Sodimms

[davmax]

Does anyone know if there is any difference between the SODIMMs used in MACbook and those used in IBM and other laptops?

They look the same, have same speed specs etc. I suspect that they are the same now that Apple have Intel based computers.
Can anybody please confirm?


?????

[starfury1]

Re: Sodimms

well in the past I would be wary of macs and ram.... (psu and hdd)

I am "guessing" it would be the same but you are right to ask the question
as there can be traps few with apples

I would possibly if you get no response to confirm or deny this , perhaps check memory vender's and see what they have as apple memory listed.

sorry, I am of no real help on this one

[davmax]

Re: Sodimms

It is possible that Apple place a special link on their motherboard the connects two or more pins so that only Apple specific modules can can used with Apple computers.

[starfury1]

Re: Sodimms

Well I dont know about that Davmax but yeah its something they could do I suppose

Again not conclusive but they make no mention of apple specific ram modules in these links (or any warnings on pc ram)

this is what they state

MacBook Pro (Core 2 Duo): Memory Specifications

You can use Small-Outline Dual Inline Memory Modules (SO-DIMMS) that meet all of these criteria:

* PC2-5300
* unbuffered
* nonparity
* 200-pin
* 667 MHz
* DDR2 SDRAM

You can use RAM module sizes of 1 GB or 2GB in the top or bottom slots.

From some searching around the net
here's what a I gather;
same size matched pair is recommended
(and some mention of this in regard to video speed?)
seems some are using the original with an extra 1GB stick?

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=303491

http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=304662

except this

DIMMs with any of the following features are not supported in the MacBook Pro (Core 2 Duo) notebooks: registers or buffers, PLLs, ECC, parity, or EDO RAM.

(sort of what you would expect to stated with ram for pc's)

This all of course my be model specific and not sure what you got.

HTH

Cheers

[linuxguru]

Re: Sodimms

I've used some PC100 SDRAM SO-DIMMs that are generic aftermarket Macbook/Powerbook labelled parts dating back to about 2002, to upgrade memory in generic x86 P2/P3 notebooks with a variety of chipsets including i440MX/BX, Cyberblade A/i1, etc., without any difficulty so far. YMMV, but if the speed specs are good enough, there should be no problem.

[gonzo0815]

Re: Sodimms

I would suggest to use the Kingston site to identify compatible memory modules.
Then you can crosscheck, if this modul is compatible with other systems.

From my experience the Kingston site is very accurate.

[davmax]

Re: Sodimms

Excellent feedback. Thanks guys.
For the rcord. I am looking at upgrading a Lenovo 8922 and saw right speed and size memory for Macbook on eBay. A check at Kingston site reveals different memory part numbers so could be a bit of a risk.

[starfury1]

Re: Sodimms

yes apple is a worry with its range.

I do sometimes wonder if companies dont use the apple mac thing as away to pump a bit more money.

use the same ram stick label it mac on it and ask twice the price case they can.

I used normal PC SDRAM in the G3 crt imac, so like I said only guessing that they have seen the light (or rather cheaper option) and just use pc stuff
but I know there is traps.

The spec just maybe in regards to apples specifications, seems apple boxes can be picky about the ram used so maybe it just meets there specs as laid down.

so your actually going the other way...use Mac ram in a PC. laptop

you are right it is a risk and definite answer would be nice on this

[gonzo0815]

Re: Sodimms

The Kingston site is a white list, which does not necessarily mean that any other part would be incompatible.

So i usually check the datasheets of the recommended Kinston module, which gives a quick answer, if there are some considerations or not.

I do this all the time if i am uncertain, if a particular older notebook or system can handle e.g. a large module or if it needs register ram etc.