Macbook Pro Mid 2010 7,1 16gb RAM

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Level 1

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Macbook Pro Mid 2010 7,1 16gb RAM

I recently visited the Apple Southpoint Genius Bar where I was told my 13” macbook pro 2010 7,1 core2duo would not recognize 16gb RAM. This was troubling because all of my research (https://eshop.macsales.com/memory/maxram) told me it would recognize two 8gb sticks, but of the two sticks only one, the slot 1 stick, could be recognized. I did further research and worries that I had missed a firmware update (https://support.apple.com/kb/DL1478?locale=en_US) - but this update required Mac OS X 10.7.2. I was running High Sierra with BootRom 67.00, not the most recent version, MBP71.0039.B0E (EFI 2.5) (https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201518). So, I tried reverting to OS 10.7.2 but could only get back as far as 10.7.5, unable to run the firmware update manually. So I went to the Apple store and was told I should call the testers saying 16gb could be recognized because I had the latest firmware.

I’m pretty frustrated. I don’t know what I’m missing here.

Posted on Aug 31, 2019 7:21 PM

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Answer 1

Sep 1, 2019 7:17 AM in response to Precision13

If you have Boot ROM 67.0.0.0.0, that is more recent than MBP71.0039B0E, and the firmware is not the issue.

Sometimes the bottom socket of the two does not work properly.

A few readers have seen success by loosening its bolts and re-tightening "just snug" instead of the air tools they use at the factory.

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Answer 2

Sep 3, 2019 8:18 PM in response to Precision13

The memory slot nearest the bottom case tend to fail a lot on the MBPros. If both DIMMs work by themselves in the slot nearest the keyboard, then the other slot may be the problem.

Of course even though this laptop should support 16GB with the latest OS & firmware, there may still be an issue with some Logic Boards being unable to support the larger RAM for whatever reason. Maybe the board just cannot support two 8GB modules, but will support one 8GB module and one of your original modules.

Make sure to double check the module nearest the keyboard doesn't pop loose after inserting the second module. The plastic arms on both sides of the memory are shared between both modules and sometimes inserting the second module causes the first one to become unlatched. Also examine the small triangular protrusions on each arm for both modules since those protrusions are what hold the memory in place. Sometimes they can be damaged when inserting or removing memory modules.

Before you give up verify each stick works by itself and try an SMC reset and PRAM reset (hold the PRAM reset for at least three chimes). Also contact OWC tech support for assistance. I've found them helpful in the past. I believe OWC guarantees compatibility so you should be able to return the memory if you are unable to get it to work.

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Answer 3

Aug 31, 2019 7:40 PM in response to Precision13

Most 2010 models only take up to 8GB total. However, the 7,1 model does accept up to 16GB.

That firmware update should install just fine under 10.7.5. The procedure is a little tricky.

Do you have an SSD Boot drive? That may be the stumbling block. Tthe firmware update sets itself up as the boot Volume, then does a restart. From an SSD it may not be prepared to boot that way.

If you bought the DIMMs from OWC, you should contact them -- they pride themselves on their support.

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Answer 4

Precision13 Author

Level 1

8 points

Sep 3, 2019 5:54 PM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

Thanks. So, when I tried your helpful response, I was running OS Lion (because I thought I needed the firmware update so I reverted from High Sierra to Lion) and at startup it ran exponentially faster. In about Mac, it showed each memory slot was recognizing 4GB. This is different than in High Sierra (which I am now back running) which says slot 0 has 0gb and slot 1 has 8gb. I'm sort of ready to give up. I'm annoyed because OWC says this exact laptop can run 16gb, tested. Online memory stick sellers say and sell 16gb max. Genius Bar says 8gb max.

There are 4 screws "holding" the memory slot bays. I loosened all 4.

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Macbook Pro Mid 2010 7,1 16gb RAM

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