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    Upgrade options for a Apple MacBook Pro A1278 Core 2 Duo?

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by crashnburn, Mar 19, 2014.

  1. crashnburn

    crashnburn Notebook Consultant

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    Upgrade options for a Apple MacBook Pro A1278 Core 2 Duo?

    What can I upgrade?

    - I am thinking RAM and SSD?
    .. What RAM SODIMM frequency would it accept? Non-Apple RAMs? Max Size?
    .. Same question for SSD?

    - If there are some hacks mods then do an LCD/ LED ?
    ..Any anyone has heard of?
     
    crashnburn, Mar 19, 2014
    #1
  2. maverick1989

    maverick1989 Notebook Deity

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    I would say any upgrades on that would probably be a waste of money. You'd be much better of buying a new laptop. Even mid-tier Haswell would perform much better even with a conventional HDD.

    However, if you have to upgrade, you can get a maximum of 8GB of PC-8500 RAM. That's the ones that run at 1066 MHz.

    Also, you could get any SSD you want. I'd personally get the Crucial M500 (or Samsung EVO if you get it within 20 bucks of the Crucial). The size depends on your needs. If you think you'll need several hundreds of gigabytes then get a 500GB SSD. In my work Mac, I have a 256GB Samsung 830 and I put the 500GB Hitachi conventional it came with in the ODD bay. With a Linux VM, I still occupy only about 170GB so I don't need more.
     
    maverick1989, Mar 19, 2014
    #2
  3. tilleroftheearth

    tilleroftheearth Wisdom listens quietly...

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    I agree that this is not worth upgrading. You're looking to spend close to $400 or more on this system and it could die the next day.

    A new(er) platform is highly recommended.
     
    tilleroftheearth, Mar 19, 2014
    #3
  4. Jarhead

    Jarhead 恋の♡アカサタナ

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    I'd third something newer, just on cost alone. The DDR2 RAM required is getting rarer and more expensive these days. However, if that computer currently meets your needs performance-wise, I'd just keep using the current configuration as-is.

    BTW, you can use "non-Apple RAM" in an Apple computer; they all use the same sort of computer parts and the only thing different about "Apple RAM" is the price.
     
    Jarhead, Mar 19, 2014
    #4
  5. Tsunade_Hime

    Tsunade_Hime such bacon. wow

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    You can buy Apple certified RAM, but normal RAM is considered a CRU and will not void the warranty. Same goes for the hard drive.
     
    Tsunade_Hime, Mar 19, 2014
    #5
  6. crashnburn

    crashnburn Notebook Consultant

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    I have some DDR2 RAM SODIMMs that I could use here. Are you sure about the number? Is it not DDR2 PC2 5300?
     
    crashnburn, Mar 20, 2014
    #6
  7. crashnburn

    crashnburn Notebook Consultant

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    Hello.. Can anyone confirm the DDR2 Memory for this?
     
    crashnburn, Mar 26, 2014
    #7
  8. Kirrr

    Kirrr Notebook Deity

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    If its the newer unibody design its DDR3 1066MHz
     
    Kirrr, Mar 26, 2014
    #8
  9. davidricardo86

    davidricardo86 Notebook Deity

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    davidricardo86, Mar 26, 2014
    #9