What memory to get for MacBook?

After months of experiencing catastrophic problems with a new Dell, I have decided to finally buy an Apple! (keeping my fingers crossed that this means I'll be mostly problem-free from now on)

My (newbie) question is what kind of memory should I get? I know people have recommended Newegg, but their prices don't seem that much less to me... about $80 or so for 1 GB, whereas to upgrade to 1 GB through Apple is $90. (I know that Newegg is 1 module whereas Apple is 2, but I only need a gig total so that doesn't matter to me)

1) Where should I buy memory?
2) What brand should I get?
3) Do I need to look for Apple-specific memory?

Thanks!

 

If you don't care about having the modules split, and the pricing is so close, I don't see a big problem with just doing that.

The main benefit of having a single stick of 1GB RAM is that you can then add another later for 2GB total, which you might find desirable. Of course, you can stick with what you would have right now, and you'd still be fine.

You don't specifically need to use Apple-specific memory, it is fairly standard stuff now. I normally get Mac RAM from either http://www.ramjet.com or http://www.crucial.com - although these aren't necessarily the cheapest. As long as the specs are right, any RAM should do, although I always recommend going for quality RAM.

 

1. www.newegg.com is a great start if you're living in the US, they have awesome deals, and they carry many top brands at awesome prices. Don't live in the US? Can't help you there than.

2. I have G.Skill PC2-5300 DDR2 667 from http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820231069

3. Just look for DDR2 667Mhz PC2-5300 Notebook memory ram 200 Pins.

 

I think I will go with the 1GB RAM...

Can I put that in 1 slot, and leave the 256MB stick from Apple in the other slot, or will that cause problems?

(I have a vague memory of reading somewhere that you should have the same type of memory in each slot...)

 

Yes you can do that, most people just pair same size memory modules because its just good practice to follow. Yes you should have the same type of memory, for example if you get a DDR2 533Mhz, and have another one that is 667Mhz, your FSB is clocked down to the slowest module's speed so you can actually use both memory modules, so in this case it'd be 533Mhz both would run at.

 

Here is a thread that discusses that very matter:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=64035

 

Thanks Wooky, that was helpful...

So did you end up putting in a 1GB stick along with the 256MB that came with the computer? Did you see a big performance gain over having 512MB?

 

I still haven't bought it. Not much cash left these days.

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820145012

 

hey, will just any 200-pin ram work with the macbook pro? i just bought one and it's giving me problems. after installation, it wont turn on.. any help would be appreciated.
tai

 

200-pin sticks are DDR2 RAM. Make sure that the stick is firmly inserted into the slot; sometimes the stick itself is tilted just a little bit and that can cause a problem.

Also, you could give us a link to the product page for the stick of RAM to make sure that it will work with a MacBook.