Can I put my MBP 2012 ram into a MBP 2009?

[iLuvMyMacToo]

I've upgraded the ram in my MBP 2012 to 16GB and so now I have the two sticks left over that came with it. As my partner still has a MBP 2009 do you think I could use the 2 x 4GB sticks in that safely?

 

[bobcan]

Possibly.. Same 204pin module.. :-/

You will need t be more specific on exact model #'s to check on RAM, but a 2009 is likely a 2.66/2.6 speed and will use 1066 MHz PC3-8500 DDR3 SDRAM

A 2012 model is going to most likely have 1600 MHz PC3-12800 DDR3L SDRAM which is still a 204 pin DDR3 Module, so it will likely 'fit' but at best it would run at the lower clock speed.. The new 'L' Low Voltage RAM runs @ 1.35v, and the other at 1.5v.. I cannot say how that may work out for sure..

That being said, I DO hope someone more 'techy' will chime in here.. 😕

 

[SDAVE]

Just get ram for your 2009. The max is definitely 8GB. RAM is cheap nowadays.

But you can try, I don't see why it won't work. It will just run at lower speeds. You have nothing to lose. It won't break. Go for it.

 

[the-wanderer]

ram clocks are specified at the nominal operating conditions, it is possible to overclock them and underclock them as well as manipulate the latency.

the faster ram will downclock on compatible system.

if the system is not compatible, it will not run properly. you'll get kernel panics and bombs but it will do no permanent damage.

 

[Dark Void]

Worth a try, it will either run at lower speeds or not work at all as others have said. If it doesn't work, uninstall it, reinstall the old RAM for now, and purchase the correct module in the future if it's worth it to you.

 

[pgiguere1]

I tried 2011 (1333 MHz) RAM on a 2009 (1066 MHz) MBP. The memory downclocked without problem.

 

[iLuvMyMacToo]

Thanks for all your responses.

It's not about wanting to get 8GB of RAM for the 2009 model specifically, it's just that I will have it lying around after I upgrade my current 2012 MBP and thought I might as well just use it for the 2009 model if I can.

I'll give it a try.

 

[SDAVE]

Thanks for all your responses.

It's not about wanting to get 8GB of RAM for the 2009 model specifically, it's just that I will have it lying around after I upgrade my current 2012 MBP and thought I might as well just use it for the 2009 model if I can.

I'll give it a try.

Got nothing to lose.

It's just RAM.

 

[iLuvMyMacToo]

Just a follow up to advise the ram from my 2012 MBP does not function in a MBP 2009, it won't even startup.

Well looks like I have 2 x 4GB sticks to try and sell

 

[T5BRICK]

Just a follow up to advise the ram from my 2012 MBP does not function in a MBP 2009, it won't even startup.

Well looks like I have 2 x 4GB sticks to try and sell

That's too bad. It must be just a little bit too far out of spec for the MBP to handle. I'm actually running 2 x 4GB sticks of 1333MHz RAM in my mid 2009 and it works great.