[fasteddye]

I just received my brand new Macbook! I am switching from a Dell box. Anyways, I was replacing the stock 256 dimms with 2GB of Patriot RAM that I got from Outpost (for $119.99!!!) when I noticed that the stock apple sticks had goo on them. I am guessing this is thermal grease. Should I be worried??

Pictures: http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/1775011

[chefpastry]

Yes, I remember reading on some website that others have found the same thing. I don't think you have anything to worry about. But I would try to clean it off if possible.

[amazing]

Just hang on to the Apple RAM, because you'll want to put 'em back in if you ever send it in for Applecare. If you send it in for service with that Patriot RAM in, they'll take it out and blame any problems on the RAM.

Also, if you start developing any kernel panics or weird behavior after putting the Patriot RAM in, you'll want to put the original RAM back in to verify that it's the Patriot RAM at fault. Something about the price of that RAM suggests that it's not up to Apple's higher requirements.

[jokell82]

Originally Posted by amazing

Apple's higher requirements.

[chefpastry]

I currently have 2GB of Patriot RAM in my MacBook and it runs perfectly. As a matter of fact, the MacBook has been running 24/7 all week.

[ghporter]

There's no reason RAM from a quality source (including Patriot and a bunch of others) should give you any problem, But what amazing says seems to be par for Apple service. If there's a "simple and easy" explanation that cuts their bench time, they seem to go with that. And replacing your third-party RAM with the stock RAM is (also as amazing points out) great for troubleshooting-if there's a problem and you put the stock part back in, you can rule out RAM as the cause, and then when you send it in, the Apple techs don't have that "third party RAM is always suspect" excuse, so they MUST test your computer.