iUseApple

How Do I Install RAM in a Mac?

Buying RAM for an APPLE can be tricky but installing it is a piece of cake! Some RAM may have the correct specification but simply won’t work. Make sure when buying RAM it is certified for running on an Apple.

Where do I find out what RAM I need?

The online method below tells me the exact specification of memory I will need to purchase and give me a tutorial about installing the RAM as well. Instructions for installing RAM should be in the user manual that came with the computer too. The specification will be listed there as well.

Surf to www.apple.com and click the Support Tab.

On the left hand side of the Support Page, choose the model and the support page for that Mac will appear.

Click the How-To tab in the middle of the page. Click the How to install memory link.

Specifications for the RAM and an Installation tutorial will appear. Print these out.

What RAM is already in my Computer?

I can check this in System Profiler. Click the Apple in the top left of the screen. Select About this Mac. In the window that pops up, Click More info… Select Memory from the list of devices in the System Profiler window. A list of available memory will appear.

Each list item = a module of RAM. My MacBook Pro can only hold 2 DIMMS of memory, meaning two modules. Turns out my MacBook Pro holds 2 DIMMS of 512 MB each. So, if I wanted to upgrade to 3 GB I would have to buy a 1 GB DIMM and 2GB DIMM, since I only have two slots available. It is never a good idea to exceed the manufacturer’s recommended amount of RAM.

Where can I buy RAM?

I usually search for good prices for RAM on Pricewatch.com. Look for the correct specification found in the User Manual or on Apple’s support site. The specifications for RAM should look similar to these:

• 1.25 inch or smaller
• 512 MB or 1 gigabyte (GB)
• 200-pin
• PC2-5300 DDR2 667 MHz Type RAM

This is the specification for RAM in a 15 inch Intel MacBook Pro.

If you are nervous, pay the extra and by it direct from Apple. RAM purchased direct from Apple will work. Everything else is a gamble. It may seem like it works for a time, then when you try to install OS X the system just can’t handle it and CRASH! Buy the RAM that meet the specs and seems like a good deal. Double check it meets all the specifications listed. Make sure the website says it works with Apple.

Follow the instructions for Installation from the Apple support site or the user manual that came with the computer. Make sure you are grounded! It is really easy to do.