16GB RAM on Macbook Pro 2010 17"? Is it worth?

[hajime]

Hello, I came across the following article:

https://www.ifixit.com/Answers/View/148841/16+GB+possible+with+OS+X+Mountain+Lion+or+Mavericks

Anybody has success with using 16GB RAM on MacBook Pro 17" under Sierra/Windows7/Ubuntu?

Is it worth to upgrade?

 

[DeltaMac]

You should note that article is discussing 13-inch MBPro. That model is known to accept RAM up to 16GB (2 x 8GB)

The 2010 15 and 17-inch models do not (from what I can discover) work with 2 x 8GB chips, and are limited to 8GB maximum.
Here's an OWC RAM list that shows that distinction (2010 13-inch only for 16GB)

 

[hajime]

You should note that article is discussing 13-inch MBPro. That model is known to accept RAM up to 16GB (2 x 8GB)

The 2010 15 and 17-inch models do not (from what I can discover) work with 2 x 8GB chips, and are limited to 8GB maximum.
Here's an OWC RAM list that shows that distinction (2010 13-inch only for 16GB)

Thanks. Why Apple made 13-inch upgradable but not 15 and 17 inches?

 

[DeltaMac]

Apple did not make the 13-inch upgradeable, other than to the same level as the 15 and 17-inch.
Apple's specs for all of those models show that same maximum: 8GB.
But, sites that test for memory, also try out other configurations. It turns out that the chipset used in the 13-inch accepts 16GB. The others do not.
Also, the hardware model identifier for the 2010 13-inch is MacBookPro7,1
The larger screen models are MacBookPro6,1 and MacBookPro6,2
So, I would consider that the 13-inch is slightly further up the hardware development lineup, compared to the 15 and 17.
The chipset simply supports more memory than Apple originally offered, and Apple normally does not ever update those tech specs.

Anyway - if you want 8GB RAM in your 17-inch, that's all you can do

 

[hajime]

Apple did not make the 13-inch upgradeable, other than to the same level as the 15 and 17-inch.
Apple's specs for all of those models show that same maximum: 8GB.
But, sites that test for memory, also try out other configurations. It turns out that the chipset used in the 13-inch accepts 16GB. The others do not.
Also, the hardware model identifier for the 2010 13-inch is MacBookPro7,1
The larger screen models are MacBookPro6,1 and MacBookPro6,2
So, I would consider that the 13-inch is slightly further up the hardware development lineup, compared to the 15 and 17.
The chipset simply supports more memory than Apple originally offered, and Apple normally does not ever update those tech specs.

Anyway - if you want 8GB RAM in your 17-inch, that's all you can do

Thanks. I already have 8GB RAM installed right at the beginning.

I guess this is the most I can do with this laptop after adding two SSDs. If I need more power, I will need to buy a better computer.