Can I Upgrade Early 2011 Macbook Pro RAM Without Voiding Warranty?

[MetzoPaino]

Pixelmator and Final Cut Pro X destroy my 13inch early 2011 2.7GHz Macbook Pro with 2GB of page outs. (I realise the laptop isn't best for these tasks, but a RAM upgrade is cheaper than a new laptop).

I'm looking to upgrade the 4GB of RAM to 16GB or 8GB. Would doing so void the warranty?

It seems like a fairly simple upgrade. I know to put the original RAM back in if I go to AppleCare.

Also, the 16GB isn't officially supported, any issues with this?

 

[GGJstudios]

I'm looking to upgrade the 4GB of RAM to 16GB or 8GB. Would doing so void the warranty?

No, it won't void the warranty. From the MacBook Pro User Guide:

Your MacBook Pro does not have any user-serviceable parts, except the hard drive and the memory.

Also, the 16GB isn't officially supported, any issues with this?

Yes, it supports 16GB of RAM. You can find specs on all Apple products, including maximum RAM:

• By visiting EveryMac.com: Actual Maximum RAM
• By selecting your model on the Crucial Memory Advisor™ Tool to find RAM information
• By using Mactracker
• By entering your serial number here to find specs for your model.
  (Be aware that some models can use more RAM than Apple shows. Check EveryMac to verify actual usable RAM.)

 

[MetzoPaino]

Thanks for clearing that up!

So there would be no issues with the full 16GB? Nothing like it running really hot or actually slowing the computer down in some weird way?

 

[GGJstudios]

Thanks for clearing that up!

So there would be no issues with the full 16GB? Nothing like it running really hot or actually slowing the computer down in some weird way?

None, whatsoever.

 

[Ccrew]

None, whatsoever.

Other than the fact that if it goes in for repairs 16gb is an unsupported memory amount per Apple. So if it has to go back I advise swapping back in the original memory.

 

[T5BRICK]

Other than the fact that if it goes in for repairs 16gb is an unsupported memory amount per Apple. So if it has to go back I advise swapping back in the original memory.

You're correct. Even if the OP only upgraded to 8GB of RAM, I'd still suggest that he keep the original stuff that shipped with the computer just in case it needs to go in for service.