Upgrading RAM on Macbook

I have decided to buy a Macbook. In order to save money, I'd like to buy it with the minimum 512k RAM and buy 2Gig of RAM from newegg.com and install it myself. Apple charges $500 to upgrade to 2Gig. You can buy 2x1Gig at newegg for less than $200.

How hard is it to access the RAM on a Macbook? I noticed there is a good sized removable panel on the bottom of the Macbook. Is that where the RAM is accessed?

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

The procedure is detailed in the User's Guide. It is not hard at all providing you have the right screwdriver set. Basically turn off the Macbook, remove the battery, and take out the L-shaped metal panel that covers the memory slots and HDD.

 

Hey!

The Apple Manual that comes with the notebook states clear instructions on how to do this, make sure you read this, because you want to be sure you don't mess anything up, and that you prevent any ESD. (electric static damage)

It's rather simple, just take out the battery and you will see three super small screws, unscrew them, and remove the L-shaped bracket, than use the lever to pop out the memory sticks (before doing this, make note to see how far the memory modules need to be in) Also you need to really push these in, until you hear the snap meaning they are secure. Once you replaced both, put back on the L-shaped bracket and screws and place your battery back in.

Start up your computer, and if it makes it past POST so far so good, once you get in hit the Apple icon in the upper left corner, choose 'About this Mac' and you should see how much memory you have.

Thats just a short explaination, be sure you read the manual.

Cheers

 

Another question. Is the Hard disk user replaceable? Would I void warranty If I change it myself? Thanks

 

your warrnty would be void

 

The HD replacement is a void warrenty but what about the Ram Installation? Does installing ram void the warrenty?

 

AFAIK, neither replacing the HD or memory voids your warranty, since both are user accessible. Perhaps people are mistaking the Macbook for the Macbook Pro, where you have to open the case to gain access to the HDD.

 

Wow, I was wondering where this HDD replaceable info was coming from xD.

Like wooky said, the Memory and HDD are user upgradable. It does NOT void your warranty. However, please know that anything you upgrade such as memory or HDD or both, will not be covered under the warranty, you will have to use the third party manufactrer's warranty, usually for RAM they have lifetime warranties, and with abut 3-5 year warranty being common for harddrives. Apple only covers the hardware they shipped you with, or any of the hardware later down the road that you used one of their authorized retailors on.

 

Ohh thats good to hear, hehe. I was getting concerned for a miniute because I planned on buying a larger HD, like a 120, and poping it into my MacBook as well as the ram upgrade down the line. I am glad to hear that niether void warrenties.

 

It seems like its almost 50/50 that the ram will work, right? well for u guys that have succesfully upgraded, fiirst congrats! second, could any of u share witch ram did u purchase i wanna make sure i dont purchase any bad ram or that i can purchase the best one i can, i think itl be better to spend a couple more bucks rather than kiilling this thing!

 

is system memory different than notebook memory?

 

It's the same thing, I know you're asking this because of neweggs website layout, they just give it it's own section to make it easier to find.

 

First, the macbook's ram and hd is user replaceable and will not void the warranty as stated above. Second, make sure the ram is seated properly, some firm pressure may be required when seating the ram. Finally, I used 1gb x 2 corsair pc2 5300 ram purchased from outpost.