MacBook Pro RAM Cards

[drewk121]

I have several defunct MacBooks, one of which has an 8GB RAM card. Can I replace 1 of the 2 RAM cards in another MacBook Pro with the 8GB card, leaving the 2nd 2GB card in place? That would create 10GB of RAM. Both cards are DDR3.

 

[DeltaMac]

Yes, assuming the 10GB is supported on that particular MacBook (and the RAM speed is compatible). Some models cannot use more than 8GB (such as mid-2010 or older), so, it would be helpful to know which MacBook Pro you want to add the 8GB card.

There's a quick test - Just try what you have. Install the RAM, and see if it boots, and shows the total memory correctly in About this Mac.
If the RAM is not supported, or just wrong specs, you won't boot at all, and the sleep LED will blink, probably with repeating error beeps from the system.
That test won't hurt anything, and you will then know if it works.

 

[drewk121]

Thanks. The computer is a 13-inch mid-2010 MacBook Pro containing 4GB 1067 MHz DDR3. I could replace the two 2GB cards with the one 8GB card, and see if it works. 8GB would be twice the capacity currently installed. The 8GB RAM card reads "DDR3 PC3-12800 SODIMM/1600MHz 2Rx8 1.5v". Can my mid-2010 machine handle the speed?

 

[DeltaMac]

The 8GB stick is probably not going to work in a 2010 MacBook Pro. You can try it out. If it won't boot, then that's your answer. In my experience, the models that take the PC3-8500 (1066 MHz) chips tend to be pretty finicky about what works. The next higher speed will usually work (1333 MHz), but the second step up (1600MHz), is pretty unlikely.

 

[drewk121]

The 8GB stick is probably not going to work in a 2010 MacBook Pro. You can try it out. If it won't boot, then that's your answer. In my experience, the models that take the PC3-8500 (1066 MHz) chips tend to be pretty finicky about what works. The next higher speed will usually work (1333 MHz), but the second step up (1600MHz), is pretty unlikely.

[doublepost=1532459071][/doublepost]Thank you. If it works, I'll let you know.