How much RAM can my MacBook Pro handle?

Question

Level 1

33 points

How much RAM can my MacBook Pro handle?

Hi guys,

I'm looking to upgrade my RAM in my MacBook Pro (15 inch, Mid 2012, i7 2.3Ghz) and would like to confirm how much it can handle.

I usually get all my RAM from Crucial as they're so reliable and excellent quality. However, the Scanner that they have on their website - designed to scan your system and see what you need to put in - says that my Mac can handle a maximum of 16GB of RAM. Whereas when I look on the Apple website, it says it can only take 8GB.

Of course, I'm presuming the Apple site is correct, but can somebody just confirm this for me, please? Usually, Crucial are great, and accurate.

Thanks!

MacBook Pro, OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.5), 15 inch Mid 2012, 2.3Ghz i7

Posted on Jun 3, 2015 2:32 PM

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Answer 1

Jun 3, 2015 2:33 PM in response to James Arter1

Maximum Memory	16 GB (Actual) 8 GB (Apple)
Memory Slots	2 - 204-pin PC3-12800 (1600 MHz) DDR3 SO-DIMM

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Answer 2

RIFerrarr

Level 4

1,181 points

Jun 3, 2015 2:35 PM in response to James Arter1

I trust Crucial as well. Here's the site I go by;

http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/macbook_pro/specs/macbook-pro-core-i7-2.3- 15-mid-2012-unibody-usb3-specs.html

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Answer 3

James Arter1 Author

Level 1

33 points

Jun 3, 2015 2:35 PM in response to stedman1

So it's 16GB?

What's the difference between 'actual' and 'apple'?

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Answer 4

FoxFifth

Level 10

468,801 points

Jun 3, 2015 2:37 PM in response to James Arter1

See the quote below from http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/macbook_pro/specs/macbook-pro-core-i7-2.3- 15-mid-2012-unibody-usb3-specs.html

Apple officially supports a maximum of 8 GB of RAM, but third-parties have determined that this model actually is capable of using up to 16 GB of RAM with two 8 GB memory modules.

OWC also says 16GB: http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/memory/Apple_MacBook_MacBook_Pro/Upgrade

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Answer 5

James Arter1 Author

Level 1

33 points

Jun 3, 2015 2:41 PM in response to FoxFifth

interesting...

makes no sense why Apple would say a difference number though?

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Answer 6

Jun 3, 2015 2:58 PM in response to James Arter1

When Apple designed/built the model they tested it with readily available RAM. As newer, higher capacity RAM became available, other vendors subsequently tested with the higher capacity. Apple doesn't revisit their specs to update.

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