How To Add More Ram To Macbook Pro

Upgrading the RAM in your Mac can provide a significant boost to performance, likewise every bit equipping the machine to run demanding software in the future.

On older models this is really a very elementary procedure, and if you utilise tertiary-party RAM from companies such as Crucial you'll find the cost quite affordable as well. Modern Macs are a different story, and there are enough of pitfalls you lot need to avert – which is why we've put together this guide.

For more than general advice on adding to your system's capabilities, see How to upgrade a Mac.

Should I update my RAM?

Random Access Memory (RAM) is a temporary storage medium used past your Mac'due south CPU. Essentially, information technology'southward a short-lived storage space where data for processes is kept whilst you're running them. Your CPU can access the data stored in RAM far faster than information technology can information held on a difficult drive for instance. This makes information technology vital to the polish operation of your Mac.

So, is it a skilful thought to upgrade your RAM? Well, in many instances – yeah. Put just, RAM upgrades are one of the cheapest and easiest ways to get new life out of an old Mac. And for many models, the only tool y'all'll need is a pocket-sized screwdriver. We have a separate commodity all most how to tell how much RAM is in your Mac and whether y'all need more.

Nevertheless, if your Mac is a newer models there may be no fashion to upgrade the RAM, or it might exist theoretically possible, but risky.

Before upgrading your RAM consider whether in that location are other ways to solve your memory problem. You might want to run through these tips about how to gratuitous up retentivity on your Mac.

There are also a number of risks associated with updating the RAM in your Mac, which we outline below:

1. You could damage your Mac

There is the chance that if you don't take proper antistatic precautions (which we will cover later) you could damage the sensitive electronic components within your Mac. If you work carefully and follow the instructions you should be fine, simply you lot undertake this work at your own hazard, and Macworld does not accept responsibleness if you curt your motherboard or suffer like issues.

two. A RAM upgrade may void your warranty

As a general dominion, RAM is deemed as a 'user serviceable' part and, as such, you won't invalidate your warranty past upgrading it.

However, in the case of many mod Macs – particularly Mac laptops – Apple might specify that the retentiveness (RAM) is not removable by users and indicate that if the RAM is to be updated information technology should be done by an Apple tree Authorized Service Provider.

With that in mind, information technology may be worth checking the manual of your Mac for the term "user-serviceable" to confirm this. Of course if your Mac is out of warranty then you have no reason to worry about invalidating anything.

3. The RAM might not be attainable

In some Mac models the RAM is soldered into place (e.g. 21.5in iMac 2015) and so it is impossible to upgrade, and if you lot tried you would likely impairment your Mac.

Do I need more RAM?

There are two other factors to consider before we y'all consider updating the RAM in your Mac: how much practise you have and how much of that is your Mac using. Nosotros'll explain how to find out the answers to both of those questions below.

How much RAM exercise I have?

Today'due south Macs ship with no less than 8GB RAM, in many cases you'll find 16GB RAM as standard. It's been a long time since Apple sold Macs with annihilation less than that, although if you have a MacBook Air from 2015,  or a Mac mini from 2014, you lot may only accept 4GB RAM. Fifty-fifty older Macs will send with fifty-fifty less RAM than that. On the other hand, iMacs and MacBook Pro units have offered 8GB or more for much longer.

The first step will be to find out how much RAM you have inside your Mac. It's easy to find out.

1. Click on the Apple in bill of fare at the top of your screen.
2. Click on About This Mac.
3. Click on System Report.
4. In the Hardware overview look for the Memory section. It will tell you how much you have.
5. For more than information click on Memory in the column on the left.

How much RAM am I using?

The next pace it to find out how much of this RAM your Mac is using at peak usage. This is the best way to observe out if you need more RAM.

1. Open your Mac'due south Activeness Monitor past pressing Control+Space and typing Activeness.
2. Select the Memory tab.
3. Look in the section at the bottom for Retentiveness Used.

As you tin can meet from the screenshot in a higher place, we have 8GB RAM and are using 6.5GB, simply we're not doing anything particularly taxing right now. If we started video editing or something as power hungry we might come across a different story.

Can I add together RAM to my Mac?

Having estabilished that some actress RAM may assist your Mac the side by side big question to answer is whether you lot volition actually be able to add together RAM to your Mac. In some cases the RAM in a Mac is user upgradable, in other cases information technology is possible to get information technology upgraded by a service middle, and in some cases (unfortunately) it is not possible to update the RAM at all.

The biggest problem is that on some models, particularly MacBooks, the RAM is soldered on – making removal nigh impossible and hazardous to your computer. Information technology may be possible to upgrade the RAM on these models, but it's a risky business.

We'll go into more detail about how to add RAM to various Mac models below. But in summary, you can add RAM to the post-obit Macs:

• MacBook: But the 2008 to 2011 models.
• MacBook Pro: 2009-2012 13in, 2008-2012 15in, and any 17in model tin be updated. If you MacBook Pro has a Retina display the RAM can't be updated.
• MacBook Air: Y'all tin can't update the RAM in any MacBook Air models.
• iMac: The RAM tin can be updated in the majority of iMacs, with a couple of exceptions: the 21.5in models from Mid-2014 and Late 2015 had their RAM soldered into identify.
• Mac mini: 2010 – 2012 models can be updated, as tin can the 2018 Mac mini.
• Mac Pro: You can add together RAM to whatever model.
• iMac Pro: RAM isn't user-attainable. If the retentivity in your iMac Pro needs to exist replaced, Apple suggests yous contact an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider.

How much RAM do I demand?

Hopefully you lot have found out that the RAM in your Mac is upgradable. In that example you might exist wondering how much to get.

As a dominion of thumb, 16GB is probably the almost that anyone who's not into video editing or running multiple virtual machines volition need. But this is for today – a better question, perhaps, would be how much volition y'all need years from at present?

The bones principle backside Mac future-proofing is making your current hardware powerful enough to deal with the inevitable increase of software demands over the next few years. And it'southward always better have a niggling more than you demand rather than less.

Our advice would be to always deport this in mind when you are buying a new Mac. There are various build-to-order options when yous purchase a new Mac from Apple, and you should get as much RAM as you tin afford.

What RAM is uniform with your Mac?

This is the next claiming. Not all RAM is the same. Earlier you upgrade, you need to find out what kind of RAM is uniform with your Mac.

Non-upgradeable soldered RAM

Every bit we said above, some Macs, particularly MacBooks, take RAM that is soldered on, which means information technology is incommunicable to remove it and if you try yous could harm your estimator. In these models you really desire to buy as much as possible at the point of purchase to 'future proof' yourself.

Theoretically it'south possible to upgrade soldered RAM, but it is an extremely difficult process that can very likely outcome in the irreversible devastation of your Mac – and nosotros certainly wouldn't recommend it. Y'all can see REWA Technology upgrade the RAM in a 2015 MacBook Air in this video.

Types of RAM

At present, bold your Mac'southward RAM is upgradable, there are a number of technical figures used in the clarification of RAM, two master pieces of information you lot demand are the 'double data rate' variety (i.e. DDR3), and the frequency (i.east.1600 MHz). It can also help to know your Mac's Model Identifier (i.e. 'MacPro6,1')

If in dubiousness, ask: If you lot're even a little unsure before purchasing, ask your potential RAM vendor to ostend that the components in question are compatible with your Mac. That way you're covered.

The first and probably simplest method is to use 'About This Mac'.

1. Click the Apple logo at the peak left corner, and choose 'About This Mac'
2. Await at the effigy given for retentiveness in the 'Overview' tab (eastward.g. 1866 MHz DDR3). This will tell y'all the kind of RAM you lot need
3. So click on Organization Rport.
4. At present click on 'Memory' in the lefthand column. It will tell you how many memory slots you accept available, and how they are beingness used.
5. Yous'll too be able to come across if the retention is upgradable – in the case of the MacBook Pro above it'due south not.

An culling method of identifying the correct blazon of RAM is to use Crucial's complimentary scanner. You volition need to download the tool and then go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > General > Click on Open Anyhow to open up the tool.

The Crucial tool will then browse your calculator and allow you know whether your Mac is upgradable, and if it isn't. If the RAM is upgradable information technology volition direct you to RAM you lot could purchase.

Where to buy RAM

In addition to Crucial there are lots of ways to buy RAM. Go along in mind the full general rule: cheaper = riskier.

Method 1: Straight from Apple tree (most expensive)

You can purchase your RAM straight from Apple tree. It is usually the most expensive option by far and, because that in that location are compatible aftermarket versions that work simply as well, and are cheaper – it is non our recommended option.

Apple hasn't currently got a RAM department in its store, so your best bet may exist to go to Apple United kingdom or Apple tree US and run a search for 16GB RAM or 32GB RAM, depending on how much you want to purchase.

At fourth dimension of writing the company sells the following RAM modules:

• 16GB DDR4 2400MHz SO-DIMM (2x8GB) – £360 (United kingdom store) or $400 (US store). This is compatible with the 27in iMac (mid 2017)
• 16GB DDR4 2666MHz SO-DIMM (2x8GB) – £360 (UK store) or $400 (US store). This is compatible with the Mac mini (2018)
• 32GB DDR4 2666MHz SO-DIMM (2x16GB) – £720 (UK shop) or $800 (US store). This is compatible with the Mac mini (2018)
• 64GB 64GB DDR4 2666MHz SO-DIMMS (2x32GB) –  £1,080 (Great britain store) or $one,200 (US store). This is uniform with the Mac mini (2018)

If you read the description of each product, y'all'll notice that the visitor doesn't always tell you which Macs the RAM in question is compatible with (commonly it does this only if it's for a electric current Mac). So be very careful well-nigh ensuring it'south the right kind of RAM before buying.

As we said above, you are best off buying your RAM at the point that you purchase your Mac, equally information technology will be congenital-to-order with the RAM yous require installed.

Method two: Reputable aftermarket supplier (less expensive)

This is our recommended approach: buying your RAM through a reputable aftermarket supplier. In that location are plenty of places to buy RAM online, but, every bit with well-nigh things, established and reputable companies with warranties and return policies are your best bet.

In the world of aftermarket Apple hardware, a few names have stood the examination of time. MacUpgrades, Crucial and OWC (via Megamac) are three of our favourites.

Method 3: Certified refurbished (cheaper still, only shorter warranty)

RAM refurbished by Apple or another (presumably Apple tree approved) company is often referred to equally 'certified'. Refurbished RAM is much less common than, say, refurbished Macs, merely it does exist. Certified refurbished is often backed with a warranty, though this is ofttimes shorter than Apple's warranty.

Method four: Secondhand (least expensive past far, but riskiest)

We don't recommend this. Done right, this is ordinarily the cheapest method. It's also the one near fraught with run a risk, as there is frequently no warranty – and no returns. You could save hundreds, or you could stop up wasting money on something that doesn't work. Caveat emptor.

There are enough of places to buy secondhand – simply when it comes to choice, eBay is probably the undisputed champion. You could also try AliExpress (which as well has a lot of choice), eBid or Gumtree.

What to practise before replacing your RAM

Although RAM upgrades are simple (equally far every bit upgrades go) there are still some bones precautions that you should take when handling sensitive electronics and accessing the inside of your Mac.

The aim here is to forbid any damage caused by static electricity. This tin can occur when yous touch an object which conducts electricity at a different electrical accuse to you (yes, you deport electricity as well).

• First, shut down your Mac and wait at to the lowest degree 10 minutes for the internal components to cool.
• Make sure that yous go along your RAM in its antistatic packaging right up until you need it. When you're ready to start, impact an unpainted metallic surface in your computer to discharge any static in your body. Try to ensure that your workplace is equally static free every bit possible, remove any plastic bags or other objects that can cause static build up.
• Continue your Mac plugged in, but turned off. This can help ensure that the case is grounded – which reduces the take a chance of any belch. The specially hardcore may consider using an antistatic wrist or heel strap to actually minimise charge build up – simply this isn't essential.
• When mounting your RAM, ensure that the pocket-sized notch cut into the front facing gold contacts matches up with the protrusion in the receiving bay. Mounted correctly, information technology volition slot in, jigsaw-similar – if mounted the wrong fashion, the protrusion volition prevent the RAM from fully connecting.

How to upgrade MacBook Pro RAM

Subsequently the arrival of the Retina display, upgrading your Mac laptop, be information technology MacBook, MacBook Air or MacBook Pro became nearly impossible. If that'southward the Mac yous own then the upgrade volition exist tricky or, more likely, incommunicable.

Yet, if your MacBook Pro was originally purchased prior to 2012 and then yous should be able to update the RAM.

A more than all-encompassing list of upgradable MacBooks would exist:

• MacBook: Only the 2008 to 2011 models.
• MacBook Pro: 2009-2012 13in, 2008-2012 15in, and any 17in model can be updated.

Models produced prior to 2012 are relatively straightforward to update, though there are some obvious structural differences in the blueprint of the Air, Pro and original MacBook.

MacBook Pro RAM update

If your MacBook Pro is from 2009 to 2012 the following guide should apply to you:

1. Close downwards your Mac, unplug information technology and wait a while to brand sure all the components are cool.
2. Remove the bottom part of the example while keeping track of all the screws (at that place are 10 screws of different lengths, so it's worth sticking them to an A4 sheet of paper in the correct locations).

3. Before moving on you should touch on something metallic to discharge whatsoever static electricity yous have picked up.

4. You lot should be able to see the existing RAM. Remove this by pushing the levers on either side. Earlier lifting out the retentiveness locate the notches – if yous can't find them press out the levers again. Lift out the retentivity (concur it by the sides and exist conscientious not to touch the golden connectors).
5. To insert the new RAM alligh the notch on the module with the notch in the retentivity slot – you need to have the aureate side up. Push button the memory in.
6. Button down on the memory to click it into place.
7. Now supersede the bottom of the case using your advisedly labled screws (y'all did keep runway of them correct!)

Looking for instructions for a different model? Take a look at our Mac upgrade guide.

How to upgrade Mac mini RAM

Upwards until late 2014 the Mac mini was a very easy device to upgrade yourself. Just unscrew the plastic base of operations and there were two popular-upwards RAM slots into which you could place new fries. If y'all have one of these models so it's probably fitted with 4GB of RAM, as that was the standard Apple upshot.

Sadly the 2014 Mac mini removed the manual upgrade feature of its predecessore. It was only possible to upgrade at point of sale, otherwise it came with 4GB fitted, which can be increased to either 8GB for £90/$100 or 16GB for £270/$300. The two higher models both come with 8GB of RAM, which once again can exist increased to 16GB.

In the years that followed the Mac mini was not 'RAM upgrade friendly' with quite a lot of variation in the internal layout of the various models, which meant that some require more disassembly than others. There is sometimes the need to unplug components on the logic board, which can end badly if you're not careful.

Thankfully, when Apple tree updated the Mac mini in 2018 changes were fabricated that made it more than upgradable – although Apple indicates that the upgrade should be washed by ab Authorised Service Provider (that won't stop savvy upgraders though). That machine can accomodate up to 64GB RAM.

Here's a listing of upgradable Mac minis:

• 2018 Mac mini – not officially user-upgradable, just yous can become the memory updated by an Authorised Service Provider.
• 2010-2012 Mac mini – user upgradable.

Today on memory bit retailer Crucial'southward website you lot tin can buy an 8GB kit for £59.99 or 16GB kit for £91.19, (both for the 2012 genertion Mac mini) or a 16GB kit for £92.39 and a 32GB kit for £179.99 (for the 2018 Mac mini).

Depending on the model you lot're working with, it'due south likely that you'll need some kind of flat implement to get the pinnacle cover off (blunt, not sharp). Don't let that end you, though – our colleagues in the Us managed to do it in a mere half-dozen minutes, but it was a very sometime Mac mini model.

Mac mini RAM update

If you have a model from 2010 to 2012 the post-obit steps should apply to you:

1. Start past turning off the Mac mini and disconnect it from power.
2. Lay your Mac mini upside downwards so you lot can run into the bottom cover. Rotate the encompass anticlockwise to unlock it.
3. Pressing the cover should cause information technology to popular out.
4. Remove the existing memory – yous'll demand to push out the clips at either end of the memory before y'all tin can pull the memory out.
5. You tin now install the new memory.
6. Replace the cover – y'all need to friction match up the dots before you can screw it back into the locked position.

Trying to upgrade the RAM on a different model to this? We may have you covered in our Mac upgrade guide.

How to upgrade iMac RAM

Upgrading an iMac's RAM is, at to the lowest degree in the case of the 27in model, easier than upgrading its other components – every bit it doesn't generally involve removing the screen.

It is a lot easier to upgrade the RAM in a 27in iMac than in the 21.5in iMac because the 27in model has a convenient retentiveness access door, located centre beneath the screen – where RAM can be accessed (equally per our image below). In that case updating the RAM is simple, yous merely need to make sure you purchase the right RAM and y'all are all set.

However, the RAM in the 21.5in iMac can be a petty more than tricky to update, and in some generations (namely the Mid-2014 and  Late 2015 models) information technology'due south impossible to update due to beingness soldered into place.

Thankfully, Apple's stopped soldering RAM in place in recent years. At present even 21.5in iMacs tin be upgraded, only information technology's a claiming best left to an Apple Authorized Service Provider.

Here's our list of upgradable iMacs:

• 27in iMac: The RAM tin be updated.
• 21.5in iMac: The RAM can exist updated in the majority of 21.5in iMacs, with a couple of exceptions: the Mid-2014 and Belatedly 2015 21.5in models had their RAM soldered into place.
• iMac Pro: RAM isn't user-accessible. If the memory in your iMac Pro needs to exist replaced, Apple suggests you contact an Apple Shop or Apple Authorized Service Provider.

27in iMac RAM update

In this example nosotros update the RAM in a 27in iMac. Information technology's a pretty like shooting fish in a barrel process.

1. Identify the iMac flatscreen downwards on something soft (such every bit a towel or blanket) to protect the screen.
2. Printing the small button at the summit of the power socket, and selection out the retentivity hatch door above information technology. This is quite possible to do using only your fingers.
3. Attempt to avert using something to help lever the door open up every bit yous might scratch your Mac. Get someone with longer, stiff fingernails if that helps. You actually don't demand much pressure to open this door.

   

4. You lot'll now see the two 4GB retentivity DIMMs that Apple ships as standard with its iMacs. The company illustrates how the RAM should be fitted on the back of the retentivity hatch door.

   

5. Now pull out the little arms to heighten the iMac RAM slots.
6. Add together your two new DIMMs in the empty slots. There's no demand to remove the existing memory chips, unless you're adding four new 8GB DIMMs for the maximum 32GB memory installation.

   

7. Press dorsum the small levers so that the DIMMs are back flat.

   

8. Put the door back on so that it clicks back into place. You don't need long fingernails for this!

Looking for instructions for a dissimilar model? Take a look at our Mac upgrade guide.

21.5in iMac RAM update

In this example we update the RAM in the mid 21.5in iMac from 2010. As we mentioned above, the RAM in the 21.5in iMac between Mid-2014 and Late 2015 wasn't upgradable.

As long as you aren't updating a 2014/2015 model, the procedure should be similar to that outlined below.

1. Lay your iMac confront downward on a clean, soft surface. Nosotros recommend that you place a towel beneath your Mac and your work surface – you don't want to scratch your screen.
2. Find the RAM admission door at the bottom of your Mac. Loosen the three screws that secure it, they should remain inside the access door, then remove the door.

   

3. Carefully slide the black RAM pull tab out of the slot.
4. Firmly push this tab to squirt the module on this side of the RAM bay.
5. Slide the RAM module out of its slot in the bay, and fix bated. Echo this procedure to remove RAM modules from other bays.
6. Ensure that replacement RAM modules are correctly oriented, and then gently slide them into the iMac. Make sure they're mounted by using your thumb.

How to upgrade iMac Pro RAM

It might look like the same exterior design in most respects, simply the iMac Pro hasn't got the same user-accessible hatch as the iMac, and then you tin can't upgrade its RAM yourself.

The skillful news is that you lot tin get the RAM upgraded, you just demand to go to a service center and ask them to upgrade it for you. Rene Ritchie says this doesn't need to be an Apple Shop – it can be an contained outlet.

Yep. Whatever service centre, Apple tree or indie, tin can upgrade the RAM on iMac Pro post-buy. https://t.co/4JIRCSsu5H

— Rene Ritchie (@reneritchie) December fourteen, 2017

How to upgrade Mac Pro RAM

The Mac Pro used to exist is Apple's most 'upgrade-friendly' product. Even the 2013 Mac Pro had a retentivity bay, although it is somewhat fiddly to admission.

The RAM within Apple's new Mac Pro that launched at the cease of 2019 is also user upgradable.

Mac Pro (2013) RAM update

It's worth begetting in mind that the memory latches are not very sturdy and prone to bending if yous're non careful. OWC provides a 'nylon pry tool' (AKA "Spudger") for but this, just it's not entirely necessary – a petty gentleness and a picayune patience go a long way.

Apple provides an illustrated guide for memory upgrades: just click Apple > About this Mac, and so click the Memory tab and so the Retention Upgrade Instructions link.

1. Slide the lock switch right, to the unlocked position, so slide the outer case upwards and off the Mac Pro.
2. Push the RAM release tab upward (in the direction of the white arrow). This will cause the RAM slots to release outwards, and allow you admission to the modules.

   

3. Gently, simply firmly, grasp the height and lesser of the RAM module and pull it out of the slot.
4. To install the new module(s) ensure that it is oriented correctly, and then push button the ram into the slot, make sure that y'all use pressure to the top and the lesser of the chip, to ensure that it is fully mounted.

   

5. Push the tray dorsum into the body of the Mac Pro and so replace and lock the case.

Mac Pro Tower (pre 2012) RAM update

1. Elevator the locking lever on the dorsum of the case to unlock the side panel, then remove the side panel.
2. Locate the RAM tray at the bottom corner of the Mac Pro.

   

3. Simultaneously push button downward on the ejectors on each side of the RAM stick; this should cause the RAM to release. Then carefully elevator the stick out.

   

4. Ensure that the new stick is properly oriented, and so carefully button the stick downwards into the bay with both hands, ensuring that you put some pressure on both ends of the stick. You should hear a click as the ejectors lock the stick in. Brand sure both ejectors are secured.

What to do afterward replacing your RAM

One time you've completed your upgrade, information technology's a safe bet to run a memory exam on your new modules – to ensure that everything actually works.

Why? Often it'south not obvious if a piece of RAM is not upwardly to par. Occasionally a lacking chip will brand its manner through the manufacturer'southward quality tests – and a retention test tin can help you forbid problems before yous start to feel crashes and similar calamities.

Recommended: Memtest

1 of the most popular pieces of software for this is Memtest, which is bachelor complimentary from here.

It'southward piece of cake to use. First, download the projection binder equally a goose egg.

Then unzip it, and run the Memtest unix executable.

The software will run on a examination sequence in a terminal window. Close every bit many applications as possible before running the test – this gives Memtest as much RAM as possible to work with.

Voila.

Some alternatives

If for some reason Memtest is not for you lot, there are a number of alternatives in the App Store – search for 'Memory Examination' software, but check the reviews first. We've not tested any of them and can only vouch for Memtest.

Y'all tin also use your Mac'due south inbuilt memory tests. Restart or boot up your Mac, and concur D whilst it boots – this should have yous to the diagnostics screen. What really comes upwardly at this point volition depend upon your Bone, simply somewhere in the options should exist a department called 'Hardware Tests' – in which y'all'll notice the option to exam your retentivity.

How To Add More Ram To Macbook Pro,

Source: https://www.macworld.com/article/670836/how-to-upgrade-ram-in-a-mac.html

Posted by: clearyhishowas.blogspot.com

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