Early 2011 13" i5 with 16gb 1600MHz Ram

[llihp]

Hi guys,

I want to put some new RAM in my early 2011 Macbook Pro i5. It's currently got 8gb ram, but I want to increase to 16gb.

I've found some 1600Mhz PC3-12800 (DDR3L-1600) RAM at a decent price and just wondered if anyone knows if this is compatible? I realise it might run at a lower clock speed, but i'm not massively bothered about that.

 

[Calby]

Hi guys,

I want to put some new RAM in my early 2011 Macbook Pro i5. It's currently got 8gb ram, but I want to increase to 16gb.

I've found some 1600Mhz PC3-12800 (DDR3L-1600) RAM at a decent price and just wondered if anyone knows if this is compatible? I realise it might run at a lower clock speed, but i'm not massively bothered about that.

If I do remember correctly the speed differens can bee a issue for the MBP and causing Kernel Panic, the logic board is very sensitive for the ram.

 

[keysofanxiety]

No point tempting fate. Just put the right RAM in. 1333MHz (2x8GB DDR3 PC3-10600).

It's a huge point of contention here as some swear there have never been any problems with 1600MHz in the 2011s. Others say they've encountered problems unless it's 1333 only.

However I can advise that:

1) Even if 1600MHz works fine, it'll downclock to 1333MHz, so there's no benefit in going for the quicker RAM.
2) Intel's own specifications for the 2nd gen i processors do not officially support anything beyond 1333MHz.
3) 1600MHz and 1333MHz run at different voltages, so again it just seems like tempting fate.

So really there's no purpose whatsoever in fitting 1600MHz. Fit 1333.

 

[elf69]

Beware L at end of your ram you found means Low Voltage.

does your mac use low voltage or standard ram?

 

[llihp]

Hmm

Beware L at end of your ram you found means Low Voltage.

does your mac use low voltage or standard ram?

Hmm, not sure will have to double check later. When I checked the Crucial website for 2011 macbook pro upgrades it does show low voltage ram as the 16gb upgrade, so assumed it should be ok.

The RAM I was looking at was also Crucial, but Crucial-CT2K8G3S160BM instead of Crucial-CT3373720.

Might just go with the one the Crucial site recommends, albeit £30 more expensive

 

[elf69]

alot of newer machines use L ram a lower voltage so battery last longer.

Your mac may use L ram I do no know the details of your model.

I run much older stock which is not L ram.
[doublepost=1487933137][/doublepost]Quick check (Crucial) shows 1.35v ram for your mac.
1.5v is sock so by this your mac is using L ram.

pull an old stick and google the part number will tell you.
[doublepost=1487933239][/doublepost]here confirms L ram too:

https://eshop.macsales.com/upgrades/macbook-pro-13-inch-early-2011-2.3-ghz/memory

 

[llihp]

My current crucial ram is CT1895171 (2x4gb), not sure if it's low voltage or not.

 

[elf69]

your modules will are compatible with 2009 an 2010 macbooks.

So your current modules are 1.5v non L.

I cannot find definitive yes or no on the L ram in your 2011.