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    Max RAM speed for Mid-2009 Macbook Pros

    Discussion in 'Apple and Mac OS X' started by HorrorofSpamylon, Sep 18, 2010.

  1. HorrorofSpamylon

    HorrorofSpamylon Notebook Geek

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    I know that it can take up to 8 GB, but does anyone know if they recognize speeds more than 1066? Thanks!
     
    HorrorofSpamylon, Sep 18, 2010
    #1
  2. sgogeta4

    sgogeta4 Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    It depends on the CPU/chipset, but I don't think even the current 2010 MBPs take faster memory - not that memory speed makes any difference in real life situations.
     
    sgogeta4, Sep 18, 2010
    #2
  3. Xhibit

    Xhibit Notebook Evangelist

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    You would need software to change the RAM speed and timings. But I don't think anything you would be doing on a laptop could really take advantage of that.
     
    Xhibit, Sep 19, 2010
    #3
  4. pbcustom98

    pbcustom98 Goldmember

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    No.

    4 GB of 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM (PC3-8500) is the highest it supports - judging by all the vendors selling ram specifically for that model.
     
    pbcustom98, Sep 19, 2010
    #4
  5. TheRocketmac

    TheRocketmac Notebook Geek

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    1066Mhz (DDR3 PC3-8500).

    However, if you can get a better deal on 1333Mhz, the bus will throttle down to the 1066Mhz bus speed.
     
    TheRocketmac, Sep 20, 2010
    #5
  6. DJRiful

    DJRiful Notebook Consultant

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    I am thinking to get only up to 6GB ram not 8gb. My HDX has 8GB which I found incredible dumb upgrade. LOL 4GB is good but 6GB is good to ensure for intense application like Adobe, Maya all runs together.

    So leaving the default 2GB and replace the other 2GB with 4GB stick.
     
    DJRiful, Sep 20, 2010
    #6
  7. TheRocketmac

    TheRocketmac Notebook Geek

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    Since you can get a 2x4GB memory kit on NewEgg.com for around $170, I would think it'd be a worth-while upgrade to go with the 8GB.
     
    TheRocketmac, Sep 20, 2010
    #7
  8. DJRiful

    DJRiful Notebook Consultant

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    If the price is close, I agree. You mention as Kit. Default is has 4gb ram so 2x2dimm so I just need to purchase 1x 4gb dimm. that only cost $100
     
    DJRiful, Sep 20, 2010
    #8
  9. ajreynol

    ajreynol Notebook Virtuoso

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    just picked up a 4GB stick from Amazon for $70. couldn't pass that up.
     
    ajreynol, Sep 22, 2010
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  10. TheRocketmac

    TheRocketmac Notebook Geek

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    Got a link? :D
     
    TheRocketmac, Sep 22, 2010
    #10
  11. mikeyharm

    mikeyharm Notebook Geek

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    Don't forget guys - We're using Dual-Core chips on "multichannel" bus architectures. You're going to get WAY more perf. out of 8GB than 6. Non-Parity throws away your synchronous multichannel capabilities on the nVidia boards we're using in these machines.

    I don't have benchmarks, but I would never put an odd or uneven stick set in my modern machines for that reason. Pricewatch.com has some wicked deals on 8GB. I only paid $32 bucks since the store made an error and had their 1333 4GB sticks on sale for $0.00 one day. Schweeet deals! I felt so bad that I overnighted them so that I paid SOMETHING.
     
    mikeyharm, Sep 22, 2010
    #11
  12. ygohome

    ygohome Notebook Deity

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    I'd go 8GB if you can. you can always use the extra RAM for VMs if you wanted to. Throw 3+ gig at the VM and still have plenty for OS X native apps.
     
    ygohome, Sep 23, 2010
    #12
  13. masterchef341

    masterchef341 The guy from The Notebook

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    this. if you get two memory sticks that are the same size, your computer will take advantage of it in a clever way to drastically increase memory performance.
     
    masterchef341, Sep 28, 2010
    #13