DDR3 or DDR3L

It will work. The Mid 2012 MacBook Pro is designed to work with DDR3L RAM. Moreover, that's the RAM that comes with the MacBook Pro wtih Retina display, and even the 2011 MacBook Pro supports it

Welcome to Apple Support Communities

DDR3L is low-voltage RAM, and in the case of the Mid 2012 MacBook Pro, it doesn't mind which you use. By default, DDR3L RAM comes with it, so get DDR3L RAM.

You can install 16 GB of RAM. You can get compatible RAM at OWC or Crucial > http://www.macsales.com

Apart from that, there's no performance difference between them

It's up to you, but as it has got a lower voltage, it may consume less battery (1.35v vs 1.5v). You can give it a try, as there won't be any performance difference

You are welcome

What about in my Mid-2011 Mac mini? Crucial's website says it takes DDR3. I ordered 2x8GB DDR3, but the modules they shipped were labeled DDR3L. When I questioned Crucial, their emailed reply was: "Thank you for contacting Crucial. I double-checked all the Mac Mini models on our side and they all show that the part you got an ordered should be compatible with your system."

Will 1.35V DDR3L modules be "overpowered" (hence their life shortened) if I install them in my Mac mini to replace its original 2x1GB DDR3 memory?

Don

I have 13" MacBook Pro (mid-2012). You are sure DDR3L will work? Why does the MacBook not state that it uses DDR3L? When I click on the apple, then "about this Mac", then "Memory" it says 1600MHz DDR3. I also tried looking around to find the voltage it uses (1.35 vs 1.5) but was unable to locate that info., also read through available specs on the Apple website, anyone have any idea how I would locate that info? Why does Apple make it so hard to find the information, maybe because they want to charge $200 (which is crazy expensive) for 8GB of replacement RAM??

susieqk wrote:

I have 13" MacBook Pro (mid-2012). You are sure DDR3L will work?

Yes, it will work!

The best sources for Mac compatible RAM are OWC and Crucial. You do NOT have to purchase RAM from Apple.

Ciao.

Same question here, I don't know why OWC and Crucial recommends low voltage DDR3 even everymac.com specify that, but I opened my MBP mid 2012 and found it has Hynix 1.5v DDR3 modules.

<Image Edited by Host to Remove Serial Number>

SK hynix specification:

https://www.skhynix.com/products/computing/view.jsp?info.ramKind=20&info.serialN o=HMT325S6CFR8CI

notebookcheck.net review found that MBP mid 2012 has 1.5v SODIMM modules factory installed

http://www.notebookcheck.net/Review-Apple-MacBook-Pro-13-2-5-GHz-Mid-2012-Notebo ok.79640.0.html

<Image Edited by Host to Remove Serial Number>

So 1.35 V modules are optional, don't know the impact on battery saving consumption, may be some few minutes.

Now i'm really confused - just bought the MBP 13-inch mid-2012 i5 2.5Ghz MD101HN/A & the installed RAM is Hyundai (now discontinued) at 1.35 Volts but DDR3 not DDR3L. So I called Kingston Tech. Support (only co. to provide lifetime warranty) and they list only DDR3 1.5 Volts as compatible.

Kingston link - http://www.kingston.com/en/memory/search?DeviceType=3&Mfr=APP&Line=MacBook%20Pro &Model=78047

This was their email response :

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Hi Sandeep,

Since we have encountered DDR3L 1.35V SODIMM incompatible on Macbook mid 2012 before, therefore, we remove DDR3L 1.35V SODIMM to support Apple MacBook Pro mid 2012. We will only recommend DDR3 1.5V SODIMM.

Please find the following link to find the compatible parts for the same: (as above)

Thanks & Regards,

Sunny Chaurasia,

Manager - Services & Tech Support

Kingston Technology Far East Corp.

Direct line: +91. 22. 28448404

Customer Care : 1860-233-4515

Fax: +91.22. 28448444

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I don't know why Apple is installing discontinued by manufacturer DDR3 RAM's in 2015 ! My MBP was manufactured in Oct'15 - Bizzare !

So, I guess i shall have to wait a while to get some clarity. Thoughts ?