Max OS for MacBook

[nicholasden]

This is my first time writing in an Apple forum, so bear with me. I have a MacBook, not Pro, regular MacBook with aluminum case. Model Identifier says MacBook5,1. My iTunes has been telling me to upgrade and every time I tried to it says I needed to update my OS first. I have tried downloading Snow Leopard, this one and that one and can't seem to get the best, most recent OS for my Mac. I called local computer techs near me and have been given prices of $75-85 to upgrade me. I'm not sure what OS my computer can handle and can someone tell me, is this something I can do by myself and save the money ? Thanks. Any questions or if I'm not saying something correctly, please let me know.

 

[nicholasden]

My specs say I currently have MAC OS X v 10.5.8 if this helps

 

[chscag]

You can't upgrade your computer from a download. You first must purchase Snow Leopard 10.6.X from Apple for $19.99 (DVD media). Once you have that installed and running, it gives you access to the Mac App store where you can download and install Mavericks for free. (OS X 10.9.X)

However, your MacBook really will need to be upgraded to the maximum amount of memory it can handle. Your model (2008 Aluminum MacBook) can accept up to 8 GB of memory.

Purchase Snow Leopard from Apple here.

 

[nicholasden]

Thanks bud. The more I read up I came to the conclusion that I need to buy SL 10.6 from Apple. I am going to grab it from their store on way home from work.

I think my computer comes with 2 GB if I am not mistaken, how much does an upgrade to 8 GB cost around ? And Maverick is the newest version ? Do I need Maverick right away or can I download SL first ? Thanks again for your help !

 

[chscag]

Memory for your computer can be purchased from Crucial or OWC. Amazon also sells Crucial memory and is a good source to purchase from. As I stated above, Snow Leopard only comes on disk (DVD media) and can not be downloaded. However, once it's installed, you can then go to the Mac App store and download Mavericks for free.

Here are your memory specs:

Maximum Memory 8.0 GB (Actual) 4.0 GB (Apple)
Memory Slots 2 - 204-pin PC3-8500 (1066 MHz) DDR3 SO-DIMM

Check with Amazon for prices or do some searching on the net.

 

[MightyGem]

You first must purchase Snow Leopard 10.6.X from Apple for $19.99

Pretty sure that that version will be 10.6.3. You'll have to upgrade to 10.6.8 to be able to get the App Store. You can get that update here:
Mac OS X 10.6.8 Update Combo v1.1

 

[pigoo3]

The more I read up I came to the conclusion that I need to buy SL 10.6 from Apple. I am going to grab it from their store on way home from work.

Save yourself a trip. Apple Stores haven't sold Snow Leopard for years. You need to purchase Snow Leopard via Apple.com.

- Nick

 

[nicholasden]

I appreciate all the help guys. You're correct, they don't sell it in stores. I had to order it over the phone but I can visit the Genius bar this evening and show my receipt and they'll download 10.6 onto my Mac for me. That's what I am going to do. As for the extra memory, I will have to order some. Gentleman on the phone said my Mac will support the 5GB it needs on the hard drive.

 

[pigoo3]

I had to order it over the phone but I can visit the Genius bar this evening and show my receipt and they'll download 10.6 onto my Mac for me.

That's pretty awesome! No one that I'm aware of has done that before. Good for you!

 

[chscag]

Gentleman on the phone said my Mac will support the 5GB it needs on the hard drive.

Did you look at the memory specs I gave you? Apple says it will only support 4 GB but it actually supports 8 GB. That would be 2 x 4 GB modules. Never mind what the guy on the phone said. We've been through this many times....

 

[nicholasden]

You stated in an earlier post about the memory update and the PC3-8500. Is the memory listed below also compatible with my machine ? What's the difference between the two chips ? Thanks

Crucial 8GB Kit (4GBx2), 240-pin DIMM, DDR3 PC3-10600

 

[RustProofCorn]

You stated in an earlier post about the memory update and the PC3-8500. Is the memory listed below also compatible with my machine ? What's the difference between the two chips ? Thanks

Crucial 8GB Kit (4GBx2), 240-pin DIMM, DDR3 PC3-10600

No sir. Your computer takes 204 pin dimms. I would stick with the specks you were given by the Admin.

 

[nicholasden]

I didn't even see that, thank you for pointing that out !