Apple RAM or DDR3?

Bulls · Feb 3rd, 2009, 08:52 AM

I know this sounds stupid but isnt DDR3 PC3 8500 the same one used in the new MacBooks? because when I go on canadacomputers.com it has a seperate section for Apple RAM and DDR3 so just wanted to clarify if its the same RAM. Thanks

CanadaRAM · Feb 3rd, 2009, 05:31 PM

	Quote:			Originally Posted by Bulls
	I know this sounds stupid but isnt DDR3 PC3 8500 the same one used in the new MacBooks? because when I go on canadacomputers.com it has a seperate section for Apple RAM and DDR3 so just wanted to clarify if its the same RAM. Thanks

The Unibody MacBook / Pros use DDR3-1066 PC3-8500 SODIMMs.

There have been sporadic reports of some brands of RAM being incompatible, so the safe bet is to stick with RAM that the seller has tested and guarantees is compatible.

Bulls · Feb 3rd, 2009, 05:51 PM

is that the same for hard drives?

CanadaRAM · Feb 3rd, 2009, 05:55 PM

MacBooks and MacBook Pros use SATA 2.5" hard drives, there isn't any special type for Mac laptops vs PC laptops.

Finder · Feb 3rd, 2009, 06:59 PM

I think the RAM Canada computers lists in their Apple section is RAM that is only meant for particular Macs. This does not mean that RAM listed elsewhere on the site isn't Mac compatible—simply that it is not only suitable for Macs.

You are indeed looking for DDR3 PC3-8500 1066 SODIMMs, although last I checked the two brands they list (OCZ and Patriot) are currently unavailable in 2x2GB kits.

I ended up ordering mine online from OWC. Their prices are better, although after shipping, currency conversion and duties (they're based in the US) it ended up being about the same price ($150 CAD total). Installed it earlier today without any problems.

zlinger · Feb 3rd, 2009, 10:21 PM

	Quote:			Originally Posted by Finder
	... about the same price ($150 CAD total). Installed it earlier today without any problems.

This is the same price that Apple charged me to swap to 2 x 2GB at the store when I picked up a MacBook. I don't see much of an incentive to buy elsewhere... except for hard drives.

Finder · Feb 3rd, 2009, 10:26 PM

	Quote:			Originally Posted by zlinger
	This is the same price that Apple charged me to swap to 2 x 2GB at the store when I picked up a MacBook. I don't see much of an incentive to buy elsewhere... except for hard drives.

In my case I decided to upgrade later, at which point "swapping" was no longer an option.

Bulls · Feb 3rd, 2009, 10:49 PM

1 more question can I use the ddr3 ram from my macbook oa pc laptop that supports it?

CanadaRAM · Feb 3rd, 2009, 11:43 PM

	Quote:			Originally Posted by Bulls
	1 more question can I use the ddr3 ram from my macbook oa pc laptop that supports it?

Yes

Paddy · Feb 4th, 2009, 09:20 AM

One note: when Apple upgrades your RAM at purchase time, they don't give you the RAM from the stock configuration. If you do it yourself, then you get to keep the stock RAM or sell it or do whatever you want with it.

And newegg.ca has the 2X2GB Mushkin kit for $109.99.

Newegg.ca - Mushkin 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3 1066 (PC8500) Dual Channel Kit Memory For Apple Model 976643A - Mac Memory