Slash Lane
Unibody MacBook and MacBook Pro
The upgrades for the latest round of Apple notebooks are made possible via Other World Computing's new DDR3 4GB modules and 6GB DDR3 dual module kits that leverage the provider's long term experience using the new DDR3 memory technology.
"MacBook and MacBook Pro owners running memory intensive audio/video, 3D modeling, and image processing/management applications will find having 6GB really makes a difference in their computer's performance," said Jamie Dresser, Product Manager, OWC.
Pricing for RAM modules for the Late 2008 "Unibody" MacBook 13" and MacBook Pro 15" models are as follows:
- 2GB DDR3 Memory Upgrade Module - $65.99
- 4GB DDR3 Upgrade Kit (matched pair of 2GB memory modules) - $129.99
- 4GB DDR3 Memory Upgrade Module - $699.99
- 6GB DDR3 Memory Upgrade Kit - $749.99 (2GB + 4GB modules)
Santa Rosa MacBook and MacBook Pro
The reseller is also offering 6GB memory upgrades for previous-generation "Santa Rosa"-based Apple notebooks via a 4GB single DDR2 module upgrades and 6GB DDR2 dual module memory upgrades kits, which have reportedly been under development for nearly two years.
The modules are said to exceed Apple/Intel specifications, are RoHS compliant and fully compliant with JEDEC specifications.
Pricing for RAM modules for the 2007 "Santa Rosa" model and later (pre-Late 2008 "Unibody") MacBook 13", Macbook Pro 15", and MacBook Pro 17" models are as follows:
- 2GB DDR2 Memory Upgrade Module - $29.99
- 4GB DDR2 Upgrade Kit (matched pair of 2GB memory modules) - $59.00
- 4GB DDR2 Memory Upgrade Module - $449.99
- 6GB DDR2 Memory Upgrade Kit - $479.95 (2GB + 4GB modules)
Other World Computing says all of its new upgrades are backed with a Money Back Guarantee and the reseller's Lifetime Advance Replacement Warranty. They are user-installable in 15 minutes with help from free online installation videos.
William Gallagher
Christine McKee
AppleInsider Staff
Chip Loder
Malcolm Owen
29 Comments
Does this mean that you cannot install 8GB? Or do they not advertise 8GB because it costs too much?
Does this mean that you cannot install 8GB? Or do they not advertise 8GB because it costs too much?
Currently, 8GB doesn't work. It may just need a software update or it may be limitation of the Nvidia HW.
Even if a SW update resolves the issue, having 2x4GB may not allow you to use all 8GB if, like the pre-Santa Rosa chipsets, the chipsets can only address 8GB total which would mean that ~750MB of addressing would go to the system and 256MB would go to the integrated GPU so you'd only get 7GB. This would be even low if you have a discrete GPU installed. Again, no one knows for sure yet if this can be resolved and to what extent, but testing shows that 6GB works and 8GB does not.
An Apple solutions provider on Thursday announced a family of memory upgrades for existing and previous generation MacBook and MacBook Pro notebooks that raise the maximum RAM limitation from 4GB to 6GB.
Oh that is so cool!
Now all I need is a macbook... :/
Jimzip
What are the timing specifications for the 4 GB modules--e.g., do they have additional wait states compared to the 2 GB modules from OWC or Apple?
Presumably the pairing of 2 GB and 4 GB modules disables interleaving, so how much does this impact performance in various application venues? Is a 6 GB upgrade not generally recommended for people who infrequently bump up against a 4 GB limit, because the vast majority of the time, when 4 GB does suffice, the computer will run slower than if a matched pair of 2 GB modules was installed?
Will a pair of 4 GB modules not work at all, or are the entire 8 GB simply not addressable? If the latter, then does interleaving work with a pair of 4 GB modules?
How about some comparative benchmarks?
What are the timing specifications for the 4 GB modules--e.g., do they have additional wait states compared to the 2 GB modules from OWC or Apple?
Presumably the pairing of 2 GB and 4 GB modules disables interleaving, so how much does this impact performance in various application venues? Is a 6 GB upgrade not generally recommended for people who infrequently bump up against a 4 GB limit, because the vast majority of the time, when 4 GB does suffice, the computer will run slower than if a matched pair of 2 GB modules was installed?
Will a pair of 4 GB modules not work at all, or are the entire 8 GB simply not addressable? If the latter, then does interleaving work with a pair of 4 GB modules?
How about some comparative benchmarks?
here is some testing from BareFeats, but there are other sites if you google...
No, 8GB won't work. It's load and register the 8GB but it won't run correctly. You can find articles on this, too.