1600MHz RAM on a Late 2011 MacBook Pro?

Jn My

Your friend put RAM of incorrect speed in a system and times loading web-pages with a kitchen clicky-timer. And you now propose to others to run mis-matched-speed RAM on that flimsy test evidence?

Please use your system as test beds for weeks-long tests under scientifically controlled enviroments before dispensing any more advice in this forum ... people are confused coming in and need not be more confused after the visit.

John-Paul May, greetings; I would be interested in knowing what protocols and test equipment you used to make the comparison. I have doubts about your assertions simply because technical staffs at highly respected firms such as OWC would be offering same if that were indeed the case.

I too have a late 2011 17" 2.5 GHz CPU with 16 GB 1333 Hz RAM. Unless someone with a proven track record of technical competency gives a definitive approval of installing higher frequency RAM, I will retain what I have. Until that time, I suggest others not to venture forth in installing improper and untested RAM in their MBPs.

In the eighth post the op actually provided a link to OWC where they actually are offering exactly that. They don't go as far as John-Paul may does and say a 20% increase, but they do say an average 2% increase in memory activities.

Stop watch 😀 Made my day. Don't mean to be rude or anything, just sayin'.

So the ideal upgrade for a MBP late 2011 would be 16GB 204-pin SODIMM DDR3 PC3-10600 - 1333MHz 1.35V two modules, then I take it.

Would it be worth the trouble for a user like me to upgrade? I have the default 4Gb mem.

I usually work with Logic or watch HD-movies. Some MATLAB and CAD projects too..

I would like to confirm that the PC3-12800 DDR3 SDRAM will work on any Macbook Pro that has a i7-27xxQM and i7-28xxQM processors (As I have them installed in my own Macbook Pro).

As for the speed increase, I did not notice any radical performance changes. However, I think the system will run faster with some sort of solid state drive.

I hope this helps.

The maximum the processor in that machine can address is 24GB, and that's assuming all the address and data lines are run to it. I wouldn't count on being able to upgrade.

http://ark.intel.com/products/37147/Intel-Core-i7-920-Processor-8M-Cache-2_66-gh z-4_80-gts-Intel-qpi

Csound1 wrote:

There is a 20% increase in memory speed, but that does not translate into a 20% overall speed increase, maybe a 3% increase in overall speed wil result, and that is virtually invisible.

Not even that much of an improvement. Per OWC, the average is a 2% increase. If it were 3%, I would rush out and replace my 1333MHz RAM immediately..

http://blog.macsales.com/14262-boost-2011-mbp-performance-with-1600mhz-ram

Ciao.

OK... I don't want to rain on the parade. But IF all the address and data lines are there and IF the MBP will recognize them, they'll probably have an initial cost of at least $250 apiece. At least. Seems like a lot for what will be a 4 year old computer by the time they're available.

Eric.1776 wrote:

Bring it, as you know, RAM prices fall over time

Not always. I purchased 16 GB Crucial RAM for my MBP for less that $100 over a year ago. The same RAM today costs $160. I call that a significant difference.

Ciao.

RAM prices are influenced by many things, including typhoons off the coast of Asian countries.

And while $100 to $160 is a notable increase, I recall 16 GB RAM being $1500 a couple years back.

If the possibility of ">16 GB" is true, I would expect the drop to "tolerable" from "outlandish" to take a year as well from the ridiculous $1500 to roughly $200.

Csound1 wrote:

...especially Ram for old Macs (17" models)

Implying that there is different RAM in 17" models as opposed to 13' and 15" models? Is so, that logic is wanting since the facts are otherwise. 😎

Ciao.

steve359 wrote:

And while $100 to $160 is a notable increase, I recall 16 GB RAM being $1500 a couple years back.

I do as well when the first 8 GB chips were introduced.

If the possibility of ">16 GB" is true, I would expect the drop to "tolerable" from "outlandish" to take a year as well from the ridiculous $1500 to roughly $200.

My crystal ball shows the same.

Ciao.

A quick review of the current pricing on the OWC and Crucial web sites for 2010, 2011 and 2012 MBPs indicates virtually identical prices for 8 GB and 16 GB RAM kits. There is no indication of any premium to be paid for RAM for older MBPs.

Ciao.

Virtually identical? I assume that means that they are different?

Specifically current Ram (DDR3, 1600mhz) is 8% cheaper than the Ram used in previous models (2008 to 2011) (OWC prices, rounded up)

4GB MBP 2008-2010 1066mhz $54

4GB MBP 2011 1333mhz $54

4GB MBP 2012 1600mhz $52

I realise that a man of your stature is not interested in a mere 8%, but we are not all as favored as you (do you really pay for it at all, doesn't the wizard just command some into existence for you?)

Your quibbling nature suggests that you have the mindset of one employed at the Inland Revenue Department. However you lack of even rudimentary math skills disqualifies you from a position in that odious organization.

Using the data that you presented, there is less than a 4% difference, not 8%, between the 2012 and 2011 RAM prices.

Now let's get in the real world. No one purchases a 4 GB RAM chip unless their granny gave them one for their birthday. It is 8 or 16 GB kits that are relevant in this discussion.

8 GB 16 GB

2012 $100 $198

2011 $102 $195

2010 $102 NA

Note that there is only a 2% decrease in 8 GB RAM kits and a INCREASE in the price of a 16 GB RAM kit.

A cautionary note: when referring to the Wizard be respectful and deferential, he is omnipotent.

Ciao.

OWC prices rounded to the nearest dollar.

The RAM specifications for a mid 2009 MBP are: 204-pin PC3-8500 (1066 MHz) DDR3 SO-DIMM.

That is what I recommend that you install into your MBP. I have seen a few exceptions for certain MBP models where faster RAM will work, but never for any 2009 models. In my experience, along with many of my colleagues on these forums, OWC and Crucial are the best sources of Mac compatible RAM.

Macs have a reputation for being very selective when it comes to RAM. If none are available locally, order it online and have it shipped in. It may cost you more, but your MBP will operate as expected and you will not have to go through the inconvenience of returning it.

Ciao.