Skip to main content

Model A1181: 1.83, 2, 2.1, 2.13, 2.16, 2.2, or 2.4 GHz Core 2 Duo processor

1203 Questions View all

Can RAM that isn't Mac specific be harmful to your Mac?

While doing some research on RAM for an upgrade from 4 to 6 Gigs I realized that KIngston has "Mac Specific" RAM. When i Purchased my 2x2GB sticks i made sure the specifications were correct and so far no problems. But, from what I read in a post here one of the patrons mentioned that not having Mac specified RAM can cause problems in the long run. Is this true? what can happen? what signs should i look out for if so?

Answered! View the answer I have this problem too

Is this a good question?

Score 1
2 Comments

I purchased my first Kingston RAM at Walmart for $130 for the pair, which i thought was very cheap. But didn't specify wether the RAM is PC or Mac.

by

Thanks for the info. guys. Good to know this stuff being that im pretty new to Mac. :o)

by

Add a comment

2 Answers

Chosen Solution

yes - there where "mac specific" ram's on the market, but that's history - today - the technical difference between a mac and a pc mainboard is the EFI/BIOS - the rest is very similar/identical - i have an asus eee pc that is convinced that it is a MacBook air, my vaio p thinks that it is a MacBook and my aopen digital engine is a MacBook Pro - they are using in large parts the same components.

surely - using ultra noname ram with noname chips would always led to problems. but many noname ram's are also using nanya or hynix memory chips. using rams within the specifications of the logic board and it will work

Was this answer helpful?

Score 1

2 Comments:

What do you mean by it thinks its a MacBook Air? Does this mean that you can you install OS X in it?

by

yes, my eee 1005ha and my vaio p have 10.6.2 installed. i had to change the wifi card on the eee, but that was it. my vaio p's wifi, 3g and gps is working without any problem, the gps can be used with the igo8 pc version and wine. the only downside of the vaio p is the gpu - there is no kext for it, i hope that someone hacks the iPhone 3GS "driver" (it has the same gpu as the vaio p)

by

Add a comment
Most Helpful Answer

Whenever I buy RAM for a friend or client, I always skip the "Mac specific" because I always saw that as a way to make more money from people that don't know that their macs run at 1066 MHz (Or lower for older macs).

I have always used Corsair or Crucial RAM in macs and I have not seen any problems whatsoever

Was this answer helpful?

Score 4

1 Comment:

Thanks Gabe ++ I have used Kington RAM and thumb drives before and never had any problems. I hear those names being thrown out there by many people, so obviously its good RAM. But Kingston is pretty good, and cheaper. lol

by

Add a comment

Add your answer

Majesty will be eternally grateful.
View Statistics:

Past 24 Hours: 0

Past 7 Days: 0

Past 30 Days: 0

All Time: 1,271