macbook pro 15 late 2011 memory upgrading

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macbook pro 15 late 2011 memory upgrading

Hi. I wanted to upgrade the ram by replacing the 2x2GB by 2x8GB (DDR3 1333MHz) - although the original User's Guide specifies 2X4GB maximum.

When replaced the machine starts normally, recognizes the new 2X8GB, BUT after a short while, it goes into "your machine needs to re-boot)"!

Is it because the machine still runs 10.7.5 Lion? or is it due tothe 2X8GB exceeding some hardware limitations?

Thanks

PS: the main reason for a memory upgrade is the use of VMware and Windows/Linux VM platforms.

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.7.5), Late 2011

Posted on Apr 19, 2014 5:52 AM

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Answer 1

OGELTHORPE

Level 9

57,305 points

Apr 19, 2014 6:06 AM in response to philibertz

Macs are very selective regarding RAM. The best choices for Mac compatible RAM are OWC and Crucial.

I have a 2011 MBP with 16 GB RAM with NO issues.

What brand RAM did you purchase?

Replace the new RAM with the original. Is there a difference?

Ciao.

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Answer 2

philibertz Author

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Apr 19, 2014 6:15 AM in response to OGELTHORPE

Hi! Thanks. The original 2x2GB set is HINIX and back in place the machine runs as before.

The purchased set received yesterday is a CSX (Compustocx, Germany).

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Answer 3

OGELTHORPE

Level 9

57,305 points

Apr 19, 2014 6:28 AM in response to philibertz

I neglected to mention that I too have Lion on this MBP, therefore the OSX is NOT the problem.

Reinstall the new RAM. If the phenomenon repeats it self, then the RAM is the problem. You then could run an Apple Hardware Test which does test the RAM:

http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1509

or download from Kelly Computing Rember and run that over night. It is a more comprehensive RAM test than the AHT.

http://www.kelleycomputing.net/rember/

Unfortunately results with no errors detected will not necessarily exclude the RAM as a problem.

Ciao.

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Answer 4

philibertz Author

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Apr 19, 2014 6:36 AM in response to OGELTHORPE

Thanks again. I suspect the RAM set to be the problem, since I have repeated its installation 3 times with the same punishment. I'm unsure that an AHT will have the time to run...or even be launched.

Ciao.

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