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81Tiger04

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Aug 11, 2009
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I'm looking to upgrade the RAM in my mid-2010 MBP. Any suggestions with what to go with?
 
For mid-2010 models, the 13" is the only one that supports 16GB of RAM, while 15" and 17" models only support 8GB.

Any RAM will do as long as it's got the right CAS and speed.

Mid-2010 MBPs take 1067MHz RAM.

Why would the 15" and 17" models support only 8GB? Aren't the 2010 Macbooks equipped with at least a 320M GPU? Until I know, only Macs equipped with previous-gen GPUs like the 9400m/8600 GT supported less than 16GB.
 
Why would the 15" and 17" models support only 8GB? Aren't the 2010 Macbooks equipped with at least a 320M GPU? Until I know, only Macs equipped with previous-gen GPUs like the 9400m/8600 GT supported less than 16GB.

Beats me. But that's what Mactracker says.

The 15" and 17" models only have the GT330M and Intel HD (not HD 3000) graphics.

The 13" models have the 320M.

13" supports 16GB, while 15" and 17" only supports 8GB.
 
For the 15 inch you need DDR3 1066 PC3-8500 204 Pin SODIMM's. With 2 sockets, you can add up to 2 DM50 223-1 to go to a total of 8GB. You can install one but a match pair is recommended.:

http://www.datamemorysystems.com/ap...-53ghz-15-mc372ll/a-mid-2010-memory-upgrades/

The 13 inch has two memory sockets which can be upgraded to 16GBs maximum memory if you are running at least MacOS X 10.7.5 and the latest EFI Firmware update. Otherwise max memory will be 8GB.

http://www.datamemorysystems.com/ap...2-4ghz-13-mc374ll/a-mid-2010-memory-upgrades/


I've never had a problem with the apple certified RAM these guys sell.
 
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For mid-2010 models, the 13" is the only one that supports 16GB of RAM, while 15" and 17" models only support 8GB.

Any RAM will do as long as it's got the right CAS and speed.

Mid-2010 MBPs take 1067MHz RAM.

This right here is the answer. RAM is a commodity. If it meets the specs it will work. Just find RAM that meets the specs and get the cheapest you can find from a vendor you think will be there if you have trouble. No brand is any better than another.
 
Why would the 15" and 17" models support only 8GB? Aren't the 2010 Macbooks equipped with at least a 320M GPU?

Beats me. But that's what Mactracker says.

13" is Core2Duo with 320M integrated graphics chipset, while the 15 and 17" have the first core i series with dedicated GT 330M.

The first core i series (mobile) could only handle up to 8GB RAM.
 
This right here is the answer. RAM is a commodity. If it meets the specs it will work. Just find RAM that meets the specs and get the cheapest you can find from a vendor you think will be there if you have trouble. No brand is any better than another.

Thats an old wive's tale.

It is well known that some quality vendors pretest/burn RAM sticks in so you don't have to deal with infant mortality or substandard parts, thus certifying them. Makers of cheap sticks just grab chips out of a bag someone sold them out of a no name truck in a back alley and then solder them on. They don't care if the chips (or board for that matter) are rejects or counterfeit, as long as they are stamped with the right part number. The business model is if the buyer complains, send him another batch, could get lucky :). No testing along the way to see if the lot even comes close to the specified performance.

Nothing wrong with going cheap, but there is a real difference. You just never know what you are getting with cheap parts unless you run extensive testing yourself.... and time is money to some of us :)
 
Thats an old wive's tale.

It is well known that some quality vendors pretest/burn RAM sticks in so you don't have to deal with infant mortality or substandard parts, thus certifying them. Makers of cheap sticks just grab chips out of a bag someone sold them out of a no name truck in a back alley and then solder them on, don't care if they are rejects or counterfeit. The business model is if the buyer complains, send him another batch, could get lucky :). No testing along the way to see if the lot even comes close to the specified performance.

Nothing wrong with going cheap, but there is a real difference. You just never know what you are getting with cheap parts unless you run extensive testing yourself.... and time is money to some of us :)

We are not talking about expensive server RAM modules here. We are talking about consumer laptop RAM here. If you have evidence of anybody selling consumer laptop RAM that burns in every module, I would like to see it.

You are taking what I said out of context. I doubt a vendor who is providing and supporting a warranty is buying RAM from the back of a truck.

Just find RAM that meets the specs and get the cheapest you can find from a vendor you think will be there if you have trouble.
 
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