Max RAM for MacBook Pro (6,1)

I'm running a 2.7 GHz Intel Core i7 MacBook Pro (6.1) and am just wondering what the max amount of RAM it can support is. OWC reports it as 8GB, but I've seen other people say they successfully put 16GB in the system. Does anyone happen to know what the max amount is? Currently there is 8GB 1067 MHz DDR3 RAM installed.

MacBook Pro, OS X Mavericks (10.9.5), 2.66 GHz Intel Core i7, 8GB RAM

Posted on Nov 16, 2014 8:38 PM

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4 replies

Nov 16, 2014 8:52 PM in response to willscarlett

Here are the specs - the officially supported max is 8 GB:


http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/macbook_pro/specs/macbook-pro-core-i7-2.66 -aluminum-17-mid-2010-unibody-specs.html


Normally, OWC will test and then report if a higher amount will work; if they are suggesting that 8 GB is the maximum, I'd stick with it. If you'll look at this web page, there appears to be one of the models that'll support 16 GB, but the remainder is listed at 8 GB:


http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/memory/Apple_MacBook_MacBook_Pro/Upgrade/DDR3

Nov 16, 2014 9:31 PM in response to willscarlett

An issue arising from correct (or incorrect) identification of the computer

model identifier, specification & build year/season, could be a cause of

the discrepancy about the total RAM upgrade capacity in certain models.


The i7 processor with 2.7GHz speed (per core) does not appear to relate

to a model identifier MacBook Pro6.1. In fact, the oldest model that has a

listing: 13-inch Early 2011, for 2.7 with an i7, also listed as MacBook Pro8.1


So according to MacTracker.ca database the partial specs you cite are not

correct; to be sure the RAM upgrade potential and parts match the MB/Pro

you'd need to double-check the product and be sure to communicate those

findings accurately to whomever you choose to purchase quality RAM from.

A quality professional establishment may ask you for the serial number so

as to match the upgrade or replacement part numbers most accurately.


So, if the core i7 processor in your MacBook Pro is the correct item, then

the other aspects of your identification need looking into. A MB/Pro 6.1

cannot use 16GB RAM, and that model identifier does not have 2.7GHz i7.


And from what I can tell, across the entire MacBook Pro line, the 2.7 w/ i7

can all use more than 8GB RAM. The newest models have soldered-in RAM

so that would not be user upgradeable. Some ship either w/ 8 or 16, in those.


http://mactracker.ca download database - a good reference for Apple specs


Also, early/late MacBook Pro 2.7 i7 upgrade spec RAM has a different set of numbers.


Last model with chips in slots: 204-pin PC3-12800 (1600 MHz) DDR3 SO-DIMM

Early model with chips in slots: 204-pin PC-10600 (1333 MHz) DDR3 SO-DIMM

Most recent models do not have slots, as RAM is fixed & not upgradable.


To correctly identify the computer and the parts needed is essential.


In any event...

Good luck & happy computing! 🙂


edited

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Max RAM for MacBook Pro (6,1)

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