Macbook Pro 7,1 mid 2010 1333mhz ram issue

You shouldn't need to use any Windows software - if both modules are good they should be recognized by OS X. Try putting them in one at a time to determine if you have a bad stick. If so, return them and get another pair. I really only recommend getting RAM from reputable manufacturers - what make do you have?

Clinton

I have pny dual channel 2x4gb DDR3 PC3-10666 ( compatible 1333mhz and 1066mhz) and they both work one at a time but not together which I don't understand. I bought them at best buy for 60$.

Alex

I'd return the set and get Corsair, Kingston (NOT the 'Value' RAM), Mushkin, etc. I don't know anyone here who has used PNY - it might be good but it doesn't seem good for your Mac. Good sources online are OWC and Crucial - if you want to go that route.

Clinton

Alright that sounds good. One last question, can they help me at the apple store? Maybe take a look at it? Thanks

There aren't a lot of users here using PNY that aren't having issues when you go over your RAM specs....

If you want to install 1333MHz RAM in a 1066MHz system - install Crucial which is what I did to my late 08 Uni. I tried other RAM before and it just don't want to work....Swapped it with a pair of Crucial 1333MHz, it works fine...

It's reasons like these why I always suggest people to install the RAM spec'd out for your system - that way, when you install it, you won't have any issues.

The reason it won't work together as a pair is because your PNY won't downclock to 1066MHz, which is the default speed of your Macbook.

Apple will not support RAM they didn't install or sell....

If you go to the Apple Store, they're going to want to sell you their RAM at 2-3x the cost of 'third-party' RAM (although Apple's RAM is 'third-party' as well...) and they won't install any other RAM. It seems as if it's just a bad pair - just return them for a name-brand.

Clinton

Right makes sense. Ok I will do that, return the ram and get some corsair ones

Thanks guys!

Alex

hence why I wrote I ran 2 seperate benchmark apps

I'm running OWC ram

Now don't get upset if this was said before. Didn't see it as far as I know.

Newer ram runs on older machines as long as its ddr3 etc. eg 1333 on a 1066

Newer and faster ram just down clocks and there is nothing technically wrong with this.

Older slower ram does not run on newer faster speeds. eg 1066 ram on a 1333 machine.

And pairs of ram have to be rated at the same speed to run.

My point: Newer ram in a lot of cases is much cheaper. Why pay more reducing someones dusty shelf stock if the newer, cheaper ram works.

cheers

Just an update. Tried a set of Patriot PC3-10600 1333mhz on doesn't work on a mid 2010 Macbook Pro. Prices are about level so not an issue though.

Is there a wiki that list hardware compat info like this. Good to keep track of looking at the different results people are getting.

cheers John

I can confirm that 1066mhz memory modules does NOT work in the Mid-2010 Macbook Pro:s unless you use the Windows software to downclock them at 1066mhz default speed.

I just found out in my friends mid-2010 13" MB Pro with Kingston Ram machine specified.

Kingston 1333mhz memory (KTA-MB1333 partno) works in Mid-2009 Macbook Pro:s.Becuase I have it installed in one of my machines which is a Mid-2009 2,8Ghz 15" Mbpro. When you click on "About this computer" you'll get "8GB 1333 Mhz"

Hope this sheds some final light over this question.

It's a known bug with these 13" models where the chipset doesn't attempt to downclock the RAM, but rather, try to run at the speed of the ram, causing the system to lock up.

As many have mentioned, there is a workaround, but requires a Bootcamp installation or a BartPE CD/DVD, and ThaiPhoon burner (about $16, but worth it).

I've had to learn the hard way about the downclocking issue when i bought an 1333MHz 8GB RAM upgrade from PNY at Best Buy (packaging claimed to be backwards compatible with 1066MHz systems). I tried the workaround since i have a bootcamp install, and it worked wonders for me.

Ok...been looking for days to find this post...I too have a Mid 2010, 7,1 Macbook Pro 13 inch. Originally bought PNY 1066 - 1333 4 GB pairs (8 GB total). It would not boot up and no beeping at all...all Hardware test passed and like original post stated, any 4 GB with my 2 GB configurations worked fine booting up to 6 GB total. I already returned my PNY Ram per Apple Store Genius Bar appointment. I made another trip today and had them install their 4 GB chips in...brand new from Apple (I was going to return them if they worked, I would then turn around and by Crucial next time...BUT even their 1066, single speed failed to boot.

She told me of an odd situation on some of these MacBooks...she stated that every once and a while, it just can't handle the max ram...she referrence an issue from 2007 or something that is was to accept 4 GB, but it only would do 3 GB (1 GB and 2 GB chips)...My next step before I found this forum was to ship it off and test the Logic Board...yes suggestion from Apple Store...Help?!? Any thoughts?

Data: I am on Snow Lep. OS. SMC Ver. 1.62f7 2.4 ghz.

Thanks Dino

Forgive me if I state something which is already stated above.

The Macbook Pro Mid 2010 use ONLY 1066mhz modules (not 1066mhz which are 1333 compatible)

However 2009 MPro models DO WOrkd with 1333mhz (and they're also showing them as 1333mhz as in the picture above by DJryanPatrick). I think Apple modified something in the model.

I've only experince with Kingston Modules they work fine. Search for part no. KTA-MB10664G (for the 4 GB module)

Here:s a freaky fact:

If you are able to find the right modules 1066mhz. The Macbook Pro 13-inch Mid 2010 ACTUALLY supports 16GB of RAM! (The 15-inch and the 17-inch from that generation does NOT).