Actually it's not all of them either, only the higher end processors. The rest are halted at 16GB.
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Can MacBook Pro 15" Late 2011 have 16GB ram?
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Actually it's not all of them either, only the higher end processors. The rest are halted at 16GB.
It is. E.g. i3-2100 supports 32GB and it's the lowest-end Core iX CPU. It easier and cheaper to design only one IMC and use it in all dies.
So its Intel that haven't updated all their pages?
For example the 2.7 i7 that shipped with the Early '11 13" model supposedly only supports 8GB and the Late 11 2.2 i7 (low-end 15") is halted at 16GB
When SNB was originally released, 8GB SODIMMs were not widely available, hence the 8GB limit since most laptops have only two SODIMM slots. Now that 8GB SODIMMs are widely available, Intel has raised the maximum RAM to 16GB. However, they all support at least 16GB, most likely 32GB unless there are firmware limitation (though those can easily be removed by Intel). IIRC some datasheet mentioned 16GB with the initial SNB CPUs as well, but it's buried under all the other info.
That would be handy in the future. However 2X8 Sticks is probably the more practical choice at the moment.
Hi everyone. First, sorry for my english, maybe it's a little bad (I'm spanish). I have a problem with my Macbook Pro 15" Late 2011. I think that this is the aproppiate thread, so I guess is better post here instead of open a new one. I changed the ram, and I put 16GB. When I go to the information of the system it says that there is 16GB, so I think I did it well. The problem is that the Mac is really really hot. Specially the top of the keyboard (between the keyboard and the screen). I don't know if this is normal, if maybe I put the ram wrong or what. Can somebody help me? Thanks a lot!
It's normal for your Mac to get hot in that area during periods of higher load. It doesn't have anything to do with how much RAM you have installed. That area is close to the CPU and GPU, which are the two primary furnaces. Use iStat Pro (free) or iStat Menus ($16) to get accurate readings of your temps, fan speeds and much more.
Thanks for the quick response. Ok, I will do that. But I must add that is really hot even when I'm only surfing the net, listening music or watching a stream video. I used a fan control a few days ago and it says 70C.
That's normal, as Flash on websites or any multimedia will put more demands on system resources.
The Intel processors used in Macs are designed to automatically shut down to prevent damage if they truly overheat. CPU Tjmax = 105C (221F), GPU Tjmax = 100C (212F) on i3, i5, i7 processors. (Source: Intel)
If you're not already using it, iStat Pro (free) or iStat Menus ($16) will give you accurate readings of your temps and fan speeds, among other things.
Unless there is a rare defect in a Mac, most temps are well within the normal operating range, considering the workload being put on it. Websites with Flash content, games and other multimedia apps will put higher demand on the CPU/GPU, generating more heat. This is normal. If you're constantly putting high demands on your system, such as gaming or other multimedia tasks, expect temps to rise and fans to spin up accordingly. It's just your Mac doing its job to maintain temps within the normal range.
It is also quite normal for your Mac to become extremely hot to the touch during intensive operations. The aluminum body transfers heat more effectively than other materials used in computer casings, so you will feel the heat more. This doesn't indicate that it's overheating and will not harm the computer to be hot to the touch.
Your fans are always on when your Mac is on, spinning at a minimum of 2000 rpm (for MBPs) or 1800 rpm (for MBAs, MBs and minis). iMacs have 3 fans with minimum speeds in the 800-1200 range. They will spin faster as needed to keep temps at a safe level.
If your fans are spinning up without increased heat, try resetting the SMC.
(PRAM/NVRAM has nothing to do with these issues, so resetting it will not help.)
The intake and exhaust vents are in the back of the computer near the hinge on all Mac notebooks (except the new MBP with retina display, which has intake vents along the sides at the bottom). The iMac vent is a slot on the back near the top of the computer. Make sure the vents remain unblocked to allow your computer to perform at its best.
Learn about the fans in your Mac
Apple Portables: Operating temperature
For Flash-related issues:
- Find your Flash version and make sure it's the latest version available.
- Install ClickToFlash (Safari), Flashblock (Firefox) or FlashBlock (Chrome) to control which Flash content plays on websites.
- Use the YouTube HTML5 Video Player to watch YouTube videos, when available. (May impact fullscreen viewing. See link for details.)
Thank you very much for all the replies. So I can tell that my Macbook Pro behaviour is just fine. Glad to read ir 
When I bought it I also buy (in the Apple Store as well) a Speck Case (the black one) for protect it. It's possible that the case doesn't aloud to the Mac "breathe" properly?
When I bought it I also buy (in the Apple Store as well) a Speck Case (the black one) for protect it. It's possible that the case doesn't aloud to the Mac "breathe" properly?
For all Mac notebooks except the MBP-Retina, both intake and exhaust has always been through the vents in the rear near the hinge. The new MBP-Retina has intake vents along the sides at the bottom and exhaust through the rear vents, near the hinge. This arrangement allows for venting with the lid open or closed (for operating in clamshell mode). There is a solid panel under the keyboard, preventing any meaningful airflow.Thank you very much for all the replies. So I can tell that my Macbook Pro behaviour is just fine. Glad to read ir
Using a case on your MBP may slightly reduce heat dissipation through the aluminum body, but not enough to cause problems.
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Does the Late 2011 15'' MBP 2.2 GHz i7 (2675QM) support ddr3 1600 Mhz?
I have read here http://ark.intel.com/products/53470/Intel-Core-i7-2675QM-Processor-6M-Cache-up-to-3_10-GHz.
And it said the memory type is only 1066/1333.
Also here, it is only up to 1333 Mhz. http://www.everymac.com/systems/app...2-15-late-2011-unibody-thunderbolt-specs.html
Yes, it supports and can use that RAM, but it won't take advantage of the RAM's maximum speed.
Same applies to the 17" I have 16GB in my 2011 MBP and it uses it fine...It's an appreciable boost in multi-tasking too. Crucial's scanner will identify which kit is best for your machine. I wouldn't buy faster RAM than the Mac can use though, it's just a waste of cash. Purchase the same speed as was installed at the factory.
In real-life terms, the main difference as you increase RAM is that the computer will have an easier time with a lot of things running at the same time, or when dealing with very large (in the GB size) files. So, if you have a lot of web browser tabs open at the same time, or if you're working with very large things (images/video), or if you just have a lot of applications open at the same time normally, or if you're running virtual machines, these kinds of things will benefit from having more RAM.
Think of RAM as a buffer between your CPU (very fast) and your disk. (comparatively slow if it's a solid-state drive, glacially if it's a spinning drive) RAM sits in-between, so if something on the computer needs to be stored/accessed/worked/modified on regularly, it can be stored in RAM instead of going all the way back-and-forth to the disk. More RAM = more things that can be placed in this buffer, and the less frequently you need to wait for the computer to access something from the disk.