Upgrade ram myself in new MBP?

[Necross]

So, I got a 17" macbook pro a month or so ago. I got the base model version, with 4 GB of ram.. but I've been playing some games and I feel like it might be a good idea to max it out to 8 GB. But, I already have both ram slots filled with 2 2GB chips. So, I'll have to buy all 8 and then hope I'm stuck with the old ones.. I'd imagine they might be tough to sell on ebay?

Can my apple store do the upgrade for me? On the online store, when you configure a new one, they want $200 for that.. but I can get the whole 8 gb for like $80 or less on newegg.com ..

And, I've never done any work on any kind of laptop before... but I can build a regular PC from scratch.. is a macbook's innards a whole new ballgame? Will I be able to upgrade the ram myself or will I really need to have apple do it? If I do it myself, will I void my warranty? I got the 3 year applecare warranty, I'd hate to toss that out the window now...

 

[Ivan P]

Don't get an Apple Store to do it, they charge an absolute fortune for RAM and its' installation. It's incredibly easy to do it yourself, and the manual that came with your MBP even gives the instructions on how to do it.

Basically, unscrew the bottom of your laptop and remove the entire aluminum base so you can see the innards of your computer. Slap bang in the middle of the computer will be the RAM. All you have to do is push down slightly on the RAM and the tray it's seated in will pop up. Simply slide the stick(s) of RAM out, insert the new sticks, push the tray back down until it clicks into place, screw the bottom of your computer back on and you're all done.

I'm not an absolute expert when it comes to finding the cheapest place for RAM (though Apple is generally the most expensive - stay away), but honestly, follow the instructions in the MBP manual and you'll be absolutely fine doing it yourself

 

[Panch0]

The hardest part is removing all of the screws (and not losing them). Laptop RAM is actually easier to install than desktop. If you press down on the RAM module, you'll release a little catch, and the chip is spring loaded; much less pressure required to seat the DIMM.

I don't know about NewEgg, but many vendors will have install instructions posted in their store, or you could check someplace like iFixIt for videos.

Some sellers have a memory buy-back program where you can trade in your old RAM. I bought mine from OWC, and they have a trade-in, although I didn't use it.

 

[jav6454]

If you played Legos as a kid, you can dam sure swap the RAM modules yourself.

 

[Necross]

OK cool I think really I was just more worried that if I cracked open my mac and did my own upgrade, but I had some big issue later, that apple might not honor my warranty.

I ususally use newegg but I've used OWC also.. I don't really want dirt cheap noname ram, that could end up not being to good, so I'll probably go with the cheapest but best reviewed

 

[AdrianK]

OK cool I think really I was just more worried that if I cracked open my mac and did my own upgrade, but I had some big issue later, that apple might not honor my warranty.

I ususally use newegg but I've used OWC also.. I don't really want dirt cheap noname ram, that could end up not being to good, so I'll probably go with the cheapest but best reviewed

Replacing the RAM yourself does not the warranty AFAIK.

 

[Necross]

Cool, well I ordered up 8 gigs of ram.. things should run much smoother now

Just noticed I posted this under Mac Pro instead of Macbook Pro.. oops

 

[davidlv]

Cool, well I ordered up 8 gigs of ram.. things should run much smoother now. Just noticed I posted this under Mac Pro instead of Macbook Pro.. oops

Make sure you have the correct size screwdriver on hand, it is a #00 Philips head. (Removing the HD also requires a Torx #6 for the lugs on the side of the HD), and as a poster said above, the screws are small and go in at different angles too, so be careful not to let them escape and hide in the carpet!
Actually it is very easy and will not void your warranty, as long as you do not break anything.

 

[Necross]

OK, is it one of those mini philips screwdrivers? I have a whole set of teeny hobby tools, like for building models and stuff. But if it doesn't fit I'll just run to home depot I guess.

I notice in 3D games my macbook gets real hot.. would adding ram do anything about that? like, more memory = less for it to think about, so it won't get as hot? I know it's normal but I still worry that playing games too much could eventually damage something.

 

[Panch0]

I notice in 3D games my macbook gets real hot.. would adding ram do anything about that? like, more memory = less for it to think about, so it won't get as hot? I know it's normal but I still worry that playing games too much could eventually damage something.

Adding RAM might reduce swapping to disk, but gaming heat is most likely coming from the CPU and GPU, so it is not likely to have much effect on temps.