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Can I use DDR3 1333MHz RAM in my '10 MacBook Pro i5?

mgartner0622

mgartner0622

macrumors 65816
Original poster
Jun 6, 2010
1,018
0
Colorado, USA
Hello,
I have the 15" 2.4GHz i5 version of the 2010 MacBook Pro.
Can I put in 1333MHz ram in this machine, and will it downclock or run at that speed? Or will I see kernal panics and problems? The ram is Transcend.
Thanks!

I did a search and found a thread on the i7 model, but i'm unsire about this one? I assume it would be the same? That is, most types don't work, and I shouldn't take the risk?
 
Last edited:
Yes, it will work fine.

I have 1333 MHz RAM in my 2.4 GHz C2D unibody and it works fine--it shows in system profiler as 1333 RAM.
 
kernel panics?

JamesGorman said:
It works, I have it in my machine. It just downclocks it.
Click to expand...

I've heard that it works for a few months then starts to have periodic kernel panics/crashes :(

Has it been working fine for you this whole time? Please let us know! Thanks :]
 
As long as the memory has been programmed to the JEDEC specifications and supports operation at 1066 MHz it simply be downclocked by the computer. I've performed a few upgrades for friends in the last few months who have purchased 1333 MHz DDR3 to install in 15- and 17-inch MacBook Pros and they've run the memory at the correct 1066 MHz speed each and every time without any problems.

Keep in mind that this is not the case with all MacBook Pro computers, as some of the models containing Core 2 Duo processors will attempt to run the memory at full speed and can intermittently run into kernel panics and other issues; this does not appear to be the case with the newer Core i-series models as they are able to downclock the memory correctly (based on "Arrandale" (2010) and "Sandy Bridge" (2011), respectively).

Give it a shot, and if it doesn't work then you'll need to purchase different memory modules or stick with 1066 MHz -- but in general you should be fine. Have a great day. :)
 
Thank you both for your reply!!! I recently bought 2 Corsair 4GB sticks of RAM, both clocked at 1333mhz and was worried it would cause problems once installed. Ill give it a shot and only do an RMA if something goes wrong.

Thanks for your help! :D
 
USCdeacon said:
I've heard that it works for a few months then starts to have periodic kernel panics/crashes :(

Has it been working fine for you this whole time? Please let us know! Thanks :]
Click to expand...

Over a year now for me. No problems.
 
Is there any benefit to using the 1333 then, if it's just gonna downclock it? I'm looking at the 1066 and the 1333, and the 1066 is cheaper. Should I just get the 1066 one, or is there some benefit to using the 1333 one?
 
flaimdude said:
Is there any benefit to using the 1333 then, if it's just gonna downclock it? I'm looking at the 1066 and the 1333, and the 1066 is cheaper. Should I just get the 1066 one, or is there some benefit to using the 1333 one?
Click to expand...

None, other than if you later buy a newer MBP that uses 1333 you could reuse it.
I bought 1333 because it was cheaper than 1066
 
jlc1978 said:
Over a year now for me. No problems.
Click to expand...

I am thinking of getting 8GB 1333Ghz for my 1067GHz MBP...I noticed you said it worked for over a year with no problems...do you have the C2D or the i5?

People have said the i5/7 can downclock but the C2D might have kernal panicks.....
 
tresean1 said:
I am thinking of getting 8GB 1333Ghz for my 1067GHz MBP...I noticed you said it worked for over a year with no problems...do you have the C2D or the i5?

People have said the i5/7 can downclock but the C2D might have kernal panicks.....
Click to expand...


i5, and it d/c it to 1067. I can't remember the brand but I think it's Corsair. It was also the non=Apple certified version; which at the time was significantly cheaper than the certified RAM.
 
^oh ok....so that doesn't help me any---I was hoping you woud say yours was the C2D, :( then at least I would have a benchmark or reference...
 
Yep. I actually have a 5,3 and my Mac booted up perfectly fine and recognizes all 8GB of the fast RAM...cut boot time down to like 20 seconds and I can have about 70 Safari windows open now :)
 
If the faster-spec ram is made by using newer thinner geometry, say 3 nanometer vs old 6 nanometer, the faster-spec ram downclocked will run cooler. How much and if even worth to pay top dollars for the faster one, I don't know.
 
tresean1 said:
I am thinking of getting 8GB 1333Mhz for my 1067MHz MBP...I noticed you said it worked for over a year with no problems...do you have the C2D or the i5?

People have said the i5/7 can downclock but the C2D might have kernal panicks.....
Click to expand...

Corrected.
 
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