Quick RAM question

Hey guys, im new here and have already learned a lot. I just want to confirm something before I pull the trigger.

I have a MBP Unibody 15" 2.4 GHz (Late 2008) model A 1286. (bought just 16 days before the new ones came out, but whatever)

Model Name: MacBook Pro
Model Identifier: MacBookPro5,1
Processor Name: Intel Core 2 Duo
Processor Speed: 2.4 GHz
Number Of Processors: 1
Total Number Of Cores: 2
L2 Cache: 3 MB
Memory: 2 GB
Bus Speed: 1.07 GHz
Boot ROM Version: MBP51.007E.B00


I want to upgrade the ram, i found this PC3-8500 2 GB RAM Chip - iFixit So i need two of those? i already read the write up and it seems easy as can be to do the swap. Also is there a tool set that would be specific to my machine? This one looks nice 20 Piece Bit Driver Kit - iFixit

what else should i be doing while im inside the laptop? anything i should be inspecting? and recommendations on what else i should change to incease the speed and efficiency?

Well...you can get that ram if you want...or save $5.00 and purchase from these folks:

2.0GB PC-8500 DDR3 OWC

- Nick

So its the same exact thing? From your response im assuming that i am on the right track. I can only do a maximum of 4gb right? only two slots?

Max ram is actually 6 gigabyte. Give this a read:

Apple MacBook Pro "Core 2 Duo" 2.4 15" (Unibody) Specs (Late 2008/Unibody - MB470LL/A) @ EveryMac.com

- Nick

Wow, thanks for that information. I might as well extract the most out of this thing, it is a really noticable difference going from 2gb to 6gb?

I guess enough to spend about $70 more?

6.0GB Kit (2.0GB+4.0GB) PC2-5300 DDR2 667... (5300DDR2S6GP) at OWC

Actually that doesn't look like it is for my computer. Please point me to the right direction to get 6gb...

MBP Surfing said:

Wow, thanks for that information. I might as well extract the most out of this thing, it is a really noticable difference going from 2gb to 6gb?

Click to expand...

If you're not using any programs that need 6 gig of ram...then no, you most likely will not see any speed increases...you would just be wasting your money upgrading to 6 gig of ram.

Hope this helps,

- Nick

Might be a good selling point later on though. I guess it's really not too much either. Where can I get the 6gb Ram upgrade for my computer? The one I posted doesnt look like it is for mine.

MBP Surfing said:

Might be a good selling point later on though. I guess it's really not too much either. Where can I get the 6gb Ram upgrade for my computer? The one I posted doesnt look like it is for mine.

Click to expand...

You can certainly upgrade the ram to 6 gig if you want...it certainly will not hurt anything...I was simply trying to save you a little money.

This should be the 6 gig upgrade you need:

6.0GB (2.0GB + 4.0GB Kit) PC-8500 DDR3 Ki... (8566DDR3S6GP) at OWC

In case your wondering why it's so expensive...the kit contains a 2 gig & a 4 gig "stick" of ram. The 2 gig sticks are relatively inexpensive, but the 4 gig sticks are very expensive.

At $292.99 dollars...the upgrade may not be quite as attractive if you really don't need it.

Hope this helps,

- Nick

Yea, not nearly as attractive as the 179 price tag, I was definitely lookig at the wrong upgrade. I really appreciate all of your help with this. If you could guide me to the 4gb kit it would be great. Thanks again.

I keep on seeing that it is better for matched pairs of ram. Or is it ok for me to buy two sticks at 44.95?

MBP Surfing said:

Yea, not nearly as attractive as the 179 price tag, I was definitely lookig at the wrong upgrade. I really appreciate all of your help with this. If you could guide me to the 4gb kit it would be great. Thanks again.

I keep on seeing that it is better for matched pairs of ram. Or is it ok for me to buy two sticks at 44.95?

Click to expand...

Here's the 4 gig kit that you need:

4.0GB (2x2.0GB Kit) PC-8500 DDR3 kit for... (8566DDR3S4GP) at OWC

At $87.99 a much more attractive price, and for the majority of computing folks out there, 4 gig of ram will be more than enough ram.

Good luck,

- Nick