16GB RAM in a Mid 2010 MacBook Pro

[benji888]

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.

At this point, I know that no matter what I say, you’ll have to “correct” me. So I will make this my last reply.

There is no set standard that all SATA III SSDs have to be backward compatible. As you said yourself, SATA I & II are standards that haven’t been used for years.

Those Aura SSDs only have issue with High Sierra with certain Mac models, has nothing to do with the subject of SATA I/II/III, and, since OWC is working with Apple on a fix, might be fixed with the next High Sierra update, as that issue may have to do with the Mac or the OS not the SSD. APFS is also not compatible with Fusion drives yet, but, will be in a future High Sierra update. https://blog.macsales.com/42466-a-note-on-high-sierra-compatibility-with-third-party-ssds

I would also like to note, that, while 2011 MBPs have SATA III capability, some 2011 & 2012 MBP models, if you upgrade the optical bay with an HDD or SSD (using an OWC data doubler, or ifixit’s dual drive), you must put a SATA II drive there. The (first for Apple laptops) SATA III interface in the optical bay was unreliable and would work intermittently, or not at all with SATA III drives, but was fine if the drive maxed out at SATA II.

If you really want to argue more, please start a new thread on that subject.

 

[kerempg]

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

sure I see, this laptop is dedicated just for Logic pro x projects, nothing else. but a software program which Logic pro x which greeds, craves for RAM, processor will not work in the best way when i change into SSD, did I get it right?

 

[Audit13]

I'm not arguing, I'm just trying to provide information. I apologize if my posts were taken as being argumentative. This will also be my last post on the subject.

Document regarding use of the sata logo: https://sata-io.org/system/files/member-downloads/SATA_Logo_Certification_Release_FINAL.pdf

Document regarding backward compatibility: https://sata-io.org/sites/default/files/documents/SATA-Revision-3.0-Press-Release-FINAL-052609.pdf

 

[benji888]

sure I see, this laptop is dedicated just for Logic pro x projects, nothing else. but a software program which Logic pro x which greeds, craves for RAM, processor will not work in the best way when i change into SSD, did I get it right?

An SSD will improve the overall speed of your Mac, it will make virtual RAM faster along with the OS itself, since macOS frequently accesses the drive. It will help, but if you are maxing out the RAM, SSDs are not as fast as RAM.

If you are maxing out the processor, then you’ll have to work around this limitation or get a newer Mac.

I found this in a quick search https://www.quora.com/How-would-hea...ok-Pro-13-2015-with-8GB-RAM-and-500GB-Storage

Try finding out what other Logic Pro X users are doing.

 

[kerempg]

I'm not arguing, I'm just trying to provide information. I apologize if my posts were taken as being argumentative. This will also be my last post on the subject.

Document regarding use of the sata logo: https://sata-io.org/system/files/member-downloads/SATA_Logo_Certification_Release_FINAL.pdf

Document regarding backward compatibility: https://sata-io.org/sites/default/files/documents/SATA-Revision-3.0-Press-Release-FINAL-052609.pdf

audit13, I am aware that you are helping out, providing useful information that I really appreciate and thankful about it. Thank´s a lot, have an awesome day.

 

[benji888]

I'm not arguing, I'm just trying to provide information. I apologize if my posts were taken as being argumentative. This will also be my last post on the subject.

Document regarding use of the sata logo: https://sata-io.org/system/files/member-downloads/SATA_Logo_Certification_Release_FINAL.pdf

Document regarding backward compatibility: https://sata-io.org/sites/default/files/documents/SATA-Revision-3.0-Press-Release-FINAL-052609.pdf

Ok. I understand where you’re coming from. I read everything you posted, and I just don’t see anything that states SATA III drives are required to be backward compatible. Kingston SSDs state compatibility with SATA II, but say nothing of SATA I. Plus Apple has moved on to other interfaces for internal flash storage (SSD), (PCIe). iMacs and Mac mini’s still have SATA for HDD, but, not in the upcoming iMac Pro, ...I think SATA is slowly on the way out, PCIe flash drives can be much faster. It won’t surprise me if more manufacturers leave out anything they can to help get prices down, at least on entry level SSDs.

 

[kerempg]

Ok. I understand where you’re coming from. I read everything you posted, and I just don’t see anything that states SATA III drives are required to be backward compatible. Kingston SSDs state compatibility with SATA II, but say nothing of SATA I. Plus Apple has moved on to other interfaces for internal flash storage (SSD), (PCIe). iMacs and Mac mini’s still have SATA for HDD, but, not in the upcoming iMac Pro, ...I think SATA is slowly on the way out, PCIe flash drives can be much faster. It won’t surprise me if more manufacturers leave out anything they can to help get prices down, at least on entry level SSDs.

Hi benji888, thank you I can change my OS needed, but not to force macbook pro, I have installed Mavericks (10.9.5). Probably I will also try to delete the default apps that mavericks does not allow me delete via command prompt (is it good idea?), I will have the most compatible SSD for macbook, try it in that way. what is the best option SSD to buy for this computer?

 

[Audit13]

From this document, https://sata-io.org/sites/default/files/documents/SATA-Revision-3.0-Press-Release-FINAL-052609.pdf, it states:

"The new specification is backward compatible with earlier SATA implementations, and maintains the low cost and low power for which the popular storage interface is acclaimed."

From this document, https://sata-io.org/sites/default/files/documents/SATA-6-Gbs-The-Path-from-3gbs-to-6gbs.pdf, it states:

"SATA Revision 3.0 offers designers more than just higher data rates. While support for 6Gb/s is clearly the highlight of this third-generation SATA technology, the designers of SATA Revision 3.0 sought to add capabilities while maintaining SATA’s low cost structure. Important enhancements to the SATA Revision 3.0 specification include new compact connectors, enhanced NCQ streaming and management, advanced power management features, and simplified testing. These new features also function at 1.5Gb/s and 3Gb/s."

It is my understanding that, for a manufacturer to use the "sata logo", the manufacturer must comply with the Sata organization's rules and regulations with respect to techinical standards/specifications set by the organization.

It is based on this information that I felt safe using sata III SSDs in sata I and sata II laptops and desktops.

With every sata III ssd I installed in a Macbook, I was also able to enable trim under El Capitan, Sierra and High Sierra.

 

[kerempg]

From this document, https://sata-io.org/sites/default/files/documents/SATA-Revision-3.0-Press-Release-FINAL-052609.pdf, it states:

"The new specification is backward compatible with earlier SATA implementations, and maintains the low cost and low power for which the popular storage interface is acclaimed."

From this document, https://sata-io.org/sites/default/files/documents/SATA-6-Gbs-The-Path-from-3gbs-to-6gbs.pdf, it states:

"SATA Revision 3.0 offers designers more than just higher data rates. While support for 6Gb/s is clearly the highlight of this third-generation SATA technology, the designers of SATA Revision 3.0 sought to add capabilities while maintaining SATA’s low cost structure. Important enhancements to the SATA Revision 3.0 specification include new compact connectors, enhanced NCQ streaming and management, advanced power management features, and simplified testing. These new features also function at 1.5Gb/s and 3Gb/s."

It is my understanding that, for a manufacturer to use the "sata logo", the manufacturer must comply with the Sata organization's rules and regulations with respect to techinical standards/specifications set by the organization.

It is based on this information that I felt safe using sata III SSDs in sata I and sata II laptops and desktops.

With every sata III ssd I installed in a Macbook, I was also able to enable trim under El Capitan, Sierra and High Sierra.

there are 2 things I want to mention: 1) but macbook pro 6,2 2.66 ghz i7 is not able to get any use of sata revision 3.0, am i right, wrong? 2) morover macsales staff said: We would only recommend a 3G SSD as if you put in a 6G SSD it will just be down-clocked to a slower speed than 3G speeds.

 

[Audit13]

I had a 2010 15" i5 MBP, 8 Gb, sata 3 Samsung 850 evo and Kingston hyperX drive with no problem. The mbp can use sata 3 drives but speed is limited to sata 2.

Never heard that a sata 3 drive will work at less than sata 2 speed on a sata 2 controller.

 

[kerempg]

considering this info: "We would only recommend a 3G SSD as if you put in a 6G SSD it will just be down-clocked to a slower speed than 3G speeds", I bought: https://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC/YSSDMP500/ for MacBook Pro 6,2 mid 2010, 2.66 ghz, i7.

 

[robvas]

considering this info: "We would only recommend a 3G SSD as if you put in a 6G SSD it will just be down-clocked to a slower speed than 3G speeds", I bought: https://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC/YSSDMP500/ for MacBook Pro 6,2 mid 2010, 2.66 ghz, i7.

I would take a 6G over a 3G any day of the week. Reason being, the 3G is a Sandforce SF-1500 while the 6G is the next-generation product, SF-2200.

It's faster in things other than just peak numbers. But either way, you're talking about 'state of the art' in SSD technology from 2009-2011. I wouldn't buy either drive today, I'd go with something from Crucial, Samsung, or Sandisk.

 

[Audit13]

For any computer that works with sata 1, 2, or 3, I recommend Samsung 850 evo and Crucial mx300 as these are available from local Amazon websites. I have also had good luck with Adata, Sandisk, and Kingston sata3 drives.

 

[adequate8]

bumping this one

if im right, the 2010 MacBook pro 2.4 core 2 duo can take 16gb ram, and can be sourced from: https://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC...n=cj&cjevent=7b7db81d100611e980d901120a180510

im based in the UK and normally buy from crucial, but does anyone know of any other UK suppliers?

edited as found a supplier!

https://www.macupgrades.co.uk/store/product_info.php?products_id=823

 

[benji888]

bumping this one

if im right, the 2010 MacBook pro 2.4 core 2 duo can take 16gb ram, and can be sourced from: https://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC...n=cj&cjevent=7b7db81d100611e980d901120a180510

im based in the UK and normally buy from crucial, but does anyone know of any other UK suppliers?

edited as found a supplier!

https://www.macupgrades.co.uk/store/product_info.php?products_id=823

That looks like a UK source for the same OWC RAM, (what I have).

Basically you can get RAM with the same exact specs...the problem is newer RAM will work at more than one clock speed, (higher, and “backward compatible” with the slower clock speed), for whatever reason these will not work in this particular Mac, it just has to be designed to work at 1066 only.

I don’t know about in th UK, but OWC makes quality products, and they know Macs, with the best customer service, and tech support (for an online business) in the US computer industry. I highly recommend OWC for Mac users.

 

[dogslobber]

Could also try:

https://www.flexxmemory.co.uk/categ...2010-macbook-pros/mid-2010-macbookpro7-1.html

 

[technano]

Hi there, I have a 17 inch with Core i7 2.66 ghz,

I'm keen to know if I can use a 1600mhz or 1333 mhz rams instead of the 1087mhz

Anyone tried this out?

Thanks.

 

[m3ud-spyn]

Hi. Just upgraded from 4gb ram to 16gb DDR3 on my MacBookPro 13" mid-2010 2,66Ghz Core 2 Duo and it works normally. If someone want screenshots, I can send. I also switch normal HDD to 120gb SSD drive and in addition I put a special SD Card (Transcend JetDrive360 with 128gb memory) in to card reader. This Card is fast and especially made for this 2010 model with it's SIZE, so it fit's like sim card in your phone (SD Card is hide'd in 99% in MacBook's body).

Thanks

 

[Phillthedrill]

I will let ya'll know if the 6,2 mid 2010 macbook pro with Catalina, i7 processor will allow 16GB or not. It has 8GB now.

 

[ScreenSavers]

This may have been mentioned already, but 16GB will work in some of the Core 2 Duo machines but not at all in the first generation i5/i7 machines. I've tried extensively.

 

[Phillthedrill]

This may have been mentioned already, but 16GB will work in some of the Core 2 Duo machines but not at all in the first generation i5/i7 machines. I've tried extensively.

Were you able to test it on newer OS's like Mojave and/or Catalina?

 

[ScreenSavers]

Were you able to test it on newer OS's like Mojave and/or Catalina?

Yes. Doesn’t work. Kernel panic right after boot.

 

[Phillthedrill]

Yes. Doesn’t work. Kernel panic right after boot.

Well, thanks for finding out for all of us. I kept thinking it was a software limitation but I guess it's something hardware related. I know it's dual channel, but I guess it wouldn't work making it single channel and using an 8GB and a 4GB?

 

[ScreenSavers]

Nope. Unfortunately none of them will work. I tried on a couple 2010 MacBook Pro’s. 15 and 17 inch.

 

[dead flag blues]

Rats. Wrong thread.

My 2019 16" MBP i9 2.4ghz 32GB 2TB 5500M w/ 8GB GDDR6 is swapping like mad today. Admittedly, I'm working with tons of polygons in Rhino/Grasshopper.

Seeing RAM usage hovering between 16-23 GB with a handful of Safari tabs and a virtually empty Rhino session is a drag.

It seems that I need a machine with 64 GB. Never thought I'd say that.