Top products from r/macbook

Here's what I recommend:

Physical stuffs:

• USB-C dongles (if you need them and don't have them already)
  
• Laptop sleeve/case/bag (if you don't have one already and feel like you might need it)
  
• Maybe a keyboard cover – Butterfly keyboard reliability woes. You might be a lucky one who has no problems, but are you willing to take that risk? That being said, you can always file a keyboard replacement from Apple's keyboard replacement program...
  
• A good wireless mouse – I tend to get hand cramps when I use the trackpad for an extended period of time. Maybe it's just me though...
  
• External display – even my 15-inch MacBook Pro gets cramped sometimes. Depending on your workflow, you may want to invest in an external monitor.
  
  • And a good keyboard and mouse to go with it :)
    
    Mac-specific Software:
    
    
• SMCFanControl (FREE) or MacsFanControl (FREE) – Apple likes to keep Macs, especially MacBooks as quiet as possible without much consideration to heat. If you do anything remotely intensive, you'd better get one of these to keep your machine cool.
  
• Magnet ($1.99) – Allows for Windows-like snapping features for your windows.
  
• Dozer (FREE) – Allows you to hide menu bar icons
  
• NightOwl (FREE) – Allows you to change from Light to Dark mode on a schedule
  
• Alfred (FREE) – Spotlight search but massively improved
  
• Amphetamine (FREE) – Keep your Mac awake (i.e. when file downloads, etc.)
  
• DaisyDisk ($9.99) – Manage your storage space
  
• AppCleaner (FREE) – When you uninstall apps, they leave behind hidden files which this app will delete for you.
  
  Other software:
  
  
• Todoist/Any.do (FREE) – Manage your tasks and reminders
  
• Google Keep (FREE) – Manage your notes
  
• Firefox/Opera (FREE)– Browse the web. What I've found is that Safari will give you the best battery life, but it lacks extensions. Chrome on the other hand is a huge resource (battery and RAM in particular) hog. I personally use Firefox, but Opera is also a good choice. Opera also supports installing Chrome extensions.
  
• Pocket (FREE) – Save articles for later
  
• Spark (FREE) – Best email client I've ever used
  
  That about does it for me. Thanks for reading :)

First off, the upcoming macOS 10.14 Mojave does not support MacBooks from 2011 and older anymore. That means the last macOS the machine your wife's friend intends to give to you is going to run will be macOS 10.13 High Sierra. That being said, macOS 10.13 High Sierra is still being supported by Apple in terms of security updates for next two years. Its security support will end in mid-2020. With that in mind, you can potentially always install Windows or a Linux distribution to keep it going when it comes to security updates.

Apple no longer officially does battery replacements for MacBooks from 2010, so you'd have to resort to third party companies doing it for you or doing it yourself. There are still compatible batteries being sold on eBay.

> Will a new ssd or ram make it functional?

Inserting an SSD and more RAM will make it faster no doubt. Every SATA SSD of 2.5" form factor should work.

As for the RAM, I'd like to quote from the following link:

• https://apple.stackexchange.com/questions/102131/macbook-pro-13-inch-maximum-memory
  
  > Specifically, as discovered by OWC, the 13-Inch "Mid-2010" MacBook Pro models (and only the 13-Inch models) -- the MacBook Pro "Core 2 Duo" 2.4 13" Mid-2010 and "Core 2 Duo" 2.66 13" Mid-2010 identified by MacBookPro7,1 -- can support up to 16 GB of RAM with dual 8 GB memory modules if they are running OS X 10.7.5 or higher, have been updated to use the latest EFI, and are equipped with proper specification memory modules. If running a version of Mac OS X 10.6 "Snow Leopard," these models only can use 8 GB of RAM.
  
  In order to know what macOS version the Mac is running, go to the Apple menu at the top left corner of the screen -> "About my Mac". Once there, you'll be able to see both the macOS version and the processor in use.
  
  Should the device be a white plastic MacBook 2010, as opposed to an aluminium MacBook Pro 2010, then it will support a maximum capacity of 8 GB RAM (2 x 4 GB RAM modules).
  
  The type of RAM (no matter if MacBook or MacBook Pro) you must buy is as follows:
  
  PC3-8500 DDR3 1066 MHz SDRAM, 204-pin
  
  This RAM should work, for example:
  
  
• https://www.amazon.com/Corsair-CMSA8GX3M2A1066C7-Channel-204-Pin-SO-DIMM/dp/B00505EZYW
  
• https://www.amazon.com/OWC-PC8500-204-pin-Upgrade-MacBook/dp/B00BKVQFU2
  
  However, you should think long and hard about investing further money into that machine, namely in a new SSD, new RAM, and a new battery. It is pretty old and security support for it is coming to an end.

Definetely go with a SSD My MacBook Pro is almost like a new computer after installing one. But If you want the best of both worlds I’d advise you replace your optical drive with a HDD caddy and install your current HDD there, installing a SSD in It’s place. The installing process is fairly simple watch the videos of people doing it closely and watch out for the flex cable. Installing the SSD in place of the HDD is pretty easy as well. The guide says you need a T6 screwdriver for the studs of the HDD but it can be disassembled and reassembled with just pliers. Go for a 250GB SSD It’s enough for everything I currently use on a daily basis including the whole adobe lineup, my photos and videos. Good luck! Please ask if you have any other questions in your head ^^
Hard drive SSD replacement
Optical Drive replacement

Edit:
I realize I didn't answer your question the first time so I'm back haha.
Two years ago I asked an Apple store employee what they used to wipe down all Apple products because everything was so clean. Like no fingerprint stains on any of the keyboards, immaculate iPad and iPhone screens.

He told me they used "Whoosh" cleaner and microfiber cloths, both available on Amazon.
https://smile.amazon.com/WHOOSH-Award-Winning-Screen-Cleaner-Antimicrobial/dp/B00DOPW5L0/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1502605520&sr=8-3&keywords=whoosh
I've used Whoosh on my own Macbook Pro and indeed it cleaned my screen effectively, but I haven't needed to use it on the keyboard since I use keyboard covers. Also, this was on the 2015 Macbook Pros. Ymmv since we're now talking about the 2017 MBPs, but if you ever stop by an Apple store, you can always ask them what they use - or if they use/ever used Whoosh.

Original post:
If you don't mind the frosty look on your keys, I'd recommend a keyboard cover. I've used one on my Macbook Pro 13 2015 since the launch week and buy a new one every half year or so for cleanliness reasons.

In my limited experience, a brand called Uppercase has pretty consistent quality. Good luck!

https://www.amazon.com/UPPERCASE-GhostCover-Premium-Keyboard-Protector/dp/B01MRKLH27/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1502598784&sr=8-1&keywords=UPPERCASE+GhostCover+Premium+Ultra+Thin+Keyboard+Protector+for+MacBook+Pro+with+Touch+Bar+13%22+or+15%22+%282016+and+2017%2C+Apple+Model+Number+A1706%2C+A1707%29

Yep, I've done that on my previous MacBook but not my Pro, but it should be pretty similar, this video does a pretty good job at showing the process.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWUKAUlxrkg

Here's a link to a cheap caddy; https://www.amazon.com/Optical-SuperDrive-Adapter-Unibody-Macbook/dp/B004FM4UGE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1499015046&sr=8-1&keywords=macbook+hard+drive+caddy

As a cover all solution, I’ve had a really good experience with this hub from satechi

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01J4BO0X8

You’ll need to buy some adapters for SD cards, etc, but for HDMI, power pass through and USB ports it has been perfect for me.

It looks great and hasn’t affected WiFi at all for me.

If you want me to test any particular scenarios let me know, and I’ll see what I can do.

Whatever you do make sure you get one that supports power delivery through usb c.

I have one with 2600 mAh if I remember correctly and I can get about a whole charge off it on my 15 inch MacBook. I can check what model it is when I get home. It costed me about 80 bucks but so far it’s been worth it.

Edit: I got this one from Ravpower. It's great because I can charge it with my macbook charger as well. It can charge my phone almost 10 times over

It does sound like RAM is the more likely cause though either upgrade would benefit.

You can look at what's causing the bottleneck yourself by running Activity Monitor or a RAM monitoring app and seeing if the RAM is peaking at the same time as you notice the freezing. I used this on my old 13" MBP, realised the RAM wasn't the issue, upgraded the SSD instead and got a good performance boost. However, in your case as I mentioned it does seem the RAM is more likely the cause.

If you don't mind opening your computer at home then you could save a lot of money off their upgrade pricing. You can do either upgrade at home by following iFixit guides with parts bought off Amazon. Here is the 16GB RAM and the SSD (these were just the first products I found after a quick search, if you find the exact part number you can find them even more cheaply but check that they're good quality and won't just fail).

I'm not sure if you're interested, but you might consider an enclosure like this rather than an external drive.

https://www.amazon.ca/Drive-Unibody-MacBook-SuperDrive-Replacement/dp/B0058AH2US

I know some people actually use their optical drives, but I have had an external optical drive since I bought a MacBook Air in 2011 and I've used it less than a dozen times.

As for the SSDs you listed - for all the work you are going to do, I'd definitely go with the 120GB unit. SanDisk is a reasonably good company for entry-level SSDs. As for how Mac-compatible it is, I'll have to leave answering that to someone else.

This doesn't have a second compartment but it fits snuggly and I like it. I looked at the one you posted but the dimensions seem like there's an extra inch in there. Something to consider if you haven't found what you're looking for! :)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01H4ZRGBY?m=A23FWTZ8UX6LWK&ref_=v_sp_widget_detail_page

here you go quick sample on amazon

https://www.amazon.com/Transcend-JetDrive-Storage-Expansion-TS256GJDL360/dp/B00WGARJGU/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1539664291&sr=8-7&keywords=macbook+air+sd+drive

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or

https://www.amazon.com/FBA_iSDA504ASV-aluminum-microSD-Adapter-MacBook/dp/B012F8ALBC/ref=pd_sbs_147_1?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B012F8ALBC&pd_rd_r=611b1244-d0fc-11e8-9fea-e722222b4194&pd_rd_w=8iqGL&pd_rd_wg=zqpYE&pf_rd_i=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=7d5d9c3c-5e01-44ac-97fd-261afd40b865&pf_rd_r=ZH9CF4CA231WH7MG0MA8&pf_rd_s=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_t=40701&psc=1&refRID=ZH9CF4CA231WH7MG0MA8

​

lots of alternatives just search for Macbook Air SD Drive Adaptor

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The one i used was completely flush and allowed my to add my own SD card

​

Just make sure its for your modle (to get flush), also some report issues with sleep , never had the issue but i only used it to store movies, dropbox (or what ever i was using at the time .. this was 2013), games (Steam I think) and iTunes

​

advantage is that you always have it with you, also u might be able to encrypt it so that data protection can be taken care off

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YMMV

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To use the newest Chrome on Mac, you'll need OS X Mavericks 10.9 or later.

You can upgrade to 10.11 (El Capitan). Sadly, this will most probably slow down your computer in its current state. Like /u/Nera2626 said, you can upgrade the hardware as well, which will help with the speed on the newer OS versions. The maximum memory your laptop accepts is 8GB of PC3-8500 DDR3 1066 MHz (SO-DIMM) RAM. An SSD wil further increase speed.

Edit: Not really sure where you're from, but here's a list on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Corsair-Channel-204-Pin-Laptop-SO-DIMM/dp/B00505EZYW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1498659075&sr=8-2&keywords=so-dimm+ddr3+1066

https://www.amazon.com/SanDisk-240GB-SDSSDA-240G-G26-Newest-Version/dp/B01F9G43WU/ref=sr_1_4?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1498659178&sr=1-4&keywords=ssd

So you could be back on track for less than $150 if you know someone that can help you install it.

Amazon has Crucial compatible ram in 16 gig as well. Works great (at least it has for over a year for me). Don't worry about brand, worry about it being listed as mac compatible, any that are should work just fine. (also, ones that aren't listed as mac compatible may still work, it's just not worth the time to go through and test which ones do)

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008LTBJFW?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage

Cheers,

Alright, so I’ll pick up a 16GB kit from Amazon next week. Then a couple weeks later, the SSD. Which RAM upgrade do you think would be better between this one and this one? I’m totally new to macs, so all help is appreciated!

I have this one for my Spectre x360. Haven't even used it yet cause I really never use USB or hook up to an external monitor. But figured I'd grab one just because. The dongles very well built and looks nice, good for on the go.

Some of those filters don't obscure anything if the brightness of the Macbook screen is set high.

Plus, they really can cause eyestrain and make the screen look like butt.

But, yeah, 3M makes the 12 inch macbook filter at about $25. Set the Macbook screen brightness setting to low, otherwise it won't obscure much at all. The filters dim the screen for you too, so it can give some people eye strain. Also, not all angles are blacked out to people walking by- some angles you can still catch a glimpse. Someone sitting next to you or directly behind you can often still see your screen.

Here are a few:
https://www.amazon.com/SenseAGE-Privacy-Filter-MacBook-Display/dp/B01H3DHC8Y/ref=pd_cp_147_1?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B01H3DHC8Y&pd_rd_r=60DMMVHFV66EK27DNAKY&pd_rd_w=ouQL6&pd_rd_wg=FS3Um&psc=1&refRID=60DMMVHFV66EK27DNAKY

https://www.amazon.com/3M-Privacy-Macbook-12-inch-PFNAP001/dp/B012XFVEZ4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1491481175&sr=8-1&keywords=macbook+12+privacy+screen

Inateck MacBook Pro Sleeve

Trust me on this one. I bought it for my 13” MacBook Pro and it’s amazing. It’s very affordable, it includes a little accessory bag in which you can throw the MBP charger and a few more things (i.e.: i also throw my Magic Mouse). Also it has 3 extra compartments: one for an iPad, one for putting something like an external SSD, and one for a smartphone but I use it to put my USB C Hub.

U have 4 ports other than a all in one dock solution like the one from OWC if u only wanna use one port; you'll can just to buy the VGA dongle and the single usbA dongle from apple.

Or try out the maxed out hootoo dongle: USB C Hub, HooToo Shuttle 3.1 Type C Hub with Power Delivery for Charging, HDMI Output, Card Reader, 3 USB 3.0 Ports - Silver https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019R9ILTG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_qyisyb09SSZAD

https://www.amazon.com/Plugable-Charging-Delivery-Specific-Thunderbolt/dp/B01FKTZLBS/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1503170854&sr=1-2-spons&keywords=usb+c+dock&psc=1

If it is Macbook 2017 this is your best chance however Sierra build is currently unstable
If it is Macbook Pro 16/17, get Caldigit

Thanks!

when you say optibay frame, that's the same as the optibay caddy right?

I was going to get this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0058AH2US/ref=ox_sc_act_title_5?smid=A3Q4G302TLNJTB&psc=1

Whatever you do, steer clear of Mosiso. Worse case maker ever.

I would suggest you try something like Moshi iGlaze cases. And use adaptors like this one:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B015Z7XE0A/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1524063774&sr=8-6&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=usb+c+adapter&dpPl=1&dpID=31Q57GvJiSL&ref=plSrch

I got this one:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008LTBJFW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Along with his screwdriver kit:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01K1PHXJE/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

They both worked perfectly. Took longer to take the screws out than install the ram. Simplicity itself. The ram makes such a big difference it's hard to describe.

If you have DisplayPort on the monitor you should buy a USB-C - DisplayPort cable that support DP alt mode.

Choetech

Plugable

Edit: These cables are not active adapters. They send the DisplayPort signal straight from the computer to the monitor without the need of converting the signal.

I haven't had any issues yet. Although I still have 60 days to buy AppleCare and I probably will eventually within the 60 days....just because it's a new design and I don't want any issues down the road.

I bought this hootoo hub from amazon and its been working really well for me.

USB C Hub, HooToo USB C Adapter 3.1 with Type C Charging Port, HDMI Output, Card Reader, 3 USB 3.0 Ports for MacBook Pro 2015/2016, Google Chromebook 2016 and more USB C Devices – Space Gray https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01K7C53K2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_jVyxzbNFQ502T

I don't want a cable. Cables are messy & cumbersome.

I want a dongle, so I ordered this from Amazon, instead.

It even lights-up to show it's active. But thanks anyway!

Currently rocking a new refurb 2017 15" 2.8/16/512 and I love it. USB drives - https://www.amazon.com/nonda-Adapter-Aluminum-Indicator-Macbook/dp/B015Z7XE0A/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1518804323&sr=8-4&keywords=usb-c+to+usb
I have a few of these knocking about, problem solved.

Touch Bar - has its uses and I have reprogrammed for my particular uses. It get used EVERY FEW MINUTES.

Keyboard - you will type faster on this after 1 day than any other keyboard.

Don't forget the new massive trackpad. Seems ridiculous at first, then you will wonder how people manage on anything smaller.

Amazon

It seems it is pretty specific but above is the 16GB kit i bought for mine. 16GB may be overkill since it doesn’t seem that MacOS uses above 8GB in my use case.

I've purchased this USB-C hub for folks in my office and have not had complaints. I personally use this USB-C docking station at work with my 2017 MBP.

This one is $30 but I have had no problems with:

[Travel Inspira USB-C HDMI Hub, USB-C to HDMI Hub with USB 3.0 Port and USB-C Recharging Port for MacBook, Chromebook Pixel and More Type C Devices] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GKSPMCQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_GSzl5EWR9hdvf)

This one I got for $10 and is also great for quick USB port usage, including charging:

[nonda USB-C to USB 3.0 Mini Adapter [World's Smallest] Aluminum Body with Indicator LED for Macbook Pro 2016, MacBook 12-inch and other Type-C Devices (Space Gray)] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015Z7XE0A/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_whK6yb7G1D16G)

I don't know if they'll power your external HDD but they do suffice for charging my S7 Edge so I don't see why they wouldn't charge an iPhone.

Assuming you mean the 12 inch Macbook, you want something with USB C PD for at least 30W of output. This will charge at the same rate as your macbook AC adapter. you can use this: https://www.amazon.com/Portable-RAVPower-26800mAh-Recharged-Included/dp/B01LRQDAEI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1494815923&sr=8-2&keywords=anker+usb+pd

or this:

https://www.amazon.com/myCharge-RZ13V-RazorPlatinum/dp/B01KG23GWK

I got this when it was on sale https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008LTBJFW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01D0VM2L0/ref=psdcmw_335609011_t2_B00L2TA27Y

It's for the older models so it is a little roomy on the sides. Comes with extra pouch for dongles ja stuff

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01H4ZRGBY/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MRKLH27/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Here is my device amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00ECDM78E/ref=redir_mdp_mobile/188-4984970-4227354

This is the RAM I bought.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008LTBJFW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I have a microSD adapter in mine for additional/slower internal storage, similar to this one:

https://www.amazon.com/FBA_iSDA504ASV-aluminum-microSD-Adapter-MacBook/dp/B012F8ALBC

1. Hub: https://www.amazon.ca/Satechi-Aluminum-Multi-Port-Adapter-Charging/dp/B01J4BO0X8/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1503097585&sr=8-3&keywords=satechi
   
   
2. Then USB-a to HDMI: https://www.amazon.ca/Victsing-Adapter-Windows-2560x1440-Resolution/dp/B071W3RL6M/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1503097557&sr=8-3&keywords=usb+a+to+hdmi
   
   
3. Plug USB-c into the hub so you can provide power

I currently connect to two relatively older Dell 1080p monitors that only have DisplayPort and VGA out. So I've got two DP to USB-C cables into my MBP + another USB-C for power.

I think this might be what you're looking for

Amazon privacy screen

And this is a video on how to set it up

You'll need a USB-C to Micro-B cable, e.g.,

https://www.amazon.com/Micro-B-CableCreation-Compatible-MacBook-External/dp/B012V56992/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1541167757&sr=8-3&keywords=usb+c+micro+b+cable

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Then you can connect new MacBook to most external drives.

Crucial 16GB Kit (2 x 8GB) DDR3L-1600 1600 MT/S SODIMM Memory for Mac (CT2K8G3S160BM)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008LTBJFW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_MAQjzbZE377Z6

I use this.

https://www.amazon.com/HooToo-Shuttle-Delivery-Charging-Output/dp/B019R9ILTG

http://www.amazon.com/Plugable-UD-3900-SuperSpeed-Universal-2560x1440/dp/B00ECDM78E

> Surface RT, Mac OS X, and Linux/Unix are not supported.

I had a Satechi which I ended up returning after getting a HooToo. It worked well but I preferred a dongle vs a dock that attached to the side of the machine.

I didn't care much for the charging speeds which is why I never paid attention to it. But I opened up CoconutBattery and measured when the adapter was connected directly and when it was connected via the hub.

86w direct connect and 55w when plugged in to the HooToo with no other accessories connected.

This would bother me if I cared and now I'm wondering about data transfer speeds via USB and SD, but ultimately I am a casual user and don't rely on it for a career so I just need it to connect properly and that's it.

But the HooToo shown here is 55w.

I just got a refurb 2016 15" and so far I've had no problem with my external HDD :) I bought this:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B012V56992/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_B9lmX3Dbx93FO

Did you initialize and format the SSD in the drive utility app? It's probably not formatted, that's why you cannot select in during install. You can see it in the drive util app b/c that's basically the apps job :) so good thing you see it in there!
Choose 1 partition, mac journaled not case sensitive (should be default option)

Edit: if the drive is already formatted: delete the existing partion and do the above. You'll loose everything on the drive.

Last ram upgrades I bought - pre retina - I always bought the special mac versions that corsair makes (like these: https://www.amazon.de/dp/B006ON5KZC/ref=pe_217221_31005211_dp_1).
Other brands should work but MacBooks can be very picky in what kind of ram they support. Look up your model number exactly on the apple sites to look how much ram it supports and how much.

Be careful to buy the exact same kind (mhz and all!). Your not likely to harm your pc - although it will definably probably make a beeping noice if it doesn't like the ram. But you end up with worthless (expensive) ram.

If your not sure, install the os first and go to "about my mac" to see exactly what you need. Do not run the pic without its backplate attached, not every screw has to be in it but at least a few to avoid damage to the logic board and other components.

But you'll do fine as long as you look things up and triple check. These ram modules you'll need are older types and will prob not be cheap - prices will keep rising until they are worthless b/c of demand.