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eco7777

macrumors regular
Original poster
Dec 29, 2012
210
81
my MBP says it can only take 8 gb of ram, which is what i have but i have read they do take 16, is it true?

This is my MBP:
Model Name: MacBook Pro
Model Identifier: MacBookPro6,2
Processor Name: Intel Core i5
Processor Speed: 2.4 GHz
 
It may be worth a shot, it was likely never tested for 16gb as 8gb modules would have been well in excess of $2000 each back in 2010 if they were even available (they were $1700 or so in mid 2011 when i picked up my 2011 15").

I believe someone here with a similar vintage mini(?) who fitted 16gb and it worked. The mini of similar age likely has a similar chipset, which will be the limiting factor.

I suspect if it can handle >8GB (e.g., 10 or 12 with a 4+8 or 2+8 setup), it will handle 16. Yes mis-matched ram will be slower, but an 8GB dimm is what... 45 bucks now?

Worth a try if you ask me. If 10-12gb works (mis-matched), buy the other 8gb dimm for another 45 bucks so you have a matched pair, totalling 16 GB. If it doesn't work, sell the DIMM to someone else or just wear the $45 bet you made that didn't pay off.
 
It may be worth a shot, it was likely never tested for 16gb as 8gb modules would have been well in excess of $2000 each back in 2010 if they were even available (they were $1700 or so in mid 2011 when i picked up my 2011 15").

I believe someone here with a similar vintage mini(?) who fitted 16gb and it worked. The mini of similar age likely has a similar chipset, which will be the limiting factor.

The 13" MBP from 2010 was able to use 16GB of RAM. This is because the 13" model used a Core2 Duo processor and an NVIDIA chipset(the mini from that time period was the same setup). Your 15" model has an i7(i5?) and an Intel chipset. They're very different setups.
 
my MBP says it can only take 8 gb of ram, which is what i have but i have read they do take 16, is it true?

Go to OWC and see what they say. I've found they're quite reliable in summarising what your system may be able to handle, officially or unofficially.
 
The 13" MBP from 2010 was able to use 16GB of RAM. This is because the 13" model used a Core2 Duo processor and an NVIDIA chipset(the mini from that time period was the same setup). Your 15" model has an i7(i5?) and an Intel chipset. They're very different setups.

Hmm... checking ark.intel.com it looks like the core i5-540m can only take 8gb
I believe the i5-540 was the generation in the 2010s?

http://ark.intel.com/products/43544/Intel-Core-i5-540M-Processor-3M-Cache-2_53-GHz




So, ignore my previous post. The spec sheet is probably right. Looks like intel cheaped out on the original i5s.
 
my MBP says it can only take 8 gb of ram, which is what i have but i have read they do take 16, is it true?
No, it's not true. All 2010 MBPs support a maximum of 8GB of RAM, except the 13" Core 2 Duo models, which can support 16GB.

You can find specs on all Apple products, including maximum RAM:
 
Thank you guys!
Well, the macbook is working better than the first day i got it. 8 of ram and she is doing fine.

So i am keeping it and probably getting another mac this year.

I am new to Macs, only been using them since '86, lol.
 
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