Mid 2012 Macbook Pro RAM upgrade (non retina)

[The Clark]

My mom has a non retina MacBook Pro 2012 and it currently has 4GB of ram and a 500GB HDD. I have purchased an SSD for her, and I'd also like to increase the RAM to 8. I'm not sure which type of RAM I should buy, and I'm also wondering if I have to buy 8GB's of RAM, or can I just buy 4GB and add it to the existing RAM stick. Any insight is greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Pockett]

Hi there,

If the MacBook Pro only has one stick of RAM installed (being a 4GB stick), then you could add another 4 GB in the other remaining slot. If not, you'll have to buy an 8GB pair. I actually use a 2012 non-retina MacBook Pro as well, and this is the exact kit I used to upgrade my RAM: https://www.amazon.com/Crucial-PC3-...e=UTF8&qid=1511753627&sr=8-7&keywords=Mac+RAM.

To check how many RAM slots you have occupied, under the Apple logo, click 'About this Mac' and click on 'More Info'. Then click 'System Report' and highlight the Memory tab. Just for reference, I attached a screenshot of what mine looks like.

 

[Audit13]

Regular ddr3 1600 sodimm 1.3/1.5v memory will work. You don't need "Mac" memory.

I run 2x8 ddr3L 1600 crucial in a mid-2012 13" MBP. I got the ram from a local computer shop.

 

[Pockett]

Regular ddr3 1600 sodimm 1.3/1.5v memory will work. You don't need "Mac" memory.

I run 2x8 ddr3L 1600 crucial in a mid-2012 13" MBP. I got the ram from a local computer shop.

That is true. Well the only reason I used that was because it was on sale at the time I bought it.

 

[MacInTO]

If it is factory spec and hasn't been changed, it will have two 2GB RAM modules in the machine because Apple recommends equal amounts of RAM in each slot.

You will need to buy two 4GB RAM modules. The specs are on these link below.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201165

Despite the information on the page, the actual maximum is 16GB. However, most people will only ever need 8GB.

 

[Fishrrman]

For 4gb, the current configuration is almost certainly two 2gb DIMMs.

For 8gb you could buy 2 4gb DIMMs.

Or, buy ONE 8gb DIMM, replace the topmost DIMM (after you take the back off), for a total of 10gb. Supposedly, "unmatched" DIMMs (in size) don't run quite as fast as do matched DIMMs, but I'll bet that she (and perhaps even you) won't notice any difference.

 

[Audit13]

Regardless of which method you use to upgrade the ram, I always recommend disconnecting the battery as soon as you remove the bottom cover. The last thing you want to do is cause a short circuit by dropping a screw or some other metal object on the board.

 

[hallux]

Regardless of which method you use to upgrade the ram, I always recommend disconnecting the battery as soon as you remove the bottom cover. The last thing you want to do is cause a short circuit by dropping a screw or some other metal object on the board.

Not the worst advice ever, lol.

For the OP -
I have an 8GB Corsair kit in my Mini that would also work in that MBP, I also have a 16 GB kit in my MBP that would work in it (or one of the modules to allow for an upgrade to 16 in the future if desired).

This is the kit (2x4GB) I have in my Mini - https://www.amazon.com/Corsair-Veng...=1511893113&sr=8-1&keywords=CMSX8GX3M2B1600C9

This would be a single 8 GB module from my 16 GB kit - https://www.amazon.com/Corsair-Veng...2&keywords=corsair+vengeance+8+gb+ddr3+sodimm

 

[The Clark]

I appreciate all of the feedback. I ended up buying 2x8 DDR3 rram because it was a solid price.

Thanks for the help MR.