How much ram can I install in new MBP?

Yes, it is.

(62703)

Niel is 100% correct. You may peruse these two links;

http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/memory/Apple_MacBook_MacBook_Pro/Upgrade/DDR3_133 3MHz_SDRAM

http://www.crucial.com/store/listmodule/DDR3/list.html

Ciao.

Niel wrote:

Yes, it is.

(62703)

I'm confused. The technical specs for the Top End MBP's (whether 15" or 17") say 8GB is the Max. The iMac has 16GB Max. I know I could get 2X8GB sticks, but do they actually work in a MBP? And where does Apple say that? Or is this an undocumented hack?

@Tony. Yeah, Apple brings out new stuff all the time. As they get close to launching a new product, the rumor mills start going strong, but even then, everyone is caught by surprise. People get caught all the time.

I can't find any evidence that you can actually use 16GB of RAM in a MBP, but I'll wait until someone posts something. You will be happier with the larger desktop and speed of the new iMac's for video processing. I would suggest you get the best iMac along with a second LED monitor, which will make you a true pro. Use your current MBP as sort of a backup. Or out in the field.

The maximum amout of RAM for a 2010 MBP is 8GB not 16GB. The 2011 MBP will support up to 16GB RAM.

Yes, the 2011 MBP does support 16GB RAM.

Macsales can supply a 2x8GB kit for the 2011 MBP.

Apple is very conservative about its offerings.

Apple does not offer to supply RAM modules that are in short supply or very expensive when they first appear on the market.

macperformanceguide.com has monitored the price of 16GB kits over time the aftermarket price has fallen from over $1500 to just over $300. If you factor in Apple's markup then you are looking at twice the aftermarket price.

samberl wrote:

Yes, the 2011 MBP does support 16GB RAM.

Macsales can supply a 2x8GB kit for the 2011 MBP.

Once again, please provide some Apple document or other reliable source (and I don't mean vendors who are out to make money) that states that the 2011 MBP supports 16GB. Again, the technical specs state 8GB MAX. This isn't from the Apple Store.

For reasons stated earlier in this thread, plus the fact that Apple doesn't update its product specifications when higher capacity RAM becomes available, no official Apple document will list the maximum as 16GB. EveryMac says it's 16GB.

(62713)

Niel wrote:

For reasons stated earlier in this thread, plus the fact that Apple doesn't update its product specifications when higher capacity RAM becomes available, no official Apple document will list the maximum as 16GB. EveryMac says it's 16GB.

(62713)

OK, that would make sense, except that the iMac is available with 16GB, and it's tech specs say that it can use 16GB. Anyways, it seems like everyone "says" it is so. But then again everyone tells me that mushrooms on pizza tastes good.

By the way, do the numbers at the bottom of your posts mean the number of posts you've made? If that's 62,713, then you're the to-go dude around here.

Apple does not need to provide documentation.

Apple uses Intel processors which have their own design specifications.

The Intel Sandy Bridge processors in the MacBook Pro support up to 16GB RAM. That's an Intel specification not an Apple one.

For the MacBook Pro 2011, with 2 memory slots, that's 2x8GB.

When Apple designed the MacBook Pro 2011, 8GB modules were not readily available, so, the max RAM was 2x4GB.

Btw, why would a vendor sell memory that isn't going to work with your MacBook Pro?

Aren't users going to complain and return the modules?

Don't users have to buy their RAM from a vendor that can supply it?

Be advised that both of these vendors have a history of standing behind their products and both of them have tested the 16GB RAM option. You may consider this option or reject it. That is always a users prerogative.

Its analogous to the HDDs. My original MBP came with a 120GB drive, but I installed a 500Gb HHD. Apple has not changed the specifications on that model even though it clearly operates satisfactorily with more capacity.

Ciao.

Niel is very likely the most knowledgeable participant in Apple Support Communities. Others have posted more, but Niel has been credited far more often for accurate, helpful, concise answers than anyone else among the 3.4 million people who have posted in these forums. Hats off to him.