“Secret” Firmware lets Late ’08 MacBooks use 8GB.

Every once in a while, a blip on the radar comes up, letting us know that there’s something not quite right in our little corner of the Mac Universe. This time around, it came in the form of Tweets directed to us, as well as in posting in popular Mac forums.

As it turns out, several other memory vendors—along with some Late 08 MacBook/MacBook Pro users—have laid claim to these machines working with 8GB of RAM. This was contradictory to our testing in December 2009 which quite clearly showed that while these models recognized a full 8GB, if an application addressed more than 6GB, the system would slow down significantly.

Not being the type to just let these sorts of claims to go unchallenged, we went back to our testing lab, grabbed the affected model machines, running 10.6.6. and dropped an 8GB upgrade kit in them.

Related: Now is the time to upgrade your memory with OWC!

The results were exactly the same as in 2009, lending credence to our conclusions, but the sheer number of claims to the contrary led us to continue searching—and the trail ended at Apple.

In late 2009, an EFI Firmware Update was released to address the buzzing noises coming from the optical drive. However, it seems that somewhere along the line, Apple changed this update without notating it anywhere.

Whether any other elements were affected by this change is undetermined, but it did change memory addressing; with the later version of the update installed, you could address a full 8GB in Snow Leopard. Unfortunately, Software Update doesn’t show this version as being different from the previous one, so users wouldn’t be notified if they had already updated their firmware to the older version.

The practical upshot of all this is that if you installed the EFI Update when it first came out, like we did, you would have gotten the old code, which meant your computer would only address 6GB properly. Those who didn’t upgrade until after Apple changed the updater got the newer firmware, which allowed proper addressing of 8GB.

Once we manually installed the “updated” version of the EFI Firmware in our test machines, they were able to address 8GB normally, without any crashing or slowdowns.

How do you ensure your Late ‘08 MacBook/MacBook Pro can address 8GB of RAM?

First, you want to make sure you have one of the affected models:

  • MacBook 13.3″ 2.0GHz and 2.4GHz
  • MacBook Pro 15″ 2.4GHz model w/ExpressCard Slot
  • MacBook Pro 15″ 2.53GHz model w/ExpressCard Slot
  • MacBook Pro 15″ 2.66GHz model w/ExpressCard Slot
  • MacBook Pro 15″ 2.8GHz model w/ExpressCard Slot
  • MacBook Pro 15″ 2.93GHz model w/ExpressCard Slot

Next, check the Boot ROM Version in your System Profiler.

  • MacBook Pros with a Model ID of MacBookPro5,1 should have a Boot ROM Version of MBP51.007E.B05. 
  • MacBooks with a Model ID of MacBook5,1 should have  a Boot ROM version of MB51.007D.B03
  • Machines with other Model IDs are not affected and don’t need an update.
  • **IMPORTANT NOTE: EFI Firmware Update 2.8 was released on February 28, 2012 for the Later 2008 MacBook Pro. If you have installed that update, your Boot ROM version will be MBP51.007E.B06. If you have this update installed, you’re already able to install the 8GB without any problems and don’t need to perform further updates to install more RAM.

If your Boot ROM version does not match the numbers above, download the appropriate firmware updater for your model machine and install according to the instructions:

Once you have ensured that the Boot ROM is the correct version, make sure your Operating System is updated to OSX 10.6.6. You must be running Snow Leopard or later to address 8GB on these systems, and our testing was done with 10.6.6, which is the earliest version we’re currently supporting for this.

Pardon us for our initial skepticism on this larger memory capacity finding. We had some pretty good reasons for it. First, this is the first time in our recollection that an EFI update and a dot version OS update both combined to affect memory addressing. Secondly, this reminded us of when after we were the first to qualify 2007-2009 Core 2 Duo MacBook Pro and MacBook models supporting 6GB max without experiencing a dramatic system slowdown, certain memory resellers pushed the same idea about 8GB compatibility.

Or in other shorter words, if we can’t prove either benchmark performance gains and/or system stability, we’re just not going to market a memory upgrade just to pad our MaxRAM credentials.

Your trust in us is more important than any other objective here.

UPDATE – FURTHER CLARIFICATION

Judging by the sheer number of comments, there seems to be some confusion as to which MacBooks and MacBook Pros this update applies to. We’ve created a simple flowchart that should help clear up some of the confusion.

UPDATE: FEBRUARY 2012

EFI Firmware Update 2.8 was released on February 28, 2012 for the MacBook Pro, to resolve graphics issues. It does not disable the 8GB compatibility the previous firmware revision granted.


LEAVE A COMMENT


  • OWC Michael i speak with your worker today. Now i have this macbook http://eshop.macsales.com/Descriptions/specs/Framework.cfm?page=macbookmid09.html
    And my i have two question. I read that my macbook 5.2 can have 8 gb of ram
    https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3345836?start=0&tstart=0
    Can you confirm it.
    And second question. I want to play future soldier. For play it in normal stage, without slow, without glitches… on what depend it much? I mean. For example, if i buy 6gb ram or 8 gb of ram? did the game will work normal, or if i stay with 2 gb of ram and buy new processor 2.30ghz will it work much better, or if i stay with 2 gb ram and 2.13 ghz processor, and buy new video card, what will happend if i don’t buy new processor and don’t buy ram, and buy new video card? how it will work? My question is that. When i buy 6 gb ram or 8 gb ram, what will happend with future soldier, is it will run normal.

    Thanks

    Best Regards

    Plamen




    • Ok, we still only support up to 6GB of OWC RAM in those machines….Here’s why:

      In our MaxRAM testing, we not only check that the memory shows up, but that it is fully being utilized by the system.
      Yes, the machine can recognize when 8GB of RAM is installed – HOWEVER (and this is a BIG HOWEVER), when more than 6GB of memory is actually addressed, the system as a whole slows down and the hard drive is then relied on for paging / virtual memory. We have tested with the latest firmware update and that system slowdown above 6GB still does occur. So, as there is no system benefit to installing more than 6GB of memory, we simply don’t support it.

      Now the second question…
      This one has me a bit stymied – but it may just be some assumptions I’m making. Are we taking about “Tom Clancy: Ghost Recon – Future Soldier”? If so, AFAIK that game as not been released for OS X – so, you would need to emulate Windows XP SP3 or better to run the game in the first place and Ubi Soft’s System requirements for PC includes a minimum 2.2GHz processor – which the MacBook falls a little short at 2.13GHz. The processor and video card in your MacBook are not upgradeable parts either, so I really couldn’t recommend expecting smooth gameplay if you can get it installed on the machine in the first place – regardless of the amount of memory you upgrade to.




    • Model Name: MacBook
      Model Identifier: MacBook3,1
      Processor Name: Intel Core 2 Duo
      Processor Speed: 2.2 GHz
      Number of Processors: 1
      Total Number of Cores: 2
      L2 Cache: 4 MB
      Memory: 4 GB
      Bus Speed: 800 MHz
      Boot ROM Version: MB31.008E.B02
      SMC Version (system): 1.24f3
      Serial Number (system): RM8123TJZ64
      Hardware UUID: D66F4843-5AA0-5CA9-8176-466DCBAAEEA2
      Sudden Motion Sensor:
      State: Enabled

      Can I Upgrade this to 6 or 8




  • Hi Michael, would really appreciate your help on this one.

    My specs:
    Model Name: MacBook
    Model Identifier: MacBook5,1
    Processor Name: Intel Core 2 Duo
    Processor Speed: 2.4 GHz
    Number of Processors: 1
    Total Number of Cores: 2
    L2 Cache: 3 MB
    Memory: 4 GB
    Bus Speed: 1.07 GHz
    Boot ROM Version: MB51.007D.B03
    SMC Version (system): 1.32f8

    As you can see, I updated my firmware to the latest version. But after installing two 4GB RAMs, only one of them is working. My first guess is that my machine is still only able to recognize 4GB of RAM?

    BANK 0/DIMM0:

    Size: 4 GB
    Type: DDR3
    Speed: 1067 MHz
    Status: OK

    BANK 0/DIMM1:

    Size: Empty
    Type: Empty
    Speed: Empty
    Status: Empty

    Would really appreciate some suggestions/advice on what I can try out to get them both working.

    Thanks
    Adrian




    • Doesn’t look like the DIMM1 slot module is making the full connection. Try switching the modules between slots and making sure they’re both pushed in all the way. If after switching the modules you still have a problem with recognition, at least the swap will give you a better idea of what you’re looking at – if the problem follows the RAM, then it could be a faulty module – if it stays with the slot, then there could be an issue with the slot itself.
      Our technical support team would be happy to assist in troubleshooting. You can contact them at 1(800)275-4576 via email or live chat.




  • Hi friends,

    HELP!
    I recently helped my friend update her late 2008 13″ Aluminum MacBook . Before I upgraded, I ran disk tools, updated her to Snow Leopard with all updates then installed Mountain Lion and the installed the correct 8GB ram as this article advised.
    While I was updating her programs the laptop did a silent random restart. It happened several times and once I got the new gray screen. I read some articles and reset PRAM and the SMC controller. It seemed to work fine for a couple of days but it started to shut down or gray screen again. Restarts some times give a message that ” your computer shut down unexpectedly” . Could this be faulty new 8GB Ram. I plan to put in 4 GB that came out of a similar MacBook and see it happens again but I’m worried that it may be Mountain Lion. She has had it happen both plugged in and battery.

    Her MacBook is 5,1 core 2 Duo, 2.0ghz
    Boot ROM MB51.007D.803
    SMC version 1.40f2
    Serial number W89170CM8QR
    Hardware UUID A115E58E-47C5-5033-9918-9C1C1C7BD888
    Sudden Motion Sensor: Enabled

    Any advice is appreciated. I’ll take it o Apple if it’s the OS upgrade and have them down grade to Snow Leopard.




    • While it is possible that it could be the RAM, it seems at first glance that you did a lot of upgrading and updating all at once. The first thing I’d do would be to repair permissions on the hard drive. If that doesn’t take care of it for you, run Apple Hardware Test to see if it recognizes any physical component issues. If after both the restart issues are not corrected, contact our technical support team for further troubleshooting at 1(800)275-4576, via email or live chat. We’ll get you up and running again.




  • Hi guys,
    can you confirm your 8 GB kit works with the following MacBookPro unibody late 2008 config :

    Model Name: MacBook Pro
    Model Identifier: MacBookPro5,1
    Processor Name: Intel Core 2 Duo
    Processor Speed: 2,4 GHz
    Number Of Processors: 1
    Total Number Of Cores: 2
    L2 Cache: 3 MB
    Memory: 4 GB
    Bus Speed: 1,07 GHz
    Boot ROM Version: MBP51.007E.B06
    SMC Version (system): 1.33f8




  • Hi,

    Below are the details of my Macbook. everything seems to be up to date but it still shuts down most of the times after a 2 or 3 of constant use. Am not sure if its a firmware problem or not… ( but my Firmware seems to be updated).

    Can you help ?

    Hardware Overview:

    Model Name: MacBook
    Model Identifier: MacBook5,1
    Processor Name: Intel Core 2 Duo
    Processor Speed: 2.4 GHz
    Number Of Processors: 1
    Total Number Of Cores: 2
    L2 Cache: 3 MB
    Memory: 8 GB
    Bus Speed: 1.07 GHz
    Boot ROM Version: MB51.007D.B03
    SMC Version (system): 1.32f8
    Hardware UUID: 3652B303-F288-52A4-A07C-9FDF3F3B83EE
    Sudden Motion Sensor:
    State: Enabled




  • Hi thank you for a great article, I thought I understood, however can you please confirm my MB will support 8gb? on mountain lion 10.8

    Hardware Overview:

    Model Name: MacBook Pro
    Model Identifier: MacBookPro5,1
    Processor Name: Intel Core 2 Duo
    Processor Speed: 2.66 GHz
    Number of Processors: 1
    Total Number of Cores: 2
    L2 Cache: 6 MB
    Memory: 4 GB
    Bus Speed: 1.07 GHz
    Boot ROM Version: MBP51.007E.B06
    SMC Version (system): 1.41f2
    Serial Number (system): W89093S471A
    Hardware UUID: 4A214F4B-795E-5F34-ACA6-CF8E4C1B2653
    Sudden Motion Sensor:
    State: Enabled

    Many thanks




  • Hello! Your article was great thanks! I have a Macbook5,1. (2.4GHz core 2 duo) Boot ROM version of MB51.007D.B03.

    Just upgraded to Mountain Lion, problem is when I tried to update it from the link you mentioned it says my laptop doesn’t need the update… Can I still upgrade my RAM to 8GB??




  • So it looks like my 5,1 qualifies for 8gb (YAY!). Just wondering if there are any known issues with Mountain Lion? I upgraded today and wanted to buy some RAM asap but I am worried ML might have messed with my ability to use 8gb.

    THANKS!




  • Hello. I know that I am not going to get praised by everybody but question: if I run Windows 7 on my Macbook, will I be able to run 8gb without any trouble for stability of the OS?

    I bought my MB in late 2008.

    Please no “switch to OSX” answers as this is not the point of my question.

    Thanks
    Nick




    • Precision: I do not have the right firmware update. Any impact yet?




    • Remember that just because you purchased you MacBook Pro in late 2008, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a Late 2008 MacBook Pro. This firmware update only allies to the 15″ Aluminum Unibody MacBook Pro, and the 13″ Aluminum Unibody MacBook, both released in late 2008. See above for instructions on determining whether or not you have the correct model.

      Theoretically, the firmware allows the machine to address the memory properly, outside the OS, so you should be able to use it with Windows as well. That said, you we have not explicitly tested compatibility under Windows, so we can’t give a definite answer at this time.

      However, the firmware update requires you to be booted to OS X, so if your machine is set up to run Windows only, this whole exercise becomes moot.




      • Hi Chris. thanks for quick answer. My MB boots ONLY on Windows 7 (64 bits). Therefore, it is not possible to update trhe firmware (or maybe there is another way than via OSX?).

        In that respect, I assume I should upgrade to 6GB RAM MAX?

        Best regards




  • Do we have to change anything to make our system use the full 8 gbs, like switching to 64 bit?




  • Hello OWC Grant and OWC Chris S.,

    FYI, I have [x brand] 8 GB memory running Mac OS 10.5.5 and 10.5.8 in my MacBook Pro 2.6GHz Intel Core 2 Duo 17 NOV 2008 MacBookPro4,1. The memory is recognized running smoothly an faster than ever before for some time now, but as soon as I use Mac OS 10.6.8, 10.6.7, or 10.6.6 the os and apps bog down drastically. Even if I enable/disable secure virtual memory or enable/disable 64 bit OS extensions things bog down in any version of Mac OS Snow Leopard. Would you please test this 8 GB Ram system config in a Macbook Pro Early 2008 with Mac OS Leopard to verify this config is working. This way you can expand your sales to your customers that with the older Macbook Pros wanting 8 GB of memory.




    • We only sell and support OWC brand memory.

      All of our memory meets or exceeds Apple’s specifications for memory and, on occasion, through our OWC MaxRAM Memory Certification Program we will support our memory in larger configurations than Apple does on certain machines. Said certification does not apply to other brands, nor do we test other brands of memory.

      We have tested and re-tested our memory in the MacBook Pro 15″ & 17″ machines with model ID: MacBookPro4,1 (this includes models released both in early and late 2008) and have MaxRAM Certified them to use up to 6GB of OWC memory. Once the 6GB mark has been exceeded in actual memory usage (not just having it installed in the machine – but actually being addressed) the system slows down and/or loses stability. As such we do not support 8GB of memory in those machines.




  • Hi there,

    Just wanted to double check that my Macbook can take 8GB? I am running Mac OS X version 10.7.4.
    Could you also please send me a link to the exact ram that would be compatible?At the moment I am running 4GB 1333 MHz DDR3 but I have been told that I should be using 1066mhz instead?

    Hardware Overview:

    Model Name: MacBook
    Model Identifier: MacBook5,1
    Processor Name: Intel Core 2 Duo
    Processor Speed: 2.4 GHz
    Number of Processors: 1
    Total Number of Cores: 2
    L2 Cache: 3 MB
    Memory: 4 GB
    Bus Speed: 1.07 GHz
    Boot ROM Version: MB51.007D.B03
    SMC Version (system): 1.40f2
    Serial Number (system): W89120BD7WV
    Hardware UUID: CBDBE2BB-C1AF-591D-BE7A-D85C16BD677D
    Sudden Motion Sensor:
    State: Enabled

    Many thanks!




  • Hi!

    I have a MacBook from Late ’08 and after reading this article I’m pretty sure that 8GB RAM will work on my MacBook.

    But, last year, when OS X Lion came, I upgraded from OS X Leopard to OS X Snow Leopard and then to OS X Lion. And it worked great for about 1-3 months, it was just as fast as it was when I got it. But after that it got a bit slower, and its fastness reduced further and further. Right now it seems to have stopped reducing speed. Though now it is so slow that sometimes when I only use Safari and iTunes the little rainbow-coloured circle appears. So, in my opinion, it definitely needs a RAM-upgrade.

    And with OS X Mountain Lion coming soon, my question to you is: should I upgrade my RAM before or after I get OS X Mountain Lion?

    If needed, I have provided my specs:

    Model Name: MacBook
    Model Identifier: MacBook5,1
    Processor Name: Intel Core 2 Duo
    Processor Speed: 2 GHz
    Number of Processors: 1
    Total Number of Cores: 2
    L2 Cache: 3 MB
    Memory: 2 GB
    Bus Speed: 1.07 GHz
    Boot ROM Version: MB51.007D.B03




    • While Apple’s official minimum RAM requirement for OS X Lion is 2GB, industry experts agree 4GB of RAM is the minimum that should be installed for optimum performance of typical daily computer usage. I’d definitely suggest more RAM sooner rather than later.




  • Hi

    I have late 2008 (alu body) MacBook:

    Model Name: MacBook
    Model Identifier: MacBook5,1
    Processor Name: Intel Core 2 Duo
    Processor Speed: 2 GHz
    Number of Processors: 1
    Total Number of Cores: 2
    L2 Cache: 3 MB
    Memory: 2 GB
    Bus Speed: 1.07 GHz
    Boot ROM Version: MB51.007D.B03

    According to your articule I could upgrade my RAM memory to 8GB but I am not sure about bus speed compatibility. At the moment I have 2 x 1 GB DDR3 1067 MHz. Is it going to work with 2 x 4 GB DDR3 1066 Mhz Memory? How about 1333 MHz?

    I will be very grateful for your reply.

    Best Regards




  • Hi thank you for a great article, I thought I understood, however can you please confirm my MB will support 8gb? on lion 10.7

    Hardware Overview:

    Model Name: MacBook
    Model Identifier: MacBook5,1
    Processor Name: Intel Core 2 Duo
    Processor Speed: 2 GHz
    Number of Processors: 1
    Total Number of Cores: 2
    L2 Cache: 3 MB
    Memory: 4 GB
    Bus Speed: 1.07 GHz
    Boot ROM Version: MB51.007D.B03
    SMC Version (system): 1.32f8




  • Hey OWC Michael,

    for the Macbook Pro 4,1 with 8 gb ram that you tested, was there any issue with slow down once you reached 8gb of usage? I only ask to confirm because I read online from other people who have tried it with Lion, that they have still had a slow down after reaching past 6 gb of ram usage: essentially making the other 2 gb unusable. Did you guys install the OS fresh? Maybe there is a proper procedure for being able to use 8gb with the 4,1 that others overlooked?

    It keeps saying error so I hope I have not posted this 10 times.




    • The MacBookPro4,1 model is OWC Certified for up to 6GB of memory – not 8GB. This article is written regarding the MacBookPro5,1 model.




      • I just upgraded my MBP 15 2.2ghz 3.1 with 2x4gb and it works great!

        Memory Slots:

        ECC: Disabled

        BANK 0/DIMM0:

        Size: 4 GB
        Type: DDR2 SDRAM
        Speed: 667 MHz
        Status: OK
        Manufacturer: 0xAD00000000000000
        Part Number: 0x484D50333531533641465238432D53362020
        Serial Number: 0x4214045A

        BANK 1/DIMM1:

        Size: 4 GB
        Type: DDR2 SDRAM
        Speed: 667 MHz
        Status: OK
        Manufacturer: 0xAD00000000000000
        Part Number: 0x484D50333531533641465238432D53362020
        Serial Number: 0x4234044F




        • I have MacBook Pro 15inch 2,4Ghz Ver. 3,1 do it going to support 8GB ram ?




          • OWC officially supports up to 6GB of memory in the MacBookPro3,1 models.




          • It works great with mine, look after STT brand. They are Apple compatible and not overpriced.

            Rember Test Results

            All tests passed!

            Total built-in memory: 8 GB

            This is the total amount of physical memory that the computer has installed. If this figure is not showing the correct amount of memory there may be a problem with one or more installed DIMMS.

            Available memory: 5459 MB

            Available memory is the amount of physical memory that is currently not in use by any other processes. All available memory will be used for testing when the “All” option is selected. To increase the amount of available memory, you can restart your computer before testing. If you are familiar with the command line (CLI), you can run memtest (the core of Rember) in single-user mode. See Rember help, or http://www.memtestosx.org for more information.

            Requested amount: All MB

            The total amount of memory requested for testing by the Rember application. Not all requested memory can be allocated for testing. See information on “Available memory” for more information.

            Memory allocated for testing: 5459 MB

            This is the total amount of memory that memtest was able to allocate for testing. See “Available memory” section for more information.

            ——-

            Loops selected: 1

            Total loops selected by user for testing. All loops should complete when testing is successful. Test failure when the “Continue on Error” preference is selected will cancel tests before this number of loops has been completed. Users can also cancel testing before this number is reached.

            Loops completed: 1

            Total loops completed by memtest. Note that the Rember is not always able to identify how many loops ran. If there are discrepancies between this and the loops selected, the log should be examined to determine exactly how many loops were performed.
            ——-

            Total execution time: All tests passed! Execution time: 170746 seconds

            This is the total amount of time that it took to execute the selected tests. Execution time may vary from system to system, and is provided as a guide for determining how long users can expect tests to run based on the amount of memory installed on the system.

            Testing start time: 2012-07-01 10:12:13 +0000

            Testing end time: 2012-07-03 09:38:30 +0000

            Rember version: 0.3.7b Memtest version: 4.22




            • It was never an issue that the memory didn’t show up. The problem is that when over 6GB is actually addressed in those models, the system slowed to a crawl in real-world performance testing. As such, OWC officially supports up to 6GB of memory in the MacBookPro3,1 models.




              • Thanx Michael, it did not slow machine and did not speed it up at all (in my opinion). So your`s argument is at place, i switch back to 6gb. I tried run Logic, Garage band, iPhoto, Aperture & lightroom at same time and there is 4,12gb free memory?! Moore than i need. Some says: if 8gb ram installed only 7gb shows and uses, so i been some confused when mac recognized all 8gb.

                Memory Slots:

                ECC: Disabled

                BANK 0/DIMM0:

                Size: 4 GB
                Type: DDR2 SDRAM
                Speed: 667 MHz
                Status: OK
                Manufacturer: 0xAD00000000000000
                Part Number: 0x484D50333531533641465238432D53362020
                Serial Number: 0x4214045A

                BANK 1/DIMM1:

                Size: 2 GB
                Type: DDR2 SDRAM
                Speed: 667 MHz
                Status: OK
                Manufacturer: 0xCE00000000000000
                Part Number: 0x4D342037305435363633515A332D43463720
                Serial Number: 0x77DCAB98




  • I have a late 2008 15″ Macbook Pro….2.53 GH…..Boot Rom MBP51.007E.B06…..tried 8 gigs and the machine wouldn’t start, I’d get a blue screen and nothing would happen. Reinstalled the RAM sticks again, same results. Tried downloading the EFI 2.8 and it wouldn’t install, kept getting error that the EFI update is not supported on my machine…Any help? I really need more RAM…….Could it be bad sticks? Reinstalled the original 4 gigs and it works, just not as fast as I’d like…..Any ideas?

    Thanks,

    Amir




  • I have a late 2008 MBP 15.4” with 2gb ddr3 1066 ram running on lion. I’ve read that it only recognizes 6gb so it was better to install 4gb to get the dual channel boost. But installing the full 8gb 2x4gb will still give me a better performance? No crashing or slowing down at all? After reading this im still a little skeptical on upgrading. Is my MBP upgradable?




  • Couldn’t find my processor speed above. Can I upgrade to 8Gb?

    Model Name: MacBook Pro
    Model Identifier: MacBookPro5,1
    Processor Name: Intel Core 2 Duo
    Processor Speed: 2.66 GHz
    Number of Processors: 1
    Total Number of Cores: 2
    L2 Cache: 6 MB
    Memory: 4 GB
    Bus Speed: 1.07 GHz
    Boot ROM Version: MBP51.007E.B06
    SMC Version (system): 1.41f2
    Sudden Motion Sensor:
    State: Enabled

    Thank you!




  • Thanks, my system specs is,

    Model Name: MacBook Pro
    Model Identifier: MacBookPro5,1
    Processor Name: Intel Core 2 Duo
    Processor Speed: 2.53 GHz
    Number of Processors: 1
    Total Number of Cores: 2
    L2 Cache: 6 MB
    Memory: 4 GB
    Bus Speed: 1.07 GHz
    Boot ROM Version: MBP51.007E.B05
    SMC Version (system): 1.33f8
    Serial Number (system): W88451TR1GN
    Hardware UUID: 32B453B2-2E22-5E4C-A790-CC9FD59C226A
    Sudden Motion Sensor:
    State: Enabled

    without updating my Boot ROM Version MBP51.007E.B05 to MBP51.007E.B06 should i go ahead and upgrade to 8Gig ram?




  • please help! i have a mac book pro 5,1 late 2008,with mac os x lion 10.7.2 runing on it and wish to upgrade my ram to 8Gigs. my Boot ROM Version: MBP51.007E.B05
    I tried updating with EFI firmware 2.8 but each time it keeps alerting me that the software is not supported by my system.i tried earlier versions and it displayed “this system does not need this update”. i dont know what next to do ,please help!




    • You have the firmware installed already – so no need to install it again.

      “MacBook Pros with a Model ID of MacBookPro5,1 should have a Boot ROM Version of MBP51.007E.B05.”




  • MacBook
    Model Identifier: MacBook7,1
    Processor Name: Intel Core 2 Duo
    Processor Speed: 2.4 GHz
    Number of Processors: 1
    Total Number of Cores: 2
    L2 Cache: 3 MB
    Memory: 2 GB
    Bus Speed: 1.07 GHz
    Boot ROM Version: MB71.0039.B0E

    Can i use 8GB ? when i downloaded the update you said, it won’t let me install telling me i don’t need that update.




  • My Macbook Pro Specs are :

    Model Name: MacBook Pro
    Model Identifier: MacBookPro5,1
    Processor Name: Intel Core 2 Duo
    Processor Speed: 2,4 GHz
    Number Of Processors: 1
    Total Number Of Cores: 2
    L2 Cache: 3 MB
    Memory: 2 GB
    Bus Speed: 1,07 GHz
    Boot ROM Version: MBP51.007E.B06
    SMC Version (system): 1.33f8
    Serial Number (system): W89050TQ1GK
    Hardware UUID: D4007A23-BD9C-55C4-B8D2-D2AE171119D5
    Sudden Motion Sensor:
    State: Enabled

    Can it handle 8GB of Ram or will I have a problem?

    Do you ship OWC Memories in Greece?




  • From what you say, I should be fine running 8Gs on my snow leopard software. Will it interfere in anyway, though, with my VMWare Windows 7? The only reason I want to upgrade my RAM is that VMWare slows everything down.




  • Hi,
    I have got a Macbook 5,2 intel core 2 duo and 2.0 ghz which has a Boot Rom Version: MB52.0088.B05 and had 4 GB memory on it. Can i upgrade this to 8 GB? If yes, what speed can u recommend. Many thanks. By the way Macbook is not the aluminum body but the white body.




  • Hi Michael,

    i am sorry, but even after reading all of this, i am still confused about if i will be able to update my MBPro to 8 GB, or if i have to do it to 6 only.

    My model is a 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, running with 2 GB 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM on Lion 10.7.3. It’s an early 2008, with this Hardware overview:

    Hardware Overview:

    Model Name: MacBook Pro
    Model Identifier: MacBookPro4,1
    Processor Name: Intel Core 2 Duo
    Processor Speed: 2.4 GHz
    Number of Processors: 1
    Total Number of Cores: 2
    L2 Cache: 3 MB
    Memory: 2 GB
    Bus Speed: 800 MHz
    Boot ROM Version: MBP41.00C1.B03

    From the graphic you guys posted, it seems that i cannot. But I still have this doubt because of your conversation with user Nick Lowe, about Lion now using the 64-bit kernel. Does this means that i can update to 8gb, and not need to go to the 6GB OWC tested you guys offer?

    I’m updating my firmware to 1.27f3 (SMC 1.4) right now, and i’ld like to be able to purchase from you guys the biggest amount of memory i can. Please explain me if i can purchase two 4gb modules (and by the way, which ones – if you could post a link to your store i’ld be grateful). And tell me, if i can do it, how can i set Lion to run on 64 bits (because i understand that it needs to be running that way in order for the 8GB to work properly.

    Thank you very much,
    btw you guys at OWC are great, thanks for all the info and effort
    regards to everyone
    Miguel.




    • There were specific circumstances surrounding that conversation with Nick where some preliminary testing showed no apparent issues with upgrading that machine to 8GB while running 64-bit programs. Lion by default boots to the 64bit kernel – so the issue isn’t the operating system. 32-bit programs operating on the 32-bit kernel will potentially cause incompatibility issues with the machine – random freezing, system slowdown, and crashes. If your particular workflow never takes you out of the 64-bit kernel, then 8GB could possibly work for you. But, in our MaxRAM testing we list the highest amount of memory that we have found to work consistently in all available computing environments.

      Bottom line is we sell and support up to 6GB of memory on those models.




    • Hardware Overview:

      Model Name: MacBook Pro
      Model Identifier: MacBookPro3,1
      Processor Name: Intel Core 2 Duo
      Processor Speed: 2.2 GHz
      Number of Processors: 1
      Total Number of Cores: 2
      L2 Cache: 4 MB
      Memory: 8 GB
      Bus Speed: 800 MHz
      Boot ROM Version: MBP31.0070.B07
      SMC Version (system): 1.16f11
      Serial Number (system): W88091DQX91
      Hardware UUID: 00000000-0000-1000-8000-001EC20FB8E5
      Sudden Motion Sensor:
      State: Enabled

      SODIMM DDR2-800MHz 4GB for Apple MacBook/PRO, STT T800SB4GAP




  • Hi, I have the Late 15″ 2008 MacbookPro 5,1 2.4GHz with MBP51.007E.B06. Will this work with Lion 10.7.3?




  • i’ve been searching for RAM,

    i have a 2008 black macbook 4,1 2.4ghz

    i’m running lion 10.7.3 and i was about to purchase 6gig’s of RAM. just want to know if you have tested 8gb on my system?

    also if it’s possible, where could i buy 2x4GB of compatible ram without having to purchase it separately?

    thank you for your help




  • Can I upgrade to 8GB since I have lion.

    Model Name: MacBook Pro
    Model Identifier: MacBookPro4,1
    Processor Name: Intel Core 2 Duo
    Processor Speed: 2.5 GHz
    Number of Processors: 1
    Total Number of Cores: 2
    L2 Cache: 6 MB
    Memory: 4 GB
    Bus Speed: 800 MHz
    Boot ROM Version: MBP41.00C1.B03
    SMC Version (system): 1.27f3

    Processor 2.5 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
    Memory 4 GB 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM
    Graphics NVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT 512 MB
    Software Mac OS X Lion 10.7.3 (11D50)




  • I just performed this upgrade with 2x4GB Crucial DDR3 1333MHz And it’s great! A lot zippier noticeable off the bat, and according to iStat Pro around 5-10 degrees cooler all around so far!




  • So I have confirmed that I have

    Boot ROM Version: MBP51.007E.B06

    Software Update always says that I need to install MacBook Pro EFI Firmware Update 1.8 but it never works

    I’m wondering if I can install 8GB ram given the above two things.

    My Mac is

    Hardware Overview:

    Model Name: MacBook Pro
    Model Identifier: MacBookPro5,1
    Processor Name: Intel Core 2 Duo
    Processor Speed: 2.93 GHz
    Number Of Processors: 1
    Total Number Of Cores: 2
    L2 Cache: 6 MB
    Memory: 4 GB
    Bus Speed: 1.07 GHz
    Boot ROM Version: MBP51.007E.B06
    SMC Version (system): 1.41f2
    Serial Number (system): W891515F71C
    Hardware UUID: 7664C401-E796-54C2-A7F2-7E437C8CFE41
    Sudden Motion Sensor:
    State: Enabled

    Thanks!!!!!!!!!




    • Yes, you must’ve missed the update in the post:

      **IMPORTANT NOTE: EFI Firmware Update 2.8 was released on February 28, 2012 for the Later 2008 MacBook Pro. If you have installed that update, your Boot ROM version will be MBP51.007E.B06. If you have this update installed, you’re already able to install the 8GB without any problems and don’t need to perform further updates to install more RAM.




  • I have a question. Please help me. Is there any way to change frequency of Ram on macbook? Maybe some app or other way. Urgent!!!!!!




  • It works great. I put kingston ddr 3 2x 4gb 1333 Mhz. Only the temperature of unibody had raised over 10 degrees. My mac has became much louder for about 10 decibels and fans are crazy. what to do?




  • I just upgraded my Macbook Pro 2.4GHz (late 2008) from 2GB to 8GB. Wow, what a difference. Everything is so much faster to load (from Safari to Photoshop to Final Cut Pro). I’ve monitored my temps as well, the temp hasn’t raised up at all, in fact, it’s a couple of degrees cooler according to iStat Pro.

    Best $50 I’ve spent on my Mac. If you’ve considered a Ram upgrade on your Macbook Pro, do it, you won’t regret it at all.

    P.S. No more spinning beachball too :)




  • Quick note to say that with 8GB installed (on the correct late-2008 MacBook Pro), my computer is running 10-20 degrees hotter than with 4GB installed. I monitor the temperature with smcFanControl. My OS is Lion 10.7.3, with the February 2012 firmware update. I may go back to 4GB.




  • Can i also upgrade to 8GB?

    Macbook Pro early 2008
    Macbook Pro 3.1 /2.4GHZ
    Boot Rom: MBP31.0070.807

    Thanks for the info.




  • I have a late 08 aluminum macbook, and I updated as specified. Howevwe, in system info under memory, it still says max is 4 GB. Is it supposed to still say this or was it supposed to change?? Just curious before I go buying the 8 GB of RAM. Thanks in advance for any help!!




  • Ok… so i installed the 8gb… works great… BUT after using the computer for say 10 min… the computer starts running really slowly. no matter what i’m runnning. it slows to a halt… un usable. the only way to fix it is to force shut down and then start over… i get 10 min then nothing… so.. what is this telling me about he 8gb? memory bad? really cant handle the 8gb?

    the 4gb works fine, but would really like 8gb so i can run parallels more smoothly..

    thnaks in advance!




  • After reading this article and verifying my Mac was an affected one, I dropped 8 gigs in…. So far it’s working perfectly :-)




  • I have a MacBook (13-inch, Aluminum, Late 2008) w/ Model Identifier: MacBook5,1 and Boot ROM Version: MB51.007D.B03, so according to your article it’s compatible with this update. But what is the EFI update number that I should be looking for? On the “EFI and SMC firmware updates for Intel-based Macs” page (http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1237), the latest EFI update I see for my machine is 1.3 and was posted on Dec. 10, 2008. Is that the correct one? It looks like the EFI Firmware Update 1.8 you talk about testing in late 2009 is for MacBook Pros, only. What should I be looking at?




  • macbook pro 5,1 (late 2008) 15 inch.
    EFI 2.8
    8 GB of OWC supplied RAM
    480GB OCZ solid state drive Agility 3 fw 2.15 (w/ 3Gb link speed patch) & Trim Enabler 2.1
    (Super Duper cloned it from the rotating rust)
    Snow Leopard 10.6.8 with ALL patches
    VMWare Fusion 4.1.1 (VMs – Windows 2003 64 bit & Windows 7 64 bit – both with SSD Tweaker)
    Spotlight ON (App Store broken w/o it)
    All ad0be flash/air/etc REMOVED from OS X
    Safari 5.1.2
    ——————
    Everything is perfect, speed is blazing, machine is cool and quite, couldn’t ask for more




  • I read but was a little skeptical of my computer. These are my specs. I’m not sure if mine will be compatible or not. Will it?
    Model Identifier: MacBookPro4,1
    Boot ROM Version: MBP41.00C1.B03




  • ok just to let you know. :-]
    Tested this with the latest EFI Firmware Update 2.8 (MBP51.007E.B06) released 28 feb 2012.
    Inserted two 4GB icidu DDR3 1066 MHz modules
    Then upgraded the HD from 500GB to 1TB (new and old are Westerndigital WD Scorpio Blue)
    Now installing Lion from a burned dvd created from my Lion instaler package, nice and clean.

    Running smoothly!




  • wow that EFI Firmware Update 2.8 from just days ago(February 28, 2012) really did the trick! Super nice running with 8GB and 1TB drive :-) Lets fill ‘m up now!

    Thanx for the great article and help!




  • There is a EFI 2.8 firmware update for Late 2008 Macbook pros. Just released Feb 28, 2012. Can OWC do a quick test to see if it breaks the 8gig ram support?

    http://support.apple.com/kb/DL1502

    Thanks




  • Are you planning to test the new version of the Boot ROM posted Feb 28, 2012 (MBP51.007E.B06 (EFI 2.8))? My system in particular is a 2.53 GHz MBP (late 2008).




  • I have a late 2008 unibody Macbook (model ID: Macbook 5,1), and I want to upgrade the memory. I have a Boot ROM version of MB51.007D.B03. This article suggests that my computer can handle up to 8 gb. Why then does the Apple website still say it can only handle 4 gb? I also spoke to AppleCare about this and they confirmed that my computer should only be able to handle 4 gb. Why would they say this if (as you suggest) it is not correct?

    I want to use the maximum amount of memory my computer can handle, but I’m getting mixed messages on what that amount is. I don’t want to order 8 gb and then screw up my computer. Help?




  • Could you test a MBP3,1 or a MBP4,1 with 8GB under Lion (10.7)?

    The issue certainly used to be, and may well still be, that the final 1 GB was not addressable and access to it would just cause swapping and heavy performance degradation.

    With Lion, they finally use the 64-bit kernel for those machines, with now leopard the 32-bit kernel was always used. It would be interesting to see if it now works correctly. I certainly have not seen any information about it being tried…

    Regards,

    Nick




    • We do not officially support 8GB of memory in a MacBookPro3,1 or 4,1, but in our testing, we have successfully seen and addressed 8GB in a MacBookPro 4,1 as long as we were running 10.6.8 or better in 64-bit mode. As Lion default boots to a 64-bit kernel, the full 8GB is able to be addressed without the memory paging and performance degradation that is experienced in 32-bit mode.

      Please note that if you are running Mac OS X 10.6.8 in 32-bit you won’t be able to address all 8GB. We were not able to get Mac OS X 10.6.3 to install with 8GB of RAM. We had to remove one of the 4GB modules. After updating to 10.6.8, and telling the Mac to run in 64-bit mode we were able to use all 8GB of RAM.




  • Hi do you have a uk reseller for the correct ram for the MacBook intel core 2 duo 2ghz unibody.

    I have 2gb ram and want to upgrade to 8gb

    Thanks




  • Thanks a lot for this great post. Just wanted to confirm that after reading this post this morning, I upgraded to 8GB RAM in my Late 2008 Macbook aluminium and it is working smooth.




    • OWC Michel,

      I bought 8GB (2 x 4GB) of 1333 RAM and installed in my mid-2010 white (poly) MacBook. Replacing the two 1GB sticks it came with. It won’t boot. Simply beeps (reporting a RAM error). I’ve tried every combination of sticks and slots (using original 1GB, and new 4GB, in both slots). Every combo works and boots fine except the two 4GB sticks together.

      Specs:
      MacBook 7,1
      Intel Core 2 Duo
      2.4 GHz
      Bus speed: 1.07 GHz
      Boot ROM version: MB71.0039.B0B
      OSX 10.6.8 (Leopard…NOT Snow Leopard)
      Parallels 5.0.9344 (Windows 7 installed through Parallels)

      Questions…
      Any idea why my new RAM won’t work?
      Do I need to switch to 64-bit? If so, will this have any impact on performance/software compatability/stability?
      Will I have issues when I upgrade to Lion?

      Any advice would be appreciated.

      Nick




    • I can confirm that my late-2008 MacBook Pro can also upgrade now that it has the EFI update from Feb 2012. Also worth noting is my Mac accepts the faster speed of the RAM I purchased. I went from 4GB 1066 to 8GB 1333.