16 GB (Actual) 8 GB (Apple): What does that mean?

I am planning to upgrade the memory of my MacBook Pro (13 inch, mid 2012) and was looking for the maximum RAM capacity of my computer. Mactracker shows me that the max memory capacity of my computer is "16 GB (Actual) 8 GB (Apple)". What does that mean? Shouls I go for 16GB (2 x 8GB) or 8GB ( 2x 4GB)?

MacBook Pro, OS X Mavericks (10.9)

Posted on Dec 11, 2013 12:02 PM

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2 replies

Dec 11, 2013 12:29 PM in response to Smarajit

Double check with Everymac web site with Apple model listing - http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/index-apple-specs-applespec.html


Sometimes when Apple specs. first come out they are listed for technology at the time. Somebody later brings out a RAM module that was bigger than Apple had available but people apparently got to work, so you'll see two listings of what was originally posted as maximum RAM (at the time) by Apple and what is now possible.


Note, if your computer is still under warranty and you upgrade it yourself you will likely void your warranty unless RAM is specifically mentioned as a user upgradeable component. Even then, if you installmore RAM than is specified things may get tricky. Vendors will use the least excuse to get out of warranty repair. On the other hand I know nobody at Apple will ever look at my computer again so I do all kinds of things to mine myself.

Dec 11, 2013 4:18 PM in response to Smarajit

Hello:


I also have a mid 2012 13" Macbook Pro with 16 Gb of ram installed. I had to take it into apple for a warranty repair and they asked me to take out the 16 Gb of Ram and re-install the original 8 Gb and then return the Macbook Pro. At that point they performed the warranty work with no problem. Changing the ram does not void the warranty. At best you will be asked to remove the "unauthorized" ram and replace the original ram. Hope this helps. BTW, I had the service performed two weeks ago at an apple store.


Lewis

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16 GB (Actual) 8 GB (Apple): What does that mean?

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