Upgrading MacBook Pro (15" Late 2008)

Hi everyone,
I have the following MacBook Pro:
http://support.apple.com/kb/SP499
I have 4GB of RAM installed, currently (2x2GB). I've read that the computer will (unofficially) accept 6GB of RAM (4 & 2 GB):
http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Other%20World%20Computing/8566DDR3S6GP/
1) Will it indeed accept 6GB of RAM?
2) Will they 2GB of RAM cause any sigificant improvement.
Additionally, I have a 320 GB 5400 RPM HDD (which I've partitioned via Boot Camp, for Windows XP)
I'm looking at the following drive:
http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Seagate/ST750LX003/
1) Will this drive drain my battery quickly?
2) Can I clone the drive and keep the partion?
3) Will both the RAM and the drive show significant improvement in my system?
Thanks in advance for any help!

OWC says your MacBook Pro can use up to 8gb of RAM. Be sure to read the Note at the bottom of the list. http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/memory/Apple_MacBook_MacBook_Pro/Upgrade/DDR3
To transfer your current hard drive I like the free application Carbon Copy Cloner. It makes a bootable copy of everything on your hard drive http://www.bombich.com/index.html You'll need a cheap SATA external hard drive case. Put the new drive in the case then format and partition the new drive and clone your old drive to the new one. Check that it's set up right by booting up from the external drive. Then replace your old hard drive with the new one and put your old one in the external case.
To transfer your Windows Boot Camp I use Winclone. http://download.cnet.com/Winclone/3000-2242_4-172338.html?tag=main;dropDownForm  You use Winclone to create your clone image on your Mac partition before you use Carbon Copy Cloner. After you clone your Mac to the new hard drive and get it installed then you crate a new Boot Camp partition and use Winclone to reinstall your Windows XP.
Here's a cheap SATA external hard drive case on Amazon. http://www.amazon.com/SATA-Hard-Drive-Case-Enclosure/dp/B001AAVA08/ref=pd_cp_e_0
  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/

Similar Messages

  • Is it possible to upgrade a macbook pro 15 late 2008 memory upgrade to 8 go

    Hi from Belgium,
    Is it possible to upgrade a macbook pro 15 late 2008 memory from 4 to 8 go. And if yes would i have to replace both memory modules.
    I'm also experiencing problems with the battery. Could you tell me if the new replacement batteries are based on the new techonology (long lasting) or if the replacement battery will be the same as the original one.
    Thanks and have a good day.
    Francis

    Hi CMCSK and thanks.
    Maybe it's because of the SMC reset I've done.
    My computer wasn't responding to the power button when pressed and used to shut down unexpectedly so I did the SMC reset as per the procedure hereafter.
    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3964?viewlocale=en_US
    So according to you, the battery seems to work properly and doesn't need to be replaced.
    Don't know if it's important but the figures I gave where the one with magsafe connected.
    In fact for the time beeing I only use my computer with magsafe plugged.
    I just unplugged the magpower and here are the new figures after 10 minutes.
    Charge Information:
      Charge Remaining (mAh):          3103
      Fully Charged:          No
      Charging:          No
      Full Charge Capacity (mAh):          3491
      Health Information:
      Cycle Count:          245
      Condition:          Normal
      Battery Installed:          Yes
      Amperage (mA):          -1431
      Voltage (mV):          11816
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    Francis

  • Can a Macbook Pro from late 2008 upgrade to the most recent OS software? Or will I have to get a new computer in order to have that? Thanks!

    I currently have a Macbook Pro from late 2008 and I'd like to update it to the most current software in order to run newer programs such as Adobe Creative Suite 6. I am not sure if this is even possible but if anyone has any advice or help I would really appreciate it! Thanks!
    MacBook Pro

    The first step in Upgrading... is to Snow Leopard = OS X 10.6.x
    It is Not available as a download... It is a Paid Upgrade.
    Do this first...
    Check that your Mac meets the System Requirements for Snow Leopard...
    Snow Leopard Tech Specs
    http://support.apple.com/kb/SP575
    If so... Purchase a Snow Leopard Install Disc...
    http://store.apple.com/us/product/MC573Z/A/mac-os-x-106-snow-leopard
    Other countries...
    http://support.apple.com/kb/HE57
    After the Successful Install, run Software Update to get the latest updates for Snow Leopard.
    Be sure to make a Backup of your Current System Before Upgrading...
    Next... See if your Mac can run Mountain Lion...
    Upgrade to Mountain Lion
    With Regard to ML...  Check here for compatibility of 3rd party Software you may be using...
    http://roaringapps.com/apps:table
    You should also consider more RAM... Get the Maximum you can for your Mac...
    It is important to get the Correct and Matching RAM
    See Here  >  OWC RAM  >  http://www.macsales.com

  • HT1338 Can a Macbook Pro from late 2008 upgrade to the most recent OS software? Or will I have to get a new computer in order to have that? Thanks!

    I currently have a Macbook Pro from late 2008 and I'd like to update it to the most current software in order to run newer programs such as Adobe Creative Suite 6. I am not sure if this is even possible but if anyone has any advice or help I would really appreciate it! Thanks!

    The first step in Upgrading... is to Snow Leopard = OS X 10.6.x
    It is Not available as a download... It is a Paid Upgrade.
    Do this first...
    Check that your Mac meets the System Requirements for Snow Leopard...
    Snow Leopard Tech Specs
    http://support.apple.com/kb/SP575
    If so... Purchase a Snow Leopard Install Disc...
    http://store.apple.com/us/product/MC573Z/A/mac-os-x-106-snow-leopard
    Other countries...
    http://support.apple.com/kb/HE57
    After the Successful Install, run Software Update to get the latest updates for Snow Leopard.
    Be sure to make a Backup of your Current System Before Upgrading...
    Next... See if your Mac can run Mountain Lion...
    Upgrade to Mountain Lion
    With Regard to ML...  Check here for compatibility of 3rd party Software you may be using...
    http://roaringapps.com/apps:table
    You should also consider more RAM... Get the Maximum you can for your Mac...
    It is important to get the Correct and Matching RAM
    See Here  >  OWC RAM  >  http://www.macsales.com

  • Problem description: (MacBook Pro 15" late 2008, OSX Yosemite 10.10.2 installed, no pending updates) computer is running very slow - takes 2-3 minutes to open apps such as Pages, even when no other apps are open.  Randomly freezes and becomes unrespo

    Problem description:
    (MacBook Pro 15” late 2008, OSX Yosemite 10.10.2 installed, no pending updates) computer is running very slow - takes 2-3 minutes to open apps such as Pages, even when no other apps are open.  Randomly freezes and becomes unresponsive, requiring forced power down.  Randomly logs off.  Removed Kodak AIO software via Clean My Mac2, but BonjourAgent still there and requesting access.  Cleaned weekly with Clean My Mac2 and running Sophos AntiVirus. 2GB memory installed.  Currently 169.99 GB available of 249.2 GB capacity.
    Help?
    EtreCheck version: 2.1.8 (121)
    Report generated March 21, 2015 at 11:35:35 AM EDT
    Download EtreCheck from http://etresoft.com/etrecheck
    Click the [Click for support] links for help with non-Apple products.
    Click the [Click for details] links for more information about that line.
    Hardware Information: ℹ️
        MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008) (Technical Specifications)
        MacBook Pro - model: MacBookPro5,1
        1 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo CPU: 2-core
        2 GB RAM Upgradeable
            BANK 0/DIMM0
                1 GB DDR3 1067 MHz ok
            BANK 0/DIMM1
                1 GB DDR3 1067 MHz ok
        Bluetooth: Old - Handoff/Airdrop2 not supported
        Wireless:  en1: 802.11 a/b/g/n
        Battery Health: Normal - Cycle count 59
    Video Information: ℹ️
        NVIDIA GeForce 9400M - VRAM: 256 MB
            Color LCD 1440 x 900
        NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT - VRAM: 256 MB
    System Software: ℹ️
        OS X 10.10.2 (14C1514) - Time since boot: 0:13:37
    Disk Information: ℹ️
        Hitachi HTS543225L9SA02 disk0 : (250.06 GB)
            EFI (disk0s1) <not mounted> : 210 MB
            Macintosh HD (disk0s2) / : 249.20 GB (168.91 GB free)
            Recovery HD (disk0s3) <not mounted>  [Recovery]: 650 MB
        HL-DT-ST DVDRW  GS21N 
    USB Information: ℹ️
        Apple Inc. Built-in iSight
        Apple Inc. BRCM2046 Hub
            Apple Inc. Bluetooth USB Host Controller
        Apple, Inc. Apple Internal Keyboard / Trackpad
        Apple Computer, Inc. IR Receiver
    Gatekeeper: ℹ️
        Mac App Store and identified developers
    Kernel Extensions: ℹ️
            /Library/Extensions
        [not loaded]    com.leapfrog.driver.LfConnectDriver (1.11.1 - SDK 10.10) [Click for support]
        [loaded]    com.sophos.kext.sav (9.2.50 - SDK 10.8) [Click for support]
        [loaded]    com.sophos.nke.swi (9.2.50 - SDK 10.8) [Click for support]
            /System/Library/Extensions
        [not loaded]    com.leapfrog.codeless.kext (2) [Click for support]
    Launch Agents: ℹ️
        [not loaded]    com.adobe.AAM.Updater-1.0.plist [Click for support]
        [running]    com.kodak.BonjourAgent.plist [Click for support]
        [loaded]    com.oracle.java.Java-Updater.plist [Click for support]
        [running]    com.sophos.uiserver.plist [Click for support]
    Launch Daemons: ℹ️
        [loaded]    com.adobe.fpsaud.plist [Click for support]
        [loaded]    com.adobe.SwitchBoard.plist [Click for support]
        [loaded]    com.leapfrog.connect.authdaemon.plist [Click for support]
        [loaded]    com.macpaw.CleanMyMac2.Agent.plist [Click for support]
        [loaded]    com.oracle.java.Helper-Tool.plist [Click for support]
        [loaded]    com.oracle.java.JavaUpdateHelper.plist [Click for support]
        [running]    com.sophos.common.servicemanager.plist [Click for support]
    User Launch Agents: ℹ️
        [not loaded]    com.adobe.AAM.Updater-1.0.plist [Click for support]
        [loaded]    com.macpaw.CleanMyMac2Helper.diskSpaceWatcher.plist [Click for support]
        [loaded]    com.macpaw.CleanMyMac2Helper.scheduledScan.plist [Click for support]
        [loaded]    com.macpaw.CleanMyMac2Helper.trashWatcher.plist [Click for support]
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    Internet Plug-ins: ℹ️
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        FlashPlayer-10.6: Version: 16.0.0.305 - SDK 10.6 [Click for support]
        Default Browser: Version: 600 - SDK 10.10
        Flash Player: Version: 16.0.0.305 - SDK 10.6 Outdated! Update
        AdobeAAMDetect: Version: AdobeAAMDetect 2.0.0.0 - SDK 10.7 [Click for support]
        AmazonMP3DownloaderPlugin1017265: Version: AmazonMP3DownloaderPlugin 1.0.17 [Click for support]
        JavaAppletPlugin: Version: Java 8 Update 31 Check version
        AmazonMP3DownloaderPlugin: Version: AmazonMP3DownloaderPlugin 1.0.17 [Click for support]
        QuickTime Plugin: Version: 7.7.3
        iPhotoPhotocast: Version: 7.0 - SDK 10.8
    User internet Plug-ins: ℹ️
        CitrixOnlineWebDeploymentPlugin: Version: 1.0.94 [Click for support]
        Google Earth Web Plug-in: Version: 6.0 [Click for support]
    Safari Extensions: ℹ️
        AdBlock
        Disconnect
        Add To Amazon Wish List
    3rd Party Preference Panes: ℹ️
        Flash Player  [Click for support]
        Java  [Click for support]
        Tuxera NTFS  [Click for support]
    Time Machine: ℹ️
        Skip System Files: NO
        Mobile backups: OFF
        Auto backup: YES
        Volumes being backed up:
            Macintosh HD: Disk size: 249.20 GB Disk used: 80.29 GB
        Destinations:
            Backup [Local]
            Total size: 63.67 GB
            Total number of backups: 1
            Oldest backup: 2015-02-23 16:16:08 +0000
            Last backup: 2015-02-23 16:16:08 +0000
            Size of backup disk: Too small
                Backup size 63.67 GB < (Disk used 80.29 GB X 3)
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             5%    WindowServer
             1%    loginwindow
             0%    AppleSpell
             0%    SophosUIServer
             0%    SophosAntiVirus
    Top Processes by Memory: ℹ️
        118 MB    InterCheck
        101 MB    SophosScanD
        60 MB    Dropbox
        54 MB    mds_stores
        41 MB    SophosAntiVirus
    Virtual Memory Information: ℹ️
        49 MB    Free RAM
        682 MB    Active RAM
        652 MB    Inactive RAM
        315 MB    Wired RAM
        1.49 GB    Page-ins
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    Diagnostics Information: ℹ️
        Mar 21, 2015, 11:18:52 AM    Self test - passed
        Mar 21, 2015, 10:53:03 AM    /Library/Logs/DiagnosticReports/SophosUIServer_2015-03-21-105303_[redacted].cra sh
        Mar 19, 2015, 07:59:03 PM    /Library/Logs/DiagnosticReports/CalNCService_2015-03-19-195903_[redacted].crash

    Linc Davis wrote:
    Slow performance after installing Yosemite on an older Mac is often caused by inadequate memory. Although you can install the upgrade on a Mac with 2 GB of memory, experience has shown that at least 4 GB is needed for full performance.
    Select About This Mac from the Apple menu. If you have less than 4 GB of memory, and your model has upgradable memory, install as much as it can take, or at least that much. Any reputable RAM vendor will have a web form in which you can select the Mac model and be directed to compatible parts.
    Memory in the MacBook Air is not upgradable. If that's what you have, you should restore the previous system from a backup, or replace the machine. Ask if you need guidance.
    The Etrecheck report clearly shows that SylvieRose has a Macbook Pro, not a Macbook Air and that there are only 2 GB  RAM installed.  The Etrecheck report can be very informative if one takes the time to examine it. 
    Ciao.

  • User Contributed Tips in The MacBook Pro Display (Late 2008) forum

    *The following User Contributed Tips are located in the MacBook Pro (Late 2008) > The MacBook Pro Display (Late 2008) forum:*
    None at this time.
    *The following related tips are located in other areas of Apple Discussions:*
    a brody - Using a second Mac as a display for a first
    http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1587927
    Publish date: July 7, 2008
    See also User Tips Library

    I bought this computer with no disks, upgraded to Lion
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    If you're not in the US, you may need to go through the regional Apple Store that serves your location to find the contact number - http://store.apple.com/Catalog/US/Images/intlstoreroutingpage.html
    for some reason AHT wasn't installed
    AHT is included in system disc #1. 

  • Ssd instead of superdrive in a macbook pro 17 late 2008

    i've got a macbook pro 17 late 2008 and want to replace the internal superdrive with an ssd drive. is it a good idea since the interface is pata? is it fast enough to get the speed bump? anybody did that? if yes: any recommendations of the bay?
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    I bought this computer with no disks, upgraded to Lion
    Replacement System Discs can be obtained from Apple's Customer Support - US (800) 767-2775 for a nominal fee. You'll need to have the model and serial number of your Mac available. 
    If you're not in the US, you may need to go through the regional Apple Store that serves your location to find the contact number - http://store.apple.com/Catalog/US/Images/intlstoreroutingpage.html
    for some reason AHT wasn't installed
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  • Macbook Pro 15" late 2008 random improper shutdowns on battery

    Hi, my macbook pro 15" late 2008 model shuts down by itself when on battery. The problem started one day out of nowhere about 2 months ago. There seems to be no recurring pattern in the shutdowns as I can sometimes use the computer for one or two hours, sometimes only 5 minutes before it shuts down. The computer works perfectly when the charger is plugged in, and also when the battery is pulled out and only the charger is plugged in.
    Here is what I've done so far:
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    Reset of PRAM
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    Reinstallation of Snow Leopard 10.6.3 from disc and then install of all software updates
    Reinstallation of all updates with the downloadable Combo Update
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    I am a student in Glasgow, but normally live in Luxemburg. When I went back to Lux for the holidays I sent the mac for repair at Lineheart Luxemburg. The first time it was returned to me after a week. They hadn't detected the problem because they had only ran the tests with the charger pluggged in. I was quite annoyed as you might understand. All they told me was to buy an 85W charger for the mac as I only had a 60W one. This is my uncles old computer and I don't know why he had the wrong charger. I got the computer a year ago and it had worked flawlessly until now. The 85W charger didn't fix my problem.
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    Yes, I boot up from the OS 10.6.3 installation disc and use Disc Utility to repair Disk and Permissions. I must tell you though, I've done the disc repair and permission repair quite a few times and it has never helped. Right now I've forgotten the OS disc in Luxemburg so I can only get it when I'm back in 3 weeks.
    I ran Disc Utility today though and repaired permissions. The only one that wasn't fixed was an SUID-file.
    I also checked the disc and it has some problems but I can't fix them until I get my OS disc or if I ask them to do it at the Genius Bar.
    Yes, I have a Time Machine backup on an external usb HDD, last time I backed up was yesterday.

  • MacBook Pro, 15" Late 2008, 10.6.7 Model 2,2 2.16 ghz Core 2 Duo

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    Yes, I boot up from the OS 10.6.3 installation disc and use Disc Utility to repair Disk and Permissions. I must tell you though, I've done the disc repair and permission repair quite a few times and it has never helped. Right now I've forgotten the OS disc in Luxemburg so I can only get it when I'm back in 3 weeks.
    I ran Disc Utility today though and repaired permissions. The only one that wasn't fixed was an SUID-file.
    I also checked the disc and it has some problems but I can't fix them until I get my OS disc or if I ask them to do it at the Genius Bar.
    Yes, I have a Time Machine backup on an external usb HDD, last time I backed up was yesterday.

  • What is the maximum hard drive size can I install into my MacBook Pro 15 "late 2008 ?

    Hello community, I play with the thought in my MacBook Pro 15 "late 2008 equipped with an SSD hard drive. What is the maximum hard drive size can I install? Thank you in advance
    Dirk

    mende1, greetings:
    mende1 wrote:
    I don't recommend you to install a hard drive bigger than 2 TB if you are going to install Windows in Boot Camp or you may have problems
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    Are there now 2 TB HDDs available for MBPs?    If so, I am interested.
    Ciao.
    Both OWC and Crucial have SSDs of about 1 TB capacity.
    Message was edited by: OGELTHORPE

  • MacBook Pro Unibody (late 2008) crash when using GeForce 9600M GT

    Every time I do heavy 3D rendering or play 3D games (such World of Warcraft) with the NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT, after few minutes my MacBook Pro (unibody, late 2008) freezes, black screen and audio looping, no actions possibile, only hard shutdown... No problems with the 9400M.
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    I've had mine for a little less than two months and I noticed the overheating shortly after I got it. I think it's mostly because the fans don't spin up soon enough because the SMC controller on mine does not work properly and even if you reset it, it reverts back to only spinning the fans after a cpu/gpu temps over 90 degrees Celsius (almost boiling point!).
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    http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=9115055&#9115055

  • MacBook Pro A1286 Late 2008 WiFi Hardware Question

    I'm working on a Late 2008 15" MacBook Pro model A1286. It had a plethora of issues, from broken trackpad, broken keyboard, broken display panel and a shot hard drive. It wasn't working when I got it in so I couldn't verify much. Upon fixing all of those issues and firing it up the WiFi is not working. The odd this is that the webcam uses the same cable, and that works just fine. Thinking it must be the card then, I ordered a replacement Airport card and put that in today, and the WiFi still doesn't work. What else could it be? Is it possible that only part of the cable would be bad for some reason? The owner says the wireless was working before the hard drive crash. The broken trackpad, keyboard and screen all happened prior, and they brought it in after the hard drive crashed, and had been using it like that for a while. Not sure what to do at this point... Any advice would be appreciated.
    Thanks.

    owen-b,
    Installing an SSD is very simple - just like installing a hard drive - all you need is a Phillips #00 screwdrive and a Torx T6 screwdriver. See the video here -> http://eshop.macsales.com/installvideos/macbookpro_15_unibody_hd/.
    I prefer Crucial SSDs (probably because that's what I have!) and you can go to their website and look at the available drives. You can usually get a few bucks knowcked off if you purchase from Amazon.
    Before you install the SSD, download Mavericks, quit before it tries to update and you'll have a file named "Install OS Mavericks.app". Get a 8GB+ USB thumb drive and use DiskMaker X to create a bootable installation drive. Hold down the option key with the USB thumb drive in place and elect to boot from it. Then use Disk Utility to format the SSD ("Mac OS Extended (Journaled)" with a single GUID partition. Quit Disk Utility and then install Mavericks.
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  • MacBook Pro 15" (Late 2008) not powering on!

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