Memory upgrade for macbook pro mid 2009

One 8GB chip WILL NOT WORK. Also Don't know why people are saying the ram you posted won't work, because it will. I don't really post that much as you can tell. I'm usually working on Mac's all day. Your Mid 2009 Macbook Pro can run PC3-8500, PC3-10600, PC3-12800 (1066mhz, 1333mhz, 1600mhz) literally anything above 8500 in the PC3 format will work..Higher speed RAM clocks down, or reduces speed to match your computer capability. What WILL NOT work is putting a single 8gb RAM chip into one slot. THE ONLY THING THAT IS ABSOLUTELY A MUST IS THE VOLTAGE!!!! Most newer chips run on 1.2v All Macs 2010 and below run on 1.5v so you'd need to find 1.5v higher speed RAM.

Companies, EVEN CRUCIAL, will sell you higher "clocked" RAM and it will be compatible with your computer. Sometimes the higher clocked RAM is more expensive but most times it's cheaper due to availability and that the actual cost to make that newer RAM has gone down in the last 3 years. Yes your computer is capable of running 8gb of RAM but only in 2 4gb Chips. The only computer that is known to run a single 8gb RAM stick is the 2010 15" Macbook pro as stated here

http://forums.macrumors.com/threads/can-a-mid-2009-mbp-handle-8gb-ram-in-one-slo t.1718942/

This is from the crucial website which was posted here: http://apple.stackexchange.com/questions/115267/can-i-use-ddr3-1600mhz-ram-in-a- mac-instead-of-1067mhz

Memory is designed to be backward-compatible, so generally speaking, you can safely add faster memory to a computer that was designed to run slower memory. However, your system will operate at the speed of the slowest memory module.

In "DDR3-1600 PC3-12800"

• "DDR3" is the type (and must be the same as what your computer has)
• "1600" is the data transfer rate per second specified in millions (the technical term is "clock frequency") - "1600" here means it supports up to 1600 million transfers per second - in your case, it will be slowed down to 1066 million transfers per second since that's what your Mac is designed for
• "PC3-12800" is the name used in the memory industry - 12800 indicates a peak transfer rate of 12800 MB/s (of course, the actual performance in your case would be brought down to 8533 MB/s, matching PC3-8500).

Re: Memory upgrade for macbook pro mid 2009

Sep 23, 2016 11:42 PM Re: Memory upgrade for macbook pro mid 2009in response to macdaddysolutions

After a test installation, I confirm that the Hynix 4gb 2Rx8 1600Mhz PC3-12800S (actual photo of the items below) with tech specs here,are NOT COMPATIBLE with Macbook Pro mid-2009s:

Upon power on, two (2) beeps come out of the laptop along with more frequent than regular pulses of the "sleep" light. The laptop does not continue to boot. Voltage for the Hynix is 1.5v.

Hi @macdaddysolutions,

Thanks for the information particularly RE:

macdaddysolutions wrote:

One 8GB chip WILL NOT WORK...

Your Mid 2009 Macbook Pro can run PC3-8500, PC3-10600, PC3-12800 (1066mhz, 1333mhz, 1600mhz) literally anything above 8500 in the PC3 format will work...

Also RE:

macdaddysolutions wrote:

Memory is designed to be backward-compatible, so generally speaking, you can safely add faster memory to a computer that was designed to run slower memory. However, your system will operate at the speed of the slowest memory module.

In "DDR3-1600 PC3-12800"

• "DDR3" is the type (and must be the same as what your computer has)
• "1600" is the data transfer rate per second specified in millions (the technical term is "clock frequency") - "1600" here means it supports up to 1600 million transfers per second - in your case, it will be slowed down to 1066 million transfers per second since that's what your Mac is designed for
• "PC3-12800" is the name used in the memory industry - 12800 indicates a peak transfer rate of 12800 MB/s (of course, the actual performance in your case would be brought down to 8533 MB/s, matching PC3-8500).

as I'm almost locking a deal on a pair of Hynix 4gb 2Rx8 PC3-12800s (<- image reference) for my trusted mid-2009 MBP 15" A1286, the pair taken by seller from his busted unit of the same specs.

I was worried that seller's laptop broke perhaps due to the RAMs being 12800s (without his knowledge) and subsequently was disposing of the memory modules relatively cheaper than market price, and that it could do some damage to mine but. Your info, however, helps a lot towards my decision.

I hope they work on my laptop smoothly.

*For the information of anyone who might be considering an upgrade to their trusty MBP mid-2009s using the RAM types mentioned.

Cheers.

i would also like to revive this thread, can anyone who has tried this confirm that you definitely cannot run a single ram Corsair 8GB Mac Memory, 1600MHz DDR3 on a mid 2009 macbook pro.

i have recently ordered Corsair 8GB (2x4GB) CMSA8GX3M2A1333C9 Mac Memory, 1333MHz CL9 DDR3 SO-DIMMand the store i purchased from said they are out of stock and will send me the previously mentioned single 8gb instead.

i have a feeling i will end up returning the single 8gb memory, please help confirm...

Hi @macdaddysolutions,

Thanks for the information particularly RE:

macdaddysolutions wrote:

One 8GB chip WILL NOT WORK...

Your Mid 2009 Macbook Pro can run PC3-8500, PC3-10600, PC3-12800 (1066mhz, 1333mhz, 1600mhz) literally anything above 8500 in the PC3 format will work...

THE ONLY THING THAT IS ABSOLUTELY A MUST IS THE VOLTAGE!!!! Most newer chips run on 1.2v All Macs 2010 and below run on 1.5v so you'd need to find 1.5v higher speed RAM.

Also RE:

macdaddysolutions wrote:

Memory is designed to be backward-compatible, so generally speaking, you can safely add faster memory to a computer that was designed to run slower memory. However, your system will operate at the speed of the slowest memory module.

In "DDR3-1600 PC3-12800"

• "DDR3" is the type (and must be the same as what your computer has)
• "1600" is the data transfer rate per second specified in millions (the technical term is "clock frequency") - "1600" here means it supports up to 1600 million transfers per second - in your case, it will be slowed down to 1066 million transfers per second since that's what your Mac is designed for
• "PC3-12800" is the name used in the memory industry - 12800 indicates a peak transfer rate of 12800 MB/s (of course, the actual performance in your case would be brought down to 8533 MB/s, matching PC3-8500).

as I'm almost locking a deal on a pair of Hynix 4gb 2Rx8 PC3-12800s (<- image reference) for my trusted mid-2009 MBP 15" A1286, the pair taken by seller from his busted unit of the same specs.

I was worried that seller's laptop broke perhaps due to the RAMs being 12800s (without his knowledge) and subsequently was disposing of the memory modules relatively cheaper than market price, and that it could do some damage to mine but. Your info, however, helps a lot towards my decision.

I hope they work on my laptop smoothly.

Cheers.

Use the Crucial System Scanner to determine exactly what kind of RAM you require:

http://www.crucial.com/systemscanner/MacOS.aspx

4GB sounds right for you. However, if you use lots of applications at the same, especially demanding ones, 8GB is what you want. Your price is competitive but quite good. I can guarantee that your system will fly after the upgrade.

You can upgrade to 8GB maximum - using 2 x 4GB 204-pin PC3-8500 (1066 MHz) DDR3 SO-DIMM RAM.

The RAM that you link to is a single 8GB module - you cannot use that.

I would also suggest using the System Scanner provided by Crucial. I have Corsair RAM in my MBP and it's good RAM if you stay with that labeled "Mac Memory" and away from any 'value branded' RAM.

Good luck,

Clinton

You already probably bought your RAM, but the differences between 4GB and 8GB are subtle, but important.

If you're a casual computer user, and use lightweight applications one at a time - like Mail, Safari, etc. - then 4GB will probably suffice. However, if you juggle a number of apps, or rely on applications that are always on (like iStat Menus, Kaspersky Anti-Virus, Fantastical, and Dropbox, for example), it's enough to sap your RAM and drive up your temperatures. An 8GB upgrade will improve performance in that case.

It did for me.

Poikkeus,

One of the slots in my daughter's mid-2009 MacBook Pro has failed, but I'd like to put 8GB in the single slot remaining. Is there a reason this would not work? You seem to know what you're talking about here. What's interesting is that the Apple Store actually suggested this, so I'm hoping to get a second opinion before pulling the trigger.

Thanks!

Hi, im gona revive this topic cuz i have the same question.

I have the same macbook pro mid 2009 and want to upgrade the ram.

My local computer store has this two Dimm 4GB DDR3 Kingston CL9 1333Mhz andDimm 4GB DDR3 Kingston CL1 1600Mhz.

Are they compatible? Whats the diference between them? Because they have the same price.

Your computer needs:

The RAM specs you have posted will not work in your machine.

Most folks here recommend either Crucial or OWC for Mac RAM.

dicky_g wrote:

i would also like to revive this thread, can anyone who has tried this confirm that you definitely cannot run a single ram Corsair 8GB Mac Memory, 1600MHz DDR3 on a mid 2009 macbook pro.

i have recently ordered Corsair 8GB (2x4GB) CMSA8GX3M2A1333C9 Mac Memory, 1333MHz CL9 DDR3 SO-DIMMand the store i purchased from said they are out of stock and will send me the previously mentioned single 8gb instead.

i have a feeling i will end up returning the single 8gb memory, please help confirm...

The correct RAM specifications for a mid-2009 MBP are: 204-pin PC3-8500 (1066 MHz) DDR3 SO-DIMM. Do not be surprised if you have difficulties with either of your selections. The best sources for Mac compatible RAM are OWC and Crucial.

Ciao.

thanks guys, currently my mid 2009 macbook is running 4gb 1333mhz ddr3 memory so i thought it would support the 8gb 1333mhz ddr3...

i will either be the test case for this or i might phone the store and get them to wait until the 2x4gb are in stock...

Regarding voltage:

Since you mention that Mac laptops below 2010 run on 1.5v, does having 2x (4gb x 2, in this case), or 3v total, if I'm correct, affect the overall performance or stability of the mid-2009 laptop?

Thanks!

I have a similar question.

I want to upgrade my Early 2009 17" Macbook Pro to 8gb Ram.

It currently has 4Gb.

My wife has a Mid 2009 13" Macbook Pro with 2gb of Ram.

When I upgrade my 17", I want to move my 4gb Ram from my 17" to my wife's 13".

Will this work?

Here is the Ram I'm looking at for my 17":

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008LTBJFM/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1 &smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Thanks