Digital Trends

Apple MacBook 2.0GHz

June 12th, 2006 | by Jason Tomczak

In my review of the MacBook Pro, I noted that the MacBook Pro was become notorious for running hot - some recorded skin-reddening external temps of over 120 degrees F. Apple Customer Relations reps have acknowledged that this temperature issue is likely due to an over-application of thermal grease on the heat syncs for the dual-core processor, graphics processor and Northbridge.  

The MacBook also runs hot, but not in the same way as the MacBook Pro. Specifically, the internal temperatures of my MacBook Pro averaged 140 degrees F and the external temperatures reached 123 degrees F. The MacBook, however, runs much hotter internally - 150-192 degrees F - whereas the external temps stay near 90 degrees F. Because of an external temperature reduction of nearly 30 degrees F, I've found that I am much more comfortable using the MacBook.

The base configuration of the MacBook line comes with 512MB of 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM (PC2-5300) on two chips, 256MB each. This complement of 512MB RAM is just enough to let the MacBook function well, but not to its full potential. Running a MacBook on 512MB RAM is like placing a Datsun engine in a Porsche. It'll go, but don't be surprised that it does zero-to-60mph in 4.6 minutes. Most, if not all MacBooks on display in Apple stores are set up with 1GB RAM. Some unsuspecting MacBook buyers test the display units and find themselves impressed and enamored. When they bring their minimal-config systems home, they discover major reductions in performance, or worse yet - never discover just how fast the MacBook can be!  

Installing 1GB of RAM is sufficient to let the MacBook operate at comfortable speeds - much like like driving 55 on the highway and never putting the pedal to the metal. Maxing the RAM out to 2GB is excellent advice for people who'll be using memory intensive applications like iMovie HD, Photoshop and Parallels Workstation for running multiple operating systems which, incidentally, can use from 300MB to 800MB RAM instantly. Incidentally, if you are concerned about the integrated graphics card using 64MB to 80MB of system memory, installing 2GB RAM will ease any worries you may have about system performance being negatively effected. With 2GB RAM installed, my MacBook seems to perform as well as my MacBook Pro.