Macbook Pro 2010: Worth upgrading the RAM or not?

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Level 1

10 points

Macbook Pro 2010: Worth upgrading the RAM or not?

Hello Community,

I have a Macbook Pro Mid-2010 13 inch Intel Core 2 Duo with 4GB RAM. I use Bootcamp with Microsoft Windows 7.

I am considering upgrading the RAM to 8GB. Do you think i would notice a substantial difference in processing power and speed?

Or is the Intel Core 2 Duo simply too old and upgrading the RAM from 4GB to 8GB will not make much difference to laptop performance?

The alternative would be to buy a new laptop with a I3/5/7 processor.

Thanks in advance.

VIN, MacBook Pro (13-inch Mid 2010), Windows 7

Posted on Jan 5, 2017 2:12 AM

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Answer 1

Sonicray

Level 5

4,556 points

Jan 5, 2017 2:39 AM in response to Nelle01

Your MacBook Pro model takes up to 16GB of RAM. If I were you I would upgrade to the 16GB in one go...

Something like the Mushkin:

The 16GB of RAM would improve a lot of things... as for buying a new Mac... That's up to you... ($80 vs. $2K+)

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Answer 2

Nelle01 Author

Level 1

10 points

Jan 5, 2017 5:48 AM in response to Sonicray

Thanks for the reply.

According to the tech specs, it seems i can only have two 4GB RAM so upto 8GB in total or am i misreading it?:

MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2010) and MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2009)
Number of memory slots	2
Base memory	4 GB
Maximum memory	8 GB
Memory card specifications	- Double Data Rate Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Module (DDR3) format -30mm (1.18 inch) - 2 GB or 4 GB - 204-pin - PC3-8500 DDR3 1066 MHz type RAM

MacBook Pro: How to remove or install memory - Apple Support

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Answer 3

Nelle01 Author

Level 1

10 points

Jan 5, 2017 5:54 AM in response to OGELTHORPE

Thanks for your reply.

Again, i was under the impressions you could only upgrade to 8GB using two 4GB RAM. This is what is suggested in the tech specs:

MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2010) and MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2009)
Number of memory slots	2
Base memory	4 GB
Maximum memory	8 GB
Memory card specifications	- Double Data Rate Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Module (DDR3) format -30mm (1.18 inch) - 2 GB or 4 GB - 204-pin - PC3-8500 DDR3 1066 MHz type RAM

MacBook Pro: How to remove or install memory - Apple Support

I also had a look on the crucial website and they only offer 4GB (2 X 2GB) and 8GB (2 X 4GB) for my mac book pro model. http://uk.crucial.com/gbr/en/compatible-upgrade-for/Apple/macbook-pro-%2813-inch %2C-mid-2010%29

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Answer 4

OGELTHORPE

Level 9

57,329 points

Jan 5, 2017 4:17 AM in response to Nelle01

Nelle01 wrote:

I am considering upgrading the RAM to 8GB. Do you think i would notice a substantial difference in processing power and speed?

Only for resource intensive applications or if you have a plethora of applications open simultaneously. Mundane usage such as web browsing, email processing and text editing, there will be no appreciable change. Adding RAM does not make a computer faster, but more efficient.

As has been mentioned, your Mac can accept up to 16 GB RAM. The best sources of Mac compatible RAM are OWC and Crucial.

Ciao.

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Answer 5

OGELTHORPE

Level 9

57,329 points

Jan 5, 2017 7:33 AM in response to Nelle01

I understand that the specifications that you are looking at suggests a limit of 8 GB RAM for 2010 MBPs. However OWC has tested and found that their 8 GB RAM modules will work in your model Mac (2 x 8 = 16 GB).

http://blog.macsales.com/16353-owc-announces-maxram-memory-upgrades-to-16gb-for- 2010-mac-mini-macbook-and-macbook-pro

You certainly are not obliged to install 16 GB RAM in your Mac, but that is an option that is available.

I would like to point out that OWC is one of the best sources of Mac compatible equipment and have a well deserved reputation for excellent customer service. I have dealt with them often.

Ciao.

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