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.
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:
- For MacBook Pros (MacBookPro5,1)
MacBook Pro EFI Firmware Update 1.8 - For MacBooks (MacBook5,1)
MacBook EFI Firmware Update 1.4
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.
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?
Yes, that is the full topic of this article.
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!
Yes.
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?
Yes, Boot ROM version MBP51.007E.B05 or later will accept 8GB on that machine.
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.
The MacBook7,1 is a Mid-2010 model and not subject to this blog post.
The MacBook7,1 is OWC certified for up to 8GB of memory.
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?
The MacBookPro5,1 is OWC certified for up to 8GB of memory. We do ship worldwide.
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.
Should have no issues whatsoever using VMWare with the RAM upgrade.
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.
The MacBook5,2 is OWC certified for up to 6GB of memory.
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.
Hi, I have the Late 15″ 2008 MacbookPro 5,1 2.4GHz with MBP51.007E.B06. Will this work with Lion 10.7.3?
Yes
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
The MacBook4,1 is OWC certified for up to 6GB of memory.
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)
The Early 2008 MacBook Pro (Model ID: MacBookPro4,1) can accept up to 6GB of memory.
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.
Hi there. I’m using Macbook Late 2008 with Alu body. Here is my detail,
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
and I’m running on Lion. Thats mean I can install 8GB of RAM right?
Yes, that was the whole point of this blog post.
The memory can be found here.
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!!!!!!
No, the frequency of the RAM is just one of the specifications of determining the compatibility of the memory with your MacBook. You can use the My OWC page to select the correct memory for your machine.
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?
Can’t really speak to other brand’s products. OWC MaxRAM Certification applies to OWC brand memory only.
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.
No, the MacBook Pro 2.4GHZ (model ID MacBookPro3,1) is OWC Certified for up to 6GB of memory.
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!!
That shows the amount of memory you already have installed and should not change with the update.
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!
Several variables could be causing that behavior. Our Technical Support Department is available to assist in troubleshooting at 1(800)275-4576, via live chat, or email.
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?
MacBooks with a Model ID of MacBook5,1 should have a Boot ROM version of MB51.007D.B03 (EFI 1.3)
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
Startup Mode Selector
says EVERYTHING is 64-bit.
2.4 GHz Core 2 Duo
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
Your Apple MacBook Pro 15″ or 17″ – Early 2008 (Model ID: MacBookPro4,1) is OWC certified for up to 6.0GB of memory.
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
Ok, i just saw a post you guys tested it! 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).
We are testing the new EFI updater and will post results when completed.
EFI firmware update 2.8 did not change anything with the memory – 8GB is still A-OK.
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?
We support the additional memory amount through our OWC MaxRAM Memory Certification Program.
The OWC ‘MaxRAM’ Certification Program determines the maximum amount of memory that can be installed in a Mac as validated by a series of comprehensive, in-house laboratory tests. While OWC “MaxRAM” configurations exceed Apple’s officially supported maximums, all OWC brand memory upgrades are assured to perform flawlessly and are covered by a Lifetime Advance Replacement Warranty and Money Back Guarantee.
Wonderful, thank you for the quick response! I will go with the 8 gb then. Thanks again.
Hi,
I use a MBP 13″ mid 2010 (7.1). Apple say 8GB maximum. Have you tested 16GB for this book?
The same modules for the 2011 MBP. Only speed is lower. 1066MHz to 1333MHz.
Check it, please.
Thanks
Your Apple MacBook Pro 13″ – Mid 2010 (Model ID: MacBookPro7,1) is OWC Certified for up to 8.0GB of memory.
I know, but have you try it with two 8GB modules in these MBP models?
May be with a little bit luck … ;-)
We have tried it – 6GB is the maximum as I stated in my last response.
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.
I have successfully upgraded my MacBook Pro 3.1 to 4gb and, recently, to 6gb of OWC RAM. As I’m running Lion, I wondered if I could upgrade to 8gb. What if I order a 4gb module and my machine fails to work properly?
The Late 2007 MacBook Pro models (Model ID: MacBookPro3,1) are OWC MaxRAM certified for up to 6GB of memory. You are already maxed. 8GB is not compatible.
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
We do ship worldwide from our Woodstock, IL USA location.
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
That isn’t the correct memory for your machine.
The MacBook – Mid 2010 Model ID: MacBook7,1 is OWC MaxRAM Certified for up to 8GB of 1066MHz DDR3 memory (PC2-8500).
“OSX 10.6.8 (Leopard…NOT Snow Leopard)”
10.5 is Leopard, and 10.6 is Snow Leopard. So which is it?