[maxx9photo]

I'm planning to upgrade memory to 4gb and been thinking to get it from newegg and here's the link of the one I'd like to get Newegg.com - Kingston 4GB (2 x 2GB) 200-Pin DDR2 SO-DIMM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Dual Channel Kit Notebook Memory - Retail

Do you think it compatible with my MBP? btw mine is 2.2 and has 2gb (2x1) of RAM. Thanks guys and have a nice evening!.

[jaydon34]

depends on if it's a core duo or core 2 duo thats whats going to determine the max amount of ram you can install.
Check this site
Everymac.com

if this is your system below you can upgrade to 4gb.
Apple MacBook Pro "Core 2 Duo" 2.2 15" (SR) Specs (15-Inch 2.4/2.2GHz* - MA895LL) @ EveryMac.com

[maxx9photo]

Mine is Core 2 Duo Santa Rosa, so I guess it's compatible then, thanks for the link!

[Simon]

Your MBP is not Santa Rosa. However, it does use the Crestline chipset and hence supports up to 4 GB RAM.

Just get two 2GB SO-DIMMs (200 pins) of PC2-5300 DDR2 RAM (667 MHz). You can also use 800 MHz DIMMs (if they happen to be easier to find or if they're cheaper) since they will also work in your MBP, but there will not be any performance advantage. Do not get 533 MHz RAM since it will not work in your MBP.

[maxx9photo]

How do you know mine is not santa rosa? it is the latest version I got from apple and the serial number is MA895LL with all the specs mention one the link above.

[Simon]

Because Santa Rosa is a Centrino codename and Macs aren't Centrino. Your MBP uses the same chipset as Santa Rosa based PCs ("Crestline"), but it doesn't come with the Kedron Intel WiFi adapter required by the SR platform. However, regarding your original question that's irrelevant. Just make sure you get the type of RAM I posted and you'll be fine.

[ghporter]

This is not a trivial difference, maxx. While computer makers aren't particularly clear in describing what each particular platform is when they talk about what's in their machines, it is pretty important to keep your eye on precisely what hardware you actually have. Your MBP has a Crestline chipset-as do ALL C2D MBPs. However, you have a wireless card from a completely different manufacturer, and that makes all the difference.

[maxx9photo]

Ahh I see now, thanks guys and I will definitely get as you advise, btw any chance is it easy to do the upgrade?

[Simon]

Originally Posted by maxx9photo 

Ahh I see now, thanks guys and I will definitely get as you advise, btw any chance is it easy to do the upgrade?

It's really easy; all you need is a Phillips size 00 screwdriver. The MBP user manual (pages 33-43) has a detailed guide on how to add RAM with some pics too. You'll be done in two minutes.

[CMYKid]

if you can brush yoru teeth in the mornings then you shouldnt have any trouble. I have the exact same machine and it took all of 60 s3conds.

Oughtta look at OWC though, I got mine thattaway and it was cheaper.

[EndlessMac]

Originally Posted by maxx9photo 

btw any chance is it easy to do the upgrade?

Upgrading RAM is usually one of the easiest thing you can upgrade on a computer. It's so easy to upgrade that I'm really surprised that anyone would buy the maximum amount of RAM their computer can handle from Apple, Dell, etc. You can buy RAM so much cheaper from somewhere else.

[ghporter]

The ONLY caveat I have to add to this discussion is that you must press the SO-DIMMS in firmly. They go in farther than you think before they're "in." Firm, not hard, steady, not shoved. It IS easy, but you do have to use about the same care as in brushing your teeth.

[wayne_i]

First, get a good quality philips screw driver with a non-chrome tip in size 0. You can get an inexpensive one from Husky (HD-74501 T) - I bought mine from Home Depot.

Second, the screws are very short - make sure you magnetize the tip and make sure you have a container to keep them.

Thirdly, as mentioned previously, make sure you seat the RAM well. Apple suggests pushing them in with a tool once you get them horizontal.

Oh, make sure you have something soft to protect the top when the notebook is upside down.

Wayne

PS The MBP is a Santa Rosa platform notebook which contains the Crestline Chipset. It does not contain all of the chips that make up the Santa Rosa platform (info is direct from Intel engineering - have friends that worked there before the local plant closed as the operation is moving to China).

[Simon]

Originally Posted by wayne_i 

First, get a good quality philips screw driver with a non-chrome tip in size 0.

Actually what you want is a size 00 Philips screw driver. Apple's instruction (which I already linked to above) explicitely mention it.

The MBP is a Santa Rosa platform notebook which contains the Crestline Chipset.

Baloney. If you had actually read the entire thread you would know that the MBP is NOT a Santa Rosa platform notebook. It uses the Crestline chipset (which happens to be part of the SR requirements), but it lacks other parts of the spec (Intel Kedron WiFi adapter) and therefore is not part of the SR platform. And it sure as hell isn't Centrino either. It's all been explained earlier in this thread. I'd wish people would stop spreading this SR/Centrino nonsense.

[ghporter]

I've found that the screws Apple uses in the MBP (and the aluminum iMac) tend to have shallower Phillips cutouts than most available screwdrivers. It's more like these screwdrivers use a Reed and Prince tip (which is quite sharp) to be honest. Phillips tips are blunt, even squared off, at the tip, which is important in getting the screwdriver to bite the screwhead correctly. Not a trivial matter here!!!! Stripping out that VERY tiny screw can be a Royal PITA, especially if you try to put it back in. Be cautious. But I agree that a non-chromed tip is useful-chromed tips tend to be slick and not grip very well.