DDR3 memory compatibility (2011)

[ls1dreams]

Hi,

I have an early 2011 MBP 13" (i5).

According to crucial, I need:

DDR3 PC3-10600 • CL=9 • Unbuffered • NON-ECC • DDR3-1333 • 1.35V • 512Meg x 64 • lead free • halogen free • for Mac • Part #: CT3309331

I've noticed a few sellers on ebay mention that the DDR3 204-pin RAM they are selling isn't compatible with Apple.

Which of these specs are critical and which are not?

For example, would this kit work?
http://www.amazon.com/G-SKILL-204-P...-8GBSQ/dp/B004U3MQQY/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

Q1: The main difference is the voltage is listed as 1.5v instead of 1.35v. I assume 1.5v will work?

Q2: If I see other RAM that's CL-11 instead of CL-9 does that matter as well? I know it CL-11 is slower, but assume it would still be compatible.

 

[Orlandoech]

Any

DDR3 SODIMM 1333MHz module will work. 16GB being the MAX.

It doesnt need a pretty sticker saying "Apple/Mac Compatible".

I like

• Corsair
• Crucial
• GSkill
• Geil
• Kingston

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...38&IsNodeId=1&bop=And&Order=PRICE&PageSize=20

 

[MrGimper]

I have 2x8GB Komputerbay RAM in my 2011 MBP. Got it from Amazon. Never had a problem.

I also use 64GB of their RAM in my ESXi server and never had a problem with that either.

 

[Bear]

...
For example, would this kit work?
http://www.amazon.com/G-SKILL-204-P...-8GBSQ/dp/B004U3MQQY/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

Q1: The main difference is the voltage is listed as 1.5v instead of 1.35v. I assume 1.5v will work?

Q2: If I see other RAM that's CL-11 instead of CL-9 does that matter as well? I know it CL-11 is slower, but assume it would still be compatible.

I can't tell if the GSkill memory is compatible from the Amazon page. However, it's a higher voltage which if it works, will negatively affect battery life - this may not be noticeable.

Apple is usually strict on module timing, so I would look at CL-9. Have you seen this Crucial memory @ Amazon?

 

[leman]

DDR3 is a standart, so ideally any module should work. In practice, however, this is individual. There is always a small chance that you will have problems.

 

[Bear]

DDR3 is a standart, so ideally any module should work. In practice, however, this is individual. There is always a small chance that you will have problems.

Yes DDR3 is a standard, however, memory modules do have different specifications that need to match what your system can handle.

 

[Ccrew]

However, it's a higher voltage which if it works, will negatively affect battery life

Actually, not true. That's the voltage at which the memory will achieve it's advertised spec. Has nothing to do with the amount it uses. That's controlled by the logic board.

 

[ls1dreams]

Actually, not true. That's the voltage at which the memory will achieve it's advertised spec. Has nothing to do with the amount it uses. That's controlled by the logic board.

Does this mean that 1.5v ram might underperform? (Since crucial indicates that it uses 1.35v ram?)

 

[Ccrew]

Does this mean that 1.5v ram might underperform? (Since crucial indicates that it uses 1.35v ram?)

Technically, yes, but in reality it will be virtually unnoticeable. It's the reverse of overvolting memory when you're overclocking, where you bump the voltage to the memory bus to get a bit more speed.

Personally I tend to run what the machine calls for, but the sky won't fall if you don't.

 

[ls1dreams]

Technically, yes, but in reality it will be virtually unnoticeable. It's the reverse of overvolting memory when you're overclocking, where you bump the voltage to the memory bus to get a bit more speed.

Personally I tend to run what the machine calls for, but the sky won't fall if you don't.

I was just able to pick up 8gb of 1.5v ram for only $28 brand new, so at half the price of 1.35v ram I figured it was worth the deal.