Late 2008 aluminum Macbook Pro (15in 2.4GHz) using 8GB of RAM

Hi everyone,
I have a quick question to ask, What I'd like to know is why the Late 2008 aluminum Macbook Pro motherboard has a chipset (Nvidia) that can support up to 8GB of RAM but Apple are stating that the system can do only 4GB?
According to NVidia, The motherboard is fully capable of using 8GB of RAM but has been limited to 4GB by Apple and that this can be resolved by a simple EFI update.
The links below show a well known Apple parts dealer running tests on the system using 8GB RAM and claims that the OS X can read it perfectly but the programs will not use more then 4GB of the RAM.
I really don't understand why Apple would limit the system to use only 4GB of RAM and if Apple have any plans on releasing an EFI update.
Thanks for reading guys
----Links----
(http://blogs.computerworld.com/nvidiasays_new_macbook_pro_can_do_8gb_ofram)
(http://www.macrumors.com/2008/10/24/new-macbook-pro-does-not-support-8gb-ram-for -now/)
(http://forums.macrumors.com/showpost.php?p=6493933&postcount=49)

I really don't understand why Apple would limit the system to use only 4GB of RAM and if Apple have any plans on releasing an EFI update.
Economics 101: So if you want 8GB, you have to go buy a new MBP and pay another grand for the memory. After all, they are in the hardware business, right?
Dave M.
MacOSG Founder/Ambassador  An Apple User Group  iTunes: MacOSG Podcast
Macsimum News Associate Editor  Creator of 'Mac611 - Mobile Mac Support'

Similar Messages

  • Where can I buy a larger hard drive for my late 2008, 15" macbook pro?  From reviewing questions and answers on the support community it would appear that having Apple remove the old and install the new hard drive is recommended.  But how/where?

    Where can I buy a larger hard drive for my late 2008, 15" macbook pro?  From reviewing questions and answers on the support community it would appear that having Apple remove the old and install the new hard drive is recommended.  But how/where?

    Welcome to Apple Support Communities
    You can install the new hard disk yourself if you want to. You just need a 2'5" SATA II hard drive, which is compatible with your MacBook Pro. You can buy one at OWC > http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/hard-drives/2.5-Notebook/ You can filter hard drives by computer, so press a "Click to view all...", choose your computer in the sidebar and it will give you the compatible hard drives.
    There are different brands for the MacBook Pro. The most recommended are HGST and Seagate, which have good reputation. A 7200 rpm hard drive will give you extra performance

  • [Solved] Beachballs on late 2008 15" MacBook Pro MacBookPro5,1 with SATA II HD

    Each time I upgraded hard disks in my late 2008 15" MacBook Pro ( MacBookPro5,1 ) I experienced increasing beachballs. The worst was my recent upgrade to a Seagate 1TB SSD hybrid drive.
    I had lived with this pain for years and it appears a simple jumper change could have solved it. In my opinion all or at least some models of the late 2008 MacBook 15" Pros do not reliably support SATA II 3 Gbit/second.
    See jumper diagram for Seagate drives. Note the diagram is showing drive laying hard disk circuit board side up. Other manufacturers may differ.
    http://knowledge.seagate.com/article...language=en_US
    From what I uderstand my late 2008 MacBook Pro was designed to support SATA II 3 Gbit/second with it's Nvidia chip set. In fact every model from late 2008 appears to have support for SATA II.
    Then in early 2011 they added support for SATA III 6 Gbit/sec which the 1TB ST1000LM014 hybrid drive also supports. ( Hopefully they got SATA III right in their first 2011 model year. ) Unfortunately for me I do not think they got SATA II right in their first late 2008 model year.
    I hope this may help someone avoid the pain I experienced,
    -EdOfTheMountain
    Hardware Overview:
      Model Name:          MacBook Pro
      Model Identifier:          MacBookPro5,1
      Processor Name:          Intel Core 2 Duo
      Processor Speed:          2.4 GHz
      Number of Processors:          1
      Total Number of Cores:          2
      L2 Cache:          3 MB
      Memory:          8 GB
      Bus Speed:          1.07 GHz
      Boot ROM Version:          MBP51.007E.B06
      SMC Version (system):          1.33f8
      Serial Number (system):          73******1G0
      Hardware UUID:          ****
      Sudden Motion Sensor:
      State:          Enabled
    Serial-ATA
    NVidia MCP79 AHCI:
      Vendor:          NVidia
      Product:          MCP79 AHCI
      Link Speed:          3 Gigabit
      Negotiated Link Speed:          3 Gigabit
      Description:          AHCI Version 1.20 Supported
    ST1000LM014-1EJ164:
      Capacity:          1 TB (1,000,204,886,016 bytes)
      Model:          ST1000LM014-1EJ164                     
      Revision:          SM11   
      Serial Number:                      W3804LD1
      Native Command Queuing:          Yes
      Queue Depth:          32
      Removable Media:          No
      Detachable Drive:          No
      BSD Name:          disk0
      Rotational Rate:          5400
      Medium Type:          Rotational
      Partition Map Type:          GPT (GUID Partition Table)
      S.M.A.R.T. status:          Verified
      Volumes:
    disk0s1:
      Capacity:          209.7 MB (209,715,200 bytes)
      BSD Name:          disk0s1
      Content:          EFI
    ST-1TB:
      Capacity:          999.86 GB (999,860,912,128 bytes)
      Available:          130.51 GB (130,505,502,720 bytes)
      Writable:          Yes
      File System:          Journaled HFS+
      BSD Name:          disk0s2
      Mount Point:          /
      Content:          Apple_HFS
    <Edited By Host>

    Hi Mike,
    I am not sure it is same issue if drive is not even recognized.  But I would not give up hope.  I know my late 2008 MacBookPro5,1 has this problem even though it was designed to work at SATA II 3 Gbit/second.  It may be possible that your 2009 model has a similar issue.
    If the jumper works for you, then please cut and paste your MacBook's Hardware Overview.  It would be nice to see the Serial-ATA hardware too. Go to:
    Apple icon
    About This Mac
    More Info
    System Report
    My late 2008 is:
    Hardware Overview:
      Model Name:          MacBook Pro
      Model Identifier:          MacBookPro5,1
      Processor Name:          Intel Core 2 Duo
      Processor Speed:          2.4 GHz
      Number of Processors:          1
      Total Number of Cores:          2
      L2 Cache:          3 MB
      Memory:          8 GB
      Bus Speed:          1.07 GHz
      Boot ROM Version:          MBP51.007E.B06
      SMC Version (system):          1.33f8
      Serial Number (system):          73******1G0
      Hardware UUID:          ****
      Sudden Motion Sensor:
      State:          Enabled
    Serial-ATA
    NVidia MCP79 AHCI:
      Vendor:          NVidia
      Product:          MCP79 AHCI
      Link Speed:          3 Gigabit
      Negotiated Link Speed:          3 Gigabit
      Description:          AHCI Version 1.20 Supported
    -Ed
    <Edited By Host>

  • Battery For Late 2008 Aluminum MacBook?

    Where can I get a genuine Apple battery for my Late 2008 Aluminum MacBook?

    You can't get from Apple any more, though OWC carry compatible battery.
    http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/apple_laptop/batteries/MacBook_13_Unibody
    Amazon also carry it.
    http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Dcomputers&field-keyw ords=macbook+late+2008+battery

  • Cover/Case for 13" Late 2008 Aluminum MacBook?

    I have a 13" late 2008 aluminum MacBook and am trying to find a cover/case (preferably the hard shell) that will fit it. I read that they are no longer made for this model so it will be hard to find. The websites I found that offer cases for this model were not able to say that it would be a guaranteed fit. After seeing so many reviews about how they don't fit this model, I am hoping that someone on here could direct me to a website that sells ones that will for sure fit.

    Go to OWC's site,
    You'll see the selections on that page. Great company. No hassle returns and great support.
    DALE

  • Will Late 2008 Unibody Macbook Pros support 8gb RAM

    I was just wondering if now with the ram increase, the late 2008 Unibody Macbook Pros will be able to support 8 gb of RAM now that new model supports it?
    Thanks
    Message was edited by: ofon68

    No.

  • I have a late 2008 unibody Macbook Pro with PCI express slot.

    I have a late 2008 unibody Macbook Pro with PCI express slot, running MAC os 10.6.8 . also I have a Sonnet Tempo Sata Express card plugged in. but only one port works at about 100/mbs with an external HDD.  2nd port wont work, anyone can explain? thank you for your help!
    (Ps: the port at the bottom of the express card works, one on top doesnt)

    AirPlay Mirroring is compatible with OS X Mountain Lion > http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5404 Make a backup, open App Store and purchase OS X Mountain Lion

  • My Late 2008 17" MacBook Pro isn't reinstalling.

    I bought an (early 2008) 17" MacBook Pro from my brother about 1 week ago. I want to reinstall it. When I insert "Disc 1" in to the Superdrive I then click on "Install Mac OS X and Software Bundles". Then I click on restart. When I restarts it just shows an  Logo and a spinning gear. I have waited over 1 hour and 30 minutes but no luck. Can Some one please help me out? Also since it doesn't reboot from the disc, when i purchase Mac OS X Snow Leopard will I have a problem installing it?

    Restart the computer while holding the C key down. This way you'll start to the restore disk 1 instead of your hard drive.

  • Late 2008 unibody MacBook Pro + 6GB RAM + Snow Leopard = Kernel Panic

    Hi,
    I've been trying to install Snow Leopard on my 2.8Ghz MacbookPro unibody (late 2008) with 6GB of RAM (4GB+2GB module).
    At first, I did an upgrade of my existing Leopard drive, and when booting back in 10.6, everything was crashing (could not open a single web browser but Safari, for instance), and I was getting kernel panics each 10 minutes.
    Then, I erased my boot disk and tried a clean install - I was getting kernel panics when installing! After 5 tries, it finally installed, and then I couldn't get through the welcome wizard the first time it boots.
    So I removed the 4GB RAM module, and re-installed a 2GB one, and then everything was fine, not a single problem.
    Take into consideration that that 4GB ram module was working perfectly under 10.5.8 (even while using the computer under a lot of stress) and passed all the hardware test.
    Has anyone been successful at running Snow Leopard 10.6 on a late 2008 Macbook Pro unibody and 6GB of RAM?

    Wow, this is really interesting! I own a UniBody MacBook Aluminum 13" 2.4 GHz 5,1 (October 2008) and ordered a 4 GB RAM module from OWC to max out my system to 6 GB for virtual machine use. I'd just performed a clean install of Snow Leopard a couple of days ago and was excited about the new operating system along with that additional RAM. But guess what? When I inserted the new 4 GB stick I suffered a kernel panic within minutes! I tried moving the module around between the two slots and inserting it on its own without the additional 2 GB module and the same lockups occured every time!
    Who ever would have thought this might be a problem with the new operating system rather than an incompatibility with the new module? OWC even agreed to refund my purchase but before I send the stick back I'll go ahead and install the original Leopard operating system and try again. Based on your experience I'm convinced the new stick will work and prefer more RAM than a newer operating system. Thanks to all of you for having posted this; I'd have never suspected an issue with Snow Leopard otherwise. In fact, I was hoping to be able to upgrade to 8 GB of RAM with 10.6. Turns out we may be better off with 10.5.8, at least for now!

  • Which imacs and apple displays connect to late 2008 aluminum macbook 13 inch for use as external display?

    I have a late 2008 13 inch aluminum macbook and want to purchase an iMac computer or apple display to use as an external display for it while I'm at my desk.
    I can afford up to $700 for sure, maybe up to $1000 and would like one that has built in camera and audio if possible.
    I'd like to know what my options are as it seems not all are compatible.
    I'll mostly be doing web browsing and photo editing in Aperture.
    Also wondering if it's possible to sync 2 computers so that when you make changes on one it reflects the changes in the other. Like you can with certain apps like Evernote.
    Thank you for your help!
    Cybrena

    Yes he is right, Snow Leopard is your first step.  Once you have that you can upgrade directly to Mountain Lion if memory serves me correct.  Some people were saying that Lion was a little sluggish with the aluminum MacBook but that Mountain Lion was great.  Personally I had Lion on it also and didn't think it ran badly.  10.6 was still with Rosetta (the program that ran power pc apps) but this is dropped on 10.7 and up.  Up until just the other day I still had the stock 2 gb of ram.  The firmware update happens with Snow Leopard and up so it should come up as a software update.  If not, it can be done manually as well.  The ram I purchased was 60 bucks for the 8 gb.  For Lion and Mountain Lion I have to agree with the above reply, that it would run alot better with at least 4 gb.  If you run that many apps at once then you are going to want as much ram as you can get.  If you add a solid state drive you will be amazed at the difference it will make too.

  • Late 2008 Unibody MacBook Pro Battery Bulging

    Hi,
    As of a few months ago, I noticed that my MacBook Pro felt as though no matter which surface it was on, it would never sit there straight. Upon further inspection, I have noticed that the casing which covers both the battery and hard drive is being pushed out of its ordinary position.
    Taking the battery out reveals that it is beginning to swell and bulge which is causing this problem. While it isn't an enormous bulge like some I've seen on the Internet, I still consider it a safety issue and would rather not continue using it in the event it continues to develop and potentially explode.
    I called Apple support today to ask them what I can do about getting it replaced. Given that I bought this machine when it first came out in late 2008 without any additional warranty, I am a few months out of warranty.
    After being diverted to three different people from various departments and being put on hold for at least 45 minutes, a customer relations woman told me that Apple could not cover it. As a gesture of good will, she offered a discount coupon for my next purchase from Apple. I'm yet to receive such a coupon, but that isn't the point of this post.
    I want to know if there's anything I could possibly do for Apple to replace this battery - I know it's a long shot, but I'm currently a student and I don't really have $199 lying around to replace a battery which shouldn't be preparing to explode on me.
    Any suggestions would be appreciated!

    I'm copying my message from another thread, since this one is more "specialized".
    Thanks for understanding.
    Not so good news here (Croatia).
    I own a late 2008 MBP unibody. Bought in December 2008, so now 5 months out of warranty.
    I had the same battery bulge issue as described earlier, along with the trackpad not working problem (when I remove the battery, the trackpad works normally).
    A few days ago I contacted the Apple authorised reseller and distributor for Croatia, and got the answer which can be roughly described as "Buy yourself a new battery, we can't do anything".
    I was persistent and the person in the Croatian Apple Service department, after having an online chat with "someone from Apple", gave me the "case number" and said I could try contacting Apple directly (although they ARE Apple's distributor/reseller) - but still, they can't and won't do anything about replacing the battery free of charge.
    Of course, I mentioned the safety issue, and I was really polite and calm - but still nothing.
    Thanks to this thread, I called the Apple UK's Customer Service.
    I spoke to 3 different persons there (they had a completely different approach than the Croatian ones, congrats!), tried to reach the Customer Service directly, and finally spoke to someone. But, the answer was still - we can't help you. I got the new case number, but still - nothing, no offer for the replacement battery or anything similar.
    Yes, I will pay for that 1.5 hour long conversation.
    When I finally asked: does this mean that Apple oficially claims that bulging "good, healthy" batteries is a normal thing to happen, I got no response.
    My battery's health is GOOD, it has around 33 (yes, 33!) cycles since the machine was mostly used at home with external Cinema display/keyboard/mouse attached. When I try to put the battery back in, the trackpad is pressed from beneath so it's unusable; and I even can't close the back lid since the battery is deformed.
    Yes, every time, I did mention the fact that I am a loyal Apple customer since 1992, and I own exclusively Apple computers, currently in posession of 9 Macs and 3 iPhones and responsible for many people "switching" to Apple (friends, colleagues etc). This is the FIRST time I have ever had any technical issue with an Apple product and I am really disappointed now.
    The only useful information I got was from the last person over the phone in UK, and that is - that I should write a letter (not an email) to the Customer Relations - Apple Operations Europe, located in Hollyhill, Cork (Republic of Ireland).
    Finally, I contacted the Service Manager from Apple Croatia, who was extremely unconcerned about the whole thing and said "You can call the newspapers, you can call whoever you want, we won't do anything until Apple says we should replace it".
    So, NO battery replacement exception code.
    At least not until I write that letter to Ireland.
    P.S. I did, as asked from the UK's Customer Support, e-mail the System Profiler info, clear photos of the swelling battery, and iStat screenshot showing the battery's status/health. It didn't help to resolve this issue.

  • Voltage requirement for late 2008 17" MacBook Pro

    I bought a used 17" MacBook Pro - vintage late 2008 and have been having power issues with it.  Screen flashing, system crash.  Streaming video online, system crash. 
    Took the battery out and held down the power button for about 30 seconds to discharge the battery, after which things are OK for a while.  But then it started up again.  So I took the battery out and did it all again.
    I'm wondering if the power adapter that came with the machine is for the wrong voltage?  I see that there are three different voltage levels available. 
    Can anyone tell me what is the correct adapter voltage for my machine?
    Thanks!!
    Judith

    Bring you MBP and power adapter to an Apple store.  If you need a new one, it will cost $79.
    http://store.apple.com/us/product/MC556LL/B/apple-85w-magsafe-power-adapter-for- 15-and-17-inch-macbook-pro
    Ciao.

  • My late 2008 15" MacBook Pro resets itself.

    Ok, I'm starting to believe there is a ghost in my house. I have a late 2008 15" Unibody MacBook Pro with a 2.93 Intel Core 2 Duo. Sometimes, when I leave the room, I'lll come back and the computer is back on the log in screen. It's runnning 10.6.8. I"m I going crazy or is this something that just heppens. I'm thinking of making a genius bar appointment because there is still 9 months left on my AppleCare warranty. Anyone else had any problems like this. I thought maybe the unit was overheating, but I'm only searching the internet and somtimes writing an essay for class, nothing major. Thanks.

    Welcome to Apple Support Communities
    You can install the new hard disk yourself if you want to. You just need a 2'5" SATA II hard drive, which is compatible with your MacBook Pro. You can buy one at OWC > http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/hard-drives/2.5-Notebook/ You can filter hard drives by computer, so press a "Click to view all...", choose your computer in the sidebar and it will give you the compatible hard drives.
    There are different brands for the MacBook Pro. The most recommended are HGST and Seagate, which have good reputation. A 7200 rpm hard drive will give you extra performance

  • Replacement for dvi to vga adapter for late 2008 17"Macbook pro

    Hello,
    I have a 17" inch late 2008 mack pro. The apple dvi to vga adapter cable is not working anymore. I can seem to find a replacement for it. I have tried the generic dvi to vga adapter (image attached). This does not work. Please advise

    Hello mshameel,
    It may help to reset your system's SMC and NVRAM.
    Intel-based Macs: Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC)
    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3964
    About NVRAM and PRAM
    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1379
    Cheers,
    Allen

  • My Late 2008 Aluminum MacBook keeps crashing on new OS X 10.8.1

    I recently upgraded my Late 2008 Macbook to Mountain lion. Since doing so, my computer is running really slow and constantly crashes. I cant have more than two programs running at the same time, otherwise the computer will freeze up and i get the "rainbow pinwheel of Death". I also experience issues with my internet crashing as well as quicktime player issues.
    Please help me if you can. I am Seriusly thinking about finding a way to go back to lion, cause i never had an issue before!

    While we all have MacBooks in this forum most of us don’t run Mountain Lion. There's a Mountain Lion Support Community where everybody has Mountain Lion. You should also post this question there to increase your chances of getting an answer. https://discussions.apple.com/community/mac_os/os_x_mountain_lion

Maybe you are looking for