Can I configure A High End MBP on Apple.com?

[T5BRICK]

I understand that I need 2 X 8 GB but that is a new cMBP without any RAM. I was trying to do this so that I do not have to waste RAM since a new machine comes with RAM installed already (not enough as I want) but I was hoping there wold be a way since there is RAM already in the mac, how could I install what I need to use what comes in the machine and still purchase what I need to equal 16 GB and have it work with what is already installed.

Since the computer only has two RAM slots, and they're both filled with 4GB sticks, you don't have an option but to waste RAM if you want to install 16GB.

I commented on your remark about how easy this is. I ask that you please stop telling me I am making this harder than it is.I do not think I am but you do. You have said that enough so let's drop your feeling about how I am making this harder than it needs to be.

This is the first time you've said anything to me about "dropping it." I don't have a problem that you feel uncomfortable about upgrading your computer. I only mentioned what I did because according to your last post:

With the MBP I have now (the one that is dying a slow death) was so easy to upgrade when I first purchased it. things change I guess.

If you've already upgraded RAM in a 2008 model MBP, the process is very similar.

Anyway, I'm done here.

 

[NewishMacGuy]

snaky-

If you get Applecare on the new MBP and do these installs yourself, what does that do to the Applecare you paid for on that machine?

I do not have the knowledge I need to get the right kind of RAM (know how much RAM the new MBP can take) and properly install the RAM. You obviously do not understand when people do not have the knowledge you have.

Being in the medical profession that is like me telling you to suture up your own wound next time you need sutures rather then going to a medical professional to do it. "don't tell me you do not have the means or knowledge, that simply is not true."

I will say it again, I do not have the knowledge to install RAM. Apparently you do and because you do you think everybody else has the knowledge. Kind of a sad attitude you have.

OP, this is really not a hard thing to research and figure out, it would literally take less time than you've spent on this thread asking.

Totally scary (but not surprising) that you're in the medical profession...

 

[725032]

OP, this is really not a hard thing to research and figure out, it would literally take less time than you've spent on this thread asking.

Totally scary (but not surprising) that you're in the medical profession...

I agree. This is indeed worrying... I wonder how much time the OP spends on Web MD!

 

[Essenar]

Dude, it's so easy, you could literally teach your grad students how to do it in 10 minutes after you spent 5 minutes learning how to do it.

If you want 15":
Buy the BASE model 15" MacBook Pro with only the screen upgraded to hi-res anti-glare.

Do not "upgrade" the ram or hard drive on Apple's website.

Go on Newegg and order a Samsung 830 SSD hard drive and a G.Skill 16GB DDR3-1600 kit. Whichever has the highest reviews. It will be compatible, I 100% guarantee it.

The parts come in, install, enjoy.

If you want 13":
Same thing, order the base model with upgraded processor, order the parts and install them. Enjoy.

And yes, the classic MacBook Pro handles 16GB of ram just fine. I have 16GB of ram in my MacBook Pro 2012 and it works fine. You need to chill out. It really is this simple.

 

[arcite]

Buy the ram you want.

Take your computer to a tech, apple store, computer store of your choice; they will install the ram for you.

If you wish, sell, or give the extra ram to someone who will make use of it.

See? easy. It's not heart surgery.

 

[English Hacker]

I can't believe nobody has questioned the fact that this WebCT software requires a massive 12Gb of RAM. I am certain that it doesn't.

Can you point to the documentation where it says that? This spec sheet says you need 4Gb to run a server with 500 concurrent sessions: http://kb.cengage.com/pages/viewpage.action?pageId=18874385

 

[Ploki]

It's so ****ing simple. If you get page-outs, you need RAM, if you don't, you don't.

 

[HowBoutIt?]

I called apple.com today

I still was not sure how much RAM the new MBPs could take. I asked to speak to the manager and he told me they can not take ore than 8 Gb of RAM. I was shocked at this answer and I am not sure it is accurate. How can I find out for sure how much RAM a new cMBP can take? I thought calling the apple.com site and asking for a supervisor would do it, but unless they can't take more than 8 GB of RAM, I would be shocked. a mac Mini can take 32 GB of RAM

----------

This is all easy to you because it is not you buying the new MBP and you are working under assumption in your post. I can't even find out for a supervisor at apple.com by calling them if the new MBPs will take more than 8 GB of RAM. he told me they can't take ore than 8 GB of RAM which I find hard to believe.

These questions might be easy for most of you, but it is not your $2000 and then hoping it all works out. For the person who questions about WebCT and how much RAM the teacher's computer needs, they obviously have no clue what they are talking about. I now have to worry about getting a new MBP that does not take more than 8GB of RAM according to this supervisor. My questions I asked her thinking there would be some experts who would be able to tell me the best RAm and SSD available. if you wanted to know the best sutures or staples for a puncture would I could tell you what the latest studies (research) has shown). it is the same principle why I came her hoping to get not a bunch of attitude but real people who want to help me get the best RAM and SSD because I do not know what it is. Now I need to know how much it can take so I know how may sticks to buy if indeed the supervisor was wrong and the MBP can take 32 GB.

Dude, it's so easy, you could literally teach your grad students how to do it in 10 minutes after you spent 5 minutes learning how to do it.

If you want 15":
Buy the BASE model 15" MacBook Pro with only the screen upgraded to hi-res anti-glare.

Do not "upgrade" the ram or hard drive on Apple's website.

Go on Newegg and order a Samsung 830 SSD hard drive and a G.Skill 16GB DDR3-1600 kit. Whichever has the highest reviews. It will be compatible, I 100% guarantee it.

The parts come in, install, enjoy.

If you want 13":
Same thing, order the base model with upgraded processor, order the parts and install them. Enjoy.

And yes, the classic MacBook Pro handles 16GB of ram just fine. I have 16GB of ram in my MacBook Pro 2012 and it works fine. You need to chill out. It really is this simple.

----------

then move on to another post. no one is holding you here.

OP, this is really not a hard thing to research and figure out, it would literally take less time than you've spent on this thread asking.

Totally scary (but not surprising) that you're in the medical profession...

----------

you do not take into consideration that the rMBP for someone like me does not come ready to use. There is no ethernet port but an adapter, I still use an ethernet cable. When I go out of town I need to use the notebook with an ethernet. there are TB ports but i have not idea what they are for. I need an external superdrive if I get the rMPB because some of the old software for teaching does not come any other way then on a disc. and the other ports...

Really? I think the new MBP is quite stunning. The rMBP and cMBP are practically the same.
rMBP is as reliable as cMBP, and to be honest, if you upgrade to SSD and full-blown RAM you're better off getting an rMBP because it's cheaper...

comparison:
base high end cMBP: 2199$ if you add RAM: (99$ OWC, if you add SSD: ~550$ OWC Mercury 480GB) >> ~ 2850$ (+100$ for hires screen) > ~2950$
base high end rMBP: 2799$ if you add ram: (200$ apple) >> 2999$

base cMBP: 1799$ (4GB) (99$ for ram, ~250$ SSD 256GB) >> ~ 2150$, you get only 512GB VRAM.
base rMBP: 2199$ (8GB) (200$ for ram) >> 2399$


At the current RAM and SSD prices, rMBP is priced *quite* aggressively.

 

[Ploki]

you do not take into consideration that the rMBP for someone like me does not come ready to use. There is no ethernet port but an adapter, I still use an ethernet cable. When I go out of town I need to use the notebook with an ethernet. there are TB ports but i have not idea what they are for. I need an external superdrive if I get the rMPB because some of the old software for teaching does not come any other way then on a disc. and the other ports...

cMBP can take 16gb of ram as of this moment (there are no 16gb sticks available), mac mini has 4 slots.
but theoretically up to 32gb.

If you do need optical, ethernet, then that is a no-brainer! Just get the cMBP, aside from the retina display it's the same machine. And even then, hiress matte display is one impressive display.

I haven't had my optical in my cMBP 2008 for 3 years (and I'm happy) and I connect to ethernet so rarely I can survive with a TB to Ethernet dongle.

 

[HowBoutIt?]

I would not put a 16 GB stick of RAM on one side (slot) in a new MBP, You are supposed to divide the 16 gB, so that would be 8 GB x 2, one stick on each side, not16 GB on one side. The latest problem I have is that I called the apple.com number the other night and asked to speak to a supervisor. He told me the most the MBP can take is 8 GB of RAM. I am not sure if he thought I asked what is the most apple.com will install for me or what, but I am pretty sure the new MBPs will take 16 GB of RAM or 8 GB x2, which is what I need. I would like to order the cMBP with the least amount of RAM and the smallest/slowest HD, get that on its way, order the 16 Gb of RAM (a good name like Crucial) and a good SSD drive, but I am not sure what size SSD drive I should get. Not even sure If I will need a tool kit like crucial sells so I have the right screwdriver. I would like to get the MBP ordered and know for sure if it will take 8 GB x 2 sticks of RAM (I have no need for 32 GB) and a good SSD drive, get them here, use the apple help articles or the help that the make I purchase has for installs, I wold just order the MBP if I did not get that information from the supervisor who told me the most RAM a MBP can take is 8 GB.

cMBP can take 16gb of ram as of this moment (there are no 16gb sticks available), mac mini has 4 slots.
but theoretically up to 32gb.

If you do need optical, ethernet, then that is a no-brainer! Just get the cMBP, aside from the retina display it's the same machine. And even then, hiress matte display is one impressive display.

I haven't had my optical in my cMBP 2008 for 3 years (and I'm happy) and I connect to ethernet so rarely I can survive with a TB to Ethernet dongle.

 

[duervo]

I would not put a 16 GB stick of RAM on one side (slot) in a new MBP, You are supposed to divide the 16 gB, so that would be 8 GB x 2, one stick on each side, not16 GB on one side. The latest problem I have is that I called the apple.com number the other night and asked to speak to a supervisor. He told me the most the MBP can take is 8 GB of RAM. I am not sure if he thought I asked what is the most apple.com will install for me or what, but I am pretty sure the new MBPs will take 16 GB of RAM or 8 GB x2, which is what I need. I would like to order the cMBP with the least amount of RAM and the smallest/slowest HD, get that on its way, order the 16 Gb of RAM (a good name like Crucial) and a good SSD drive, but I am not sure what size SSD drive I should get. Not even sure If I will need a tool kit like crucial sells so I have the right screwdriver. I would like to get the MBP ordered and know for sure if it will take 8 GB x 2 sticks of RAM (I have no need for 32 GB) and a good SSD drive, get them here, use the apple help articles or the help that the make I purchase has for installs, I wold just order the MBP if I did not get that information from the supervisor who told me the most RAM a MBP can take is 8 GB.

The suprvisor told you that because that is currently the most RAM that Apple will officially support if you were to call in for assistance from them. If you were to call in for help from them, and you tell them you have 16GB of RAM, there is a good chance that, worst case, they will tell you to put the original RAM it had when you bought it, back into the system, to see if your current issue goes away. Until they know that you are back in a "supported" config, they may not help you.

It's an everyday computer support scenario that all computer manufacturers deal with. It's not something specific to Apple.

If you want a laptop that officially supports 16GB from its manufacturer, then I would suggest that you take a look at the Lenovo Thinkpad W530. Otherwise, if you really want a MBP, this is what you will have to live with:

1. Get a cMBP with the base amount of RAM.

2. Get a Corsair Vengeance 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3L 1600 SODIMM kit.

3. Install the kit into the cMBP, keeping the original RAM in a safe place in the event you need to solicit the support of Apple in the future.

4. If Apple support is needed in the future, take the original RAM, put it back in the machine, and call Apple.

5. When Apple has resolved your issue, put the 16GB RAM kit back in, placing the original Apple RAM back in a safe place.

I'm typing this post on a mid-2012 15" Macbook Pro right now, in which I have upgraded its RAM from the stock 4GB, to the Corsair Vengeance kit that I mentioned above. The procedure took about 10 minutes (you need the right tools ... check http://www.ifixit.com for instructions) and I'm very pleased with the outcome. No scars whatsoever.

 

[HowBoutIt?]

Pretty smart, that is what I have planned to do. The MBP that is dying now, I put the RAM in 6 years ago and has been to the genius bar and never said one thing.

I also want a SSD drive but don't want to pay the high price so I am looking for a good SSD drive that I can install with the instructions I found in an apple Help record. This will sound stupid, but if I get the cMBP with the least expensive HD and upgrade to a SSD on my own will I have to install the OS (MountainLion) on to the SSD? Don't laugh, I am learning. I do need the superdrive or I would take the superdrive out and get a bigger SSD, but do you know if there is a scanner that can tell me what is the biggest SSD drive a new MBP will take?

I need to get this going. so you are sure that 16 GB (8 GB x 2) is the max the new MBP can take as far a RAM goes? I read the macMini can take 32 GB.

The suprvisor told you that because that is currently the most RAM that Apple will officially support if you were to call in for assistance from them. If you were to call in for help from them, and you tell them you have 16GB of RAM, there is a good chance that, worst case, they will tell you to put the original RAM it had when you bought it, back into the system, to see if your current issue goes away. Until they know that you are back in a "supported" config, they may not help you.

It's an everyday computer support scenario that all computer manufacturers deal with. It's not something specific to Apple.

If you want a laptop that officially supports 16GB from its manufacturer, then I would suggest that you take a look at the Lenovo Thinkpad W530. Otherwise, if you really want a MBP, this is what you will have to live with:

1. Get a cMBP with the base amount of RAM.

2. Get a Corsair Vengeance 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3L 1600 SODIMM kit.

3. Install the kit into the cMBP, keeping the original RAM in a safe place in the event you need to solicit the support of Apple in the future.

4. If Apple support is needed in the future, take the original RAM, put it back in the machine, and call Apple.

5. When Apple has resolved your issue, put the 16GB RAM kit back in, placing the original Apple RAM back in a safe place.

I'm typing this post on a mid-2012 15" Macbook Pro right now, in which I have upgraded its RAM from the stock 4GB, to the Corsair Vengeance kit that I mentioned above. The procedure took about 10 minutes (you need the right tools ... check http://www.ifixit.com for instructions) and I'm very pleased with the outcome. No scars whatsoever.

----------

I did go to fixit this morning and they are out of the screw driver I need, I need 2 others since I think the new MBPs are still unibody, but the 2 screw drivers they listed to get the screws off the back I could not even tell what they are or the size. they did not mention the size but I know the screws are small. The only screw driver they suggested to buy (which they are out of) is the one needed to remove and replace the RAM. I think the supervisor did not understand me. I think he thought I asked what is the max amount of RAM I can upgrade to if I have Apple do it. Not all people get applecare, and you assumed that I was getting applecare. But as I said even with this MBP I have I have had applecare and it has the same RAM I put in it about 5 years ago and they never said anything.

The suprvisor told you that because that is currently the most RAM that Apple will officially support if you were to call in for assistance from them. If you were to call in for help from them, and you tell them you have 16GB of RAM, there is a good chance that, worst case, they will tell you to put the original RAM it had when you bought it, back into the system, to see if your current issue goes away. Until they know that you are back in a "supported" config, they may not help you.

It's an everyday computer support scenario that all computer manufacturers deal with. It's not something specific to Apple.

If you want a laptop that officially supports 16GB from its manufacturer, then I would suggest that you take a look at the Lenovo Thinkpad W530. Otherwise, if you really want a MBP, this is what you will have to live with:

1. Get a cMBP with the base amount of RAM.

2. Get a Corsair Vengeance 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3L 1600 SODIMM kit.

3. Install the kit into the cMBP, keeping the original RAM in a safe place in the event you need to solicit the support of Apple in the future.

4. If Apple support is needed in the future, take the original RAM, put it back in the machine, and call Apple.

5. When Apple has resolved your issue, put the 16GB RAM kit back in, placing the original Apple RAM back in a safe place.

I'm typing this post on a mid-2012 15" Macbook Pro right now, in which I have upgraded its RAM from the stock 4GB, to the Corsair Vengeance kit that I mentioned above. The procedure took about 10 minutes (you need the right tools ... check http://www.ifixit.com for instructions) and I'm very pleased with the outcome. No scars whatsoever.

 

[duervo]

Pretty smart, that is what I have planned to do. The MBP that is dying now, I put the RAM in 6 years ago and has been to the genius bar and never said one thing.

I also want a SSD drive but don't want to pay the high price so I am looking for a good SSD drive that I can install with the instructions I found in an apple Help record. This will sound stupid, but if I get the cMBP with the least expensive HD and upgrade to a SSD on my own will I have to install the OS (MountainLion) on to the SSD? Don't laugh, I am learning. I do need the superdrive or I would take the superdrive out and get a bigger SSD, but do you know if there is a scanner that can tell me what is the biggest SSD drive a new MBP will take?

I need to get this going. so you are sure that 16 GB (8 GB x 2) is the max the new MBP can take as far a RAM goes? I read the macMini can take 32 GB.

Well, the limiting factor with the new hardware (Mac mini and MBP's) is the number of RAM slots. The chipset and CPU used is what actually dictates the maximum supported memory for the system, but if the manufacturer of that system (not the CPU and Chipset) ... in this case, Apple, doesn't put enough RAM slots in to get to 32GB using 8GB modules, then there will be an inherent "artifical" limit placed on that system by virtue of the number of RAM slots that it has, and nothing else

So, as it is, if you only have a system with 2 RAM slots, like the MBP's, the only way you're going to get to that 32GB maximum, is if you used 16GB SODIMMs. To my knowledge, you can't get any yet, and if/when you can, they will be prohibitively expensive (and typically end up having higher latencies than the smaller capacity modules (rule of thumb regarding latencies in the computer world is that higher latencies = less performace. So higher latency RAM will typically not perform as well as those with lower latencies. but this is not something with which you should concern yourself here. I'm just putting this here for completeness.)

The Mac mini's can get to 32Gb right now (without having to wait for the higher capacity 16GB SODIMMs to become available,) because they have twice as many RAM slots (4) as the MBP's (2).

Edit: In the end, yes, the current cMBP's can use 16GB kits. Lots of people use Crucial brand memory, but me personally, having been burned a couple times this year with DOA Crucial RAM, have chosen the Corsair kit I mentioned previously.

Yeah, you will need a Phillips 00 (0 works too) screwdriver head. That should cover all the screws in the current MBP's to upgrade RAM, because all you need to do is remove the bottom of the laptop and then you'll see the RAM modules staring up at you, plain as day. If you were going to upgrade the hard drive as well, then you'd also need a T6 (Torx) screwdriver.

 

[HowBoutIt?]

nope as far as I know the most you can get into the new MBPs is 16 GB (8x2 slots). I heard if they keep the cMPB they will increase raM to 32 GB but who is to know. I just want to order the machine now and now where to get good RAM (I have looked at Crucial and many other brands -not looking for no name RAM. so I hope if I get the right tools I will be able to add the 8GB x 2 of RAM. I just hope when the machine comes and I get the RAM it will work. I do not know if there is apple articles out that tell home much RAM the current MBPs that are being shipped now can take as far as RAM. I also want to upgrade the HD to the SSD. I think with all the resources I should be able to but it is hard getting the information on what the MBPs are being shipped with now. I do not want any surprises. Since this will be new to me and I have looked at many RAM websites, crucial has good RAM, a tool kit and a decent size SSD. One thing I do not know which sounds really stupid, but if I change the HD for a SSD do I have to install Mountain Lion OSX in the SSD? do you think I should try to get a fusion drive in there, if it is too tight, maybe remove the superdrive. I would like to know what I will find for sure when I open the MBP to install the RAM, I would like to install a great SSD maybe by /crucial too, but on fixit.com they were out of the screw drivers to remove and install the RAM and to remove the screws from the underside, I see you put what size drivers I need. I know there are 2 different size screws on the underside of the MBP. if I have to install the OS on the SSD, that will be something I have never done. I know it sounds stupid but I am not sure where on the MBPs the OS is installed.So you think I am safe to order the basic cMBP with the least amount of RAM and hope it will take the 8 GB x 2 and install a SSD, the largest size it will take which I have no idea how to find out what that is.

Well, the limiting factor with the new hardware (Mac mini and MBP's) is the number of RAM slots. The chipset and CPU used is what actually dictates the maximum supported memory for the system, but if the manufacturer of that system (not the CPU and Chipset) ... in this case, Apple, doesn't put enough RAM slots in to get to 32GB using 8GB modules, then there will be an inherent "artifical" limit placed on that system by virtue of the number of RAM slots that it has, and nothing else

So, as it is, if you only have a system with 2 RAM slots, like the MBP's, the only way you're going to get to that 32GB maximum, is if you used 16GB SODIMMs. To my knowledge, you can't get any yet, and if/when you can, they will be prohibitively expensive (and typically end up having higher latencies than the smaller capacity modules (rule of thumb regarding latencies in the computer world is that higher latencies = less performace. So higher latency RAM will typically not perform as well as those with lower latencies. but this is not something with which you should concern yourself here. I'm just putting this here for completeness.)

The Mac mini's can get to 32Gb right now (without having to wait for the higher capacity 16GB SODIMMs to become available,) because they have twice as many RAM slots (4) as the MBP's (2).

Edit: In the end, yes, the current cMBP's can use 16GB kits. Lots of people use Crucial brand memory, but me personally, having been burned a couple times this year with DOA Crucial RAM, have chosen the Corsair kit I mentioned previously.

Yeah, you will need a Phillips 00 (0 works too) screwdriver head. That should cover all the screws in the current MBP's to upgrade RAM, because all you need to do is remove the bottom of the laptop and then you'll see the RAM modules staring up at you, plain as day. If you were going to upgrade the hard drive as well, then you'd also need a T6 (Torx) screwdriver.

 

[Ploki]

nope as far as I know the most you can get into the new MBPs is 16 GB (8x2 slots). I heard if they keep the cMPB they will increase raM to 32 GB but who is to know. I just want to order the machine now and now where to get good RAM (I have looked at Crucial and many other brands -not looking for no name RAM. so I hope if I get the right tools I will be able to add the 8GB x 2 of RAM. I just hope when the machine comes and I get the RAM it will work. I do not know if there is apple articles out that tell home much RAM the current MBPs that are being shipped now can take as far as RAM. I also want to upgrade the HD to the SSD. I think with all the resources I should be able to but it is hard getting the information on what the MBPs are being shipped with now. I do not want any surprises. Since this will be new to me and I have looked at many RAM websites, crucial has good RAM, a tool kit and a decent size SSD. One thing I do not know which sounds really stupid, but if I change the HD for a SSD do I have to install Mountain Lion OSX in the SSD? do you think I should try to get a fusion drive in there, if it is too tight, maybe remove the superdrive. I would like to know what I will find for sure when I open the MBP to install the RAM, I would like to install a great SSD maybe by /crucial too, but on fixit.com they were out of the screw drivers to remove and install the RAM and to remove the screws from the underside, I see you put what size drivers I need. I know there are 2 different size screws on the underside of the MBP. if I have to install the OS on the SSD, that will be something I have never done. I know it sounds stupid but I am not sure where on the MBPs the OS is installed.So you think I am safe to order the basic cMBP with the least amount of RAM and hope it will take the 8 GB x 2 and install a SSD, the largest size it will take which I have no idea how to find out what that is.

They won't increase anything. When the 16GB sticks are available cMBP will take 32gb RAM.

the OS on the MBP is installed on the stock HDD/SSD. Doesn't matter on which drive you put it, theoretically you could boot from an SDXC card.

 

[duervo]

I'm not sure what else to say to convince you that the current cMBP's handle 16GB (2 x 8GB) just fine.

Will a screenshot do?

 

[HowBoutIt?]

I'm not sure what else to say to convince you that the current cMBP's handle 16GB (2 x 8GB) just fine.

Will a screenshot do?

Duervo-
I got around to getting my cMBP. Also it has been a trip getting all of the different answers from apple executive techs, OWC, Crucial, iFixit, other apple.com agents, etc. Now that I actually have the machine this machine can take 16 GB of RAM. it has 8 GB. Do you recommend a specific online place to buy the 2, 8GB sticks? Not really interested in after market RAM. will pay the extra to make sure I get decent RAM. Crucial is supposed to be pretty good. I also will need a company that will be behind me incase something goes wrong with the RAM and I will need help to install since as you can tell this is not an area I am good at. the whole tech world is difficult for me to grasp.

I will need a 00 Phillips screwdriver I think, someone said get "smudge" I think they said the name is. it is to disconnect the battery wires and to ground the machine. Your idea of a good website to use and should I order 2 sticks of 8 GB RAM each?

 

[duervo]

Duervo-
I got around to getting my cMBP. Also it has been a trip getting all of the different answers from apple executive techs, OWC, Crucial, iFixit, other apple.com agents, etc. Now that I actually have the machine this machine can take 16 GB of RAM. it has 8 GB. Do you recommend a specific online place to buy the 2, 8GB sticks? Not really interested in after market RAM. will pay the extra to make sure I get decent RAM. Crucial is supposed to be pretty good. I also will need a company that will be behind me incase something goes wrong with the RAM and I will need help to install since as you can tell this is not an area I am good at. the whole tech world is difficult for me to grasp.

I will need a 00 Phillips screwdriver I think, someone said get "smudge" I think they said the name is. it is to disconnect the battery wires and to ground the machine. Your idea of a good website to use and should I order 2 sticks of 8 GB RAM each?

Yes, they're referring to a "spudger". It's just a plastic tool used to pry things apart or off. In this case, like you mentioned, it would be used to pry the battery connector gently off the logic board plug for it, prior to removing the original RAM that came with the system. You can use a plastic knife for the same purpose. I wouldn't be concerned about using it for grounding purposes. Touch something metal before you start unscrewing the screws, as a precaution, and that should be enough to discharge any static electricity that may have built up on you.

For the RAM, I would go with Crucial in your position. They can help you if you have any questions about the install, unlike most other vendors, and if you get a defective kit, they're very easy to deal with for returns/exchanges.

This should have their contact info: http://www.crucial.com/contact/

This is where you can get the RAM: http://www.crucial.com/store/drammemory.aspx

I use the manual method of selection, starting with picking the manufacturer, and then going from there. The scanner tool should work too, though.

The absolute best advice I can give to anyone doing this for the first time is to just take your time. Relax, and don't force anything too much. If you're not sure at any point during the process, either contact Crucial Support for assistance, or post here for help.

You can even call Crucial Support for help in selecting the right RAM kit, too, if you're not sure about that part.

Also, you are correct about the screwdriver bit. You will need a Phillips #00 bit to unscrew the screws from the bottom of the system to get inside of it. Practically any precision screwdriver set that you can buy that has more than a dozen bits in it should have that one.

Lastly, ifixit.com has a decent guide that steps you through the procedure. This one should do nicely for you:

http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Installing+MacBook+Pro+15-Inch+Unibody+Mid+2012+RAM/10772/1

There are probably some videos on YouTube as well, if you prefer video over pictures and text.

 

[Crzyrio]

Hello-
My current main computer is a 2008 MBP that is gradually failing or I should say dying a slow death. Teaching several grad courses online, a laptop computer is a necessity. I was going to go with the rMBP but thought a better bet for now wold be a well configured MBP. I was surprised that I can't configure it with more RAM. With the web platform and the programs I need to install so that the teacher's version of WebCT works, I need at least 12 gb of RAM. The dedicated graphics card is good, the HD is OK, but I do not have the knowledge to get the RAM and install it myself. I would not even know what type to get so that it matches what is already installed. I have to be ready to use an ethernet cable in case I lose my wireless connection during class time. We do have one day a week where we all meet in a virtual classroom on the WebCT platform, and I can tell who is there and who is not. anyway, in looking at my options in configuring a new MBP, I am disappointed that there are not better options. Does anybody have any idea how much RAM the current MBP can hold? I could see if the Apple Store would fill all the available slots for me with RAM. Just disappointed right at the moment. The rMBP is an option but to risky given that I need a higher degree of reliability with the notebook I decide to replace and be the main machine I use when I am teaching.

Not sure if anyone pointed this out or not, but are you 100% that you need 12GB or ram and not 12GB of hard drive space? Just checking

But otherwise yes the new MBP's support 16GB, I installed 16 on my sisters computer and it works wonderfully.

 

[HowBoutIt?]

Crzyrio- sorry not following you about the 12 GB. I did configure the cMBP with a SSD. As far as the RAM, I would like 16 GB. Just what I think would be the optimum for my needs and programs I have.

Duervo-
I have talked to Crucial many times. One agent told me I needed some odd instrument and not the 00 phillips screwdriver. it turned out what she was asking me to get nobody else at Crucial had heard of. I think it was a loper or something like that.

My question is how do I know how many sticks of RAM to get? I think there is 8 Gb of RAM in my new MBP now. Can I assume that there are 2 slots, each holding a max of 8 GB each. So I would get 2, 8 GB sticks of RAM? or is there a way to tell for sure what I will need?

 

[duervo]

Crzyrio- sorry not following you about the 12 GB. I did configure the cMBP with a SSD. As far as the RAM, I would like 16 GB. Just what I think would be the optimum for my needs and programs I have.

Duervo-
I have talked to Crucial many times. One agent told me I needed some odd instrument and not the 00 phillips screwdriver. it turned out what she was asking me to get nobody else at Crucial had heard of. I think it was a loper or something like that.

My question is how do I know how many sticks of RAM to get? I think there is 8 Gb of RAM in my new MBP now. Can I assume that there are 2 slots, each holding a max of 8 GB each. So I would get 2, 8 GB sticks of RAM? or is there a way to tell for sure what I will need?

If your system currently has 8GB in it, it is going to be two sticks of 4GB. So, yes, get two sticks of 8GB RAM. A 16GB "kit" should have two 8GB sticks in it.

To confirm what you currently have, click on the little Apple on the upper left corner of your desktop, and then click on "About This Mac". In the window that pops up, there should be a button that says "More Info". Click on that button, and it will open another window. In that window, there will be four tabs on the top labeled, "Overview", "Displays", "Storage", and "Memory." Click on the "Memory" tab, and it will tell you what you currently have installed.

For example, in a system with 8GB of memory installed, it could say this:

"Your mac contains 2 memory slots, each of which accepts a 1333 MHz DDR3 memory module.

All memory slots are currently in use."​

Below that, there will be a graphic representing the memory slots, with a number (in GB) in each that represents the size of the DIMMs in the slots. In my example, the number would say "4 GB" in each of the graphics for the slots.

I attached a screenshot of this "Memory" tab in Post #41 of this thread, in case you want to see what it actually looks like. That screenshot was taken from my mid-2012 15" MacBook Pro that I upgraded with a 16GB "kit" (with two 8GB DIMMs in it.)

 

[HowBoutIt?]

Thanks. Unfortunately I left the new machine at work. I did go through what you suggested with the help at a rep at iFixit, who I was thinking of using to add to the RAM. However, they could not tell me what brand or company makes the RAM they send out. I would like to know what kind of RAM I am buying. I just saw that you suggested iFixit, but yea I communicated with them about 10 emails back and forth and I think they got sick of my questions but they could not tell me who made the RAM I was buying. Probably a no biggie but that struck me as odd.

That seems strange that I have to take out the RAM that is in the machine and buy additional RAM (even to replace the RAM I am removing.) I understand why so no worries on explaining that to me.

Actually the old MBP I am using now came with 4 GB of RAM about 4 years ago and I started to add an additional 4GB. I purchased it but when it came down to installing it I got all nervous that I was going to ruin the machine. I took it to an Apple retailer (I think they call them) and they installed the RAM for me. I will never forget, I remember how rude they were. Off the wall comment but that has stuck in my mind for some reason.

thanks for your help.

Now for a backpack for travels? High quality, a booq? a Brenthaven? I did notice that the new MBP is thicker than the one I have had for 4 years. Is that from the SSD? I am not sure if this is a sign that Apple is winding down on the cMBP, but I was sort of shocked that it was made in mid 2012 and I ordered it Jan 2013. Anyway, just a comment.

 

[duervo]

Lots of posters around here swear by Booq. I'm probably the worst one to ask for an opinion on bags though I go for function first, and form second ... Not being partial about the looks at all (as long as it's not a really flashy color). To that end, I got a Level8 sleeve for the MBP, which I then in turn put inside a Maxpedition pack.

The main reason I got the maxpedition pack is for the quality. Second reason I got one is the expandability/customization features. The loops and Velcro on the outsides of their packs allows you to add on pouches or smaller bags for added capacity when needed.

Your needs and priorities may differ, though. Only thing I would recommend is that the bag must be durable. Don't get something where they cheap out on the seams or straps. One broken strap and you could have a dead MBP. Everything else is secondary.

 

[HowBoutIt?]

Lots of posters around here swear by Booq. I'm probably the worst one to ask for an opinion on bags though I go for function first, and form second ... Not being partial about the looks at all (as long as it's not a really flashy color). To that end, I got a Level8 sleeve for the MBP, which I then in turn put inside a Maxpedition pack.

The main reason I got the maxpedition pack is for the quality. Second reason I got one is the expandability/customization features. The loops and Velcro on the outsides of their packs allows you to add on pouches or smaller bags for added capacity when needed.

Your needs and priorities may differ, though. Only thing I would recommend is that the bag must be durable. Don't get something where they cheap out on the seams or straps. One broken strap and you could have a dead MBP. Everything else is secondary.

appreciate it. as you read the 2 names I mentioned are very high quality. I would like a backpack like booq has several but mainly because they are easier for me when I travel. I would not get a North Face for example, even know they have some great backpacks that take a notebook but they do not provide that extra protection like the Brenthaven or the booq. the booq reminds me of Tumi, just from what I have seen on their website. In this area of bags, I really like to get people's feedback on what has worked for them after I say that quality is the most important aspect I look for in a backpack for my MBP and other things I want onboard when I travel.

 

[duervo]

After looking at both of those brands, I would have to go with this one from Booq as my first pick:

http://www.booqbags.com/us/backpacks/boa-flow/BFM-BLR

I don't like the messenger style for the simple fact that if I ever have to run to make a connector flight in an airport, running with a messenger style is a real pain. I've had to do it before, and it was not fun. If you have a backpack, you can sling it on with both straps and run with more security.