Macbook RAM upgrade Q's

Hi, I have few questions regarding RAM upgrade in Macbook.

Since I want to buy it directly from Applestore (cannot wait for delivery ^^)
I guess I'll buy the one with 1GB RAM and upgrade the memory myself to 2GB.
When upgrading the RAM, since it already has one 1GB in it,
do I just buy another 1GB ram and install? OR buy two of the same RAM and install both, after taking the original one out?
Do both of the memory need to be of the same brand?
Any recommendations on memory I should purchase would be appreciated.

Also, I remember seeing some thread that Macbook upgrade is due somewhere around next month after the Leopard's release...
You guys think I should buy the macbook now, or wait till next month to see what upgrade Apple has?

Thanks!!

 

The MacBook has 2 512 MB RAM sticks, therefore, the two sticks add up to 1 GB RAM. Therefore, if you want your MacBook to have 2 GB RAM, you will need to take out both sticks and add in two 1 GB RAM sticks. So yeah, you will need to take both RAM sticks out and replace it with two 1 GB RAM sticks to get 2 GB RAM. Keep the original RAM sticks though, for when you need to send the MacBook in for repairs (should you need to).

And yes, the MacBook could possibly be updated later this month or early next month. So obviously, if you can wait, it is recommended you do.

 

Thank you for your quick help! ^^

 

Remember that upgrading your RAM voids your warranty automatically.

 

I think you're mistaken, Grimhound . Upgrading your RAM in both the MacBook and MBP is absolutely fine, the Apple warranty isn't voided. Upgrading the hard drive in the MacBook is also okay, its the MBP that doesn't allow you to upgrade the hard drive.

So yeah, upgrading your RAM doesn't void the warranty.

 

Oh same, upgrading ram on mbp doesn't void the warranty?

I know on the MB its supported by apple(telling you how to do it on their site and so forth), but I thought MBP was voiding the warranty?

 

Yes, you can change the RAM on the MBP as well. Its just the hard drive that you can't change on the MBP (that you can on the MacBook).

Apple has instructions how to install RAM on the MBP too. Here it is: http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=303491

 

I would suggest purchasing a 2 GB stick and replacing just one RAM module. That will give you a total of 2.5 GB which will make your Mac very happy.

 

Ram is cheap, so you may want to do this...but buying one 2gb stick isn't really all that beneficial over buying 2 1gb sticks. 2gb+512 + 2.5gb running in single channel. 2X1gb = 2Gb running in dual channel. Dual channel will be as fast, if not faster (especially in graphics intensive programs).

 

It has been shown that dual channel memory isn't as beneficial as some would believe. Check out the link below for details.

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

 

Shouldn't be of the same type (if not the GB/MB matches!). I assume the eshop article talks about 2.5 GB of OWC ram not 0.5GB from Apple and 2GB from OWC!! Is that right?

 

RAM is RAM is RAM. As long as the specs are the same the manufacturer doesn't matter.

 

RAM is not RAM is not RAM

I have not tried mixed different ram sticks in Macs but some manufactures hardware can get very cranky.....MSI has been my worst offender for mixing brands let alone sizes of Ram. With older thinkpads it was getting kinda stupid.
If all Ram was indeed the same there woudl be no Approved # list for each board.....

The only way would be to mix the Macs Ram then benchmark it then try another config.


Good article by the way kinda disappionting results when going from 3G to 4G thought it would have been better then that .......

 

Yes is it. If you buy RAM that does not work then it doesn't meet the specs. The RAM modules are spec'd to operate at a certain voltage and frequency. If you get a module that is flaky or doesn't work then you either got a dude or the manufacturer is lousy. If you purchase decent quality RAM from a reputable manufacturer chances are good you'll be fine. If it doesn't work return it and get another stick. That would be an advantage of purchasing decent RAM.