Mid 2012 MBP 13" memory question.....

[marc55]

We have a Mid 2012 MBP 13" that's just been laying around because it wouldn't turn on, and I've been too lazy to troubleshoot.

Well, I finally found some time yesterday, and found out one of the two 2GB memory modules is bad. I removed it and reloaded "Lion"; a little slow, but she works on 2GB

Anyway, I want to give it to one of our grand kid's to play around with, so I need to upgrade the memory so it can run either Sierra or Mojave, and I'm thinking, I could get away with 8GB.

Which of the following is the best approach:

1) Add an 8GB to the existing 2GB for a total of 10GB
2) Put in one 8GB module for a total of 8GB
3) Put in two 4GB modules

Any insight will be appreciated; thank you!
m

 

[CoastalOR]

I would recommend switching the working memory module to the other memory slot to verify both memory slots work before deciding memory purchase options. You could have a memory slot failure instead a module problem. You may have already checked, but I thought it should be mentioned.

 

[robvas]

Which of the following is the best approach:

1) Add an 8GB to the existing 2GB for a total of 10GB

This is the most ram, so it could be the 'best'

Adding a single 8GB module lets you add another 8GB module later to max out at 16GB of RAM.

3) Put in two 4GB modules

If you can get 2 4GB modules cheaper than a single 8GB module, this might be the best way. You can sometimes find these used, cheap.

You an also find 2GB modules free sometimes. They are useless after people upgrade.