16GB RAM in a Mid 2010 MacBook Pro

[benji888]

- The 15" will only take 8GB.
Consider an SSD if you haven't already installed one.

I agree with this...

That's actually the direction I decided to go - That'll be coming next week, so we'll see how it goes ...

I got an SSD first and have to say it's a big performance boost having your OS and virtual RAM on an SSD! I went cheap and got a small SSD, data doubler, put HDD in optical slot, made a DIY fusion drive, works great.

Here's the scoop on what 2010 MBPs will take 16GB, and this is possibly the only place to get the RAM that will work, as most made today are at higher speeds and claim to be backward compatible but, in reality, are not. (10.7.5 or newer required to address over 8GB RAM). http://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC/8566DDR3S16P/

 

[California]

Thanks for the reply. Indeed, OWC claims this Macbook Pro supports 16GB and they are reputable.

If I finally decide to upgrade, I'll report back.

I've been running 16gbs in my 13" on Snow Leopard, NOT Lion, with no problems for a long time now.

Same ram chips I had in my 2010 2.66ghz Mac Mini, btw, which had been running 16gbs also on SNOW LEOPARD 10.6.8. Not Lion, as OWC indicates.

 

[benji888]

I've been running 16gbs in my 13" on Snow Leopard, NOT Lion, with no problems for a long time now.

Same ram chips I had in my 2010 2.66ghz Mac Mini, btw, which had been running 16gbs also on SNOW LEOPARD 10.6.8. Not Lion, as OWC indicates.

"Note: Apple OS 10.7.5 or Later REQUIRED for utilization of more than 8GB of total system memory."

Key word: "utilization" ... in other words, 16GB might be in your Mac, as far as hardware, but, your OS is not using all of it.

 

[brdeveloper]

"Note: Apple OS 10.7.5 or Later REQUIRED for utilization of more than 8GB of total system memory."

Key word: "utilization" ... in other words, 16GB might be in your Mac, as far as hardware, but, your OS is not using all of it.

I doubt it is true. I had 16GB installed on my 2010 Mini with Snow Leopard. It wouldn't utilize it mostly because it was hard even to use more than 8GB. But the Activity Monitor taken the 16GBs into account when showing wired/idle/active memory information.

Enabling the 64bit kernel helps utilizing more RAM (and make the system slightly faster). The default 32bit kernel saves RAM but will use a two-step addressing which can slow down some tasks. Also, it limits memory usage to 4GB per-app, if I'm not wrong.

 

[California]

"Note: Apple OS 10.7.5 or Later REQUIRED for utilization of more than 8GB of total system memory."

Key word: "utilization" ... in other words, 16GB might be in your Mac, as far as hardware, but, your OS is not using all of it.

No -- as brdeveloper says below, both my Mac Mini 2010 and my 13" 2010 MBP utilize all of the ram. In Snow Leopard. Activity Monitor showing all 16gbs.

I doubt it is true. I had 16GB installed on my 2010 Mini with Snow Leopard. It wouldn't utilize it mostly because it was hard even to use more than 8GB. But the Activity Monitor taken the 16GBs into account when showing wired/idle/active memory information.

Enabling the 64bit kernel helps utilizing more RAM (and make the system slightly faster). The default 32bit kernel saves RAM but will use a two-step addressing which can slow down some tasks. Also, it limits memory usage to 4GB per-app, if I'm not wrong.

 

[benji888]

I doubt it is true. I had 16GB installed on my 2010 Mini with Snow Leopard. It wouldn't utilize it mostly because it was hard even to use more than 8GB. But the Activity Monitor taken the 16GBs into account when showing wired/idle/active memory information.

Enabling the 64bit kernel helps utilizing more RAM (and make the system slightly faster). The default 32bit kernel saves RAM but will use a two-step addressing which can slow down some tasks. Also, it limits memory usage to 4GB per-app, if I'm not wrong.

I find my Mac will use all the RAM with Time Machine backups or even running permissions repair in Disk Utility. It will go below 8GB when using Aperture, or multiple apps open. (I can see how much free RAM I have in my menu bar with Memory Clean app, free on Mac app store.)

No -- as brdeveloper says below, both my Mac Mini 2010 and my 13" 2010 MBP utilize all of the ram. In Snow Leopard. Activity Monitor showing all 16gbs.

Activity Monitor might show all of your RAM in your Mac, since that hardware is there and the Mac sees the hardware, but, the OS is not utilizing all of the RAM...there are limitations in Snow Leopard (and older) that were released in 10.7.5, but, I can't remember the specifics, and I can't find the information from quite a while back. And I'm not sure if it only utilized up to 8GB or 12GB. I'm also not sure if it was that, while the Core2Duos were 64bit, the OS was not fully 64bit yet, and that's where the issue was.

These Macs came with 10.6.3, and, at that time, Apple stated the Max. RAM for these Macs at 8GB, because, even if more could be installed, at that time, it could not be fully used, so, rather than Apple explain the limitations, they simply stated you could not put more than 8GB in these machines, for, if they had let people build it with 16GB RAM, and later they found the RAM was not being utilized, people would complain.

 

[brdeveloper]

I find my Mac will use all the RAM with Time Machine backups or even running permissions repair in Disk Utility. It will go below 8GB when using Aperture, or multiple apps open. (I can see how much free RAM I have in my menu bar with Memory Clean app, free on Mac app store.)

Activity Monitor might show all of your RAM in your Mac, since that hardware is there and the Mac sees the hardware, but, the OS is not utilizing all of the RAM...there are limitations in Snow Leopard (and older) that were released in 10.7.5, but, I can't remember the specifics, and I can't find the information from quite a while back. And I'm not sure if it only utilized up to 8GB or 12GB. I'm also not sure if it was that, while the Core2Duos were 64bit, the OS was not fully 64bit yet, and that's where the issue was.

These Macs came with 10.6.3, and, at that time, Apple stated the Max. RAM for these Macs at 8GB, because, even if more could be installed, at that time, it could not be fully used, so, rather than Apple explain the limitations, they simply stated you could not put more than 8GB in these machines, for, if they had let people build it with 16GB RAM, and later they found the RAM was not being utilized, people would complain.

The only limitations in Snow Leopard regarding RAM limits are the following:

- Consumer Macs in Snow Leopard days were usually configured to use a 32-bit kernel with PAE enabled. This way, a Mac can use more than 4GB of RAM thanks to PAE, but a single process can't use more than 4GB.

- Prosumer Macs had the option to enable the 64-bit kernel by default and didn't have the 4GB per-process limitation.

There are hacks to enable the 64-bit kernel on white macbooks for example. I even tested this approach and it worked well, although it's an unofficial solution and could corrupt the firmware.

 

[benji888]

The only limitations in Snow Leopard regarding RAM limits are the following:

- Consumer Macs in Snow Leopard days were usually configured to use a 32-bit kernel with PAE enabled. This way, a Mac can use more than 4GB of RAM thanks to PAE, but a single process can't use more than 4GB.

- Prosumer Macs had the option to enable the 64-bit kernel by default and didn't have the 4GB per-process limitation.

There are hacks to enable the 64-bit kernel on white macbooks for example. I even tested this approach and it worked well, although it's an unofficial solution and could corrupt the firmware.

When I was trying to find the issue, I did see the 4GB thing, now I get it, so, yes, the Mac sees 16GB, but, if you use an app that could use more than 4GB, it won't be able to.

As far as the 64-bit mod., yeah, I can see that helping, but, I, personally, wouldn't do it. And that is what I think I recall about 10.7.5, 64-bit was more fully utilized across the OS, and with Core2Duo CPUs. (Even though I do have a BT4 USB dongle, and used continuity activation tool to utilize handoff & continuity. That's the only mod. I will do, mostly because many have done it with no issues, and I don't have to do the hack myself. ...oh, although, I did create my own Fusion drive, but, that's enough for me.)

Even so, I do understand sticking with 10.6.8...I recall it being the most stable and fastest OS X ever. 10.9 was pretty good, but, 10.7-9 were slower than 10.6.8. 10.10 has been faster than all the rest, similar to or faster than 10.6.8, but, buggy. 10.10.3 has graphics issues, causes my Mac to lockup or overheat and shut itself off sometimes, and that's not happened with this Mac before. I've also seen others with other Macs post similar issues w/10.10.3.

 

[qubodup]

In my experience, MacBook Pro "Core 2 Duo" 2.4 13" Mid-2010 7,1 (with 10.10 Yosemite installed) in combination with 16GB RAM does NOT work when using the following RAM:

Corsair 16GB (2x8GB) DDR3 1600 MHz (PC3 12800) (CMSA16GX3M2A1600C11)
(I got it from amazon.de/gp/product/B009EH010E )

This is what happens on boot:
1 tone is hearable, repeating every 5 seconds, screen stays black until I hold-press power button to turn off. This indicates no RAM is installed, see https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202768

I'm assuming the RAM is not faulty but have no way to confirm this.

It seems like two amazon.de users with MB/MBP mid 2010 made the same experience with 16GB RAM (1333MHZ CL9 though):
http://www.amazon.de/product-review...tars&pageNumber=1&filterByKeyword=2010+leider

To clarify: they give 5 star ratings because returning was non-problematic.

I will try Corsair 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 1066 MHz (PC3 8500) (CMSA8GX3M2A1066C7) next.

PS: Since benji888 can use 16GB 2x8GB 1066MHz, it might be possible to get the unsupported double capacity though:

Here's the scoop on what 2010 MBPs will take 16GB, and this is possibly the only place to get the RAM that will work, as most made today are at higher speeds and claim to be backward compatible but, in reality, are not. (10.7.5 or newer required to address over 8GB RAM). http://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC/8566DDR3S16P/

 

[simon lefisch]

Deleted.

 

[benji888]

...
I will try Corsair 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 1066 MHz (PC3 8500) (CMSA8GX3M2A1066C7) next.

PS: Since benji888 can use 16GB 2x8GB 1066MHz, it might be possible to get the unsupported double capacity though:

If you can find 2x8GB sticks with the exact same specs as the OWC RAM I linked to, it might work...problem is, hard to find 1066MHz RAM at all. (You shouldn't have issues with that 2x4GB RAM you chose, though).

It's kind of finicky, RAM rated at higher speed, but claiming to be backwards compatible with 1066MHz doesn't always work in this Mac (as you've experienced). I highly recommend going with OWC brand, quality next to Apple's and best customer & Tech service of any online store I've used, ever (and many retail stores); also, their prices have come down recently.

 

[c8rlo]

If you can find 2x8GB sticks with the exact same specs as the OWC RAM I linked to, it might work...problem is, hard to find 1066MHz RAM at all. (You shouldn't have issues with that 2x4GB RAM you chose, though).

this is what i'm running in my Mid-2010 13" MBP
http://www.crucial.com/usa/en/macbook-pro-(13-inch,-mid-2010)/CT3309355

 

[qubodup]

If you can find 2x8GB sticks with the exact same specs as the OWC RAM I linked to, it might work...problem is, hard to find 1066MHz RAM at all. (You shouldn't have issues with that 2x4GB RAM you chose, though).

Thanks for reassuring, I decided to look around some more and got two 1066MHz 8GB RAM modules after all, which I succeeded at putting in my MBP!

The RAM I used was "16GB Dual Channel Kit 2x 8 GB 200 pin DDR3-1066Mhz, SO DIMM, PC3-8500S, CL7 für DDR3 Apple Systeme von 2010" amazon.de/dp/B00OHXBVYU/ (no affiliation) - It cost EUR 135 at the time in Germany.

 

[kerempg]

Dear Friends,
Hi, My name is Kerem. Greetings from Adana, Turkey.
I have
I have: 2.66GHz MacBook Pro
(MC373LL/A)

Model Name: MacBook Pro
Model Identifier: MacBookPro6,2
Processor Name: Intel Core i7
Processor Speed: 2,66 GHz
Number of Processors: 1
Total Number of Cores: 2
L2 Cache (per Core): 256 KB
L3 Cache: 4 MB
Memory: 8 GB
Processor Interconnect Speed: 4.8 GT/s
Boot ROM Version: MBP61.0057.B11
SMC Version (system): 1.58f17
Serial Number (system): W8047A9EAGW
Hardware UUID: 9F291A89-A8AD-5BE9-A07D-E7563E8BF1D2

Can i also upgrade to my ram to 16 gb? if yes, which exactly ram, product I should buy?
[doublepost=1509217880][/doublepost]

If you have any of the following Macbook Pro and have access to (2x8GB) 16GB DDR3 RAM and can verify that the memory will work kindly share it with us.

MacBook Pro "Core 2 Duo" 2.4 15" (Late 2008)
MacBook Pro "Core 2 Duo" 2.53 15" (Late 2008)
MacBook Pro "Core 2 Duo" 2.8 15" (Late 2008)

MacBook Pro "Core 2 Duo" 2.66 17" (Early 2009)
MacBook Pro "Core 2 Duo" 2.93 17" (Early 2009)
MacBook Pro "Core 2 Duo" 2.66 15" (Early 2009)
MacBook Pro "Core 2 Duo" 2.93 15" (Early 2009)

MacBook Pro "Core 2 Duo" 2.26 13" (Mid-2009)
MacBook Pro "Core 2 Duo" 2.53 13" (Mid-2009)
MacBook Pro "Core 2 Duo" 2.53 15" (Mid-2009)
MacBook Pro "Core 2 Duo" 2.66 15" (Mid-2009)
MacBook Pro "Core 2 Duo" 2.8 15" (Mid-2009)
MacBook Pro "Core 2 Duo" 3.06 15" (Mid-2009)
MacBook Pro "Core 2 Duo" 2.8 17" Mid-2009
MacBook Pro "Core 2 Duo" 3.06 17" Mid-2009

MacBook Pro "Core 2 Duo" 2.4 13" Mid-2010
MacBook Pro "Core 2 Duo" 2.66 13" Mid-2010
MacBook Pro "Core i5" 2.4 15" Mid-2010
MacBook Pro "Core i5" 2.53 15" Mid-2010
MacBook Pro "Core i7" 2.66 15" Mid-2010
MacBook Pro "Core i7" 2.8 15" Mid-2010
MacBook Pro "Core i5" 2.53 17" Mid-2010
MacBook Pro "Core i7" 2.66 17" Mid-2010
MacBook Pro "Core i7" 2.8 17" Mid-2010

hexley, hi,
i have:
I have: 2.66GHz MacBook Pro
(MC373LL/A)

Model Name: MacBook Pro
Model Identifier: MacBookPro6,2
Processor Name: Intel Core i7
Processor Speed: 2,66 GHz
Number of Processors: 1
Total Number of Cores: 2
L2 Cache (per Core): 256 KB
L3 Cache: 4 MB
Memory: 8 GB
Processor Interconnect Speed: 4.8 GT/s
Boot ROM Version: MBP61.0057.B11
SMC Version (system): 1.58f17
Serial Number (system): W8047A9EAGW
Hardware UUID: 9F291A89-A8AD-5BE9-A07D-E7563E8BF1D2

as i get, it is:
MacBook Pro "Core i7" 2.66 17" Mid-2010
as you mention, right?

can i upgrade my ram to 16 gb?
if yes, which two ram i should buy? is there any specific product?

 

[benji888]

Dear Friends,
Hi, My name is Kerem. Greetings from Adana, Turkey.
I have
I have: 2.66GHz MacBook Pro
(MC373LL/A)

Model Name: MacBook Pro
Model Identifier: MacBookPro6,2
Processor Name: Intel Core i7
Processor Speed: 2,66 GHz
Number of Processors: 1
Total Number of Cores: 2
L2 Cache (per Core): 256 KB
L3 Cache: 4 MB
Memory: 8 GB
Processor Interconnect Speed: 4.8 GT/s
Boot ROM Version: MBP61.0057.B11
SMC Version (system): 1.58f17
Serial Number (system): W8047A9EAGW
Hardware UUID: 9F291A89-A8AD-5BE9-A07D-E7563E8BF1D2

Can i also upgrade to my ram to 16 gb? if yes, which exactly ram, product I should buy?
[doublepost=1509217880][/doublepost]


hexley, hi,
i have:
I have: 2.66GHz MacBook Pro
(MC373LL/A)

Model Name: MacBook Pro
Model Identifier: MacBookPro6,2
Processor Name: Intel Core i7
Processor Speed: 2,66 GHz
Number of Processors: 1
Total Number of Cores: 2
L2 Cache (per Core): 256 KB
L3 Cache: 4 MB
Memory: 8 GB
Processor Interconnect Speed: 4.8 GT/s
Boot ROM Version: MBP61.0057.B11
SMC Version (system): 1.58f17
Serial Number (system): W8047A9EAGW
Hardware UUID: 9F291A89-A8AD-5BE9-A07D-E7563E8BF1D2

as i get, it is:
MacBook Pro "Core i7" 2.66 17" Mid-2010
as you mention, right?

can i upgrade my ram to 16 gb?
if yes, which two ram i should buy? is there any specific product?

The max for MacBookPro6,2 is 8GB

The only 2010 MacBook Pro model that accepts 16GB is the MacBookPro7,1

(This link may or may not work outside of US) https://eshop.macsales.com/shop/memory/Apple_MacBook_MacBook_Pro/Upgrade/DDR3

 

[kerempg]

I agree with this...

I got an SSD first and have to say it's a big performance boost having your OS and virtual RAM on an SSD! I went cheap and got a small SSD, data doubler, put HDD in optical slot, made a DIY fusion drive, works great.

Here's the scoop on what 2010 MBPs will take 16GB, and this is possibly the only place to get the RAM that will work, as most made today are at higher speeds and claim to be backward compatible but, in reality, are not. (10.7.5 or newer required to address over 8GB RAM). http://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC/8566DDR3S16P/

hi benj, i dont understand if i have ssd or hdd, how to understand it? if hdd, which ssd to buy for best result?

i have,
Model Name: MacBook Pro
Model Identifier: MacBookPro6,2
Processor Name: Intel Core i7
Processor Speed: 2,66 GHz
Number of Processors: 1
Total Number of Cores: 2
L2 Cache (per Core): 256 KB
L3 Cache: 4 MB
Memory: 8 GB
Processor Interconnect Speed: 4.8 GT/s
Boot ROM Version: MBP61.0057.B11
SMC Version (system): 1.58f17
Serial Number (system): W8047A9EAGW
Hardware UUID: 9F291A89-A8AD-5BE9-A07D-E7563E8BF1D2

and

Intel 5 Series Chipset:
Vendor: Intel
Product: 5 Series Chipset
Link Speed: 3 Gigabit
Negotiated Link Speed: 1.5 Gigabit
Physical Interconnect: SATA
Description: AHCI Version 1.30 Supported
Hitachi HTS545050B9SA02:
Capacity: 500,11 GB (500.107.862.016 bytes)
Model: Hitachi HTS545050B9SA02
Revision: PB4AC60W
Serial Number: 100926PBL40017K4M73N
Native Command Queuing: Yes
Queue Depth: 32
Removable Media: No
Detachable Drive: No
BSD Name: disk0
Rotational Rate: 5400
Medium Type: Rotational
Partition Map Type: GPT (GUID Partition Table)
S.M.A.R.T. status: Verified
Volumes:
EFI:
Capacity: 209,7 MB (209.715.200 byte
BSD Name: disk0s1
Content: EFI
Macintosh HD:
Capacity: 499,76 GB (499.763.888.128 bytes)
Writable: Yes
File System: Journaled HFS+
BSD Name: disk0s2
Mount Point: /
Content: Apple_HFS
Volume UUID: F5DEB8D6-FB5C-3A18-91E3-C52F42DE5338
Intel 5 Series Chipset:
Vendor: Intel
Product: 5 Series Chipset
Link Speed: 3 Gigabit
Negotiated Link Speed: 1.5 Gigabit
Physical Interconnect: SATA
Description: AHCI Version 1.30 Supported
MATSHITADVD-R UJ-898:
Model: MATSHITADVD-R UJ-898
Revision: HC10
Serial Number: UK30 4508ZV
Native Command Queuing: No
Detachable Drive: No
Power Off: Yes
Async Notification: No

 

[Audit13]

Hitachi HTS545050B9SA02 is a mechanical drive: https://www.ebay.com/p/Hitachi-Trav...nal-5400-RPM-2-5-0A78255-Hard-Drive/109563545

 

[benji888]

hi benj, i dont understand if i have ssd or hdd, how to understand it? if hdd, which ssd to buy for best result?

i have,
Model Name: MacBook Pro
Model Identifier: MacBookPro6,2
Processor Name: Intel Core i7
Processor Speed: 2,66 GHz
Number of Processors: 1
Total Number of Cores: 2
L2 Cache (per Core): 256 KB
L3 Cache: 4 MB
Memory: 8 GB
Processor Interconnect Speed: 4.8 GT/s
Boot ROM Version: MBP61.0057.B11
SMC Version (system): 1.58f17
Serial Number (system): W8047A9EAGW
Hardware UUID: 9F291A89-A8AD-5BE9-A07D-E7563E8BF1D2

and

Intel 5 Series Chipset:
Vendor: Intel
Product: 5 Series Chipset
Link Speed: 3 Gigabit
Negotiated Link Speed: 1.5 Gigabit
Physical Interconnect: SATA
Description: AHCI Version 1.30 Supported
Hitachi HTS545050B9SA02:
Capacity: 500,11 GB (500.107.862.016 bytes)
Model: Hitachi HTS545050B9SA02
Revision: PB4AC60W
Serial Number: 100926PBL40017K4M73N
Native Command Queuing: Yes
Queue Depth: 32
Removable Media: No
Detachable Drive: No
BSD Name: disk0
Rotational Rate: 5400
Medium Type: Rotational
Partition Map Type: GPT (GUID Partition Table)
S.M.A.R.T. status: Verified
Volumes:
EFI:
Capacity: 209,7 MB (209.715.200 byte
BSD Name: disk0s1
Content: EFI
Macintosh HD:
Capacity: 499,76 GB (499.763.888.128 bytes)
Writable: Yes
File System: Journaled HFS+
BSD Name: disk0s2
Mount Point: /
Content: Apple_HFS
Volume UUID: F5DEB8D6-FB5C-3A18-91E3-C52F42DE5338
Intel 5 Series Chipset:
Vendor: Intel
Product: 5 Series Chipset
Link Speed: 3 Gigabit
Negotiated Link Speed: 1.5 Gigabit
Physical Interconnect: SATA
Description: AHCI Version 1.30 Supported
MATSHITADVD-R UJ-898:
Model: MATSHITADVD-R UJ-898
Revision: HC10
Serial Number: UK30 4508ZV
Native Command Queuing: No
Detachable Drive: No
Power Off: Yes
Async Notification: No

Yes that is an HDD.

For the 2010 MBPs you need an SSD that is compatible with SATA II/3Gbps, many of the newer lower priced SSDs only work with SATA III, and some may default to SATA I. I recommend OWC SSDs, but, their Neptune line is lower priced, but won’t work. You could get either the 3G line or the 6G, if you upgrade your Mac at some point, you could transfer the 6G to an external drive and get faster speeds out of it, the 3G is only SATA I/II compatible. https://eshop.macsales.com/shop/ssd/owc/macbook-pro/2010
Or
https://eshop.macsales.com/shop/SSD/OWC/Mercury_6G/

You can just swap your HDD for an SSD. Or, if you don’t use your optical drive, you could get a data doubler and add the SSD.

If you want to make a DIY fusion drive I can direct you to a good thread for that.

 

[Audit13]

I have used sata III drives in a 2009 15" MBP, 2010 13" MBP, and 2010 15" MBP with absolutely no compatibility issues. These drives include the Samsung 840 EVO, Samsung 850 EVO, Sandisk SSD Plus, Kingston HyperX, Adapa SP550, and Crucial M550. Any sata III SSD should have no problem negotiating a sata I or II link speed.

For an SSD in a 2010 MBP, the speed will be limited by the speed of the sata connections.

Personally, I would go the the largest capacity at the lowest price from a reputable maker.

 

[benji888]

I must reiterate, make sure the SSD states it is compatible with SATA II/3Gbps, ...to save production costs, some SSDs only include chips that work with SATA III, not backwards compatible with SATA II.

 

[kerempg]

Hitachi HTS545050B9SA02 is a mechanical drive: https://www.ebay.com/p/Hitachi-Trav...nal-5400-RPM-2-5-0A78255-Hard-Drive/109563545

thank you very very much for the answer, I really appreciate it. the customer support recommended me this product to buy: https://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC/YSSDMP500/
[doublepost=1509299684][/doublepost]

The max for MacBookPro6,2 is 8GB

The only 2010 MacBook Pro model that accepts 16GB is the MacBookPro7,1

(This link may or may not work outside of US) https://eshop.macsales.com/shop/memory/Apple_MacBook_MacBook_Pro/Upgrade/DDR3

benji888 thank you very much for the valuable answer, I really appreciate that. My main problem was about running Logic Pro x which is a music recording software which sucks RAM and processor. I was ok with i7, but 8 GB ram is messing up all my time, day. Do you think changing into SSD, will save me while using Logic Pro x? such as this: https://eshop.macsales.com/shop/ssd/owc/macbook-pro/2010

 

[benji888]

thank you very very much for the answer, I really appreciate it. the customer support recommended me this product to buy: https://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC/YSSDMP500/

That’s a good way to keep your old drive, tools are just what you need.

OWC has the best customer service for any online store, if you have any issues their tech support is excellent.

They have DIY videos, you can find them on their website, or search their YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/user/OWCmacsales) for your Mac’s model number (MacBookPro6,2), upgrade SSD

 

[Audit13]

Never heard of a sata III drive that only worked with sata III.

Any examples you can think of? Every sata III drive I have used has worked with sata II.

 

[benji888]

thank you very very much for the answer, I really appreciate it. the customer support recommended me this product to buy: https://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC/YSSDMP500/
[doublepost=1509299684][/doublepost]

benji888 thank you very much for the valuable answer, I really appreciate that. My main problem was about running Logic Pro x which is a music recording software which sucks RAM and processor. I was ok with i7, but 8 GB ram is messing up all my time, day. Do you think changing into SSD, will save me while using Logic Pro x? such as this: https://eshop.macsales.com/shop/ssd/owc/macbook-pro/2010

oh, so, your RAM is being fully utilized and then some? The SSD could make a difference, but, you might want to put that out there in a new thread with Logic Pro X in the headline, see what others have done, maybe even try apple's support site (Communities). I'm not currently running a pro app. If a new Mac is not in the budget, with your RAM already maxed out, an SSD will be the last boost you can give to your older Mac, could be worth a try, but, I'd try asking other Logic Pro X users first.
[doublepost=1509301954][/doublepost]

Never heard of a sata III drive that only worked with sata III.

Any examples you can think of? Every sata III drive I have used has worked with sata II.

I wanted to purchase this one when it was on sale, but, wasn't sure from the tech specs if it would work or not, I contacted their tech support and it only works on SATA III, if you look at the specs, SATA III is listed, but, not I or II. https://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC/SSD7N6G480/

If you look at the specs here, this one is backward compatible, lists SATA III, I & II: https://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC/S3D7E6G250/

So, that would make me leary of any lowest priced SSD, check first if needing to use it at SATA II speed.

 

[Audit13]

All sata III drives must follow the sata standard. I have yet to come across a sata III ssd that didn't work with a sata I or II controller. I am curious if anyone has run into this situation. I have only used sata III ssd and mechanical drives with old machines, Mac and PC, with no problem.

Sata I and II ssd drives have not been made for years. Finding a new one will be difficult and/or expensive.

https://kb.sandisk.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/8142/~/difference-between-sata-i,-sata-ii-and-sata-iii

The older aura ssd may not work with high Sierra and apfs (https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/apfs-not-compatible-with-owc-ssds.2072100/) while the 13" 2010 MBP runs high Sierra. I had it installed on a 13" 2010 MBP with a Samsung 850 EVO sata III drive, apfs, and no problems at all.