kidrobot123

Q: 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.

MacBook Pro (13-inch Mid 2010)

Posted on Jan 10, 2015 4:18 PM

Close

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

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by judysings,

    judysings judysings Jan 12, 2015 9:20 AM in response to kidrobot123
    Community Specialists
    Jan 12, 2015 9:20 AM in response to kidrobot123

    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 slots2
    Base memory4 GB
    Maximum memory8 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 notesFor 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

    1. 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.
    2. 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.

    3. Touch a metal surface inside the computer to discharge any static electricity from your body.

    Step 2: Remove existing memory (if present)

    1. 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.
    2. Hold the memory module by its notches and remove it from the slot.
    3. Remove the other memory module.

      Important: Hold the memory modules by their edges, and do not touch the gold connectors.

    Step 3: Install memory

    1. Align the notch on the gold edge of the module with the notch in the lower memory slot.
    2. Tilt the card and push the memory into the slot.
    3. 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.
    4. 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

  • by keg55,

    keg55 keg55 Jan 12, 2015 9:44 AM in response to kidrobot123
    Level 6 (8,444 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jan 12, 2015 9:44 AM in response to kidrobot123

    You might get more speed by upgrading the hard drive to an SSD as your hard drive is the biggest bottleneck. More memory can't hurt either.

     

    I upgraded a friend's 2009 MBP from 2GB to 4GB of RAM, but after also upgrading his drive to an SSD, THAT really sped things up.

  • by OGELTHORPE,

    OGELTHORPE OGELTHORPE Jan 12, 2015 10:48 AM in response to kidrobot123
    Level 9 (52,521 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jan 12, 2015 10:48 AM in response to kidrobot123

    kidrobot123 wrote:

     

    If I upgrade my ram to 6 or 8 GB will my Macbook run a lot more faster?

    No. With additionall RAM you will be able to have more applications open with any slow downs.  If you have many 'Page ins/Page outs' swaps, additional RAm may help in that department.  The CPU determines the ultimate speed of the MBP.

     

    Also, if I were to upgrade my ram is it as simple as popping out the old ram and installing the new ones? Thanks.

    Pretty much so.  You will need a #00 Phillips driver in order to take the back cover off.

     

    Ciao.