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 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 4GB 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 4GB 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 compatability
remained unchanged. Apple specs here.
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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.
Looking for a case for this Laptop? Order securely online from our sister site, LaptopEssentials.co.uk.
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 need to 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 4GB in 2 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 4GB in 2 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 4GB in
2 x 2GB 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.
| 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.
CD & DVD Drive Upgrades
All MacBooks come with a Combo Drive or SuperDrive as standard. At present we don't stock replacement internal CD or DVD writers for these laptops.
It is possible to use an external device via FireWire or USB 2.0. The external drives listed below include both slim-line units which power from the FireWire/USB port, and full sized desktop models, which use mains power.
There are no optical drive upgrades available for these Macs
Difficulty 1 / 5 Easy
Install any supplied software, restart the machine and connect the new device.
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.
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
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.
Graphics Card Upgrades
The MacBook uses an Intel integrated graphics architecture which cannot be upgraded.
There are no graphics card upgrades available for these Macs
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 but can be upgraded.
| 1 | Designed for 1st revision MacBook/MacBook Pro models (Core Duo not Core 2 Duo). Later models shipped with either a fully functioning 802.11n card, or one that could be upgraded to 802.11n with a software patch. |
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.
Keyboards & Mice
The MacBook can use external keyboards and mice through USB or Bluetooth.
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 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.
Power Supplies & Batteries
Listed below are power supplies, batteries and related products
we supply for this Mac.
Cables & Tools
Listed below are power cables, tools and related products
we supply for this Mac.
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.
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.
| 1 | Can only use this product via USB 2.0, not FireWire 800. |
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 1 / 5 Easy
Install any supplied software, restart the machine and connect the new device.
