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User profile for user: Zeraven
Zeraven Author
User level: Level 1
8 points

Macbook Pro Mid 2010 Memory Replacement Issues

I have a MBP Mid 2010, tried replacing the 2 Ram sticks from the original ones (2x2GB) to new ones (2x4GB).


I tried with some from PNY and they didn't work (tried seating them about 20 times, never worked. I noticed though, that if i used a PNY stick with one of the old ones, they worked.


So i returned the PNY RAM and got a better one, from Kingston (HyperX Impact Model: HX316LS9IBK2/8) that says it's for Macs, same thing, if i use an old stick and ANY of the 2 new ones, it works, but i don't get the new ones to work. Is there anything else i must do? The web says that this one takes up to 16GB.


Full Description: http://www.kingston.com/datasheets/HX316LS9IBK2_8.pdf


NOTE: When i put the 2 new ones, laptop turns on, the front light lights up, but nothing on screen.

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.6.6), 7,1 Late (mid) 2010

Posted on Jul 7, 2016 5:05 PM

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5 replies
User profile for user: BigGee42
BigGee42
User level: Level 2
325 points

Jul 7, 2016 6:23 PM in response to Zeraven

Hi there


The memory you've selected is Mac compatible but unfortunately not with yours. It's all about the voltage and speed. Older macs cannot use newer memory.


The mid-2010 MacBook Pro requires DDR3 memory running at 1066MHz. This runs on a voltage of 1.5V.


MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2010) - Technical Specifications


The Kingston memory you've purchased is for the newer Macs with 4th Gen Intel chips or higher.

It's DDR3L (L for Low Voltage) running at 1600MHz, and 1.35V. Now, normally the higher speed might be fine but it's the low voltage that's causing the issue.


You need to search for RAM with the following specifications:

DDR3 (PC3-8500) 1066MHz, 1.5V

SO-DIMM, 204 Pin Non-ECC.


Since this kind of RAM is now 6 years old or more, eBay is a good option, or you could try www.crucial.com

They have a tool that allows you to select your laptop model and they'll show you compatible memory upgrades. Crucial make good stuff and they delivery quickly in my experience.


Cheers

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User profile for user: BigGee42
BigGee42
User level: Level 2
325 points

Jul 11, 2016 7:12 PM in response to Zeraven

Both of those will be fine. I think the voltage rating is an error.


If they were 1.35V they should be labelled as DDR3L. Even then, DDR3L memory will still work at 1.5V. The problem comes with newer systems which won't accept 1.5V memory.


I guess the speed of the RAM you tried was causing more of an issue than I thought.


Anyway, Crucial offer a 100% compatibility guarantee if you use their compatibility checker tool. If it doesn't work they give you your money back.


Now, the question you really need to answer is do you want 4GB or 8GB?


I would go with 8GB personally. For $45, that's pretty good.

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Macbook Pro Mid 2010 Memory Replacement Issues

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