RAM Question

[Vzael]

Hey guys, first post here.

Was looking at upgrading the RAM in my (mid 2010) 13" Macbook pro to 8GB. I also have an iMac from the same period (both are the latest models before Apple added thunderbolt) which currently has 8GB of RAM in it, which I use as my studio computer. Would it be possible for me to buy two 8GB sticks to place into the iMac and put the two old 4GB sticks into my Macbook pro? Thanks in advance!

 

[SandboxGeneral]

Yes, so long as the bus speeds match that of the computer and/or other RAM chips.

 

[GGJstudios]

Yep.

 

[Vzael]

Thank you both for the quick replies!

 

[Vzael]

Mid 2010 13" MBP Ram Question

I made a similar thread regarding this a few months ago but I overlooked a detail whilst making it, my apologise.

Basically, I have two mid 2010 machines, an iMac with 8gb of ram (1333mhz) and a 13" MBP with 4gb of ram (1066mhz) and I wish to double the ram in both systems to their maximum capacity. To avoid having to fork out for four new sticks I was hoping to just buy two 8gb sticks for the iMac and reuse the two 4gb ones in the MBP. Now I've done some research and failed to find a definitive answer but I know that the 13" MBP does not officially support 1333mhz ram, all I want it to do is to perform equally to two sticks of 1066mhz ram. Is this possible?

Has anybody had experience with this? Just to clarify, they are the newest models prior to thunderbolt equipped machines.

Thanks in advance! I'm sorry if this has been stated else where, its a fairly niche question and I'm still a mac noob. :3

 

[balamw]

I'm not entirely sure I follow.

Why would you do that given RAM prices today. Adding 2x 4 GB sticks to the iMac and replacing the RAM in the MBP seems like the best way to achieve your goal.

B

 

[Vzael]

I've heard / is apparently common knowledge that using matched ram is by far the best bet, if i was to follow your advice Balamw, do you have any idea on finding out exactly what ram is in my iMac to try and order another matched pair? (two more 4gb sticks but preferably the exact same as already in my machine)

If its of any use, when I bought the iMac, i stupidly had the guys in the apple store upgrade the ram from 4gb to 8gb at an absurd price, so if anybody knows what ram apple would likely have used it would be a great help.

Thanks for the help in advance guys, sorry for being such a newb.

 

[GGJstudios]

I've heard / is apparently common knowledge that using matched ram is by far the best bet,

While matched RAM is ideal, the difference is negligible.

MR Guide to Matched RAM on Intel Macs

 

[Vzael]

While matched RAM is ideal, the difference is negligible.

MR Guide to Matched RAM on Intel Macs

Ah thank you, I still think id like to match the ram if it means I'm going to be getting a 5-6% increase in speed, I intend on using the iMac for gaming via bootcamp soon. Do you know how i'd go about find out exactly what ram is in my system? Sorry for being an awkward bugger

 

[simsaladimbamba]

Do you know how i'd go about find out exactly what ram is in my system?

System Profiler > Hardware > Memory, or if that is not enough, you have to look at the actual sticks.

Upgrading RAM in MacBooks and MacBook Pros​

 

[thundersteele]

2x8 GB is more expensive than 4x4 GB

buy 2x4 GB for the iMac (it has 4 RAM slots) and 2x4GB for the MBP.