May different module RAM damage MacBook ?

Question

May different module RAM damage MacBook ?

Hello everyone

I have decided upgrade my Mid 2012 MacBook Pro (MD101) RAM

Default is 2*2GB = 4GB RAM

I would like just install one 8GB Crucial RAM 1600MHz module in one slot

8GB Crucial RAM + 2GB default Apple RAM = 10 GB

I know matched pair of module is better but by this plan if I need In future can buy another 8GB and upgrade to 16GB

my question is :

May this configuration with different module will damage my MBP or impact performance?

Whether this (8GB+2GB=10GB RAM) with different brand will better than (2*4GB=8GB RAM) with same brand and matched pair of modules?

Thanks in advance for your answers

MacBook Pro, OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.3)

Posted on Sep 17, 2013 2:46 PM

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Answer 1

Best reply

Kappy

Level 10

361,741 points

Sep 17, 2013 2:49 PM in response to iHamed's iPhone

It will not damage anything. Performance will be adversely affected. RAM should always be installed in matched pairs that meet the required specs.

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Answer 2

Sep 17, 2013 8:24 PM in response to Kappy

Thanks

Is 8GB memory with dual channel mode faster than 10GB RAM with Single Channel or Flex ?!

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Answer 3

Kappy

Level 10

361,741 points

Sep 17, 2013 9:49 PM in response to iHamed's iPhone

You want dual channel.

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Answer 4

Sep 18, 2013 2:22 AM in response to Kappy

Sorry

please ansewer my question :

Which one faster :

[ 4GB+4GB ] memory OR [ 8GB+2GB ] RAM ?

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Answer 5

Kappy

Level 10

361,741 points

Sep 18, 2013 11:41 AM in response to iHamed's iPhone

Matched pairs are faster.

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Answer 6

Sep 20, 2013 2:25 AM in response to Kappy

Thanks for your time and suggestions

I am running Safari with 15 Tabs, photoshop, iTunes, VLC same time

Do you think 2*4 GB RAM enough for me in future ?

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Answer 7

Kappy

Level 10

361,741 points

Sep 20, 2013 12:26 PM in response to iHamed's iPhone

I would say you need more than 4 GBs if you plan to continue running the same number of concurrent processes or more.

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Answer 8

Mar 11, 2014 5:09 PM in response to iHamed's iPhone

Matched pairs of RAM (two identical chips) will run faster than a single chip, or two different chips. However, having more RAM is better than having less RAM, so I would personally prefer 8 + 2 GB to 4 + 4 GB. Either way, the difference won't be big. You should compare the cost as well.

But you may plan a bit further: If you buy one 8GB chip right now and decide next year that you want 16GB, then you don't lose any money. If you upgrade to 2x4 GB now and later decide you want 16GB, you lose the money for the two 4GB chips.

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