It is sometimes quite difficult to know exactly what model of iPod Classic you have, especially when thinking about upgrading the internal storage.
We’ve made a simple guide to help you.
- Watch the video below to find your exact iPod Classic model number.
- Then, use the table below to match your iPod Classic model number to the iPod designation.
| Model Description | Model No | iTunes Storage Limit | Cache Memory Size | Max Flash Storage Upgrade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5th gen 30GB | MA002 / MA146 / PA002 / PA146 | ~20000 Tracks | 32MB | 2TB |
| 5th gen 60GB | MA003 / MA147 / PA003 / PA147 | ~50000 Tracks | 64MB | 2TB |
| 5.5th gen 30GB | MA444 / MA446 / PA444 / PA446 / MA664 | ~20000 Tracks | 32MB | 2TB |
| 5.5th gen 80GB | MA448 / MA450 / PA448 / PA450 | ~50000 Tracks | 64MB | 2TB |
| 6th gen 80GB | MB029 / MB147 | ~50000 Tracks | 64MB | 128GB |
| 6th gen 160GB (thick rear) | MB145 / MB150 / PB145 / PB150 | ~50000 Tracks | 64MB | 128GB |
| 6.5th gen 120GB | MB565 / PB565 / MB562 / PB562 | ~50000 Tracks | 64MB | 128GB |
| 7th gen 160GB | PC297 / MC297 / PC293 / MC293 | ~50000 Tracks | 64MB | 2TB |
Notes regarding iPod Classic limitation
iTunes Storage Limit.
The iPod Storage Limit is an approximate number, with some users reporting either a slightly higher or lower amount of tracks that can be stored. The limit will also depend on your iTunes library and the amount of metadata stored within which includes artist name, track name, genre, comments, album art, etc.
The track limits are a function of the iTunes database size and the memory (RAM) on the iPod motherboard, it is not a limitation of the flash storage upgrade.
Max Flash Storage Upgrade Limit.
The 6th Gen Classic models (80GB/120GB/Thick 160GB) are limited to LBA28 addressing by Apple so these models will only show and use up to 128GB of the storage installed. The other iPod models have LBA48 addressing so do not have this limitation.
This LBA28 Limitation can be removed by replacing the iPod operating system with a 3rd party OS such as Rockbox. If you choose an SSD upgrade option larger than 128GB, we will automatically install Rockbox for free, unless you tell us not to but please bear in mind that your iPod 6th Gen (80GB/120GB/Thick 160GB) will only show 128GB.
Cache Memory Size.
Every iPod Classic has either 32MB or 64MB cache RAM. A portion of the RAM is used to hold the iPod OS loaded from firmware, but the majority of it serves to cache songs from the storage medium. For example, an iPod could spin its hard disk up once and copy approximately 30 MB of upcoming songs into RAM, thus saving power by not requiring the drive to spin up for each song.
In short, the more cache that is available to copy larger audio file sizes, the better the performance of the iPod Classic music playback. People have reported that larger audio file sizes and 32MB cache result in audio skipping and delays when playing back a music library.
An iPod Classic with 32MB cache RAM will struggle to play lossless audio files without skipping or pausing while the iPod loads the rest of the audio track from the hard disk to cache RAM. It is best to use lossy audio files with iPod Classics with a 32MB cache.
Most iPod Classics come with 64MB cache RAM apart from the iPod Classic 5th gen 30GB and 5.5th enhanced 30GB model (see table above).