Upgrading your macbook's memory

[Zok]

So I was thinking to myself today that it might be nice to have 4gb instead of 2gb in my macbook. I was easily able to find the RAM type (PC2-5300 667 200pin) online and it looked like it'd be about 50-70 dollars for the 4gb (these two are the ones I found: http://www.datamemorysystems.com/_me...IMMs_190x2.asp and http://www.datamemorysystems.com/_me...ono_190Ex2.asp ).

Now being the curious fellow I am, I called up the local Apple store and asked them a few questions. They charge 30 dollars for installation, 200 dollars for the ram, and apparently the ram the use is specially made for apple - it's some custom hardware.

So my questions are:
1) Do I buy my own and install it myself? Or do I buy from apple and have them install it?

2) If I buy my own and install it myself, which of the two ram chips should I purchase? There seems to be a 20 dollar price difference and I can't find the reason why.

3) I'm pretty sure that installing it myself would void a warranty or two... is there any way that someone could tell I installed it myself (aside from the off brand of RAM being in the machine)? I don't assume they've got any of that "warranty void if broken" tape anywhere in there, do they?

Before you buy anything, and you own a Macbook, NOT a Macbook Pro, then you should read this:
http:../../eshop.macsales.com/reviews/fr...kcore23gb.html

The Core 2 Duo Macbooks can support up to 4GB of RAM, but will address only 3GB.
Apple sells only 2GB modules so the Intel 950 GPU will run using it's dual memory controller, or something like that.
I have 3GB installed on my Macbook; it runs great and I see no slowdown in graphics.

As for your questions:

1. You buy it yourself and install it yourself. DO NOT buy it from Apple as they charge an arm and a leg, both in parts and labor. It is easy as pie to install extra RAM in these machines. Remove battery, remove RAM plate, switch out RAM modules, put back RAM plate, put back battery. Simple. Here is a cool site to give a look at: www.macsales.com
I have ordered from them in the past and are reasonably priced and have fast delivery. No, I don't work for them.

2. I say shop around. Macsales has RAM chips from $30 to $50, depending on which ones you buy. I always buy the cheapest ones I can find (on that site at least) as they are all quality products and come with a guarantee/warranty.

3. Hahahahahaha!
You don't void your warranty by installing memory. There is nothing to crack open, just slip the new chips in, thats all. The how-to can be found on the internet; I would try Apple.com first. Look in the support pages. Really, it's a snap to do.
Don't worry about your warranty when installing memory.

Peace.

EDIT: Since you have 2GB already installed in your Macbook, I'm going to guess that you have (2) 1GB RAM chips in there. So, remove one of the chips in there and replace it with a 2GB RAM chip for a total of 3GB of addressable memory. Here ya go: http:../../eshop.macsales.com/item/other.../5300ddr2s2gb/default.htm
$24.99.

[Zok]

Thanks for the reply! I'm glad to hear that they aren't crazy about their warranties - I've had some bad luck with that before. Anyway, I went ahead and ordered the 4gb kit (2x2gb) - I paid for overnight delivery so it should be here tomorrow. I'll let you know how it goes!

Cool!

Just remember, your Macbook will only recognize 3GB of the 4GB you'll have installed.
But, the Intel 950 GMA GPU that is inside the Macbook will run using the dual channel memory controller.

Peace.

[Zok]

I just looked it up myself, apparently the macbook WILL recognize all 4gb - all models as of Late 2007 allow do (according to wiki: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MacBook ). Just checked the status on my order and it should be here tomorrow by 3pm