Q: Can I use 8GB or 16GB?

Apple built the units in the bad old days of 8 GB cards costing $1500, if the even existed.  Times ahve changed but Apple does not change their specifcations over time for older systems.

OWC and Crucial test the higher RAM levels before offering it for sale and will take it back if it does not work for you.

Apple never changes the RAM specification on their Mac even when comparable cards are produced.

Both Crucial and MacSales on the other hand do.

So if Crucial and MacSales say you can upgrade to 16 GB believe them. They are correct.

As a point of information, you can install 16 GB RAM in the late 2011 MBP and it will work.  The 8 GB RAM in the 2012 retina MBP is soldered to the logic board and thus cannot be changed.

Ciao.

According to Apple's specifications, your model can use at most 8 GB of memory. The results of installing more than that are unpredictable. See, for example, this ASC discussion.

The manual for the product gives instructions for adding aftermarket memory that read something like this:

You can add two 4 GB memory modules for a maximum of 8 GB of memory.

I know that the aftermarket RAM vendors say that the out-of-spec configuration will work. If you accept that assurance, please ask the vendor for help with any problems that arise. Otherwise, use memory that complies with Apple's instructions.

Ogle and I take exception to that statement as we both have 2011 MBPs with 16GB of RAM, have had them since purchase and have had NO issues regarding RAM AT ALL. Furthermore and considering there are mechanical HDDs involved, 16GB vastly improves system performance since virtual memory swapping to disk becomes unneeded. As long as the memory installed is the proper Mac-Certified kind for the model, 16GB work great.

Linc Davis wrote:

 

According to Apple's specifications, your model can use at most 8 GB of memory. The results of installing more than that are unpredictable. See, for example, this ASC discussion.

The manual for the product gives instructions for adding aftermarket memory that read something like this:

You can add two 4 GB memory modules for a maximum of 8 GB of memory.

RAM in a MBP will not work properly if there is a manufacturing defect or that it does not meet the required specifications for the given MBP. This is the case regardless of the capacity of the module, be it 2GB, 4GB or 8GB. Therefore it becomes a question if a MBP can or should have RAM installed that will exceed the published Apple specifications.

The first instance of third party RAM purveyors offering RAM exceeding Apple specifications in a MBP goes back to 2007. Since then, some MBP models have been found to be able to use RAM exceeding Apple specifications, some have not.

Also be aware that the manual you quote came out when the MBP was offered for sale and has not been updated since.  Technology marches on an RAM modules are being produced that have greater capacity and faster in operation.  Since the introduction of 2011 MBPs, RAM of greater capacity has been introduced.  You fail to take that point into account.

You make the claim that "The results of installing more than 8 GB are unpredictable." What are these 'unpredictable' results? The only result that I can see is that it will allow the MBP to run more efficiently, especially when engaged using resource intensive applications. That is a positive, If there is a downside, please let me know what it is.

Has Apple ever issued a statement that the published specifications cannot or should not be exceeded? If so, please provide such a statement.

Two of my MBPs have 16GB Crucial RAM installed. This was done shortly after acquiring them and they have performed with out any indication of RAM problems. I have yet to see any post on these forums indicating that installing RAM of greater capacity in a MBP, than Apple specifications, has caused any problems (excluding manufacturing defects, incorrect specifications and when not applicable to the specific MBP model). If you have, please post it.

Both Crucial and OWC are two well established firms with competent professional technical staffs at their disposal have determined that certain MBPs can exceed the 8 GB maximum that you suggest should not be exceeded. Since both offer lifetime guarantees for their RAM, it is in their interest to make certain that they have it right both from a technical and public relations perspective.

Therefore the third party reader has to decide if they want to install more than 8 GB RAM in their MBP, should they be guided by professional purveyors of RAM or by unsupported allegations from an 'anonymous stranger'. Failing to provide any factual evidence to support your allegations, your post has no relevance to the topic at hand.

Let me also point out that the link that you offer as evidence does not address the possibilities of faulty RAM or RAM that simply may not be compatible.  In other words, there is no conclusive evidence why exactly the poster had difficulties.

Ciao.