RAM upgrade considerations for stock 2012 15" 2.3 MacBook Pro.

[michial]

I just got a base 2012 MacBook Pro 15" with 2.3 and all stock specs including 4GB RAM. I want to upgrade to either 8 or 16 GB Corsair from Amazon.
The 8GB
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006EWUOL8/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 SODIMM kit for 2nd Generation Intel Core i5 and i7 notebooks
Speed: 1600MHz
Timing: 9-9-9-24
Pin Out: 204 Pin
Voltage: 1.5V
Density: 8GB (2x4GB Module)
Limited Lifetime Warranty


http://www.amazon.com/Corsair-Venge...16GX3M2A1600C10/dp/B0076W9Q5A/ref=pd_sim_pc_1

16 GB (2x8 GB) DDR3 SODIMM kit for 2G Intel Core i5 and i7 notebooks
1600MHz
10-10-10-27 latency
1.5 volts
Auto-overclocking (no bios configuration required)
Pin Out: 204 Pin

The 8 has a lower latency and I dont know if that matters.

Both have 1.5 volts but I have heard my 2012 15 inch 2.3 may need 1.35V.

Im not sure if I would need the 16GB. I came from a 2011 iMac i5 2.5 with 12GB and used most of it editing though I would have a couple GB free.

Anyhow, is this corsair compatible with my MBP? Im drawn to that as I have a Prime account and the shipping for 2day is free and the price is good. I had Corsair in my iMac and had no problems.

 

[hallux]

I have the 16 GB kit, works perfectly fine in my MBP which appears to be the same machine as you have except I have the hi-res screen.

 

[michial]

I have the 16 GB kit, works perfectly fine in my MBP which appears to be the same machine as you have except I have the hi-res screen.

Thanks hallux. How long have you had it and no issues ever with it> Ive read so many say they have its good to hear a positive review. What did you notice was improved by the bump from 4 to 16? I hear that even though it isnt VRAM gaming is enhanced. I'm not sure how.

 

[hallux]

Before the upgrade, I would have a constant beachball when trying to run a VM, now I can run TWO at once and there's hardly any performance hit. No, I've had no problems with it.

 

[michial]

I notice I get beachballs on basic multitasking.

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Before the upgrade, I would have a constant beachball when trying to run a VM, now I can run TWO at once and there's hardly any performance hit. No, I've had no problems with it.

Do you think 8 is enough. I won't be running VM

 

[hallux]

I contemplated just getting 8 and could probably get by with that much, but over the course of the life of the computer I felt I'd kick myself if I found I then needed the 16 GB and had to basically buy it all over again and then some.

 

[stevelam]

Thanks hallux. How long have you had it and no issues ever with it> Ive read so many say they have its good to hear a positive review. What did you notice was improved by the bump from 4 to 16? I hear that even though it isnt VRAM gaming is enhanced. I'm not sure how.

gaming is generally NOT enhanced by ram, especially since you wouldn't even be using shared ram with the discrete card in your 15" macbook pro anyway.

 

[michial]

I saw way too much mixed reviews on the corsair for my model of mbp to be comfortable. I spent an extra $20 and got 16gb of the OWC RAM and am glad I did. The man on the phone gave me free 2nd day air shipping. I hear there lifetime warranty is second to none and I have seen no negative reviews for their ram with my specific mbp.