Decision on which 16GB Memory Ram to upgrade for Mid 2012 MacBook Pro

Hello GenoPharaoh,

OWC only sells parts for Macs. So if you buy from OWC, it is guaranteed to work on your Mac.

Have you looked into RAMJET? They have guides to help find the type of memory you should use on your mac.

http://macmemory.com

Hi,

Important: Do you have the Retina or Non-Retina model?

First, the Crucial listed here does not say it's Mac compatible. It needs to be guaranteed 100% Mac compatible (very important). https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007B5S52C/ref=ox_sc_act_title_5?ie=UTF8&psc=1 &smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Second, the Crucial listed here does not specify Retina or non-Retina, so I'd stay away from it.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008LTBJFW/ref=ox_sc_act_title_4?ie=UTF8&psc=1 &smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Third, the OWC RAM says it's NOT for Retina models (in red letters) and there was a retina and non-retina model made with your specs, so you need to clarify. If it's a Retina model, that rules out the OWC. (surprised they don't have RAM for the Retina model) https://eshop.macsales.com/item/Other%20World%20Computing/1600DDR3S16P/

Fourth, you can kick out the Kingston; it's not guaranteed Mac compatible (very important). I've dealt with people here before who have had issues with it.

Fifth, this is guaranteed to be the correct RAM for the NON-RETINA model, directly from Crucial. Yes, it's a little bit more expensive than Amazon, but you're dealing directly with the manufacturer who will stand behind their memory 100%. Plus, when you think about the $19 difference, spread out over the length of time you're going to continue using your MBP, it amounts to nothing, especially if you have to start troubleshooting weird issues and start wondering if it's the RAM or not (I see it often enough here). Do it right the first time and have the peace of mind that brings with it.

http://www.crucial.com/usa/en/macbook-pro-%2813-inch-and-15-inch%2C-mid-2012%29/ CT3373650#productDetails

Note: Very strange, but Crucial does not even carry the Retina model RAM. http://www.crucial.com/usa/en/compatible-upgrade-for/Apple/macbook-pro-%28retina %2C-15-inch%2C-mid-2012%29

So it boils down to, if you have the non-Retina model, either the OWC or Crucial RAM will work great. Flip a coin. If you have the Retina model, we have to start from scratch.

Finally, don't install both the RAM and SSD at the same time. Just do one, and then if there's an issue, you'll know exactly why/where it came from.

tjk wrote:

Second, the Crucial listed here does not specify Retina or non-Retina, so I'd stay away from it.

Since retina MBPs have RAM soldered to the logic board and cannot be changed, no vendor will be selling RAM for retina MBPs thus the RAM modules have to be for non-retina MBPs.

Caio.

I am always a bit skeptical of reviews because you really do not know the background of the person posting it. I make no claims of being a RAM expert, but the Crucial RAM that I have purchased have meet the specifications that are required for my MBPs. No problems of failures to date.

Your best chances for purchasing 100% compatible RAM are directly from Crucial or OWC. Both vendors will tell you exactly which RAM will be compatible with your Mac and both will back up their RAM with a lifetime guarantee. If one is very sensitive to pricing, I suggest that if there turns out to be a problem, the time, money and hassle to return the RAM will void what one has saved on the initial price.

Ciao.

Going to have to vote OWC first, then directly from Crucial second.

To many fakes/counterfeit parts on Amazon...