MacBook Pro 13" (Late 2011) 1600MHz Ram

Users who Install RAM faster than the exact spec complain here frequently. Their MacBook Pro seemed to accept the faster-rated RAM without any issues at all. Except there is this one nagging problem.

Several times a day to several times a week they experience random kernel panics. It is never the same problem twice (which correlates very strongly with memory errors).

Do not be so quick to congratulate yourself. The bulk of User experience here is that faster RAM DIMMs are FLAKY.

I believe that model/year computer came with 1333 MHz RAM (I did not take the time to go look). Stick with the exact RAM specification that your computer came with. You can check with OWC to see what RAM is compatible with your computer.

Using a higher speed RAM will not increase the bus speed of your computer. The higher speed RAM may or may not down clock reliably and issues may pop up.

I think there are some other reports. For whatever reason there seem to be some "undocumented features". 16 GB working in this model is also undocumented.

To121296 wrote:

Check this post out:

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4597952

Why? Out of spec RAM is not recommended and may not work reliably. Faster RAM should down clock so what is the advantage of using faster out of spec RAM? What is the point of providing the link that says what has already been said here?

BobTheFisherman wrote:

I have no idea what you are saying. Are you saying out of spec RAM is OK to use? If so, I disagree. I do agree that 16GB will work reliably, but only if it is the correct spec.

I totally get that Apple configures its chipsets in many cases such that it reads the SPD configuration data and typically rejects anything that says it's faster than the nominal requirement.

Faster memory itself is not an issue if operated at a slower clock frequency. Memory is typically "bin sorted" for speed and sometimes the modules sorted into slower bins are actually rather fast. However, if the chipset recognizes something faster, why would it be a problem unless the memory itself is over-spec'ed?

BobTheFisherman wrote:

To121296 wrote:

Check this post out:

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4597952

Why? Out of spec RAM is not recommended and may not work reliably. Faster RAM should down clock so what is the advantage of using faster out of spec RAM? What is the point of providing the link that says what has already been said here?

It's not down clocking though.

I have no idea what you are saying. Are you saying out of spec RAM is OK to use? If so, I disagree. I do agree that 16GB will work reliably, but only if it is the correct spec.