Andrew.B.M.
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: MacBook Pro (late 2011, 17 inch, i7 2.5GHz) won't accept 8GB RAM module in slot 0

Hello All,

 

My MBP (late 2011, 17 inch) will not accept an 8GB memory module in slot 0 (the top); I get three beeps indicating bad memory. I purchased the 16GB kit from Other World Computing, hoping to upgrade from 8GB (2 x 4GB modules), but my machine will only accept a 4GB module in the top slot. I've tried each module independently to verify they both work (they do: each one will work by itself in the bottom slot, not in the top), but either of my 4GB modules seem to work perfectly in the top slot. My current configuration is an 8GB OWC module on bottom and a 4GB Apple supplied module on top.

 

I have already returned both modules once to the supplier and received and tested the replacements and I have verified that I have the correct Apple required modules. My problem is very similar in nature to a previous discussion where a user could only upgrade one slot of his 2010 Mac Mini with a 2GB module while the other slot could be upgraded to 4GB. 8GB won't install

 

I'm running the latest firmware (1.70f6), and OS 10.8.5. I had my logic board replaced by Apple earlier this year for the widespread graphics problems, and when it was returned to me (at the time I had paid for a flat fee repair service), my (then) 8GB (2 x 4GB) OWC modules were replaced by Apple with newer PC3L 12800 memory which I think is standard in the newer MBPs (1600 MHz vs the older 1333 MHz).

 

Do I have a bad memory slot? Is it possible for a bad slot to accept a lower amount of memory and still function but be unable to recognize a higher quanity of RAM?

 

Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.

MacBook Pro, OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.5), Late 2011, 17-ich, 2.5 GHz i7

Posted on Jun 10, 2015 11:59 PM

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Andrew.B.M.

Q: MacBook Pro (late 2011, 17 inch, i7 2.5GHz) won't accept 8GB RAM module in slot 0

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  • by OGELTHORPE,Helpful

    OGELTHORPE OGELTHORPE Jun 11, 2015 4:02 AM in response to Andrew.B.M.
    Level 9 (52,323 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jun 11, 2015 4:02 AM in response to Andrew.B.M.

    I have two late 2011 17" MBPs, both with 16 GB RAM installed (Crucial) and both are running as expected.  What you describe, I find very odd.  OWC RAM has a very favorable reputation with Macs and that model MBP can accept 1600 MHz RAM.

     

    I would try an appointment at an Apple store genius bar and see if they can help.  The potential problem is that they may take the position that the MBP is specified for 8 GB RAM, not 16 GB RAM and refuse to assist you.  The other option is to talk to the OWC technical staff directly and see if they have any ideas.  They have some knowledgeable people there.

     

    Perhaps an Apple Hardware Test may offer a clue;

     

    https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201257

     

    I would run the test with various RAM configurations.  Note that an error free AHT is not definitive.

     

    I do not have an answer why that one slot will accept a 4 GB module and not an 8 GB module.  Very strange.

     

    Ciao.

  • by Andrew.B.M.,

    Andrew.B.M. Andrew.B.M. Jun 11, 2015 9:26 PM in response to OGELTHORPE
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jun 11, 2015 9:26 PM in response to OGELTHORPE

    Thanks for your response. I figured as much, and have been getting lost in research regarding 1.5V vs. 1.35V RAM. I don't think that's leading anywhere useful. The fact that you've successfully installed 16GB confirms my suspicion that my case might be a hardware defect of sorts. I will dig into the Apple Hardware Test to see if there are any revelations to be found there. Genius Bar appointment to follow. If it is a hardware defect, I hope I'm not faced with another flat fee option. I don't know if $300+ dollars is worthwhile investment for 4GB of additional RAM capacity.


    Just out of curiosity, which SMC do you have installed? System profiler confirms that I have a late 2011 MBP, and the SMC is currently at 1.7 (1.70f6 ). At the official Apple EFI and SMC support page (EFI and SMC firmware updates for Intel-based Macs - Apple Support), this SMC 1.7 is recommended for early 2011 MBPs, while SMC 1.5 (1.70f5) is recommended for late 2011 MBPs. This is a little confusing to me, but OWC's blog suggests a firmware update in order to support 16GB of memory. I don't know if that's the correct direction to go.

     

    Thanks again for your suggestions.

  • by OGELTHORPE,Helpful

    OGELTHORPE OGELTHORPE Jun 12, 2015 3:51 AM in response to Andrew.B.M.
    Level 9 (52,323 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jun 12, 2015 3:51 AM in response to Andrew.B.M.

    Andrew.B.M. wrote:

     

    I figured as much, and have been getting lost in research regarding 1.5V vs. 1.35V RAM. I don't think that's leading anywhere useful.

    That is a non-issue.  It has been discussed on these forums a number of times and either will work.


    Just out of curiosity, which SMC do you have installed? System profiler confirms that I have a late 2011 MBP, and the SMC is currently at 1.7 (1.70f6 ). At the official Apple EFI and SMC support page (EFI and SMC firmware updates for Intel-based Macs - Apple Support), this SMC 1.7 is recommended for early 2011 MBPs, while SMC 1.5 (1.70f5) is recommended for late 2011 MBPs. This is a little confusing to me, but OWC's blog suggests a firmware update in order to support 16GB of memory. I don't know if that's the correct direction to go.

     

     

    It is 1.70f6, not the same as you have written:

    Screen Shot 2015-06-12 at 6.50.35 AM.png

    Ciao.