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

Upgrading the memory in the White "Unibody" MacBook models -- the MacBook "Core 2 Duo" 2.26 13" (White Polycarbonate Unibody/Late 2009) and MacBook "Core 2 Duo" 2.4 13" (Mid-2010) -- is not quite as simple as it is in the earlier MacBook models, but it still is easy.

Most of what you need to know to upgrade the RAM in the White "Unibody" MacBook is covered on pages 46-50 (which also references pages 37-39) in the User's Guides for the Late 2009 and Mid-2010 models (the text in this portion is identical for both).

Apple first notes that:

Your computer has two memory slots that you access by removing the bottom case. Your MacBook comes with a minimum of 2 gigabytes (GB) of 1066 MHz Double Data Rate (DDR3) 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 (DDR3) format
• 30 mm (1.18 inches)
• 204-pin
• 1 GB or 2 GB
• PC3-8500 DDR3 SO-DIMM 1066 MHz Type RAM

Apple only officially supports a maximum of 4 GB of RAM, but site sponsor Other World Computer discovered that the White "Unibody" MacBook actually is capable of supporting 8 GB of RAM.

Apple likewise states that "for best performance, fill both memory slots, and install an identical memory module in each slot."

The User's Guides go on to provide installation instructions complete with drawings, which absolutely should be read in their entirety before one installs memory, but perhaps even better, OWC provides a convenient step-by-step video of the process:

In addition to instructional videos, as you would expect, Other World Computing offers memory and hard drive upgrades for the White "Unibody" MacBook models (and all other Macs as well). If you would rather hire a professional to upgrade the memory in your White "Unibody" MacBook than do it yourself (or don't have time to do the upgrade yourself), Mission Repair offers a 24 hour by mail memory service for this model using Macintosh Certified Technicians.