Adding more RAM to Macbook Pro

I'm currently using a MacBook Pro 13" Mid 2012 model.
At the moment, it has 4GB of RAM and I would like to upgrade it to 8GB of RAM. I will soon purchase DDR3 8GB of RAM and install it myself, however I have a little query, will 8GB of RAM drain my MacBook Pro battery life quicker? I wanted to have a stronger and faster computer.
Thanks for your support,
IxE TeMpTeD

Welcome to the Apple Support Communities
A faster computer consumes more energy than a slower computer. The battery life will be similar or the same when you install more memory, but of course, it will be less when you open more apps than the ones you had opened with 4 GB of memory, because 8 GB of memory allows you to open more heavy apps at the same time, consuming energy

Similar Messages

Adding more RAM to Macbook Pro mid-2012

Hi!
I have a question about adding more RAM to my mid-2012 MacBook Pro (without Retina). I've been doing some video editing with Final Cut, and I'm using quite many apps on the daily basis. I have the standard configuration with 4GB of RAM (2x 2GB) but I guess I should upgrade it, shouldn't I?
I had that idea in mind: buying extra 8GB RAM instead of one 2GB, so I'll end up with 10GB of RAM. If it won't be enough and I'll have some extra money, I will add another 8GB instead of 2GB, so I'll have 16GB.
First question - is it worth it?
Second question - can I add any RAMs supported by Macs? For example I'll leave one 2GB that I have already, and add 8GB made by, let's say, Kingston (I guess they are supported and they have good price in my country). Will this work fine? Does it make sense?

Jerroslaw,
since you’re running Mavericks, open up Activity Monitor while you’ve got your usual selection of apps running, select its Memory tab, and look at the Swap Used setting in the lower left. If it’s displaying “0 bytes” as the amount of swap used, then extra RAM won’t make a difference. Otherwise, to answer your first question, whether it’s worth it or not depends upon how frustrated you are running your usual selection of apps with 4 GB of RAM. It might be that the cost of replacement RAM modules outweighs your level of frustration — only you can make that determination of worth. I would recommend that if you do choose to purchase replacement RAM, that you get a pair of matching modules — either 2 × 4 GB = 8 GB, or 2 × 8 GB = 16 GB, to replace the pair that is currently installed.
For your second question, you don’t have to use Apple-brand RAM, but you do have to use RAM with the same characteristics as your factory-installed RAM uses. Any worthwhile purveyor of RAM for Macs will let you easily locate modules that are compatible with your Mid 2012 MacBook Pro.

Re: Adding more RAM to Macbook Pro mid-2012

Hi,
I am in the same situation as Jerroslaw, but in my case my "swap" says "0 bytes". what would be the best idea to increase my RAM?
sorry for my lack of knowledge in this area..

Ah! You're running CAD software! Yes, you could surely benefit with a RAM upgrade. To me, 8GB of RAM is the 'sweet spot' for RAM on any Mac - you can upgrade the RAM to either 8GB or 16GB (the maximum).
Around here we tend to recommend Crucial and OWC RAM - it simply works with no problems with MacBook Pros where cheaper, 'value' RAM has trouble more likely than not. Visit the Crucial website and click on the System Scanner tab and download the small app. Unzip and run it and you'll be taken to the Crucial site with the exact upgrade options for your particular model. The exact specification for your machine are 204-pin PC-10600 (1333 MHz) DDR3 SO-DIMMs. You can also check OWC - I just prefer Crucial because it's usually less expensive than OWC and it's what I run in my machine.
Visit both sites and check out their offerings...
Clinton

Adding more RAM to MacBook Pro Help!

Dear Apple Support Community,
Ok so first of all don't tell me to go search for older discussions >:(
Here are my system specs:
MacBook Pro 15", Mid 2010
Processor - 2.66 GHz Intel Core i7
Memory    - 4GB 1067 MHz DDR3
Graphics   - NVIDIA GeForce GT 330M 512 MB
Software   - OS X 10.8.5 Mountain Lion
I was going to buy some extra RAM and boost up my computer to about 16 GB total because my computer is running a bit sluggish lately when I'm running several apps at once (such as pages, keynote, chrome, steam, itunes...) but now that I've seen a few videos online and some reviews on amazon, I'm not completely sure which RAM is the one that will not screw up my computer. I saw a video on 'UnboxTherapy's Channel' where he said something about the timing of the RAM which is in the format like 9-9-9-24 or something, as well as some review saying something about the computer not working at all thanks to the RAM because the computers didn't match..
Please help me find a 16GB RAM that will work on my computer (please try and keep the websites amazon if possible, I live in japan :/)
and please explain to me what the RAM timings mean and how to figure out my timing...
Thank you for reading

Hi leroy,
Thanks for the quick reply!
I checked the Crucial site, and apparently my Macbook Pro can only upgrade until 8GB...
Is there any way to upgrade to 16GB without any trouble?
Also, if I upgrade to 8GB, will I see any difference? Some users say that you won't see much change between 4GB and 8GB of RAM... Is this true?
Thanks!

Installing more RAM in Macbook Pro

I know this question has been asked a thousand times before, but I want to know if my specific MacBook Pro model, bought in October 2007 can take 4GB of RAM? I know that some of the older MacBook Pros can only take 3GB, but I'm unclear as to whether my MacBook fits into the older category or the new one.
Also, is it easy to install RAM if you are a complete technical no-hoper? And where should I buy my RAM from? My instinct would be to get it from Apple so that I know it's compatible and works well with the MacBook, but could I save significant money by looking elsewhere?
Thanks in advance for all your enlightening responses!

The simplest way to ID your machine is to run System Profiler (Apple menu > About this Mac,,, > More info...) and post the info under Hardware Overview EXCEPT for the machine serial number. Do not post the serial number in open forums. The "Machine Model" line is the most important to identifying your version.
The free Mactracker database uses the machine model code, making it easy to match a description to a particular variant's Machine Model code. My MBP is a 15" 2.2G C2D Late 2007, has a machine model code "MacBookPro3,1" and supports up to 4G RAM.
Mactracker can also help sort out those confusing Model numbers (with "A") form order numbers (With "MA"). Handy tool.

Adding mismatched RAM on MacBook Pro ?

Hi,
I have a 2.0 Ghz MacBook Pro with the 512 MB Stock RAM that it came with.
I would like to add 1 Gig of Mac Compatible Corsair or other branded RAM.
Do I have to install matched RAM in this computer ?
Does it matter if the RAM I buy matches the brand of RAM already installed or if it is the same amount ? I am honestly really confused about this.
Ram prices are really low in Canada right now so I want to take advantage of this but at the same time, want to make sure that the $84.00 CDN that I am planning to spend on this extra 1 Gig will make a siginficant or at least noticable difference in my MBP performance.
Thank you for any recommendations or suggestions you may have.
Kallum

KMoorehouse,
First, I'll tell you that all of the Macbook Pros use the same memory: 667MHz DDR2 SODIMMs. And, had I not noticed that you are in Canada, I would have recommended RAM from the same place tat the other poster did. In fact, I will provide two links:
For a 1 GB module
For a 2 GB "kit" (2 X 1 GB)
I purchase all of my RAM from this company, and I have been doing so for several years. I have never had a RAM-related problem, and they provide very good service.
I realize that there may be difficulties for you, being in Canada, and I do not know what those difficulties might be. If you can order from them with no problems, it might be worth it. Give them a call to find out what the ramifications would be ordering from Canada.
Going to 1.5 GBs will provide a world of difference for your MBP, if that is all you can afford. 512 MBs is simply not enough even for just OS X; add an application or two to the mix, and your MBP's performance will be really poor. Even going to 1 GB by adding a second 512 MB DIMM would provide significant benefits, and it would additionally enable Dual-Channel mode. I think that the additional benefit of having 1.5 GBs will be greater, however.
Scott

Adding 16GB Ram to Macbook Pro

I purchased a Macbook Pro and would like to add ram memory. I have recently read that the MacBook Pro 15-inch 2.5GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 is capable of having 16GB of ram added: CNET http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13727_7-20125391-263/add-16gb-ram-to-your-macbook-p ro/?tag=mncol;1n
Has anyone done this and what is Apples support policy?

Maximum Memory
16 GB (Actual) 8 GB (Apple)
Memory Slots
2 - 204-pin PC-10600 (1333 MHz) DDR3 SO-DIMM
Many have done it. It is a permitted user upgrade. It does not void the warranty, although if you damage the computer in the process of installing the RAM that damage will not be covered under the warranty.

More ram for Macbook pro gaming

I was wondering i have a 6750m 512mb and 4gb of ram, if i upgrade to 8gb will it help improve anything? will it help boost frames it stuff like call of duty ghost? or anything else i have i7 , macbook pro late 2011

Sorry, if I was paying attention I would have known that. I am always of the belief that if you do any type of gaming, especialy console ports, at least 8GB of RAM is a good number and a graphics card with 1GB of dedicated ram. Gaming asside, I consider 8GB to be a minimum these days. Apple still pushes 4GB as a jumping off point and for most people doing day to day tasks on a Mac (web browsing, word processing, etc) 4GB of ram paired with an i5 processor is sufficient. Most i7 processors are good enough for gaming, although quad core will make some difference. So to answer your question, I would think you will see some frame rate improvements by doubling your ram but the graphics card may still hinder you a bit.

Adding more memory to Macbook Pro

Hi Guys
I own a 13 inch Macbook Pro 2.3 GHz Intel Core i5 which currently has 4GB of memory. It often seems to run quite slowly, so I was wondering whether it might be worth upgrading the memory on it. Based on what I've read online, it seems the way to tell if you could benefit from more memory is to look at page ins/outs. Compared to what I've seen online mine seem to be quite high.
I wondered if you guys could advise as to whether or not I could benefit from some additional memory? Would I actual notice any improvement in the performance of my MBP If I were to add more?
Thanks in advance!
George

General rule is if page outs exceed 10% to 15% of page ins, you can use more memory for the programs you run. In the picture you posted, essentially page outs = page ins. You can use more memory.
Your 2011 MBP can use up to 16GB of memory. Recommend installing in matched pairs, ie 2 x 4GB, for slightly better performance. OWC and Crucial are two good sources.

Adding more RAM to my Pro Mac - config?

Hello folks,
I'm considering buying from OWC (one-third the cost of buying from Apple) - 8GB (2GBx4) PC5300 DDR2 ECC 667MHz 240 Pin FB-DIMMs.
Specifically:
8.0GB OWC Matched Set (2GB x 4) PC5300 DDR2 ECC 667MHz 240 Pin FB-DIMM Modules for all Mac Pro Quad Core and 8 Core systems.
OWC claims these chip sets are Apple qualified memory and they offer their "LifeTime Advance Replacement Warranty" with them. The cooling fins appear identical to the Apple RAM I have already in my Pro Mac.
My config is as follows:
A1 1gb
A2 1gb
A3 >>> proposed 2gb
A4 >>> proposed 2gb
B1 1gb
B2 1gb
B3 empty
B4 empty
Would the above configuration be the correct way to install this new RAM?
Thanks,
mp

Hello Hatter,
I've been so busy on this thing... Update for ya;
OWC RAM arrived the other day; I've had it installed for 2 days now. I did remove my existing (4) 1GB DIMMs before installing the new (4) 2GB DIMMs. Also, I installed smcFanControl.
I've not yet re-installed my original (4) 1GB DIMMs; I think I'll add reinsert them tomorrow...
I ran a TechToolPro test on the 8GB of new DIMMs a few times, and so far everything is perfect. I haven't done any "heavy" dual-core lifting yet. Maybe tomorrow I'll play around in Photoshop and kick the crap outta my new DIMMs.
On the smcFan speeds: Out of the box, the fan speeds are all set at 500rpm. I kicked them all up to 1150rpm - and the temp. dropped from 40°C to 35°C in about 3 minutes. Literally, my MacPro is a cool machine. It's quiet too, I can't hear the fans that much, just an occasional sound - not of rushing wind but the motor - a VERY SLIGHT, SUBTLE harmonic vibration (that description doesn't do its gentle hum justice...) It sounds a little like an old fish tank water pump - very very subtle vibration-like periodical rattle. I'm guessing its a fan's blades slightly out of balance??
Yes, I dusted the heck out of the entire Mac Pro before doing any work on it - so the rattle (again, not a terribly noticeable noice at all) isn't dust. Bearings perhaps?? Anyway -
Question: What are you referring to as the "base" fan? I see four:
1. the CPU Fan
2. PCIe/HDD
3. Rear Fan
4. Power SUpply
Is there a vast difference if - say - the front fans are slower than the rear fans? That is a condition that would ostensibly create negative pressure within the box - and THAT (deductively) would improve airflow, wouldn't it?
Speaking of airflow, I noticed that OWC's DIMMs have not four but about 7-8 fins on each side of the chip sets. I would deduce that more fins equates to greater heat dissipation... But these fins are closer together - which could reduce the air flow between fins. Such dilemmas... :-/ Anyone out there care to comment on more fins meaning more cooling?
Lastly, can the temp. range be too low? Is a temp. range below 40°C a bad thing?
Thanks hatter (and everyone else!),
Cheers,
mp
oh - the other non-RAM issue - it was 10 bad blocks on a 500GB disc. I had a means to back-up the VM guts - and that was enough of a back-up to proceed with a wipe-reload scenario!

WOW!!!! Added 1GB ram to Macbook Pro C2D - Now Aperture Flies!!!!!

I now have 2GB or ram in my 2.16Ghz C2D - - Aperture is a lot faster - it's actually a night and day difference on my setup!!! Yay for dual-channel!!!

I wouldn't even consider a laptop. I upgraded from an iMac 17 to a 24 over three years ago and now it seems small c/w the 27.
I use my old 17 when I go on the road as it goes into a padded bag along with the keyboard and mouse and only takes minutes to set up.
You'll get far more bang for your buck with a desktop and it will last you a lot longer. MacBooks are famous for hard drive failure and I wouldn't bother with one until they are fitted with flash drives as standard.
Me, I'm waiting for a 17 inch Airbook to appear.

Adding more than 2Gb RAM to MacBook Pro

Do you guys know of any way to put more than 2Gb RAM in an Intel 17" MacBook Pro?
Model Name: MacBook Pro 17"
Model Identifier: MacBookPro1,2
Processor Name: Intel Core Duo
Processor Speed: 2.16 GHz
Number Of Processors: 1
Total Number Of Cores: 2
L2 Cache (per processor): 2 MB
Memory: 2 GB
Bus Speed: 667 MHz
Boot ROM Version: MBP12.0061.B03
SMC Version: 1.5f10
I bought this when the 17" models first came out, and have been disappointed in it ever since (I broke my rule of NOT buying the first generation of something). As time has passed, the main problem is the 2Gb limit for RAM. That's NOWHERE near enough, and shame on Apple for that limitation. If there were some way, even a non-standard way, of adding more RAM, I could get reasonable performance from this computer. As it is, this has been a wasted $3600 investment. whew!
Any help or ideas would be appreciated. Thanks! Feel free to email bruce at dbsdesigngroup.com

That's possible...actually likely. I'd love for that to be the case because I could fix it. ::Grin:: It's been this way since I first got it. When it arrived with just 1 Gb RAM, it was virtually unusable. I have a few apps as startup items, but they're just Firefox, Entourage, iNotepad, Linotype Font Explorer (with very few fonts activated), and Stickies. That shouldn't affect things much.
My needs are to use Photoshop, Illustrator and GoLive at the same time, with MSWord, Firefox and Entourage open as well. After the first bit of usage, I end up with 4-6 pageouts and a VERY slow computer. While it's doing the pageouts (which take quite a while), or switching between apps, it's very slow. And it's also extremly slow when Spotlight is indexing, so I disabled that.
I'm just not sure what it might be...nothing in Activity Monitor seems like it would be a culprit. Even in Safe Mode the problem is very evident.
I'll keep exploring and hopefully find something that will make this machine more viable for my use. I really appreciate the input greatly.

Will adding more ram to my Macbook Pro make it faster?

So I have about mid-2010 Macbook Pro and after all these OS upgrades throughout the years (currently running OSX 10.9.5), it's starting to run annoying slow but still useable. My specs on this Macbook is a 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor and 4 GB of ram. If I upgrade my ram to 6 or 8 GB will my Macbook run a lot more faster? I use my Macbook mostly for entertainment purposes such as web browsing, movies and music as well as for school mainly Microsoft Powerpoint and Word. Also, if I were to upgrade my ram is it as simple as popping out the old ram and installing the new ones? Thanks.

Hi kidrobot123,
Thanks for your question. Think of Random Access Memory (RAM) as the amount of information your computer can think about at any one time. Your operating system requires a certain amount of memory for basic functions. Every software program that you have open needs memory as well. So, increasing the available memory is one of the things you can do to improve performance.
The resource below explains how to do it. I've highlighted the section of the article that pertains to your Mid 2010 model. Click on the link for more details.
MacBook Pro: How to remove or install memory - Apple Support
http://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201165
MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2010), MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2.53GHz Mid 2009), MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009)
Number of memory slots
2
Base memory
4 GB
Maximum memory
8 GB
Memory card specifications
- Double Data Rate Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Module (DDR3) format
- 30mm (1.18 inch)
- 2 GB or 4 GB
- 204-pin
- PC3-8500 DDR3 1066 MHz type RAM
Additional notes
For best performance, fill both memory slots, installing an equal memory module in each slot.
Removing or installing memory
Warning: The internal components of your MacBook Pro can be warm. If you have been using your MacBook Pro, wait ten minutes after shutting down the computer to let the internal components cool before continuing.
Step 1: Remove the bottom case
Shut down your MacBook Pro. Disconnect the power adapter, Ethernet cable, USB cables, security lock, and any other cables connected to the MacBook Pro to prevent damaging the computer.
Turn over your MacBook Pro and remove the ten (10) screws that secure the bottom case. Because the screws are different lengths, note the screw lengths and locations so you can replace the screws correctly. Put them aside in a safe place. Lift off the case and place it to the side.
Touch a metal surface inside the computer to discharge any static electricity from your body.
Step 2: Remove existing memory (if present)
Push the levers on the sides of the memory module in an outward direction to release the module from the memory card slot. The memory pops up at an angle. Before removing it, make sure you find the half-circle notches. If you don’t, try pressing the levers outward again.
Hold the memory module by its notches and remove it from the slot.
Remove the other memory module.
Important: Hold the memory modules by their edges, and do not touch the gold connectors.
Step 3: Install memory
Align the notch on the gold edge of the module with the notch in the lower memory slot.
Tilt the card and push the memory into the slot.
Use two fingers with firm, even pressure to push down on the memory module. There should be a click when you insert the memory correctly.
Repeat this procedure to install an additional memory module in the top slot. Press down on the module to make sure it is level.
Note: Make sure you install the memory according to this illustration, with the gold contacts inserted almost completely into the connector.
Step 4: Replace the bottom case
Replace and tighten the ten screws you removed earlier, making sure to put the different length screws in their proper locations.
The resource below provides some other considerations to improve your computer's performance using Mavericks.OS X Mavericks: If your Mac runs slowly
http://support.apple.com/kb/PH13895
OS X Mavericks: If your Mac runs slowlyIf you find your Mac is running slowly, there are a number of potential causes that you can check.
An app you’re using may require more memory than your computer has easily available. To see how much memory your computer has, choose Apple menu > About This Mac. See the help that came with the app to find out what it requires. To find out how to increase your computer’s memory, see the documentation that came with your computer.Find the manual for your Mac
Quit any app that isn’t compatible with your computer. For example, an app may require a different processor or graphics card. See the documentation that came with the app to find out what it requires.
To see what processor your computer has, choose Apple menu > About This Mac.
To see what graphics card your computer has, choose Apple menu > About This Mac, click More Info, then click Displays.
Your computer’s startup disk may not have enough free disk space. To make disk space available, move files to another disk, then delete files you no longer need on the startup disk.Increase disk space
Quit any apps you’re not using.
Use Disk Utility to verify and fix any issues with your hard disk.If you have problems with your disk
Use Activity Monitor to see if a particular app or activity is making a large demand on your Mac.
Last Modified: May 8, 2014
Cheers,
- Judy

MAXIMUM RAM for MacBook Pro Core 2 Duo Mid 2010

What is the MAXIMUM RAM for MacBook Pro, 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, Mid 2010 - 24MC374LL/A, running OS X 10.8.2 (12C60)?
I tried to search for this but was unable to find anything.
Apple Specs say 8GB, but I was just told by someone I THINK would know, that you can actually go up to 16GB.
This would be an enormous improvement to my workflow if true.
Anyone out there know for certain?
Making sure before I buy (or NOT!)
Thanks.
Jerry G

I just found this post and I realize this is a late response but maybe it will help others.
Based on recent circumstances I just happened to have two 8GB DDR3 modules collecting dust. Having an old trusty MacMini as my media center, server among other things and whatnot, I was curious if I could bump this little thing to 16GB. In doing so I found this post and verified with OWC.
End result:
Booted with no issues, and is running nice and smooth. Should be noted that just adding 16GB of RAM to a Core 2 Duo will not make the machine lightning fast or become some amazing computing platform. It will just make the box run a bit quicker and give you the ability to have more applications open before you begin to note some lag.
However this is really nice to see:

Installing 8GB ram on MacBook Pro (Mid 2010)

Hi, I have bought 8GB(2*4GB) ram to install on my macbook pro, when I install both I get a black screen but when installing one or the other with one of the original ram they both work. What can I do to fix this problem??

Topher Kessler California
Re: Installing 8GB ram on MacBook Pro (Mid 2010)
Jun 1, 2013 8:00 AM (in response to emiliosh)
When you install RAM, reboot your computer with the "D" key held down (or the Option-D keys). These will load the Apple Hardware Tests.
With these tests open, check the box for the extended memory test, and then start the test. This will have the system thoroughly test the RAM for errors.
In your case, it appears you may have a bad set of RAM modules, but you can check them using the method above.
When you have them paired with your original RAM, how much memory does the system report as being available when you select About This Mac in the Apple menu? If you are using Lion or Mountain Lion, then in this panel click "More Info" and then select the "Memory" section, and see what the system reports as being installed.
Is this RAM test necessay with every upgrade of memory or just if you have problems after the upgrade
Thanks

Adding more RAM to Macbook Pro

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