How do you upgrade the RAM in the MacBook? How much RAM of what type does it support?

Users interested in upgrading the RAM will be pleasantly surprised to discover that the MacBook is quite a bit easier to upgrade than some previous Apple notebooks.

The Apple Support Site has posted a detailed article on "How to Install Memory" in the MacBook that likely will provide everything you need to upgrade the stock memory.

The Apple Support Document states that the MacBook:

Has two memory slots that you access by removing the memory door in the battery bay. Your MacBook comes with at least 512 MB of 667 MHz Double Data Rate (DDR2) Synchronous Dynamic Random-Access Memory (SDRAM) installed.

Both memory slots can accept an SDRAM module that meets the following specifications:

• Double Data Rate Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Module (DDR SO-DIMM) format
• 1.25 inch or smaller
• 512 MB or 1 gigabyte (GB)
• 200-pin
• PC2-5300 DDR2 667 MHz Type RAM

Apple supports a maximum of 2 GB of RAM in the "Core Duo" and "pre-Santa Rosa Core 2 Duo" models (ones released prior to November 1, 2007) and 4 GB of RAM starting with the "Late 2007/Santa Rosa" line (introduced on November 1, 2007).

For all models, Apple reports that "for best performance, fill both memory slots, installing an equal memory module in each slot." Given the "integrated graphics" the MacBook is heavily dependent on system RAM, and consequently, Apple reports that installing equal RAM in each slot is important for maximum graphics performance.

However, third-parties have discovered that "pre-Santa Rosa" MacBook models equipped with a "Core 2 Duo" processor will work with 3 GB of RAM (those with a Core 2 Duo processor released prior to November 1, 2007) -- which requires a 2 GB module and a 1 GB module. This "mismatched" configuration will modestly compromise performance of video-related tasks but likely will be of interest for users who primarily use the system for CPU and memory-intensive tasks.

Site sponsor Other World Computing has posted detailed test results comparing the performance of the MacBook configured with matched and mismatched memory.

The Apple document goes on to provide installation instructions complete with drawings, which absolutely should be read in their entirety before one installs memory, but in a nutshell, the quick instructions are:

1. Shut down the MacBook, unplug it, and disconnect any cords or cables.

2. Remove the battery.

3. Unscrew the now visible "L bracket".

4. Discharge static electricity by touching a metal surface (or better yet, use a grounding wrist strap).

5. Slide out the existing memory modules.

6. Slide in the new memory modules.

7. Reconnect the L bracket and install the battery.

That's it! You're good to go. For alternate installation instructions, you also may wish to refer to the always excellent iFixIt which covers RAM installation along with other internal MacBook upgrades.

Site sponsor Other World Computing sells memory and hard drive upgrades for all MacBook systems.