Unibody MacBook Pro Q&A @ EveryMac.com. Update Published January 29, 2019. Also see: MacBook Pro Specs All Mac Q&As EveryMac.com's 'Unibody' MacBook Pro Q&A answers questions about all MacBook Pro models that are milled from a single piece of aluminum but that do not have a 'Retina' display or a 'Touch Bar' interface element. MacBook Pro features a quad-core Intel processor for up to 90 percent faster performance.¹ A brilliant and colorful Retina display with True Tone technology for a more comfortable viewing experience. A backlit Magic Keyboard and Touch ID. And dynamic, contextual controls with the Touch Bar. So you can take productivity to the next level. New Laptop Replacement Battery for A1278 A1322 MacBook Pro 13 inch - (Mid 2009, Mid 2010, Early 2011, Late 2011, Mid 2012), fit MB990LL/A MC724LL/A - Li-Polymer 6-Cell 66.6Wh 11.1V 4.2 out of 5 stars 174. The 2011 MacBook Pro has, for almost a decade, been the exception to that rule. There was a major flaw in the AMD Radeon GPUs included with that model year's logic board which seemed to cause GPU failure either due to overheating, internal chip problems, BGA solder joints getting broken, or a combination of the above. Updating your physical RAM, especially with an older MacBook Pro (prior to 2013 models), would help, but that can get expensive and isn’t always necessary.Try identifying programs that are using the most memory and swapping them for an alternative like replacing Firefox with Safari.
Unibody MacBook Pro Q&A @ EveryMac.com
Update Published January 29, 2019
Also see: MacBook Pro Specs | All Mac Q&As
EveryMac.com's 'Unibody' MacBook Pro Q&A answers questions about all MacBook Pro models that are milled from a single piece of aluminum but that do not have a 'Retina' display or a 'Touch Bar' interface element.
Apple refers to these 'pre-Retina' systems as the Late 2008, Early 2009, Mid-2009, Mid-2010, Early 2011, Late 2011, and Mid-2012 MacBook Pro models. Regardless of the year, all 13-Inch models share model number A1278, all 15-Inch models share model number A1286, and all 17-Inch models share model number A1297.
Questions range from 'What are the differences between the 'Mid-2012' MacBook Pro models?' to 'How do you upgrade the RAM in the 'Mid-2009' through 'Mid-2012' MacBook Pro models? How much RAM does each model actually support?' and everything in between.
Please note that all 'Unibody' MacBook Pro models have been discontinued. However, EveryMac.com's Unibody MacBook Pro Q&A has been updated subsequently.
Other Similar Mac Notebook FAQs:
MacBook Pro Q&A Pre-Unibody, 2006-2009 | Retina MacBook Pro Q&A 2012-2015 | Unibody MacBook Q&A Unique ID: MacBook5,1 |
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Most Frequently Asked Unibody MacBook Pro Q&As:
How do you upgrade the RAM in the 'Mid-2009' through 'Mid-2012' MacBook Pro models? What type of RAM do they use? How much RAM does each model actually support?
How do you upgrade the hard drive in the 'Mid-2009' through 'Mid-2012' MacBook Pro models? What type of hard drive do these models support? How do you replace the hard drive with an SSD?
Are there any adapters or 'hacks' that make it possible to connect a second external display to a MacBook, MacBook Air, or MacBook Pro model?
What are all the differences between the 'Mid-2012' 13-Inch and 15-Inch MacBook Pro models?
How do you replace the battery in the 15-Inch 'Unibody' MacBook Pro models? Is it even possible?
Is it possible to switch between graphics processors on the 'Unibody' MacBook Pro models manually? Is it possible to use both graphics processors simultaneously for better performance?
What are the major differences between the 'regular' 13-Inch MacBook Pro, the 13-Inch Retina Display MacBook Pro, and the 13-Inch MacBook Air? Which is best for me?
What are all the differences between the 'Mid-2012' 13-Inch and 15-Inch MacBook Pro models and the 'Late 2011' MacBook Pro models that they replaced?
How fast are the 'Mid-2012' 13-Inch and 15-Inch MacBook Pro models compared to one another? How fast are they compared to the models each replaced?
What is the 'real-world' battery life of the 'Mid-2012' 13-Inch and 15-Inch MacBook Pro models?
Software Compatibility Q&As:
What version of Mac OS X is pre-installed on the 'Unibody' MacBook Pro models? What is the last version of Mac OS X supported by each model?
Can the 'Unibody' MacBook Pro run Mac OS 9/Classic applications?
Can the 'Unibody' MacBook Pro run Windows?
Can the 'Unibody' MacBook Pro run Linux?
Comparison & Performance Q&As (Mid-2012 - 13' & 15'):
What are all the differences between the 'Mid-2012' 13-Inch and 15-Inch MacBook Pro models? Which is best for my needs?
What are all the differences between the 'Mid-2012' 13-Inch and 15-Inch MacBook Pro models and the 'Late 2011' MacBook Pro models that they replaced?
What are all the differences between the 'Mid-2012' regular MacBook Pro and Retina Display-equipped MacBook Pro? Which is best for me?
What are the major differences between the 'regular' 13-Inch MacBook Pro, the 13-Inch Retina Display MacBook Pro, and the 13-Inch MacBook Air? Which is best for me?
How fast are the 'Mid-2012' 13-Inch and 15-Inch MacBook Pro models compared to one another? How fast are they compared to the models each replaced?
How much faster are the 'Mid-2012' MacBook Pro models custom configured with faster processors than the stock models? Is the extra performance worth the extra cost?
What is the 'real-world' battery life of the 'Mid-2012' 13-Inch and 15-Inch MacBook Pro models?
What are the 'pros and cons' of the 'Mid-2012' MacBook Pro models? Is one right for my needs?
Comparison & Performance Q&As (Late 2011 - 13, 15, 17'):
What are all the differences between the 'Late 2011' 13-Inch, 15-Inch, and 17-Inch MacBook Pro models? Which is best for my needs?
What are all the differences between the 'Late 2011' 13-Inch, 15-Inch, and 17-Inch MacBook Pro models and the 'Early 2011' MacBook Pro models that they replaced?
What are all the differences between the 'Late 2011' 13-Inch MacBook Pro and the 'Mid-2011' MacBook Air? Which is best for me?
How fast are the 'Late 2011' 13-Inch, 15-Inch, and 17-Inch MacBook Pro models compared to one another? How fast are they compared to the models each replaced?
How much faster are the 'Late 2011' MacBook Pro models custom configured with faster processors than the stock models? Is the extra performance worth the extra cost?
What is the 'real-world' battery life of the 'Early 2011' and 'Late 2011'13-Inch, 15-Inch, and 17-Inch MacBook Pro models? How does the battery life of each compare to the previous 'Mid-2010' MacBook Pro line?
What are the 'pros and cons' of the 'Late 2011' MacBook Pro models? Is one right for my needs?
Comparison & Performance Q&As (Early 2011 - 13, 15, 17'):
What are the differences between the 'Early 2011' 13-Inch, 15-Inch, and 17-Inch MacBook Pro models? Which is best for my needs?
What are the differences between the 'Early 2011' 13-Inch, 15-Inch, and 17-Inch MacBook Pro models and the 'Mid-2010' MacBook Pro models that they replaced?
What are the differences between the 'Early 2011' 13-Inch MacBook Pro and the 'Late 2010' MacBook Air and entry-level White 'Mid-2010' MacBook available when the 'Early 2011' MacBook Pro was released?
How fast are the 'Early 2011' 13-Inch, 15-Inch, and 17-Inch MacBook Pro models compared to one another? How fast are they compared to the models each replaced?
What is the 'real-world' battery life of the 'Early 2011' 13-Inch, 15-Inch, and 17-Inch MacBook Pro models? How does the battery life of each compare to the model each replaced?
What are the 'pros and cons' of the 'Early 2011' MacBook Pro models? Is one right for my needs?
Comparison & Performance Q&As (Mid-2010 - 13, 15, 17'):
What are the differences between the 'Mid-2010' 13-Inch, 15-Inch, and 17-Inch MacBook Pro models? Which is best for my needs?
What are the differences between the 'Mid-2010' 13-Inch, 15-Inch, and 17-Inch MacBook Pro models and the 'Mid-2009' MacBook Pro models that they replaced?
What are the differences between the 'Mid-2010' 13-Inch MacBook Pro and the also 13-Inch White 'Mid-2010' MacBook and 'Mid-2009' MacBook Air models? Which is best for me?
How fast are the 'Mid-2010' 13-Inch, 15-Inch, and 17-Inch MacBook Pro models compared to one another? How fast are they compared to the models each replaced?
What is the 'real-world' battery life of the 'Mid-2010' 13-Inch, 15-Inch, and 17-Inch MacBook Pro models? How does the battery life of each compare to the model each replaced?
Late 2011 Macbook Pro Software Update
What are the 'pros and cons' of the 'Mid-2010' MacBook Pro models? Is one right for my needs?
Comparison & Performance Q&As (Mid-2009 - 13, 15, 17'):
What are the differences between the 'Mid-2009' 13-Inch, 15-Inch, and 17-Inch MacBook Pro Core 2 Duo models?
What are the differences between the 'SD/Firewire 800 - Mid-2009' 13-Inch MacBook Pro Core 2 Duo models and the 'Late 2008/Unibody' non-Pro MacBook notebooks that they replaced?
What are the differences between the 'SD - Mid-2009' 15-Inch MacBook Pro Core 2 Duo models and the 'Late 2008/Unibody' MacBook Pro notebooks that they replaced?
What are the differences between the 'Mid-2009' 17-Inch MacBook Pro Core 2 Duo and the 'Early 2009' MacBook Pro notebook that it replaced?
How fast are the 'Mid-2009' 13-Inch, 15-Inch, and 17-Inch MacBook Pro Core 2 Duo models compared to one another? How fast are they compared to the models each replaced?
What is the 'real-world' battery life of the 'Mid-2009' 13-Inch, 15-Inch, and 17-Inch MacBook Pro Core 2 Duo models? How does the battery life of each compare to the model each replaced?
What are the 'pros and cons' of the 'Mid-2009' MacBook Pro models? Is one right for my needs?
Comparison & Performance Q&As (15' Late 2008/Early 2009):
What are the differences between the 15-Inch 'Late 2008/Unibody' MacBook Pro models?
What are the differences between the 'Late 2008/Unibody' 13-Inch MacBook and 15-Inch MacBook Pro models?
What are the differences between the 15-Inch 'Late 2008/Unibody' MacBook Pro models and the 'Early 2008/Penryn' MacBook Pro notebooks that they replaced?
What are the differences between the 15-Inch and 17-Inch 'Unibody' MacBook Pro Core 2 Duo models?
How much faster is the 15-Inch 'Late 2008/Unibody' MacBook Pro than the 'Early 2008 Penryn' MacBook Pro Core 2 Duo?
How much faster are the 15-Inch 'Late 2008/Unibody' MacBook Pro models than the 13-Inch 'non-Pro' models?
How much faster is the graphics performance of the 15-Inch 'Unibody' MacBook Pro when using the NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT compared to the NVIDIA GeForce 9400M?
Comparison & Performance Q&As (17' Early 2009):
What are the differences between the 15-Inch and 17-Inch 'Unibody' MacBook Pro Core 2 Duo models?
What are the differences between the 17-Inch 'Unibody' MacBook Pro Core 2 Duo and the 17-Inch 'Early 2008/Penryn' model that it replaced?
How much faster is the 'Early 2009' 17-Inch 'Unibody' MacBook Pro Core 2 Duo than the 'Early 2008/Penryn' 17-Inch MacBook Pro that it replaced? How fast is it compared to the 15-Inch 'Unibody' MacBook Pro models?
Battery, Power, & Function Q&As:
What is the 'real-world' battery life of the 'Mid-2012' 13-Inch and 15-Inch MacBook Pro models?
What is the 'real-world' battery life of the 'Early 2011' and 'Late 2011'13-Inch, 15-Inch, and 17-Inch MacBook Pro models? How does the battery life of each compare to the previous 'Mid-2010' MacBook Pro line?
What is the 'real-world' battery life of the 'Mid-2010' 13-Inch, 15-Inch, and 17-Inch MacBook Pro models? How does the battery life of each compare to the model each replaced?
What is the 'real-world' battery life of the 'Mid-2009' 13-Inch, 15-Inch, and 17-Inch MacBook Pro Core 2 Duo models? How does the battery life of each compare to the model each replaced?
What is the 15-Inch 'Late 2008/Unibody' MacBook Pro battery life in 'real-world' tests? What is the difference in battery life when using the NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT and the NVIDIA GeForce 9400M?
What is the 17-Inch 'Early 2009/Unibody' MacBook Pro battery life in 'real-world' tests? What is the difference in battery life when using the NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT and the NVIDIA GeForce 9400M?
How do you replace the battery in the 13-Inch 'Unibody' MacBook Pro models? Is it even possible?
How do you replace the battery in the 15-Inch 'Unibody' MacBook Pro models? Is it even possible?
How do you replace the battery in the 17-Inch 'Unibody' MacBook Pro models? Is it even possible?
Is there a way to have a 'matte' finish applied to a MacBook Pro with a 'glossy' display?
Update Software Macbook Pro 2011
How does the MagSafe power connector on the MacBook Pro models work? How is the MagSafe power connector designed to not cause data loss?
What is the MagSafe airline adapter? Does it work with the MacBook and MacBook Pro? Does it work in a car?
How does the 'Multi-Touch' trackpad on the 'Unibody' MacBook and MacBook Pro work? How does it feel?
Upgrade & Expansion Q&As:
What kind of expansion slots are provided by the 'Unibody' MacBook Pro models? Which have ExpressCard/34 and which have SD Card slots?
Are SD Card storage expansion options available for the 'Unibody' MacBook Pro models? Which are compatible? Is this type of storage a good idea for these models?
What is ExpressCard/34? Is it compatible with PC Cards?
What is the difference between ExpressCard/34 and ExpressCard/54? Speed?
Can you upgrade the processor in the 'Unibody' MacBook Pro models?
How do you upgrade the RAM in the 15-Inch 'Late 2008/Unibody' MacBook Pro? How much RAM of what type does it support?
How do you upgrade the RAM in the 17-Inch 'Early 2009/Unibody' MacBook Pro? How much RAM of what type does it support?
How do you upgrade the RAM in the 'Mid-2009' through 'Mid-2012' MacBook Pro models? What type of RAM do they use? How much RAM does each model actually support?
How do you upgrade the hard drive in the 15-Inch 'Late 2008/Unibody' MacBook Pro?
How do you upgrade the hard drive in the 17-Inch 'Early 2009/Unibody' MacBook Pro?
How do you upgrade the hard drive in the 'Mid-2009' through 'Mid-2012' MacBook Pro models? What type of hard drive do these models support? How do you replace the hard drive with an SSD?
How do you replace the optical drive in the 'Unibody' MacBook Pro models with a hard drive or SSD? Is it possible?
What are the capabilities of the optical drive provided by the 'Unibody' MacBook Pro models?
Video Q&As:
What type of video processor is provided by the 'Unibody' MacBook Pro models? Is it upgradable? Which models have 'dedicated' and 'integrated' video memory?
Is it possible to switch between graphics processors on the 'Unibody' MacBook Pro models manually? Is it possible to use both graphics processors simultaneously for better performance?
How much faster is the graphics performance of the 'Unibody' MacBook Pro models when using the NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT compared to the NVIDIA GeForce 9400M?
What is the maximum supported resolution for an external display connected to a 'Unibody' MacBook Pro?
Are there any adapters or 'hacks' that make it possible to connect a second external display to a MacBook, MacBook Air, or MacBook Pro model?
What is 'Mini DisplayPort'? Is it an industry-standard? How is it different from Mini-DVI and Micro-DVI?
Which MacBook Pro models can pass an audio signal via Mini DisplayPort and which models cannot?
What is 'Thunderbolt'? Is it an industry standard? What advantages does it offer? Are there any disadvantages?
File Transfer, Networking, & Communication Q&As:
Is there an adapter to convert Firewire '400' to Firewire '800'?
What is 'Mini DisplayPort'? Is it an industry standard? How is it different from Mini-DVI and Micro-DVI?
What is 'Thunderbolt'? Is it an industry standard? What advantages does it offer? Are there any disadvantages?
Which MacBook Pro models can pass an audio signal via Mini DisplayPort and which models cannot?
What is HDMI?
What is 802.11n? How is it different from 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11a?
Design, Configuration, & Purchasing Q&As:
Who designed the 'Unibody' MacBook Pro?
Where can I buy a 'Unibody' MacBook Pro?
What are the default configurations? What custom configurations are available?
What are the 'pros and cons' of the 'Mid-2012' MacBook Pro models? Is one right for me?
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Unibody MacBook Pro Q&A
Update Published May 10, 2016
All Mac Q&As >>Unibody MacBook Pro Q&A | Also See: All MacBook Pro Specs
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How do you upgrade the RAM in the 'Mid-2009' through 'Mid-2012' MacBook Pro models? What type of RAM do they use? How much RAM does each model actually support?
Please note that this Q&A is up-to-date and covers pre-Retina 'Unibody' MacBook Pro models. EveryMac.com also provides details about RAM options for the subsequently introduced Retina Display MacBook Pro line.
The RAM upgrade procedure for the 'Mid-2009,' 'Mid-2010,' 'Early 2011,' 'Late 2011' and non-Retina Display 'Mid-2012' MacBook Pro models is fairly easy. It's not quite as easy as it is for earlier 'pre-Unibody' MacBook Pro systems, as these later models require a screwdriver, but it still is simple and straightforward.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. ('Unibody' MacBook Pro Models)
Identification Help
If you're not sure which MacBook Pro you have, these models can be identified by the Model Identifier 'closely enough' to an exact match for the purpose of upgrading the RAM. In turn, each model can be uniquely identified via model identifier and one or more secondary identifiers (like processor speed and/or processor type).
EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Lookup feature -- as well as the EveryMac app -- also can uniquely identify these models by the Serial Number, which is listed on the bottom of the notebook in small type toward the hinge, as well as within the operating system alongside the model identifier. More details about specific identifiers are provided in EveryMac.com's extensive Mac Identification section.
To locate the model identifier in software, select 'About This Mac' under the Apple Menu on your computer and click the 'More Info...' button. If the MacBook Pro is running OS X 10.7 'Lion' or later, you will need to click the 'System Report' button after clicking 'More Info...' as well. EveryMac.com has carefully hand documented each model identifier for your convenience.
Software Update For Macbook Pro Late 2011
The model identifiers for each of these models follow:
MacBook Pro | Subfamily | Model Identifier |
Mid-2009 | ||
Mid-2009 | ||
Mid-2009 | ||
Mid-2009 | ||
Mid-2009 | ||
Mid-2009 | ||
Mid-2009 | ||
Mid-2009 | ||
Mid-2010 | ||
Mid-2010 | ||
Mid-2010 | ||
Mid-2010 | ||
Mid-2010 | ||
Mid-2010 | ||
Mid-2010 | ||
Mid-2010 | ||
Mid-2010 | ||
Early 2011 | ||
Early 2011 | ||
Early 2011 | ||
Early 2011 | ||
Early 2011 | ||
Early 2011 | ||
Early 2011 | ||
Late 2011 | ||
Late 2011 | ||
Late 2011 | ||
Late 2011 | ||
Late 2011 | ||
Late 2011 | ||
Late 2011 | ||
Mid-2012 | ||
Mid-2012 | ||
Mid-2012 | ||
Mid-2012 | ||
Mid-2012 |
RAM Types & Actual Maximum RAM Capacities
All of these systems have two memory slots that are accessible by removing the bottom case, but the type of RAM as well as the actual maximum capacity varies for different models. Apple formally recommends that you 'fill both memory slots and install an identical memory module in each slot' for all of these systems.
The 'Mid-2009' and 'Mid-2010' MacBook Pro models support 1066 MHz PC3-8500 DDR3 SO-DIMMs and officially and unofficially support a maximum of 8 GB of RAM with one odd exception.
Specifically, as discovered by OWC, the 13-Inch 'Mid-2010' MacBook Pro models (and only the 13-Inch models) -- the MacBook Pro 'Core 2 Duo' 2.4 13' Mid-2010 and 'Core 2 Duo' 2.66 13' Mid-2010 identified by MacBookPro7,1 -- can support up to 16 GB of RAM with dual 8 GB memory modules if they are running OS X 10.7.5 or higher, have been updated to use the latest EFI, and are equipped with proper specification memory modules. If running a version of Mac OS X 10.6 'Snow Leopard,' these models only can use 8 GB of RAM.
The 'Early 2011' and 'Late 2011' MacBook Pro models use faster 1333 MHz PC3-10600 DDR3 SO-DIMMs. They officially support 8 GB of RAM, but OWC has determined that they actually support 16 GB of RAM regardless of the operating system installed, although only the 'Early 2011' MacBook Pro models are capable of running a version of Mac OS X 10.6 'Snow Leopard.'
Finally, the 'Mid-2012' non-Retina Display MacBook Pro models use faster still 1600 MHz PC3-12800 DDR3 SO-DIMMs and likewise officially support 8 GB of RAM, but actually can support as much as 16 GB of RAM. These models do not run versions of OS X prior to OS X 10.7 'Lion.'
Much like the identification help, these details are easiest to visualize as a chart:
MacBook Pro | Model Identifier | SO-DIMM | Max |
1066 PC3-8500 | 8 GB | ||
1066 PC3-8500 | 8 GB | ||
1066 PC3-8500 | 8 GB | ||
1066 PC3-8500 | 8 GB | ||
1066 PC3-8500 | 8 GB | ||
1066 PC3-8500 | 8 GB | ||
1066 PC3-8500 | 8 GB | ||
1066 PC3-8500 | 8 GB | ||
1066 PC3-8500 | 16 GB† | ||
1066 PC3-8500 | 16 GB† | ||
1066 PC3-8500 | 8 GB | ||
1066 PC3-8500 | 8 GB | ||
1066 PC3-8500 | 8 GB | ||
1066 PC3-8500 | 8 GB | ||
1066 PC3-8500 | 8 GB | ||
1066 PC3-8500 | 8 GB | ||
1066 PC3-8500 | 8 GB | ||
1333 PC3-10600 | 16 GB* | ||
1333 PC3-10600 | 16 GB* | ||
1333 PC3-10600 | 16 GB* | ||
1333 PC3-10600 | 16 GB* | ||
1333 PC3-10600 | 16 GB* | ||
1333 PC3-10600 | 16 GB* | ||
1333 PC3-10600 | 16 GB* | ||
1333 PC3-10600 | 16 GB* | ||
1333 PC3-10600 | 16 GB* | ||
1333 PC3-10600 | 16 GB* | ||
1333 PC3-10600 | 16 GB* | ||
1333 PC3-10600 | 16 GB* | ||
1333 PC3-10600 | 16 GB* | ||
1333 PC3-10600 | 16 GB* | ||
1600 PC3-12800 | 16 GB* | ||
1600 PC3-12800 | 16 GB* | ||
1600 PC3-12800 | 16 GB* | ||
1600 PC3-12800 | 16 GB* | ||
1600 PC3-12800 | 16 GB* |
† Officially, these two models support 8 GB of RAM, but they actually can support 16 GB of RAM. However, this is if and only if they are running OS X 10.7.5 or higher, have been updated to use the latest EFI, and are equipped with proper specification memory modules.
* Officially, these models all support 8 GB of RAM, but they actually support 16 GB when running any compatible version of (Mac) OS X.
RAM Upgrade Instructions
Apple explains how to install memory starting on page 35 of the 13-Inch, 15-Inch, and 17-Inch 'Mid-2009', 13-Inch, 15-Inch, and 17-Inch 'Mid-2010,' and 13-Inch, 15-Inch and 17-Inch 'Early 2011' MacBook Pro User Guides, respectively, and this provides most of what you need to know to upgrade the pre-installed memory.
The 'Late 2011' MacBook Pro models are so similar to the 'Early 2011' models that Apple didn't bother to release an updated instruction manual. For the 'Mid-2012' MacBook Pro line, Apple's 'Quickstart' Guide does not cover RAM installation, but the procedure is the same as earlier models.
However, perhaps even better than drawings, OWC provides convenient step-by-step videos of the process for the 13-Inch, 15-Inch, and 17-Inch models alike.
13' MacBook Pro RAM Upgrade Video
Mid-2009, Mid-2010, Early 2011, Late 2011 & Non-Retina Mid-2012
15' MacBook Pro RAM Upgrade Video
Mid-2009, Mid-2010, Early 2011, Late 2011 & Non-Retina Mid-2012
17' MacBook Pro RAM Upgrade Video
Mid-2009, Mid-2010, Early 2011 & Late 2011
Software Update Macbook Pro Early 2011
After watching these videos, it should be clear that upgrading the RAM is easy. However, if you do not feel comfortable -- or have the time -- to perform the upgrade yourself, hiring a professional always is a good option.
MacBook Pro RAM Purchase Options
Just because RAM meets the minimum listed criteria does not mean that it will necessarily function as intended in a particular Mac. Be sure to buy from a quality vendor that has tested their RAM with your Mac to ensure full compatibility.
In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells memory as well as storage for all MacBook Pro models for do-it-yourself upgrades.
In the UK and Ireland, site sponsor Flexx sells MacBook Pro compatible memory with free shipping. The company provides flat rate shipping to France, Germany, and Switzerland and inexpensive shipping for all of Europe, too.
In Canada, site sponsor CanadaRAM sells memory for all MacBook Pro models with guaranteed compatibility, fast shipping, and no customs.
In Germany, site sponsor CompuRAM sells quality memory for all MacBook Pro models with affordable delivery country-wide and in person pick up and professional installation service available in Munich.
In Australia, site sponsors Macfixit and Upgradeable sell MacBook Pro compatible memory with fast shipping, a money-back guarantee and more.
In New Zealand, site sponsor Upgradeable New Zealand sells MacBook Pro memory with fast delivery to all corners of the country, precise compatibility, a lifetime warranty, and a money-back guarantee.
Also see:
- How do you upgrade the hard drive in the 'Mid-2009' through 'Mid-2012' 13-Inch, 15-Inch, and 17-Inch MacBook Pro models? What type of hard drive do these models support? How do you replace the hard drive with an SSD?
- How do you replace the optical drive in the 'Unibody' MacBook Pro models with a hard drive or SSD? Is it possible?
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Software Macbook Pro 2011
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EveryMac.com is provided 'as is' without warranty of any kind whatsoever. EveryMac.com, and the author thereof, shall not be held responsible or liable, under any circumstances, for any damages resulting from the use or inability to use the information within. For complete disclaimer and copyright information please read and understand the Terms of Use and the Privacy Policy before using EveryMac.com. Use of any content or images without expressed permission is not allowed, although links to any page are welcomed and appreciated.