RAM compatibility question

Grant

Grant

Honorary Master
Joined
Mar 27, 2007
Messages
69,691
Reaction score
38,223
Location
Behind the grassy knoll
So I'm giving an ancient MacBook Pro to a friend.
The machine was relegated to the back of a top shelf in a cupboard years and years back.

Its an old 2010 machine - with an i7 2,66 GHz processor & 500GB SSD drive
It only has 4GB RAM

The RAM is 2 x 2GB 1067MHz DDR3L - see pic below.
IMG_20240503_204705_edit_304675830070175.jpg

Despite it's age, it still performs extraordinarily well.
I would however like to upgrade the RAM before I give it away.

Are these compatible with this old machine ?
Screenshot_20240503_210035_edit_305362878890383.jpg

Screenshot_20240503_210008_edit_305384774365379.jpg
 
Yes same format. But unsure if the machine supports a single 8GB module.
 
IIRC my 2010 (17") can handle a max of 2x 4gb but you could always give it a shot, depending on the specific model it could work...
 
No, upgradable to 8GB but 1066 MHz PC3-8500 only for that MBP model unfortunately.
 
That is DDR3L-1600 RAM (low voltage) which means it must be a Mid 2012 MBP. 2010 would have been DDR3-1066 and 2011, DDR3-1333.

Supports 16GB. This is what you want, cheap as chips and on DD. And yes, it is DDR3L.

Arktek 8GB DDR3 1600 MHz for Notebook available to buy online at @TAKEALOT We offer fast, reliable delivery to your door.
1714764963668.png
 
capd said:
That is DDR3L-1600 RAM (low voltage) which means it must be a Mid 2012 MBP. 2010 would have been DDR3-1066 and 2011, DDR3-1333.

Supports 16GB. This is what you want, cheap as chips and on DD. And yes, it is DDR3L.
Click to expand...
definitely 2010 model
Screen Shot 2024-05-03 at 21.38.18.jpg
 
Grant said:
definitely 2010 model
View attachment 1703275
Click to expand...
I wonder why the stock 2x 2GB DDR3-1066 were swapped for 2x 2GB DDR3L-1600? Apple ones too (black PCB).

Maximum amount of RAM will be 2x 4GB = 8GB. Get the cheapest DDR3 or DDR3L of any speed (you’ll probably only find 1333 and 1600). It will work.
 
now i'm getting a bit carried away.
the dvd drive does not work, so thinking i'll get a hard drive caddy and add an extra hard drive.

my friend really only needs the thing for email, but i'm thinking i'll try make the machine as good as possible for her.
sometimes when i start something, i'm never sure where to end !!!
 
Grant said:
another question
what is the difference between ddr3 and ddr3L ?
Click to expand...

Rickster said:
Voltage 1.5V vs 1.35V (L)
Click to expand...
1.5V and both 1.35V/1.5V (dual voltage) is a better answer.

Grant said:
so, a pair of these ?
View attachment 1703277
Click to expand...
Yes

Rickster said:
Correction, DDR3L 1600 will work but it may be downclocked to 1033MHz.

Also, not sure if that is DDR3L in the pic.
Click to expand...
It’s the same DDR3L as I mentioned with the 8GB sticks previously.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top
Sign up to the MyBroadband newsletter
X