Macbook late 2008 13" RAM upgrade?

So I have this old Macbook from 2008 called "Macbook Ultimo 2008".
The Macbook is not a pro model and the only aluminium from 2008.
Here's a guide on how to upgrade the RAM on my Mac from Apple: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1651#link2 .
Officially this Macbook was released with a maximum RAM capacity of 4GB in 2 slots. A new firmware update made it possible to upgrade all the way up to 8GB of memory. Article: http://blog.macsales.com/9102-secret-fir...ks-use-8gb .
Now i really want to know if i can just upgrade only 1 slot with a 4GB RAM card and keep one of my old RAM cards in there. This will let me have 6GB of memory.
I just don't know if the RAM are going to work together and if I have to upgrade to 8GB instead.
Yes, i could upgrade to only 4GB of memory but since i can upgrade all the way up to 8GB, I think I'm going to make it a bit faster than just 4GB.
The RAM I've looked at: http://translate.google.com/translate?sl...l7&act=url
Official memory card specifications:
"- Double Data Rate Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Module (DDR SO-DIMM) format
- 30mm
- 1 GB or 2 GB (Now up to 4GB)
- 204-pin
- PC3-8500 DDR3 1066 MHz Type RAM".
I'm not wanting to spend more than $60 on this!
Thanks for the help.

I have the same MacBook model (5,1 Late 2008). I managed to install 8GB of RAM without problems.
You need to update your EFI Boot ROM to MB51.007D.B03 to install more than 5GB.
Check in System Profiler what version of EFI Boot you have, if it's MB51.007D.B03, you can install 4+4 GB of RAM. Once you have ensured that the EFI Boot is the correct version, make sure tour O.S. is updated to OSX 10.6.6 (or newer version). I have OSX 10.8.3 with 8GB, the manufacturer is Samsung. No problems at all.

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Upgrade SATA drive for macbook late 2008

Hello!!
I am here to ask for help. Let me tell you a bit more about my Mac:
Late 2008 silver 13" MacBook 250GB 2GB RAM 2.4GHz IntelCore2Duo DDR3 MB467LL/A, currently at 10.5.8 OSx system (yes I know I need to update the software as well!)
I currently bought 4GB kit (2x2GB) RAM to upgrade on my silver MacBook (late 2008), and would also like to update my hard drive.
I have looked around on online shops for 2.5" 9mm SATA drive, and came across to 1TB for not too bad a price (between £85 to £100).
Anyone know whether if this is ok for my laptop?
Samsung, WD Scorpio Blue and Toshiba, all are at 5400rpm for 1TB. (However there is 750GB Seagate 7200rpm 16MB - recommended???)
Large memory/drive are usually much needed with me as I do use a lot of design work e.g. Adobe InDesign/Illustrator/Photoshop...you get the drift .
Any advice would be much appreciated!
Looking forward to hear from you soon!
Thanks again,
ejburton.

If all the technical specs (like SATA, physical dimensions, power usage etc) all match then you can use any drive of any available size in your MBP. Right now it appears that the largest available is the Western Digital 250GB 5400rpm drive where as the fastest is the Hitachi 200GB 7200rpm drive. Fujitsu and Toshiba have annonce 300GB drives though I've not heard that either are yet shipping.
I have to say that I'm very pleased with the Hitachi 200GB 7200rpm drive.

Looking to upgrade my macbook late 2008

Hi all,
I am looking to upgrade my macbook late 2008 aluminum, i have done a little research and found a few parts which i want to install in my macbook. I just wanted to know if my mac was compatible with the following hardware:
Hard Drive:
Samsung Spinpoint M8 1TB 2.5 inch SATA II 8MB 9.5mm Hard Drive
Memory:
Komputerbay 8GB (2x 4GB) DDR3 SODIMM (204 pin) 1066Mhz PC3 8500Al
My macbook specs are:
Model Name:          MacBook
Model Identifier:          MacBook5,1
Processor Name:          Intel Core 2 Duo
Processor Speed:          2 GHz
Number Of Processors:          1
Total Number Of Cores:          2
L2 Cache:          3 MB
Memory:          2 GB
Bus Speed:          1.07 GHz
I am thinking of installing these by myself, if this possible? And if so how could i go about doing this?
Thanks for reading, i would appreciate any help.

Here are video instructions on replacing the hard drive on the Aluminum Unibody http://eshop.macsales.com/installvideos/macbookpro_13_unibody_hd/
Here are video instructions on replacing the RAM on the Aluminum Unibody.
http://eshop.macsales.com/installvideos/macbook_13_unibody_mem/
And read this before putting 8gb in your MacBook http://blog.macsales.com/9102-secret-firmware-lets-late-08-macbooks-use-8gb

I need to upgrade my MacBook late 2008, what are my options

I need to upgrade my MacBook late 2008, what are my options. I have already upgraded RAM to 4 GB some 4 years ago. Also replaced HDD to 1TB, but ended up with a slower response. I am looking to switch the HDD again to speed up the performance. Any suggestions?
I am open to upgrade the hardware, what options do I have?
Motherboard?
HDD?
Anyway I can increase RAM from 4 GM to higher?
Appreciate tips...

It was a mistake on my part, I tried reinstalling the RAM chips... I love the speed now...
next step to switch to 1TB SSD.... Another $700.00 and my 6+ year McBook will be new again

Is it possible to upgrade the graphics card in my aluminum 13-inch Macbook (Late 2008)?

My 13-inch Macbook (Late 2008) currently uses the NVIDIA GeForce 9400M 256 MB graphics card, but I want to upgrade it, so that I can play games at a higher quality. Is this possible? If so, what graphics cards are compatible with my Macbook (Late 2008)?
Thank you.

The graphics card on a MacBook is part of the logic board not a separate card so it can't be upgraded.

Upgrading MacBook Late 2008

I’ve had my MacBook 13″ Late 2008 now for three and a half years, and it has been used every day since I bought it, and with every passing day, it’s getting slower and slower. I’ve checked with every forum out there to find methods for speeding it up, but nothing works! I’m therefore convinced my hard drive is failing. I want to get a new one, and better memory than the standard 2Gb while I’m at it, rather than buy a whole new MacBook. Luckily, I have a few pennies saved up and want so splash out to get the creme de la creme of upgrades. Any advice on the latest gadgets? Both for hard drives and memory? Can SSD's be put into the late 2008 laptop? Thanks, C

You are also able to upgrade to Mountain Lion.
Upgrade Paths to Snow Leopard, Lion, and/or Mountain Lion
You can upgrade to Mountain Lion from Lion or directly from Snow Leopard. Mountain Lion can be downloaded from the Mac App Store for $19.99. To access the App Store you must have Snow Leopard 10.6.6 or later installed.
Upgrading to Snow Leopard
You must purchase Snow Leopard through the Apple Store: Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard - Apple Store (U.S.). The price is $19.99 plus tax. You will be sent physical media by mail after placing your order.
After you install Snow Leopard you will have to download and install the Mac OS X 10.6.8 Update Combo v1.1 to update Snow Leopard to 10.6.8 and give you access to the App Store. Access to the App Store enables you to download Mountain Lion if your computer meets the requirements.
     Snow Leopard General Requirements
       1. Mac computer with an Intel processor
       2. 1GB of memory
       3. 5GB of available disk space
       4. DVD drive for installation
       5. Some features require a compatible Internet service provider;
           fees may apply.
       6. Some features require Apple’s iCloud services; fees and
           terms apply.
Upgrading to Lion
If your computer does not meet the requirements to install Mountain Lion, it may still meet the requirements to install Lion.
You can purchase Lion by contacting Customer Service: Contacting Apple for support and service - this includes international calling numbers. The cost is $19.99 (as it was before) plus tax. It's a download. You will get an email containing a redemption code that you then use at the Mac App Store to download Lion. Save a copy of that installer to your Downloads folder because the installer deletes itself at the end of the installation.
     Lion System Requirements
       1. Mac computer with an Intel Core 2 Duo, Core i3, Core i5, Core i7,
           or Xeon processor
       2. 2GB of memory
       3. OS X v10.6.6 or later (v10.6.8 recommended)
       4. 7GB of available space
       5. Some features require an Apple ID; terms apply.
Upgrading to Mountain Lion
To upgrade to Mountain Lion you must have Snow Leopard 10.6.8 or Lion installed. Purchase and download Mountain Lion from the App Store. Sign in using your Apple ID. Mountain Lion is $19.99 plus tax. The file is quite large, over 4 GBs, so allow some time to download. It would be preferable to use Ethernet because it is nearly four times faster than wireless.
     OS X Mountain Lion - System Requirements
       Macs that can be upgraded to OS X Mountain Lion
         1. iMac (Mid 2007 or newer) - Model Identifier 7,1 or later
         2. MacBook (Late 2008 Aluminum, or Early 2009 or newer) - Model Identifier 5,1 or later
         3. MacBook Pro (Mid/Late 2007 or newer) - Model Identifier 3,1 or later
         4. MacBook Air (Late 2008 or newer) - Model Identifier 2,1 or later
         5. Mac mini (Early 2009 or newer) - Model Identifier 3,1 or later
         6. Mac Pro (Early 2008 or newer) - Model Identifier 3,1 or later
         7. Xserve (Early 2009) - Model Identifier 3,1 or later
To find the model identifier open System Profiler in the Utilities folder. It's displayed in the panel on the right.
     Are my applications compatible?
         See App Compatibility Table - RoaringApps.
     For a complete How-To introduction from Apple see Upgrade to OS X Mountain Lion.

Hard drive upgrade 13" aluminum macbook late 2008

I want to upgrade my hard drive on my 13" aluminum macbook (late 2008) and I can't seem to find any documentation that suggests how large of a hard drive I can install on the computer. I would like to do at least 500 gb, but more is good. Anyone have any info for me?
Thanks!
Jeremy

You can install any drive up to 1tb easily. For a hard drive try Newegg.com http://www.newegg.com/Store/SubCategory.aspx?SubCategory=380&name=Laptop-Hard-Dr ives&Order=PRICE
Or OWC http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/hard-drives/2.5-Notebook/
Here are video instructions on replacing the hard drive on the Aluminum Unibody http://eshop.macsales.com/installvideos/macbookpro_13_unibody_hd/

Even though the battery in my Macbook late 2008 shows 995 charged the power adapter light continues to glow red. What do I need to do? s/w fully uptodate, plenty of ram and hd space.

Even though the battery inb my Macbook late 2008 shows 99% chrged the indicator glows red(amber?) What do I need to do? s/w is up to date. Plenty of RAM and HD. s/n W8*******1AX
TIA
<Edited by Host>

Might be the adapter > Apple Portables: Troubleshooting MagSafe adapters

Should I fix or replace my MacBook (late 2008)?

Hello,
My MacBook (late 2008) has been running slow for some time now. I think it might be time for a new hard drive... or maybe a new Mac, but not too sure what is the root cause. Here is the data pulled from EtreCheck. I'm looking for some expert advice, whether to hold off buying a new Mac, or if it might be cost effective to upgrade some of the inside to make it as good or better than new... and what the cost might look like to do so. Thanks for your help!
The Specs:
Hardware Information:
          MacBook (13-inch, Aluminum, Late 2008)
          MacBook - model: MacBook5,1
          1 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo CPU: 2 cores
          2 GB RAM
Video Information:
          NVIDIA GeForce 9400M - VRAM: 256 MB
Audio Plug-ins:
          BluetoothAudioPlugIn: Version: 1.0
          AirPlay: Version: 1.9
          AppleAVBAudio: Version: 2.0.0
          iSightAudio: Version: 7.7.3
System Software:
          OS X 10.9 (13A603) - Uptime: 17 days 13:46:18
Disk Information:
          TOSHIBA MK2553GSX disk0 : (250.06 GB)
                    EFI (disk0s1) <not mounted>: 209.7 MB
                    Macintosh HD (disk0s2) /: 249.2 GB (123.25 GB free)
                    Recovery HD (disk0s3) <not mounted>: 650 MB
          HL-DT-ST DVDRW GS21N
USB Information:
          Apple Inc. Built-in iSight
          Apple, Inc. Apple Internal Keyboard / Trackpad
          Apple Computer, Inc. IR Receiver
          Apple Inc. BRCM2046 Hub
                    Apple Inc. Bluetooth USB Host Controller
FireWire Information:
Thunderbolt Information:
Kernel Extensions:
Problem System Launch Daemons:
          [failed] com.apple.wdhelper.plist
Problem System Launch Agents:
Launch Daemons:
          [loaded] com.adobe.fpsaud.plist
          [loaded] com.adobe.SwitchBoard.plist
          [loaded] com.google.keystone.daemon.plist
Launch Agents:
          [not loaded] com.adobe.AAM.Updater-1.0.plist
          [loaded] com.google.keystone.agent.plist
          [loaded] com.Logitech.Control Center.Daemon.plist
          [loaded] com.rosettastone.rosettastonedaemon.plist
User Launch Agents:
          [loaded] com.adobe.AAM.Updater-1.0.plist
User Login Items:
          GrowlHelperApp
          iTunesHelper
          Skype
          Dropbox
          KiesAgent
          KiesViaWiFiAgent
          HP Scheduler
3rd Party Preference Panes:
          Flash Player
          Flip4Mac WMV
          Logitech Control Center
Internet Plug-ins:
          AdobeAAMDetect.plugin
          Default Browser.plugin
          Flash Player.plugin
          FlashPlayer-10.6.plugin
          Flip4Mac WMV Plugin.plugin
          googletalkbrowserplugin.plugin
          iPhotoPhotocast.plugin
          npgtpo3dautoplugin.plugin
          o1dbrowserplugin.plugin
          OfficeLiveBrowserPlugin.plugin
          QuickTime Plugin.plugin
          Silverlight.plugin
User Internet Plug-ins:
Bad Fonts:
          None
Time Machine:
          Skip System Files: NO
          Auto backup: NO
          Time Machine not configured!
Top Processes by CPU:
               3%          WindowServer
               1%          EtreCheck
               0%          mds_stores
               0%          Microsoft Database Daemon
               0%          mds
               0%          aosnotifyd
Top Processes by Memory:
          57 MB              WindowServer
          53 MB              Safari
          45 MB              Messages
          43 MB              com.apple.WebKit.WebContent
          35 MB              com.apple.quicklook.satellite
          35 MB              Google Chrome
          20 MB              com.apple.WebKit.Networking
          20 MB              EtreCheck
          18 MB              Finder
          18 MB              mds
Virtual Memory Statistics:
          17 MB              Free RAM
          540 MB             Active RAM
          527 MB             Inactive RAM
          382 MB             Wired RAM
          10.01 GB           Page-ins
          1.15 GB            Page-outs

2 GB of RAM is the bare minimum of RAM for running 10.9 Mavericks. You can upgrade to 8 GB with the model 5,1.
These are good online stores for Mac compatible RAM
OWC1066MhzRAM
http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/memory/Apple_MacBook_MacBook_Pro/Upgrade/DDR3_Whi te-
They offer Mac tested RAM at very good prices.
Crucial Memory http://www.crucial.com/ - good place to buy RAM from all over the world. They also have an excellent memory selector that allows you to choose memory based on your computer's model
Data Memory Systems http://www.datamemorysystems.com/apple-memory.asp - another good, cheap place to buying RAM if you live in the U.S.
Here are video instructions on replacing the RAM on the Aluminum Unibody.
http://eshop.macsales.com/installvideos/macbook_13_unibody_mem/
If you don’t have the tools to open up the MacBook OWC has a set for $5.
http://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC/TOOLKITMHD/

Will my macbook 401 accept 8500 ram upgrade?

will my macbook 401 accept 8500 ram upgrade?

The model 5,1 (Late 2008,Aluminum Unibody), the model 6,1 (Late 2009, WhiteUnibody) and the model 7,1 (Mid 2010, White Unibody) can use up to 8gb of 1066mhz PC3-8500 RAM. These are the only MacBooks that can use PC3-8500 RAM.
To see which model you have go to the Apple in the upper left corner and select About This Mac, then click on More Info. When the System Profiler comes up check the Model Identifier.

Macbook late 2008 installing windows 7 ultimate with 200gb disk space?

Hi guys, due to the great response from my last question I would like to know something.
I am going to install ultimate windows 7 into my macbook late 2008 aluminum body 13.3 inch with 5 gigs of RAM, is it wise or possible to give windows 200 gb of hard disk space without any problem? Also, I have two pny 4 gb RAM modules, one is installed in my mac alongside the original 1gb module that came with my computer.
Will I be able to install the 2 4 gb modules into this computer using windows 7 ultimate?
Thanks!

Hello Robejarp
For your MacBook, the maximum that you can install is up to 4gb, so that would be 2 2gb sticks. Check out the page below for more information.
MacBook (13-inch, Aluminum, Late 2008) - Technical Specifications
http://support.apple.com/kb/SP500
Regards,
-Norm G.

Problem with replaced hard drive on macbook (late 2008, 13" aluminum)

i replaced my macbook (late 2008, 13" aluminum) hard drive and get a blinking folder upon reboot. I can't seem to reboot from the original disc that came with my macbook. What do I do next? I tried holding "c" down but still get the blinking folder

With the disc inserted try starting up while holding the option key. That should take you to the boot panel where you can select the dvd.

Macbook Late 2008 Freezing/Unresponsive trackpad and keyboard

Macbook, Late 2008
Processor 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
Memory 8 GB 1067 MHz DDR3
Graphics NVIDIA GeForce 9400M 256 MB
Software OS X 10.8.5 (12F37)
This has been happening for months on end. I've repaired the disk repeatedly. My friend who's an ex-Apple Genius said it was the little watch battery on the Logic Board. Replaced it. Still happens. He told me to replace the fan. Still happens.
What happens appears as an absolute freeze. The cursor stops reacting to my trackpad and nothing happens when I press things on the keyboard. Anything on the screen that would naturally be moving/changing is frozen.
I don't know what's going on and I don't know any solutions. I need help.

It's happened to me twice today with regular use. It happens at random whether I'm using a taxing program like Photoshop or reading a textbook in Preview. It happens at random and is a huge pain.

Do I have all the parts to replace my HDD with a new SSD on my Macbook (late 2008)?

Hey everyone, I am trying to figure out if have all the parts to replace my hdd with a new ssd on my macbook (late 2008 aluminum).
I just bought a crucial mx100 SSD and plan on replacing my mac HDD. I have the appropriate screwdrivers, and a bootable OSX on a usb drive. I also purchased a sabrent usb 2.0 to sata/ide hard drive adapter.
How do I replace and install OSX on my new SSD?
From what I read here are the steps I'm planning on taking.
1) Detach the old HDD
2) Attach new SSD.
3) Turn on computer and use the bootable usb drive to install OS X.
Does that work, I think I read somewhere about maybe formatting the SSD before I can use the bootable usb. Any input or help would be awesome. Thanks.
I'd prefer to do a clean install of yosemite and not carbon copy my old HDD

Hi Bradtk24,
On this site you will find the requirements for the physical change that you want to make.
These pages will give you insight into the processes required for the software side of things. It might be slightly dated, but the principles remain valid.
Have fun
Leo

I have a MacBook Late 2008 Aluminium and want to increase my storage what should I buy a new HDD or an SSD? I want it to work faster too, can you please recommend specific products that I can consider

I have a MacBook Late 2008 Aluminium which has 160GB currently. I want more storage and to speed up my computer. What should I get HDD or a SSD?
Also can people recommend specific products that are compatible, what are my options?

If you have a cable that connects and external HDD to the MBP, it will do. If it is something like this, an enclosure will not be needed for the swap:
An enclosure allows you to use your old HDD for storage or backup purposes. The cable will not.
Here are instructions as to how the swap can be performed using DISK UTITY. Substitute You cable for the enclosure in same:
INSTALLING A NEW HDD IN A MBP
1. Make certain that you have backed up all of your important data.
2. You will need a HDD enclosure. One with a USB connection will do. A 9 pin Firewire is better.
3. Install your new drive in the enclosure and connect it to your MBP.
4. Open DISK UTILITY>ERASE. From the left hand column drag the new drive into the 'Name' field. Make sure that the format is 'Mac OS Extended (Journaled)'. Click on the 'Erase' button.
5. Click on the 'Restore' button (on top). Drag the old drive into the 'Source' field and the new drive into the 'Destination' field. Click on the 'Restore' button on the bottom right hand corner.
Depending upon the amount of data you are transferring, this may take a couple hours or more. A Firewire will speed up the transfer. This will result in both drives having identical information on them.
6. After the data transfer has completed, you may swap the drives. Start the MBP and you have finished the installation. The initial boot may take a bit longer than you are accustomed to, but that is normal.
7. When you are satisfied that the new hard drive if functioning properly, you can erase the old drive and use it for any needs that you may have.
If there is any confusion on your part, post back.
Ciao.

Macbook late 2008 13" RAM upgrade?

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