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    Question: RAM upgrade on a Macbook.

    Discussion in 'Apple and Mac OS X' started by Thibault, Nov 2, 2009.

  1. Thibault

    Thibault Banned

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    I received an email from a friend this morning about upgrading a macbook, since I'm not really sure I figured I would ask here.

    Firstly, here's the email:
    Alright so here's my question: is Mac OS X 10.6.x 64bit or 32bit? I looked around (here and Wikipedia) but I'm slightly confused about this 64-bit Hybrid kernel. Can she support a full 4GB (or more) on her Macbook or not?

    Another quick question: I'm pretty sure dual channel memory doesn't really make all that much of a difference, is that right?

    Thanks.
     
    Thibault, Nov 2, 2009
    #1
  2. Luke1708

    Luke1708 Notebook Virtuoso NBR Reviewer

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    the old gen macbook supported ony upto 2gb. having the core2duo in this one, i think it will go up to 4gb. snow leopard is a hybrid os, i.e apps can be run in both 32bit and 64bit. this is the last 32bit os by apple. the next one will be full 64bit.

    she has to buy 2x2gb pc 5300 ram...

    dual channel does make a difference but not by much...
     
    Luke1708, Nov 2, 2009
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  3. Thibault

    Thibault Banned

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    Thanks for the reply Luke.
    But will the macbook see the full 4GB or 3-3.5GB due to the 32-bit OS? Or will the "hybrid" allow the use of the full 4GB?
     
    Thibault, Nov 2, 2009
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  4. pjshots

    pjshots Notebook Consultant

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    I use snow leopard on mine, with its 64 bit. Works well and can view all 4GB RAM. If your laptop is capable of taking that ram, then sl should see it.
     
    pjshots, Nov 2, 2009
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  5. Luke1708

    Luke1708 Notebook Virtuoso NBR Reviewer

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    well, your macbook has the intel x3100. so it will use memory from the ram. 4gb will be detected in the "about" window. but when you go into details, you will see some 3.7gb (or something ) available. this is so because your gpu is integrated. Don't worry, snow leopard will be able to address all the 4gb memory.
     
    Luke1708, Nov 2, 2009
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