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Quick RAM Upgrade Questions

  • 01-01-2011 2:01pm
    #1
    ironclaw
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,004 ✭✭✭


    Hi Folks,

    I know this is probably a stupid question but the internet as usual is full of conflicting reports. I have a mid-2009 MacBook. Specs (And Crucial Memory) says it takes the following:

    Package: 204-pin SODIMM
    Feature: DDR3 PC3-8500

    Am I right in saying I can't put anything other than the above into it? i.e. PC3-10666?

    Many Thanks.


Comments

  • #2
    cherryghost
    Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 17,137 Mod ✭✭✭✭cherryghost


    Normally you can get higher speed RAM and it underclocks itself once the Macbook has booted. Problem of course with Macbooks is that it can be very fussy for certain models of RAM sticks and compatibility.


  • #3
    ironclaw
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,004 ✭✭✭ironclaw


    cherryghost wrote: »
    Normally you can get higher speed RAM and it underclocks itself once the Macbook has booted. Problem of course with Macbooks is that it can be very fussy for certain models of RAM sticks and compatibility.

    I was thinking that but wasn't sure. So either way I'm going to run at the set speed of PC3-8500?

    I just ordered the specified RAM to be sure however.


  • #4
    cherryghost
    Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 17,137 Mod ✭✭✭✭cherryghost


    ironclaw wrote: »
    I was thinking that but wasn't sure. So either way I'm going to run at the set speed of PC3-8500?

    I just ordered the specified RAM to be sure however.

    Yep, Macbook boards are locked to the RAM speed specified in the spec sheets.

    Your ordered RAM is definitely compatible with the Macbook yeah? I had an issue with regards to upgrading last year. It was matching speed but the Macbook refused to read it.


  • #5
    ironclaw
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,004 ✭✭✭ironclaw


    cherryghost wrote: »
    Yep, Macbook boards are locked to the RAM speed specified in the spec sheets.

    Your ordered RAM is definitely compatible with the Macbook yeah? I had an issue with regards to upgrading last year. It was matching speed but the Macbook refused to read it.

    Went through the online tools on various sites. All came back the same. Eventually ordered off these folks in Kildare:

    http://www.shop4memory.com/

    Came back with these: http://www.shop4memory.com/configurator/?system=21839

    Usually order of Komplett and the likes, but I can't find it on their site. Recently I've found there search engine and filters to be useless.


  • #6
    Overheal
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 86,729 ✭✭✭✭Overheal


    The manufacturer will usually specify specific supported models/serials of lab-tested sticks. ASUS Motherboards for instance each have their own list of RAM makes, models, speeds and timings that are supported technically and wont jeopardize your MoBo warranty.


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