if your computer identifies as the earlier of two 1.83GHz with CoreDuo, the

two slots can only use 1024MB each, of the specified RAM memory chip type.


Hopefully you can make use of the early MacBook, they're fairly durable.


Good luck & happy computing! 🙂

Nov 13, 2015 1:14 PM in response to gracelaine

You should be able to affordably upgrade the RAM to correct specs, and with both pieces

of memory correct, there should be no bottleneck in that aspect of its function. Quality RAM

of correct specification should not cost more than $10 per piece; with these specs:


example from OWC macsales.com with correct specs detailed:

1.0GB PC-5300 DDR2 667MHz SO-DIMM 200 Pin Memory Module (Major)


another company I've dealt with by mail, with good results fair price incl shipping, asks $12. ea

1_0G-PC2-SO5300 - oempcworld macbook configurator results (mine has 2 of these)


The next greatest and affordable (if you can find one) upgrade would be to replace the

original rotational hard disk drive with a faster spin-rate, as that can add speed where

temp files and virtual memory (re: drive read-writes are involved) of significant gain.


My MacBook1.1 (same first model as yours, but with 2GB RAM + 160GB 7200-RPM HDD)

moves along quite nicely, compared to 1GB RAM and slow original spin-rate hard drive.


In any event, your computer should work correctly with the best quality; prices are lower now.


Some locations, including 'garage sale online' page at OWC may have these for much less

since they get tested-good/used-pulls from working computers, on occasion. An Apple

specialist may have some on-hand from an upgrade that were working fine. 2x shouldn't be

over $24. total for both; that's low retail new if ordering from supplier.


Doubt your computer would be damaged from trying the incorrect spec 2x 2GB RAM, so

long as 'static shock' doesn't toast the electrical components during handling of them...

Note: Niel said, The computer won't start up if more than 2GB is installed.


Good luck! 🙂

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Update memory on 2006 MacBook

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