RAM question: OEM + OEM = matching pairs?

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Level 1

9 points

RAM question: OEM + OEM = matching pairs?

Hi,

It's been a while since I upgraded RAM, so this matching pairs concept is new to me.

A friend has the same model MBP as I do and is upgrading her RAM. According to a reliable Apple reseller, she could get 4GB (2x2GB) to max out the addressable RAM @ 3GB. If she does this, she'd have a spare 1GB stick. I also have 1GB RAM in my MBP and an empty slot. Could I just buy her old OEM 1GB and install that, or is there something more to this "matching pairs" concept?

Alternatively, could I simply buy a 1GB stick designed for my MBPs and get 2GB or do I have to buy them in matched sets?

Thanks,
Wardoggie

15" MacBook Pro Core 2 Duo, Mac OS X (10.5.8), My other mac is a PM G4 1.25

Posted on Oct 31, 2009 7:51 AM

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Answer 1

Best reply

iyacyas

Level 4

1,536 points

Oct 31, 2009 8:00 AM in response to Wardoggie

This seems to be a little controversial among users... In my opinion and experience it is always best to make sure that when installing more than one stick of memory into a Mac that you always install two of the same (Manufacture sizes and model number) in other words purchase them together. This is simply because Macs can be very picky about memory in the first place.

Now if you're to mix the memory it's important to make sure that they share the exact same specs such as Latency, Voltage and both unbuffered.

But again this is just IMHO.

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Answer 2

Wardoggie Author

Level 1

9 points

Oct 31, 2009 8:26 AM in response to iyacyas

So if the 1GB RAM stick comes from another MBP of the same model (right down to the processor speed), that's okay? They're both Apple OEM RAM, right?

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Answer 3

shadyron

Level 1

30 points

Oct 31, 2009 12:11 PM in response to Wardoggie

What you'll probably find if you look at both of the RAM sticks is that they'll have labels on, which detail product numbers and various technical specifications. From what you've said, these should match. If they do, then you're good to go. If they don't, then it's probably worth proceeding with caution. Whilst there shouldn't be any particular issue with this, it's perhaps worth checking back here (ie "The CAS number is different, will my machine fry if I put the two sticks in?"

Cheers,

Gary Smith

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Answer 4

iyacyas

Level 4

1,536 points

Nov 1, 2009 5:53 AM in response to shadyron

Thanks shadyron I meant to put that in my post, Halloween made me crazy for candy! The RAM between two machine are likely to be the same if the memory is originally Apple RAM. So read the label for Latency and voltage specs, to verify.

Since it's a friend they should let you install it into your Mac and see if there's any issues. If it works give them money if it doesn't then they can sell it on eBay or Craigslist.

It's not a matter of weather the RAM will work in the Mac... It's a matter of some issues that may arise do to the miss matched RAM. Here are some symptoms to watch out for after the RAM install. If the Mac displays any of these issues after installing the RAM then I would pass on the deal.

1. Sporadic beachballs

2. Mac freezes occasionally or constantly

3. Kernel Panics (You will get messages associated with this if it occurs)

4. Mac will not boot

5. Cannot complete an OSX installation or software update

6. New amount of RAM does not show in System Profiler

These symptoms are not binding to just RAM problems so it's important for troubleshooting to make sure that these issues do not exist prior to installing the new RAM. If they occur after RAM install then take it out and replace with original RAM and retest the Mac.

POST back and let us know...

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