Most Ram Possible.

[nick/chuck]

Hi, I'm new to the forums, but have been browsing around for a couple of weeks and finally decided to join. I do also have a question... I bought my black macbook right before the 2.16ghz models came out, and would have gone pro except for a lack of money at the time. However, I have now saved up and am looking to upgrade my RAM. I know its been discussed on here in other threads but I feel there hasn't been a definitive answer. What is the most possible RAM I could put into my machine? I've heard numbers like 3.4gb and I know Apple's official stance is 2gb. i was wondering though if I did spend some money and got 4gb (2x2gb) would they work in my macbook?
-Thanks

 

[Eric559]

I'm pretty sure it will not work. Apple page says it only supports up to 2GB.

http://support.apple.com/specs/macbook/macbook_late_2006.html

 

[sleepy_monkey]

if you put 4GB of ram in your macbook, your macbook will sprout legs and overtake your community. be careful! ;-)

 

[technologist]

You can go up to 3GB, but you might not want to.

http://www.macuser.com/hardware/pump_that_new_macbook_to_3gb_o.php?lsrc=murss

 

[Kash]

The argument in that article is rather pointless. If you're using programs that are graphics intensive, then you wouldn't be using a Macbook, but rather a Macbook Pro or some desktop Mac.

Dual Channel doesn't offer much of a performance boost except in synthetic benchmarks. If you have an actual need for 3GB of RAM, having that extra memory far outweighs any benefits of dual channel mode.

Back on topic. Apple's official stance is 2GB. The physical limit is 3.3GB. So you can technically add in 4GB of RAM, but you'll only be able to access 3.3GB of it. Thus, the optimal max is 3GB.

 

[TWM]

Why in the world would you ever want a macbook with 4gb of ram? i think 2gb will work fine for anything the macbook can do... save the money.

 

[kaidomac]

Core Duo = 2gb
Core 2 Duo = 3gb

http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/Memory_Benchmark/Apple_MacBook/

 

[wytwolf]

Also even though the C2D's can take 3GB the extra $$$$ for the extra ram is not worth the extra 2-5%.

 

[nick/chuck]

All very valid points... Basically I wanted the extra ram because programs such as photoshop cs3 and final cut run sluggish sometimes. The OWC chart was very informative. I think I am going to go with the 3gb kit tho just because,... well why not lol.
-Thanks everyone

 

[Kash]

Core Duo = 2gb
Core 2 Duo = 3gb

http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/Memory_Benchmark/Apple_MacBook/

Oh right, almost forgot about that one. Thanks for bringing it up

nick/chuck, do you have the CoreDuo Macbook or the Core2Duo? If you don't know, click on the blue Apple icon at the top left, select "About This Mac" and it'll tell you which one you have.

 

[nick/chuck]

I have the core 2 duo. Kinda wish I waited a month from when i bought it for the SR macbooks tho.