MacBook (White or Black) Upgrades

: MacBook (Black)

: MacBook (White)
: MacBook (ports)

History

This page deals with the White and the Black MacBooks. The Aluminium MacBooks released October 2008 are covered here.

The MacBook was introduced in May 2006, and completed the transition of Apple's laptop lineup from PowerPC to Intel CPUs, following the MacBook Pro 17" in April and the MacBook Pro 15.4" in January. The last revision was made in May 2010.

The MacBook succeeded the iBook G4 as Apple's consumer focused laptop. Unlike the iBook however the MacBook has optical audio in/out, gigabit ethernet and is capable of true dual monitor support (spanning as opposed to mirroring), leaving the main differentiations between the consumer and professional models as screen size, expansion slots (none on the MacBook), graphics subsystem (the MacBook uses Intel integrated graphics) and FireWire 800 (not present on the first revision of the 15" MacBook Pro).

Apple specs for the original MacBook can be found here.

In November 2006 Apple upgraded the MacBook to use the Intel Core 2 Duo processor. Apple specs here. A speed bump up to 2.16GHz on the high end models was introduced in May 2007. Apple specs here.

In November 2007 the MacBook moved to the Santa Rosa chipset. These MacBooks have a marginal CPU speedbump, use an improved Intel integrated graphics card and an increase of the front side bus from 667MHz to 800MHz. Importantly these MacBooks can take a maximum of 6GB RAM rather than the 2GB on all previous models. Apple specs here.

In February 2008 the MacBook moved to the Penryn processor running at 2.1GHz or 2.4GHz, with the default RAM increased to 2GB and default hard drives increased on the black model. Compatibility for upgrades was unchanged. Apple specs here.

In October 2008 Apple released the MacBook Aluminium, while continuing to sell the then current generation of the white MacBook along side it. White MacBooks purchased after this date are dealt with on this page, for the Aluminium MacBooks please go here.

In January 2009 the White MacBook was updated, and continued to be sold alongside the Aluminium model. The major change in this revision was the replacement of the integrated Intel graphics chipset with an NVidia GeForce 9400M and a change in the front side bus to 1066MHz. Apple specs here.

An update in May 2009 increased the memory bus to 800MHz (from 667MHz), this model changes the RAM type used from DDR2 PC5300 to DDR2 PC6400. Apple specs here.

In October 2009 the range was updated with the white Unibody MacBook. This model has a redesigned case and the memory bus upgraded to 1066Mhz taking up to 8GB of DDR3 PC8500 memory. The battery was changed to a non-removable type and the FireWire port was dropped. Apple specs here.

In May 2010 a minor update increased the processor speed and upgraded the graphics card to the NVidia 320M. Upgrade compatibility remained unchanged. Apple specs here.

How to Identify these Machines

The white MacBook looks fairly similar to the previous iBook G4, although it has a wide aspect ratio glossy 13.3" screen, as opposed to standard ratio 12" and 14" matt screens available for the iBook. The black MacBook is very distinctive.

System Profile can be used to identify the CPU type, which will be Intel Core Duo or Core 2 Duo in the MacBook and PowerPC G4 for the previous iBook. The other Intel Core Duo Apple laptops are the MacBook Pro 15.4", the MacBook Pro 17", and the MacBook Aluminium, all of which have a silvered finish.

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Memory Upgrades

Please note this RAM is compatible with White and Black MacBooks only. For Aluminium MacBooks please go here.

The white and black MacBooks made up until May 2009 take DDR2-PC5300 SODIMM memory modules, the model released then uses DDR2-PC6400 SODIMM modules, and that released in October 2009 takes DDR3-PC8500 SODIMM modules. Like all the Intel based Macs with integrated graphics, RAM modules ideally should be installed in matched pairs - this gives the memory bandwidth necessary to a graphics system that uses normal system memory.

To identify your exact machine, open System Profiler (Apple menu > About This Mac, then click the More Info button). On the hardware overview that comes up, you will find the "bus speed" of your MacBook, this is the front-side bus. On the left-hand list of options in System Profiler, select Memory. This will give you a break-down of the memory installed, in the Speed column you will see the memory bus speed.

MacBooks made up until November 2007 can take a maximum of 2GB in 2 x 1GB PC5300 modules. For identification, these MacBooks have a front-side bus speed of 667MHz and a memory speed of 667MHz.

MacBooks made after then but before May 2009 can take a maximum of 6GB in 1 x 4GB and 1 x 2GB PC5300 modules. For identification, these MacBooks have a front-side bus speed of 800MHz or 1066MHz and a memory speed of 667MHz.

MacBooks made after May 2009 but before October 2009 can take a maximum of 6GB in 1 x 4GB and 1 x 2GB PC6400 modules. For identification, these MacBooks have a front-side bus speed of 1066MHz and a memory speed of 800MHz.

MacBooks made after October 2009 can take a maximum of 8GB in 2 x 4GB PC8500 modules. For identification, these MacBooks have a front-side bus speed of 1066MHz and a memory bus speed of 1066MHz. This model comes in the new unibody case and the FireWire port present on all previous models has been dropped.

To tell the difference the best way is to use System Profiler. Front-side bus speed is listed in the Hardware Overview as "Bus Speed", and memory speed can be seen in the Memory section, which gives you the speed of any modules installed.

Installation Service
INSTALL SERVICE - RAM in an Apple Laptop	Stock:	£15.00 + vat (£18.00)
DDR3 1066MHz PC8500 for post-October 2009 "Unibody" Revisions
Integral DDR3 PC8500 SODIMM - 2GB	Stock:	£16.20 + vat (£19.44)	1
Kingston DDR3 PC8500 SODIMM - 4GB	Stock:	£32.25 + vat (£38.70)	1
OWC DDR3 PC8500 SODIMM - 8GB Kit (2 x 4GB)	Stock:	£44.40 + vat (£53.28)	1
DDR2 800MHz PC6400 for May 2009 Revisions
Kingston DDR2 PC6400 SODIMM - 2 x 2GB kit	Stock:	£70.22 + vat (£84.26)	2
OWC DDR2 PC6400 SODIMM - 6GB Kit (4GB + 2GB)	Stock:	£87.06 + vat (£104.47)	2
DDR2 667MHz PC5300 for pre-May 2009 Revisions (2GB not suitable for earlier models – see footnotes)
Kingston DDR2 PC5300 SODIMM - 1GB	Stock:	£20.83 + vat (£25.00)	3
Kingston DDR2 PC5300 SODIMM - 2GB	Stock:	£37.07 + vat (£44.48)	4
OWC DDR2 PC5300 SODIMM - 6GB Kit (4GB + 2GB)	Stock:	£87.73 + vat (£105.28)	4

1	Suitable for the Unibody White MacBooks released in October 2009, which have a 1066MHz bus speed, and a 1066MHz memory speed.
2	Suitable for MacBook released between May and October 2009, which have a 1066MHz bus speed and 800MHz speed memory installed.
3	Suitable for MacBooks released up to May 2009, which have a bus speed of 667MHz, 800MHz or 1066MHz, and a memory speed of 667MHz.
4	Suitable for MacBooks released after November 2007 and before May 2009. These MacBooks have a bus speed of 800MHz or 1066MHz, and the installed memory has a speed of 667MHz.

Any fitting information below is intended as a guide before purchase ONLY, when fitting these products you should refer to the original manual for your computer, and any instructions that come with the item. Please see this page for more information, or here for information on our fitting service.

Difficulty 3 / 5 - Reasonably easy.

Turn off the machine and remove the power cable.

For the pre-Unibody (pre-October 2009) MacBooks, the RAM is accessed via the battery cover on the bottom of the machine, which is secured by a latch turned by a coin. Open this and remove the battery. This reveals an 'L' shaped bracket secured by 3 captive screws. Loosen these to reveal the RAM.

Full illustrated instructions can be found on Apple's website here.

For the Unibody MacBooks it is a bit more complex. You first need to remove the bottom case by undoing the 8 screws which secure it, then lifting off the case from the hinged side (the screws along the front are different from those along the back, so keep the screws separate).

Then locate a memory socket and push the levers on the side of the memory module outwards to release the old module, and remove it. Take the new module, align the notch along its base with the notch of the socket, tilt the card and push it into the socket. Gently but firmly push the module down into the socket until you here it click into place. Repeat the procedure for the other memory socket.

Full illustrated instructions can be found in the user manual for this MacBook, available here.

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CD & DVD Drive Upgrades

All MacBooks come with a Combo Drive or SuperDrive as standard. It is possible to use an external device via FireWire or USB 2.0.

INSTALL SERVICE - Internal CD/DVD Drive in a PowerBook, MacBook, MacBook Pro or Cube	Stock:	£29.00 + vat (£34.80)
REFURB Super-Slim 9.5mm IDE SuperDrive for MacBook, MacBook Pro 15	Stock:	£59.00 + vat (£70.80)	1

1	Suitable for MacBooks released before October 2009. That is models with a memory bus speed of either 667MHz or 800MHz.

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Internal Hard Drive Upgrades

The MacBook uses a 2.5" SATA hard drive. All of the following drives are compatible with the MacBook.

If you don't want to fit a new hard drive yourself, you can take advantage of the MacUpgrades Installation Service. Add the installation service from the list below to your cart along with your chosen hard drive. We can also clone your existing hard drive onto the new one, simply add the Clone Original Hard Drive service below to your cart.

Once you have booked the service, send your machine to us, we will carry out the work and return it to you. Alternatively, we do offer a Collection Service with our courier, please see here for details.

Installation Services
INSTALL SERVICE - Internal Hard Drive in a PowerBook or MacBook/MacBook Pro	Stock:	£29.00 + vat (£34.80)
INSTALL SERVICE - Clone Original Hard Drive	Stock:	£25.00 + vat (£30.00)
Hard Drives Spinning at 5400RPM
Western Digital Scorpio Blue 320GB 2.5" SATA II 5400RPM	Stock:	£39.39 + vat (£47.27)
Western Digital Scorpio Blue 500GB 2.5" SATA II 5400RPM	Stock:	£43.58 + vat (£52.30)
Western Digital Scorpio Blue 750GB 2.5" SATA II 5400RPM	Stock:	£48.75 + vat (£58.50)
Samsung Spinpoint M8 1TB 2.5" SATA II 5400RPM	Stock:	£58.87 + vat (£70.64)
Hard Drives Spinning at 7200RPM
Seagate Momentus 7200.4 500GB 2.5" SATA II 7200RPM	Stock:	£49.45 + vat (£59.34)
Seagate Momentus 7200.5 750GB 2.5" SATA II 7200RPM	Stock:	£53.52 + vat (£64.22)
Western Digital Scorpio Black 750GB 2.5" SATA II 7200RPM	Stock:	£57.45 + vat (£68.94)
Hitachi Travelstar 7K1000 1TB 2.5" SATA 600 7200RPM	Stock:	£63.78 + vat (£76.54)
Hard Drive/SSD Hybrids
Seagate Momentus XT 7200RPM 750GB SATA 600 2.5" 32MB HYBRID 8GB SSD	Stock:	£94.33 + vat (£113.20)
Seagate SSHD 5400RPM 1TB SATA 600 2.5" 64MB HYBRID 8GB SSD	Stock:	£94.33 + vat (£113.20)
Internal Solid State Disk (SSD) Drives
OCZ Vertex 3.20 120GB 2.5 SSD SATA 600 Read 550 MB/S - Write 500 MB/S	Stock:	£93.13 + vat (£111.76)
OCZ Vertex 3.20 240GB 2.5 SSD SATA 600 Read 550 MB/S - Write 525 MB/S	Stock:	£161.20 + vat (£193.44)
OWC Mercury 120GB Extreme Pro 6G 2.5 SSD SATA 600 Read 559MB/s Write 527MB/s	Stock:	£110.36 + vat (£132.43)
OWC Mercury 240GB Extreme Pro 6G 2.5 SSD SATA 600 Read 559MB/s Write 527MB/s	Stock:	£203.88 + vat (£244.66)
OWC Mercury 480GB Extreme Pro 6G 2.5 SSD SATA 600 Read 559MB/s Write 527MB/s	Stock:	£387.17 + vat (£464.60)
HDD Mounts for Optical Bay
Optical Drive Bay Hard Drive Caddy IDE - SATA for 9.5mm Drives	Stock:	£24.00 + vat (£28.80)	1
Optical Drive Bay Hard Drive Caddy SATA - SATA for 9.5mm Drives	Stock:	£24.00 + vat (£28.80)	2

1	Suitable for MacBooks released before October 2009. That is models with a memory bus speed of either 667MHz or 800MHz.
2	Suitable for MacbBooks released after October 2009 - models which have a 1066MHz or faster bus speed.

Difficulty 3/5 Reasonably Easy

The hard drive in a MacBook is a user serviceable part, full instructions for doing so can be found in the user manual: here for the pre-Unibody (pre-October 2009) MacBooks and here for the Unibody models.

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Graphics Card Upgrades

The MacBook uses an Intel integrated graphics architecture which cannot be upgraded.

REPAIR SERVICE - Replace LCD Panel on MacBook 13" pre-Unibody - Fitting & Part (glossy)

Stock:

£119.00 + vat (£142.80)

1	For pre-Unibody models only - battery is removed by turning a coin-lock on the bottom of the machine. For both white and black models.

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Expansion Card Upgrades

The MacBook does not have any expansion slots, therefore the only expansion card it can take is an Airport Extreme card - which is fitted by default on all models.

There are no expansion cards available for these Macs

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Keyboards & Mice

The MacBook can use external keyboards and mice through USB or Bluetooth.

Trust 3 button USB Optical Mouse	Stock:	£8.50 + vat (£10.20)
Apple Keyboard with Numeric Keypad (UK) Wired	Stock:	£39.00 + vat (£46.80)

Difficulty 1 / 5 - Very Easy

Keyboards plug into the relevant port on your Mac. Mice can either be plugged into your keyboard, or they can be plugged directly into your Mac.

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Power Supplies & Batteries

Listed below are power supplies, batteries and related products we supply for this Mac.

Third Party 85W AC adapter for MacBook/MacBook Pro	Stock:	£29.00 + vat (£34.80)
Battery for MacBook White (pre-October 2009)	Stock:	£55.00 + vat (£66.00)	1
Battery for MacBook (Black)	Stock:	£45.00 + vat (£54.00)	2

1	Suitable for white MacBooks made prior to October 2009 - the non-Unibody models which have a removable battery.
2	Suitable for all black MacBooks.

Cables & Tools

Listed below are power cables, tools and related products we supply for this Mac.

Torx Screwdriver Set - 20mm T6 T7 T8 T9 T10	Stock:	£5.00 + vat (£6.00)
Screwdriver Set - 20mm Phillips #00, #0, #1 - Flat 1.4mm, 1.8mm, 2.4mm	Stock:	£5.00 + vat (£6.00)
Anti Static Wrist Strap	Stock:	£7.50 + vat (£9.00)
iKlear Complete Cleaning Kit	Stock:	£19.16 + vat (£22.99)

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External Hard Drive Upgrades

The MacBook can use a wide range of external hard drives through both FireWire 400 and USB 2.0. See below for a list of compatible drives and enclosures.

3.5" USB Hard Drives
Hitachi Touro Desk USB 3.0 (and 2.0) External Hard Drive - 4TB	Stock:	£132.28 + vat (£158.74)	1
3.5" FireWire 400/eSATA & USB 2.0 Hard Drives
Macally G-S350SUA External FireWire 400/eSATA/USB 2 3.5in 500GB Hard Drive	Stock:	£89.52 + vat (£107.42)
Macally G-S350SUA External FireWire 400/eSATA/USB 2 3.5in 1TB Hard Drive	Stock:	£96.25 + vat (£115.50)
Macally G-S350SUA External FireWire 400/eSATA/USB 2 3.5in 2TB Hard Drive	Stock:	£116.02 + vat (£139.22)
3.5" FireWire 400/800/eSATA & USB 2.0 Hard Drives
Macally G-S350SUAB External FireWire 400/800/eSATA/USB 2 3.5in 500GB Hard Drive	Stock:	£109.25 + vat (£131.10)
Macally G-S350SUAB External FireWire 400/800/eSATA/USB 2 3.5in 1TB Hard Drive	Stock:	£121.54 + vat (£145.85)
Macally G-S350SUAB External FireWire 400/800/eSATA/USB 2 3.5in 2TB Hard Drive	Stock:	£139.65 + vat (£167.58)
2.5" FireWire 400 & USB 2.0 Hard Drives
Startech FireWire 400 and USB 2.0 2.5in 320GB 5400RPM Hard Drive	Stock:	£56.15 + vat (£67.38)
Startech FireWire 400 and USB 2.0 2.5in 500GB 5400RPM Hard Drive	Stock:	£60.10 + vat (£72.12)
Startech FireWire 400 and USB 2.0 2.5in 750GB 5400RPM Hard Drive	Stock:	£64.94 + vat (£77.93)
Startech FireWire 400 and USB 2.0 2.5in 1TB 5400RPM Hard Drive	Stock:	£74.07 + vat (£88.88)
Startech FireWire 400 and USB 2.0 2.5in 500GB 7200RPM Hard Drive	Stock:	£65.65 + vat (£78.78)
Startech FireWire 400 and USB 2.0 2.5in 750GB 7200RPM Hard Drive	Stock:	£69.28 + vat (£83.14)
Drive Enclosures
NewerTech Voyager Q Quad Interface 2.5 & 3.5 SATA Hard Drive Docking Station	Stock:	£59.00 + vat (£70.80)
3.5" Drive Enclosures
Startech External FireWire & USB 2.0 Desktop 3.5" SATA HDD Enclosure	Stock:	£35.25 + vat (£42.30)
Macally G-S350SUA External USB 2.0/FW400/eSATA Enclosure for 3.5" SATA HDD	Stock:	£52.65 + vat (£63.18)
2.5" Drive Enclosures
Startech External FireWire & USB 2.0 Portable 2.5" SATA HDD Enclosure	Stock:	£23.02 + vat (£27.62)
Akasa Integral P2 USB 2.0 & eSATA Enclosure for 2.5" SATA Drives	Stock:	£21.52 + vat (£25.82)

1	Requires Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard) or later.

Difficulty 1 / 5 Easy

Install any supplied software, restart the machine and connect the new device.

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Specials

OWC DDR3 PC8500 SODIMM - 8GB Kit (2 x 4GB)
~~£72.36~~
£53.28

MacBook (White or Black) Upgrades

History

How to Identify these Machines

Memory Upgrades

Installation Service

DDR3 1066MHz PC8500 for post-October 2009 "Unibody" Revisions

DDR2 800MHz PC6400 for May 2009 Revisions

DDR2 667MHz PC5300 for pre-May 2009 Revisions (2GB not suitable for earlier models – see footnotes)

CD & DVD Drive Upgrades

Internal Hard Drive Upgrades

Installation Services

Hard Drives Spinning at 5400RPM

Hard Drives Spinning at 7200RPM

Hard Drive/SSD Hybrids

Internal Solid State Disk (SSD) Drives

HDD Mounts for Optical Bay

Graphics Card Upgrades

Expansion Card Upgrades

Keyboards & Mice

Power Supplies & Batteries

Cables & Tools

External Hard Drive Upgrades

3.5" USB Hard Drives

3.5" FireWire 400/eSATA & USB 2.0 Hard Drives

3.5" FireWire 400/800/eSATA & USB 2.0 Hard Drives

2.5" FireWire 400 & USB 2.0 Hard Drives

Drive Enclosures

3.5" Drive Enclosures

2.5" Drive Enclosures