Finding RAM for the Black MacBook

CPU Chipset:	Intel 945GM	Maximum Capacity:	3Gb
DIMM Slots:	2	RAM Type:	So-Dimm DDR2
RAM Speed:	667MHz PC2-5300	Default Amount:	1Gb

How does more RAM help me?

Applications like Adobe Photoshop or Garage Band all store temporary data in the RAM, so more RAM will help these applications run smoother and quicker. More RAM also improves system performance when you feel the sudden urge to simultaneously open 20 Safari windows.

What type of RAM will work?

The Black and White MacBooks use DDR2 667Mhz So-DIMM RAM.
The most you can have is 3Gb. There are two slots so you may have no more than 2 sticks of RAM.
The two sticks don't need to be identical, however, Apple recommends installing RAM in matched pairs for maximum efficiency.

Wait a minute, Apple's website says that 2Gb is the max?

That's absolutely true, Apple does officially say that 2Gb is the max amount of RAM that you can use. However, the Core 2 Duo MacBook chipset supports 3Gb, so it's up to you. Running on 3Gb means you can't have two identical sticks (they don't make 1.5gb sticks, dummy), so you lose the advantages of running it in dual channel (slight performance difference).

How much RAM do I need?

This depends entirely on what kind of work you do. If you multitask often or you play games, go for 2Gb. Most users will find that 1Gb is enough RAM for basic use.

What's the difference between RAM Manufacturers?

Simply put, only a handful of companies actually manufacture the RAM, the rest are resellers.
The largest manufacturers are Samsung, Micron, Hynix, Toshiba, and a few others.

For instance, Crucial and Mushkin are both recognized names in the RAM world but both are just resellers.
The main difference between them is what type of RAM is being bought and resold.
Companies like Corsair and Crucial buy and resell high quality RAM.
Companies like K-Byte and AllComponents sell lower quality RAM, so you're more likely to run into problems.

Samsung, Kingston, Corsair, Crucial, PQI, Mushkin, G.Skill, and Geil - in no particular order - these are the names I would recommend.

Where should I buy the RAM?

If you live in United States, Newegg is a very good hardware reseller.
This link will lead you directly to the list of RAM modules that will work in the MacBook.

If you prefer Amazon, this 1Gb stick of Kingston RAM will work just fine.
If 1Gb is too much, this 512mb module will work as well.

Buy.com also offers the Kingston 1Gb module, and for less money than Amazon.

Here's a list of compatible RAM modules available from OWC.

Newegg generally has the lowest price, but feel free to shop around. There's plenty of online stores that sell RAM.

I got the RAM, now what?

Follow this guide if you need some help installing the RAM.
What to do with the old RAM? If you have no use for it, eBay it.


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