It was news to me that Core 2 Duo MacBooks can support up to 3GB of RAM. Apple’s specifications state that the limit is 2GB. However, according to Other World Computing the MacBook can actually address 3GB just like the MacBook Pro. The reason Apple neither publicizes nor supports this configuration is the speed cost associated with it.
Like many other computers, the MacBook benefits from paired RAM configurations. That is to say that two 512MB RAM sticks will perform better than a single 1GB stick. This is because the MacBook has a dual-channel memory controller. This is vitally important to the MacBook because that RAM is also used for the integrated video card, which really needs its memory to be as fast as possible.
While upgrading the RAM amount to the 3GB max can be beneficial in some situations (where the processing is highly CPU and system memory bound), situations that require heavy use of the video card will end up suffering. OWC has supplied the benchmarks profiling this fact. Most users will be best suited by 2GB of memory, but for some, the 3GB configuration will help. OWC is offering a 3GB kit for $177.99 for those of you thirsty for RAM.
That's good info. When I bought my MacBook Pro last year the price premium for upgrading the stock 2GB RAM to 3GB was extortionate, even when looking to cheaper 3rd party manufacturers like Crucial. However, it now looks like the prices for the 2GB module are coming down to something sensible so I think I'll look to upgrade in the coming months, although it looks to be substantially cheaper to import from the US than order locally in Europe, even after shipping and taxes have been factored in.
That extra 1GB should really help with the running of applications like Parallels.
This is some good news! What about putting two 2GB memory modules in a macbook, would it work?
Great update, i was wondering if it was possible, i didn't come across any other sources about this yet, so thanks for the update!
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