Unequal RAM in slots, okay?

[pjk]

I wanted to add some memory to my 2011 Macbook Pro 15", so I bought a 8GB piece. Can I add the 8GB to 1 slot and have a 4GB or 2GB stick in the other slot? On the Apple site it says keep them equal and 8GB max, so I want to check here because many people are reporting using 16GB.

I only bought 1 8GB piece so I'd like to use it without having to buy another, and I assume my laptop currently has 2 2GB pieces, 2GB in each slot.

Thanks.

 

[maflynn]

It will work, but generally speaking the computer is most efficient when you use matched pairs but the added ram will certainly help you.

 

[snaky69]

I wanted to add some memory to my 2011 Macbook Pro 15", so I bought a 8GB piece. Can I add the 8GB to 1 slot and have a 4GB or 2GB stick in the other slot? On the Apple site it says keep them equal and 8GB max, so I want to check here because many people are reporting using 16GB.

I only bought 1 8GB piece so I'd like to use it without having to buy another, and I assume my laptop currently has 2 2GB pieces, 2GB in each slot.

Thanks.

It won't damage or harm anything, you'll lose dual channel ability compared to using a matched pair. It's not noticeable.

Yes your machine can take 16GB. Apple says 8GB because they never offered any higher as a BTO option.

 

[pjk]

Thanks guys, much appreciated. Is it better to have 8GB in 1 slot and 2 GB in the other, or just leave the other empty?

 

[maflynn]

Thanks guys, much appreciated. Is it better to have 8GB in 1 slot and 2 GB in the other, or just leave the other empty?

I'd say its better to have the ram in the other channel. Why operate on only 8GB when you can have 10. It won't slow you down with the 2GB ram module install, it just won't operate as fast as matched pairs.