I've a 2012 macbook pro with 8gb (4x2) 1600mhz ddr3 ram. I also have a 2010 macbook pro with 4gb (2x2) 1066mhz ram. I want to upgrade the 2010 mbp to 8gb and the 2012 to 16gb, but I would rather put the 2012 1600mhz ram into the 2010, and order a new 16gb ram for the 2012 mbp, and save some money. Will the 1600mhz ram work in the 2010 mbp even though it's specification is 1066mhz?
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1600mhz ddr3 macbook pro ram in 1066mhz ddr3 macbook pro
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It should work just fine. The 1600mhz sticks will just run at 1066mhz in the 2010 machine; that is the frequency the logic board supports. No reason it would cause any harm though.
I'm surprised to read the advice above because I've found they just won't work. The first gen i processors are properly picky with RAM. The 2011/2012s are much more versatile with different RAM speeds.
It'll just beep on startup or constantly kernel panic if you fitted the 1600s in the 2010.
It'll just beep on startup or constantly kernel panic if you fitted the 1600s in the 2010.
Perhaps I stand corrected... Admittedly, I have only done this with desktop Windows machines, but my experience is that the mother board will work with faster RAM, simply at a lower speed.
I apologize in advance if I was mistaken.
No no, not to worry — you're absolutely right about DDR3 RAM underclocking, but the first gens are pretty much the only exception to the rule. They're properly stubborn little things! You'll find the same issue in 1st gen i processors on Windows laptops too, so it's not just limited to MacBooks.
Sorry if I came across as a little blunt.
No no, not to worry — you're absolutely right about DDR3 RAM underclocking, but the first gens are pretty much the only exception to the rule. They're properly stubborn little things! You'll find the same issue in 1st gen i processors on Windows laptops too, so it's not just limited to MacBooks.
Sorry if I came across as a little blunt.
Not at all! I just don't want to give out bad information... Thanks for the info!
Sorry about that... As keysofanxiety explained, it looks like the memory controller will not under-clock the faster RAM.
Yeah no problem. I think that might be the issue. I've read from somewhere where other people have had success with over-clocked rams, but it must be system specific.
Is the ram from the 2012 1.35 volts? Is the 2012 RAM high-density? If the answer is yes to either of these questions, this may also add to the incompatibility.