RAM Upgrade on the 2010 MacBook7,1

Question

RAM Upgrade on the 2010 MacBook7,1

Hi all.

I may upgrade the RAM in my 2010 MacBook7,1 (Model A1342).

I just have 1 question.

I know it can take a maximum of 16GB of RAM, but is it possible to take a higher frequency RAM? Because when I browse eBay looking for RAM because I live in Australia and there are no good RAM retailers here like OWC, and all of the good and cheap RAM are at frequencies of like 1366MHz or 1600MHz.

Is it possible to run these higher frequency memory modules in my computer? I know that this computer takes 1066MHz sticks.

Thanks.

MacBook, OS X El Capitan (10.11)

Posted on Nov 11, 2015 11:13 PM

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Answer 1

OGELTHORPE

Level 9

57,329 points

Nov 12, 2015 3:32 AM in response to TheAwesomeGamer

If I were in your position, I would try my very best to get RAM with the correct specifications which for your MB are: 204-pin PC3-8500 (1066MHz) DDR3 SO-DIMM. Saving a few dollars on RAM can become costly if the RAM does not function properly. Macs have a well deserved reputation for being very selective regarding RAM.

I have a 2010 MBP and a late 2011 MBP which have specifications of 1066 Mhz and 1333 Mhz respectively. As an experiment I installed the higher frequency RAM from the 2011 MBP into the 2010 MBP. It worked, but the frequency was lowered when installed the 2010 MBP. Whether higher frequency RAM will work in your MB is an open question. If you have no alternative, then try it, but on the basis of a refund by the vendor if the results are not satisfactory.

Ciao.

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Answer 2

Nov 12, 2015 12:39 PM in response to OGELTHORPE

Thanks for answering! I read somewhere ages ago that if you put in only 1 higher frequency stick that it will be lowered but if you put both sticks in with a higher frequency that the computer won't boot.

Thanks for answering!!!

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