MAXIMUM RAM for MacBook Pro Core 2 Duo Mid 2010

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Level 1

8 points

MAXIMUM RAM for MacBook Pro Core 2 Duo Mid 2010

What is the MAXIMUM RAM for MacBook Pro, 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, Mid 2010 - 24MC374LL/A, running OS X 10.8.2 (12C60)?

I tried to search for this but was unable to find anything.

Apple Specs say 8GB, but I was just told by someone I THINK would know, that you can actually go up to 16GB.

This would be an enormous improvement to my workflow if true.

Anyone out there know for certain?

Making sure before I buy (or NOT!)

Thanks.

Jerry G

MacBook Pro (13-inch Mid 2010), OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.2), 8 GB RAM

Posted on Mar 13, 2013 7:59 PM

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Answer 1

Kappy

Level 10

361,741 points

Mar 13, 2013 8:03 PM in response to jerzyshore

Maximum Memory	8.0 GB
Memory Slots	2 - 204-pin PC3-8500 (1066 MHz) DDR3 SO-DIMM

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Answer 2

ds store

Level 7

30,735 points

Mar 13, 2013 8:05 PM in response to jerzyshore

Maximum Memory	8.0 GB
Memory Slots	2 - 204-pin PC3-8500 (1066 MHz) DDR3 SO-DIMM

The same for the 13" 15" and 17" models according to MacTracker.

It's the Early 2011 models and later that can go up to 16GB despite Apple saying only 8GB.

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Answer 3

jerzyshore Author

Level 1

8 points

Mar 13, 2013 8:21 PM in response to ds store

THANKS -

Yes my previous research confirmed these answers.

Then I JUST NOW found this HERE:

"*Originally, both the official and actual maximum RAM was 8 GB. However, as confirmed by site sponsor OWC, if running OS X 10.7.5 or higher, updated with the latest EFI, and equipped with proper specification memory modules, this model can support up to 16 GB of RAM"

Now just exactly how cool would that be if it's true!? I know it would help my music and video recording immensely.OWC, as far as I can tell based on my prior dealings with them, know what they are talking about.

Anybody else try this?

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Answer 4

keggo

Level 1

45 points

Sep 29, 2014 8:07 AM in response to jerzyshore

I just found this post and I realize this is a late response but maybe it will help others.

Based on recent circumstances I just happened to have two 8GB DDR3 modules collecting dust. Having an old trusty MacMini as my media center, server among other things and whatnot, I was curious if I could bump this little thing to 16GB. In doing so I found this post and verified with OWC.

End result:

Booted with no issues, and is running nice and smooth. Should be noted that just adding 16GB of RAM to a Core 2 Duo will not make the machine lightning fast or become some amazing computing platform. It will just make the box run a bit quicker and give you the ability to have more applications open before you begin to note some lag.

However this is really nice to see:

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Answer 5

OGELTHORPE

Level 9

57,305 points

Sep 29, 2014 8:26 AM in response to keggo

Note that this is applicable to the 13" MBP model. The 15" and 17" MBPs are still limited to a maximum of 8 GB RAM.

Ciao.

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Answer 6

fcdmntl

Level 1

7 points

Oct 18, 2014 7:50 AM in response to jerzyshore

Hello,

Thanks for that. I already installed a SSD in my old Macbook Pro, an upgrade of the RAM would give it a few more years possibly...

Can I buy any brand of RAM? Which frequency should I use (1066 or 1333MHz)?

Thanks for sharing the info!

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Answer 7

OGELTHORPE

Level 9

57,305 points

Oct 18, 2014 12:02 PM in response to fcdmntl

A 2010 MBP RAM has the following specifications: 204-pin PC3-8500 (1066 MHz) DDR3 SO-DIMM. I suggest that you do not deviate from them and the best sources for reliable Mac RAM are OWC and Crucial.

Ciao.

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