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Macbook Pro (2010) 16gb memory

Ok, I tried searching but couldn't find anything, so if I have missed it please feel free to point me in the direction of a previous post...

My problem is that I do a lot of heavy software development and I need to be mobile and as much as I love my Macbook Pro, 8GB main memory is nowhere near enough for what I need, especially with how poor the OS inappropriately blocks inactive memory. I know I can buy 8GB memory chips from Crucial to give me 16GB, and I know it may even void my warranty (but I have no choice on that front). But before I part with the cash, can I ask if anyone actually tried to put 16GB of memory into a MacBook Pro and if so does it work or am I wasting my money?

Many thanks in advance

MacBook Pro, iMac, Xserve, Mac OS X (10.6.6)

Posted on Feb 24, 2011 8:40 AM

Reply
332 replies

Dec 18, 2016 8:55 PM in response to port77

Good day. I have MacBook pro 13 inch. mid 2010(id 7.1) intel core 2 duo 2.66 GHz whith 4 gb ram, and i am planning to upgrade it to 8 or 16 gb and ssd.So the question is : is anybody tested similar MacBook pro whith the 8gb ram and ssd and whith 16 gb ram and ssd.Does it worth it to spend extra money for 16 gb?

Here is my parameters :

User uploaded file

Thanks!

Jan 14, 2017 10:52 AM in response to vs3455

Yes I already test with both configurations.
The difference between 8Gb and 16Gb is not too much, at least i expected to be more efficient.

Also I have a RAID0 configuration in my MBP13 mid 2010, and that yes makes the diference.User uploaded file

User uploaded file


But just buy SSD with MLC memory's not like mine TLC.
I already try with a Corsair Force GT with MLC memory's and is about 25% faster.

Mar 1, 2017 4:28 AM in response to port77

I tried upgrading my MBP (see picture for specs) with the OWC 1066MHz memory from this link (https://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC/1333DDR3S16P/). It initially booted up fine and reported 16GB of memory but as soon as I tried running an application, it blew up and went into "panic" mode and wouldn't recover so I put the old memory back in. I was really hoping that under-clocked memory would work but it doesn't. Is it a motherboard issue or an OS issue?

User uploaded file

May 19, 2016 1:12 AM in response to real jg

Hi guys,


Probably, I am the only person who can help you with upgrading your MacBook7,1 to 16GB of RAM. I have been struggling with running 16GB (2x8GB Corsair CMSO8GX3M1A1333C9) on MBP Mid-2010 (MacBook7,1). I replaced standard DDR3-1333H speed bin with DDR3-1066G (8-8-8) within SPD, but with no luck. The Macbook refuses these two modules. I believe the problem is in the SPD settings. Probably tRFC and tFAW need to be increased from standard values. So, I would be thankful to all who could share SPD from OWC 8GB modules or any other memory modules that enable Macbook7,1 to run successfully. This would let me analyze SPD content and find a working solution for all Macbook community. Thanks!

Jun 1, 2016 10:01 AM in response to VoodooJungle

I successfully upgraded my wife's 7,1 13" MBP to 16GB. I bought the kit from OWC. The first kit I received contained some bad RAM, so they sent out a replacement and paid for the return shipping of the defective kit. The replacement kit has been perfect with no issues. I can ask at my office about the 15". I think we have a couple still around that are that old, and every device we have in service has been upgraded to or purchased with 16GB.

Jan 14, 2017 1:10 AM in response to Bedoskil

I have a macbook pro 15" mid 2010. I installed 16gb ram (https://www.amazon.ca/Komputerbay-MACMEMORY-PC3-10600-1333MHz-9-9-9-24/dp/B01CGW DVLE/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1484384806&s…). I get the same error, it worked for a couple of minutes (allowed me to sign in) and then my mac keeps shutting off after that.


I ordered another pair and will be testing it tomorrow. I will update this post when I get some results.

Mar 28, 2017 8:23 PM in response to junkernaut

I bought that kit, I can boot and run ubuntu with it but it...

We need EFI that can disable the integrated graphics, ubuntu probably doesn't crash hard and just gracefully fails to start that component.

The keyboard backlight does not come on in ubuntu.

On the mac os x, at the time in the boot sequence where the keyboard backlighting would come on , it kernel panics...

Sep 6, 2017 12:48 PM in response to port77

I salute you! Massive thread!


Came here looking for an upgrade om my 15" mid 2010 MBP i5 2,4 GHz.


After 3+ hours of dazzling and confusing reading, having read e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g I feel ok.

I will not be able to upgrade my 15" to 16gb (from 4gb). I will have to do with 8. People started this thread in 2011 wanting to upgrade!

I know I really should buy a new machine but it is very expensive and I like using stuff as long as they do the job. As of now my 15" MBP is barley doing the job on its original setup. Im hoping, with a ssd hd and twice the ram I will be perfectly satisfied.


Two questions, all though one off topic: What ssd do you recommend and what ram should I buy?

Yes I have read everything and I think that I am supposed to go for 2x4gb1066mhz ddr3? Or do they have to be 1067mhz?


Is there anything I should think about, acting on this possibly dated information, stretching over 6 years... hehe 🙂

Sep 30, 2017 11:49 PM in response to port77

Hello, I just got the core i5 17 inch Macbook Pro.. a nice machine if you ask me. I was coming from a a Gateway p-7805u FX which I experimented with OS X, however I am glad I now have a Macbook Pro.. My question - did the person who said they got 16GB of memory using the Macbook Pro 6,1 17 inch get it to work ? I believe it will work under windows 10/7 and also Linux though..

Oct 25, 2017 7:59 PM in response to Luisfabrega

Since Apple crippled the OS to not accept more than 16GB at the time, I also believe its possible that Windows 10 and 7 can't see it either. I have yet to try it, but someone who has the same computer as you and I attempted 16GB under Linux and it works just fine and all 16GB is recognised.. With the route that Linux is heading, I think the future is clear that closed OS's are dying out and Linux is taking over.. Therefore, I am going with Ubuntu for now and adding 16GB when I get more money to prove this point. Its not right that the 13 inch Macbook Pro of the same generation can do 16GB while the 17 inch core i5 and i7 can't. Try 16GB with Linux and see if that solves the issue.

Mar 3, 2011 4:26 AM in response to macbig

...but what about the new 2011 MacBook Pro 17in? With the change in cpu and chipset does that pave the way for an as yet unannounced compatibility with the 1 x 8Gb memory module?

See this link for some hopeful Rumour Mongering:

http://actionjaxon666.wordpress.com/2011/02/24/new-macbook-pros-secretly-16gb-ca pable

If not then it seems that at the top-end of things the cpu and memory are now somewhat out of balance. What's really going to do justice to a 2.3GHz Quad-Core i7 that wouldn't benefit equally from a rise in the RAM limit?

Sure, not everyone will need 16Gb but I'm certain plenty will. Certainly all the Windows Developers like me who do their development in large Virtual Machines running lots of Windows Server products will have to think twice about the new MBP because of the maintenance of this RAM limit and look instead at something like a Dell M6500 - which I for one would rather not move to...

Macbook Pro (2010) 16gb memory

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