Swap RAM between 2011 & 2012 MBP?

[Mac 128]

I've got an old early 2011 MBP which I would like to give to a family member. I want to keep a 2012 MBP as it has USB 3. The problem is that I have 8GB RAM in the 2011 MBP, and only 4GB in the 2011. I'd like to keep the 8GB for myself, but not sure if they're compatible.

They're both DDR3, but the 2011 is PC3-10600 SO-DIMM 1333MHz and the 2012 is PC3-12800 DDR3L SO-DIMM 1600MHz. Now I've read the Intel chip will handle whatever is plugged into it, so while I can imagine the 2012 being able to use the 1333MHz, it's harder to imagine the older 2011 will be able to handle the 1600MHz.

Does anybody know for sure?

 

[JTToft]

2011 can use 1600 MHz perfectly fine (it's installed in mine right now). So you can do the swap that way.
But the 2012 must have DDR3L 1.35V. If the modules in the 2011 aren't low voltage, they won't work in the newer machine.

 

[Mac 128]

2011 can use 1600 MHz perfectly fine (it's installed in mine right now). So you can do the swap that way.
But the 2012 must have DDR3L 1.35V. If the modules in the 2011 aren't low voltage, they won't work in the newer machine.

Thanks. Unfortunately not DDR3L (assuming System Info will report the "L"). Thought that might be too easy a solution.

 

[JTToft]

Thanks. Unfortunately not DDR3L (assuming System Info will report the "L"). Thought that might be too easy a solution.

- I'm not sure system info will report that if it is. But if the modules are the original 2011 ones, they'll likely be 1.5V non-L.
Though the requirement of DDR3L on the 2012 might not be as absolute as I thought (after some Googling). It will work best with it but it seems 1.5V can work as well, but it's not guaranteed.

You won't harm anything by trying.

 

[Mac 128]

- I'm not sure system info will report that if it is. But if the modules are the original 2011 ones, they'll likely be 1.5V non-L.
Though the requirement of DDR3L on the 2012 might not be as absolute as I thought (after some Googling). It will work best with it but it seems 1.5V can work as well, but it's not guaranteed.

You won't harm anything by trying.

While I was inside the MBP I saw they are definitely 1.5V. I was able to buy two new 4GB ram cards for $40 so I already did that.

Thanks for clarifying.

 

[Revo Runner]

you do know that your 2012 will support 16gigs, you can get it at BB, PNY 16 gig package for 55$

 

[Mac 128]

you do know that your 2012 will support 16gigs, you can get it at BB, PNY 16 gig package for 55$

I did. Thanks. Wasn't aware it was so inexpensive though.

But RAM hasn't really been my problem, so not a huge loss. Storage is where I need a boost in both size and performance. I have a 750GB 7200 HD now that's the weak link in speed in my system, especially now that I'm constantly chasing that magic 10% free space for OS X to run efficiently.

 

[robvas]

I have a 750GB 7200 HD now that's the weak link in speed in my system, especially now that I'm constantly chasing that magic 10% free space for OS X to run efficiently.

Where'd you hear that?

 

[Mac 128]

Where'd you hear that?

Which part?

I need more storage right now than RAM

I have only 1GB free on a 750gb drive.

Hasnt Apple always recommended keeping 10% disk space free for disk caching and optimizing the drive under OS X? Has that changed?

 

[jerryk]

Sounds like you need to get an SSD. $90 for 256 GB and pull your DVD Drive and move your current hard drive to that spot and use it for storing media. The performance will take a huge jump. Like getting a new machine.

 

[Mac 128]

Sounds like you need to get an SSD. $90 for 256 GB and pull your DVD Drive and move your current hard drive to that spot and use it for storing media. The performance will take a huge jump. Like getting a new machine.

I've thought about that. But one of the draws of that MBP is that I have that drive when I need it, even though I don't use it that much anymore. Something nice about having all my potentially used options built-in to the MBP.

So I think the best solution for me is to upgrade to a 1TB SSD which I can move into an external drive and use with my new MBP when I eventually upgrade.