Memory for a MacBook 5,2

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I want to upgrade memory for a Macbook 5,2 built in 10/2009. Can someone clarify whether I can upgrade to 6 or 8 MB. of Ram. I am assuming both 3 & 4 MB are available, but how do I tell whether 6 or 8 is the max. for a MacBook built in 10/2009? It has the battery that can be removed with a nickel.
 

chscag

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According to Mactracker your 5,2 (Mid 2009 MacBook) can hold:

Maximum Memory 6.0 GB (Actual) 4.0 GB (Apple)
Memory Slots 2 - 200-pin PC2-6400 (800MHz) DDR2 SO-DIMM
 
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According to Mactracker your 5,2 (Mid 2009 MacBook) can hold:

Maximum Memory 6.0 GB (Actual) 4.0 GB (Apple)
Memory Slots 2 - 200-pin PC2-6400 (800MHz) DDR2 SO-DIMM

Did you answer my question? Am I understanding your answer to say Apple say's 4 GB, but if I install two 3 GB DIMMs my computer will recognize & utilize 6 GB.

You understand my confusion with the two different answers one can get from seemly knowledgeable sources.

My question is related to needing to buy:

Two DIMMS to upgrade memory & a new battery for my MacBook 5,2 built in 10/2009

Any help in knowing "EXACTLY" what to order would be appreciated!

Thanx,
 

chscag

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There is nothing confusing at all about the info I gave you. You have the nomenclature for the type of memory you need. Just buy 1 x 4 GB module and 1 x 2 GB module for a total of 6 GB. There are no 3 GB modules made.

If you wish to go with what Apple states (old info), then buy 2 x 2 GB modules. Later information and testing has shown that machine to be able to use 6 GB but that's up to you to decide.

As far as buying a new battery, you have your choice of purchasing a genuine Apple battery or third party replacement. Stay away from cheap knock off batteries as they may not work right and could be a waste of money.
 
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There is nothing confusing at all about the info I gave you. You have the nomenclature for the type of memory you need. Just buy 1 x 4 GB module and 1 x 2 GB module for a total of 6 GB. There are no 3 GB modules made.

If you wish to go with what Apple states (old info), then buy 2 x 2 GB modules. Later information and testing has shown that machine to be able to use 6 GB but that's up to you to decide.

As far as buying a new battery, you have your choice of purchasing a genuine Apple battery or third party replacement. Stay away from cheap knock off batteries as they may not work right and could be a waste of money.

I appreciate your response.

It seems there is "not" a lot of support for buying any batteries other than those through Apple. I assume Apple does not produce its on batteries. Not having been born wealthy, what I was hoping for is some feedback on a battery for less than Apple's $139. such as the battery made by Nupower at $89. sold by OWC. The only response I have gotten is that I should not expect a $20. battery to be as good as Apple's $139. battery. Surprisingly, I was able to come to that conclusion by myself. My question is whether an $89. battery like the Nupower is likely in the same level as Apple's $139. battery. I love Apple products, but they are not known for giving their customers any financial breaks at the cash register, so like many I don't need to pay another $50. for a battery if it is essentially the same as the Apple battery. Many Apple accessories or replacement items are grossly over priced.

........ so again I repeat the question for those on the forum, "Does anyone have an opinion/facts on a lesser priced battery for my MacBook 5,2 such as the Nupower battery for $89. from OWC?"
 

pigoo3

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........ so again I repeat the question for those on the forum, "Does anyone have an opinion/facts on a lesser priced battery for my MacBook 5,2 such as the Nupower battery for $89. from OWC?"

If you do a search on Mac-Forums…this question has been asked & answered many many many times (ad nauseam).;) Most folks I have heard from here on Mac-foprums say the replacement battery from OWC (NuPower) works fine.:)

- Nick
 
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If you do a search on Mac-Forums…this question has been asked & answered many many many times (ad nauseam).;) Most folks I have heard from here on Mac-foprums say the replacement battery from OWC (NuPower) works fine.:)

- Nick

I guess I'll learn how to search for such things better. I don't spend a lot of time on the forum. Thanx for the reply,

I'll order one
 

pigoo3

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I guess I'll learn how to search for such things better. I don't spend a lot of time on the forum. Thanx for the reply,

I'll order one

The OWC battery (NUPower)…in the best of my knowledge…is the best compromise between price & quality (relative to Apple's battery's).

Regarding the $20-$30 batteries. Some folks have reported favorable results…and some have reported negative results. And sometimes depending on:

- how "hard to please" these folks are
- what their expectations are (get a $20 battery that's just as good as an Apple battery)…which is unreasonable.
- how well they describe their experience

…it's hard to know exactly how dependable their conclusions are with a review of a $20-$30 battery.

Mostly (folks getting a $20-$30 replacement battery) have a 5-8 year old Apple laptop…that has an old original battery that may only be getting 15-30 minutes of runtime.

These folks (that have positive things to say about the $20-$30 battery)…basically say that even if the inexpensive battery does not give the same original runtime as a brand new Apple battery (4-5 hours)…getting 2.0-2.5 hours of runtime is still a lot better than 15-30 minutes. And spending $20-$30 dollars for a replacement battery on an old laptop computer worth $200-$250 bucks is MUCH better than spending $130+ on an Apple battery (for a laptop worth $200-$250).

My biggest concern with $20-$30 dollar batteries is safety. To make a $20-$30 dollar laptop battery (versus around $100 for the NuPower battery, or $130+ for the Apple battery)…some corners have got to be shaved. Not just using lower quality battery material…but also build quality. No one wants a cheap replacement battery to:

- leak (and possibly damage the computer)
- bulge & possibly damage the computer
- burst & possibly damage the computer
- start a fire…and burn down the house!!!

These things can & have happened with Apple batteries. But it is very rare. Probably much more common with very inexpensive $20-$30 batteries using cheap battery material & cheap battery enclosure parts.

- Nick
 

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