Max Memory upgrades

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Level 1

4 points

Max Memory upgrades

Hello: Ive got 2 compu's that Id like to increase RAM in. Both have documents that say "maximum memory", seeming to indicate a limit to what amount of RAM could be added and or actually used by the system. eg here: MacBook Pro: How to remove or install memory - Apple Support for my Macbook Pro. Yet, 3rd party sellers claim that the RAM can be increased in both compu's, and that it will be useable, not just fancy pinstripes and chrome on an old jalopy, so to speak. Is there someone out there who can tell me definitively what the max RAM limits would be for my 2 compu's? I want to max out the RAM on the 2 compu's. Id be gratefull for any recommendations for trusted retailers of RAM, as well.

Heres the stats:

Macbook Pro, 13in, mid 2012. 2.9GHz. Its a solid state drive. Model Identifier: MacBookPro9,2. Intel Core i7. Ive got 4GB in each of the 2 memory slots. "each slot accepts a 1600 MHz DDR3 memory module". Retailers suggest 16GB would be welcomed by that computer.

Macbook, 13in, early 2008 [White]. Model: Macbook4,1. Intel Core 2 Duo. 2.4GHz, each of 2 slots has 1GB card each [sounds ridiculous, doesnt it] . One retailer said 6GB total would be welcomed by this computer.

Can someone clarify if i may purchase more RAM for these [that will work], and how much GB?

Thanks so much-

Posted on Oct 17, 2018 6:00 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Allan Jones

Level 9

79,448 points

Oct 17, 2018 6:17 PM in response to knonuttin

Apple's "official" Max RAM fo the 2012 MBP is 8GB. With newer compatible modules developed after the specs were engraved in stone, and from the right vendor, they can use 16GB. I have that model iwith 8GB and it is never starved for RAM. I would only use Crucial or Other World Computing when attempting to exceed the old specs.

The MacBook 4,1 officially supports 4GB RAM and can use 6GB BUT in this case the special module required to get you to 6GB is:

a) about 3X as expensive per GB as standard RAM and

b) only available from one vendor.

As that model can run no higher OS than 10.7 Lion, it will do fine on 4GB, so save the money.

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Answer 2

babowa

Level 9

78,580 points

Oct 17, 2018 9:15 PM in response to knonuttin

I have a mid 2012 MBP and when I replaced the hard drive with an SSD, I also got more RAM. I've been running it with 12 GB from OWC (macsales.com) ever since I got it. They do test it, so I would trust them - but I'd only get it from them.

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Answer 3

knonuttin Author

Level 1

4 points

Oct 17, 2018 11:12 PM in response to Allan Jones

Hi Allan: thanks for that. Is the OWC 6GB the special module expensive version youve referred to? Im interested in the Maximum the compu will do well with because its a slave compu for compressing videos, mostly using "Handbrake".

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Answer 4

babowa

Level 9

78,580 points

Oct 18, 2018 7:53 AM in response to knonuttin

Going from 4 to 6 GB for video rendering/ compressing will not result in that much of speed because it also needs a fast processor. Personally, I don’t think it‘d be worth the expense given the age of the device.

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Answer 5

Allan Jones

Level 9

79,448 points

Oct 18, 2018 8:14 AM in response to knonuttin

Good morning!

My comments about the OWC special module (it's a 4GB paired with a 2G module to give you 6GB) only apply to the MacBook, not the 2012 MacBook Pro. Again, the MacBook's old OS will run "dandy-fine" on 4GB.

Like Babowa I also use OWC RAM for everything and, were I compressing video on my 2012 MBP, it would have 16 GB RAM today. This OWC package will get the MBP13 to 16GB:

16GB Memory Upgrade for MacBook Pro, iMac, and Mac mini

or you can buy one 8GB model to replace on of your current 4GB moduiles for a total of 12GB:

8GB Memory for 2011-2012 MacBook Pro (Non-Retina)

Here are the OWC options for the old MacBook4,1:

Pre-2009 Apple MacBook Memory Upgrades Up to 6.0GB

I apologize--the special 4GB module came down in price. Now it costs only twice as much as two 2GB modules! 😮

Allan

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Max Memory upgrades

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