[Need help] RAM upgrading and Hardware Test

[thinhpham]

Hello everyone,

I plan to upgrade my old MacBook Pro 13" Mid 2009 running OS X 10.11 El Capitan to 8 GB of RAM (originally 4 GB), and have some question:

- The RAM of this machine is old model with 1066 MHz bus speed, and I'm going to install a faster RAM (for instance, 1333 MHz) due to local computer stores don't supply 1066 anymore. Will it work OK for me? I know it's not going to run at full bus speed, but can it harmful anyway?

- Will the Apple Hardware Test mode check RAM compatibility? If not, how can I check? If yes, I have problem to enter that mode. I did follow the instruction here, but I couldn't. When I hold down the D key while the machine is starting up, it shows the grey screen for awhile longer before the apple logo appears, after that, it boot to the system normally. So how can I enter Hardware Test mode?

Looking forward to your help, Thanks.

 

[Hauyser]

- The RAM of this machine is old model with 1066 MHz bus speed, and I'm going to install a faster RAM (for instance, 1333 MHz) due to local computer stores don't supply 1066 anymore. Will it work OK for me? I know it's not going to run at full bus speed, but can it harmful anyway?

If I remember right with RAM, if you insert a faster speed it should automatically slow it down to the Mhz it should be. You won't be able to use the excess that comes with it.

Don't hold me to this however.

 

[thinhpham]

If I remember right with RAM, if you insert a faster speed it should automatically slow it down to the Mhz it should be. You won't be able to use the excess that comes with it.

Don't hold me to this however.

I know that. What I ask is can it be not good for the computer in anyway? I don't have experience in this.

 

[CoastalOR]

I plan to upgrade my old MacBook Pro 13" Mid 2009 running OS X 10.11 El Capitan to 8 GB of RAM (originally 4 GB), and have some question:
- The RAM of this machine is old model with 1066 MHz bus speed, and I'm going to install a faster RAM (for instance, 1333 MHz) due to local computer stores don't supply 1066 anymore. Will it work OK for me? I know it's not going to run at full bus speed, but can it harmful anyway?

It should work. Here is some detailed information about your model computer:
http://www.everymac.com/systems/app...3-mid-2009-sd-firewire-800-unibody-specs.html
Everymac also has some links to places you can buy RAM.
The faster RAM will not harm your computer if the RAM does not work. It may give 3 beeps at start up which would signal bad RAM.

- Will the Apple Hardware Test mode check RAM compatibility? If not, how can I check? If yes, I have problem to enter that mode. I did follow the instruction here, but I couldn't. When I hold down the D key while the machine is starting up, it shows the grey screen for awhile longer before the apple logo appears, after that, it boot to the system normally. So how can I enter Hardware Test mode?

Read the article you linked to more carefully. Your MBP shipped with OS 10.5 (before OS 10.7).

Using Apple Hardware Test on computers with OS X v10.7 and earlier
AHT is located on the Applications Install Disc 2 and should be included with your computer

AHT can test memory after the new RAM is installed and the MBP is booted.
Also checkout memtest:
http://osxdaily.com/2011/05/03/memtest-mac-ram-test/

 

[thinhpham]

Read the article you linked to more carefully. Your MBP shipped with OS 10.5 (before OS 10.7).

Thanks for your explanation. I no longer keep the install disc. Can I download AHT separately?

 

[CoastalOR]

Thanks for your explanation. I no longer keep the install disc. Can I download AHT separately?

Bad news about not having the disks.
Maybe it can be downloaded. I seem to remember some links to github? that had versions of AHT. I have not tried downloading from there and I'm not sure about downloading Apple software from someplace other than Apple. Google it and see what you can find.
Check out memtest in my previous post.

 

[thinhpham]

Bad news about not having the disks.
Maybe it can be downloaded. I seem to remember some links to github? that had versions of AHT. I have not tried downloading from there and I'm not sure about downloading Apple software from someplace other than Apple. Google it and see what you can find.
Check out memtest in my previous post.

Thank you. I'll check it out.