RAM for MacBook. MacBook Pro Retina RAM: replacement and upgrade. Rules for choosing replacement RAM for MacBooks

Some people prefer to pay a lot right away and get the maximum (or almost) complete set of a new Mac, while others buy a lower set, and only then, as needed, add what they need. Of course, there are more of the latter. After all, not everyone is immediately ready to pay 1.5 or even 2 times more for a Mac, considering that the younger model costs far from a penny. And if, sooner or later, you decide to add something to your Mac, then most likely it will be RAM. In lower configurations, this may not be enough for this or that program or game to work without visible delays and problems. But choosing and replacing a RAM module is not a simple matter.

Different Macs use different types of RAM. Moreover, each Mac has a specific maximum threshold up to which you can increase the amount of RAM. And first of all, it all depends on the available number of slots intended for RAM modules. So first we need to find out how many of these there are in our Mac.


To do this, we need to first click on the Apple logo in the top left corner of the screen. From the drop-down menu, select About This Mac. A small window will appear, in it click on the bottom button “Details” and in the new window select the “ ” tab. Ready. You can now see both the total and already occupied number of slots allocated for RAM modules in your Mac. Its type is also indicated here, for example, 1600 MHz DDR3 (screenshot taken on a MacBook Air). In the future, if you are going to change or add something, try to make sure that all modules are the same. In any case, this is when Apple specialists promise that you will get maximum performance, which, in fact, is what we require.

Now it remains to understand the two most important things. The first is, of course, the maximum amount of RAM available for your Mac. It’s strange, but it seems that such information cannot be found anywhere in the standard Mac settings. But it would be very convenient. Well, okay, you can’t do that, you can’t do that. But you can find this information on the official Apple website (so as not to doubt the authenticity of the information on a particular site or forum).

The second important point concerns the actual replacement of memory modules. Of course, you can replace the memory at a service center. In this case, most likely, you don’t need to learn anything, just bring your Mac to the service center and just say: “I want even more RAM” - they will do everything for you. But this, firstly, is not interesting, and secondly, it is very expensive. And since changing RAM modules in a Mac is not so difficult, you can safely try to do it yourself. Detailed instructions, with pictures, are also available on the Apple website.

So, to find out about the maximum allowed amount of RAM and how to change modules with it, select your Mac from the following list:

Let us remind you that you cannot add RAM modules to the MacBook Air, which is why it is not in the above list.

Modern, thin, light and powerful, the MacBook pro Retina is almost perfect. it can handle almost any task, but if for some reason the retina’s performance is not enough for you, we start thinking about an upgrade. Any upgrade means replacing the hard drive with an SSD, increasing the amount of RAM, replacing the video card and processor.

But if we are talking about the MacBook - in all modern models, starting from 2009 (and in some cases even earlier), it is very difficult to replace the central (CPU) or graphics (GPU, video card) processor - BGA soldering is required, accurate calculation of process parameters, and installation is possible only using a limited number of chips, which do not differ very much from each other in performance. SSDs are already installed in all models with a Retina display, so only the storage capacity can be increased. Now we come close to the topic of this article. Is it possible to replace the RAM of a MacBook Pro Retina 2013? Yes and no, but more on that:

Increasing the RAM of a MacBook Pro Retina is a technically very complex, time-consuming and difficult to achieve process.

• The MacBook Pro Retina RAM in all models, like the MacBook Air, is integrated into the motherboard!

And, although it is officially considered non-removable (for example, in a report on the MacBook Pro 13 Retina system, the RAM is represented by two “non-removable” modules), it is technically possible to replace the RAM chips (modules) with more “volumetric” ones, however, this raises the question of financial feasibility and profitability of such an upgrade. The operation requires a soldering station, and the engineer performing the re-soldering will need unique experience, since memory chips are changed in groups, and such a replacement cannot be compared in complexity even with reinstalling a graphics processor (GPU, video chip) on Apple boards - even a slight deviation of the technological process parameters from the required ones regulations leads to failure of memory chips or the entire motherboard.

Of course, there is always another option - replacing the motherboard. This is an expensive operation and we can only recommend it if you have tried all other ways to increase the performance of your system.

If you still decide to replace the board, entrust this operation to better knowledgeable engineers, who work exclusively with trusted suppliers, since you will hardly be able to check the condition and “source” of components yourself. The issue of board quality is very important and, of course, does not require unnecessary justification.

Now it is urgent to install maximum modifications of boards, since the RAM of the macbook pro retina, even in the minimum configuration, is now 8 GB (the very first samples of the MacBook Retina 13 with 4 GB of RAM have long left the market, and they can only be found on various forums). But at the same time, you need to be prepared for the fact that the cost of such a board will be 50-70% of the cost of a working (not always new) Mac.

So, is the macbook pro retina RAM upgradable?

• Yes, but in practice this means replacing the entire motherboard and you should resort to this option only as a last resort, having assessed all the pros and cons in advance.

If you really need to increase the RAM memory of your macbook pro retina, we, MacBookPro-Fix, are ready to select the appropriate option for you and install the board in the shortest possible period of time. If you need to replace the memory chips themselves, you shouldn’t give up either, each case deserves a separate study, and we can offer our recommendations based on the results of a free diagnosis.

For a MacBook, replacing RAM may be necessary regardless of when the laptop was released: this is influenced by the tasks performed and the resource intensity of applications. Actually, increasing the amount of RAM (RAM) is one of the few available upgrade solutions, and it is recommended to resort to it at the first opportunity.

Apple laptops have two slots for RAM, but often only one slot is installed initially. Models released before approximately 2008 have 2 GB of RAM; between 2008 and 2010-2011, laptops were produced with 4 GB of RAM pre-installed. Most modern models have 8 GB. Thus, installing an additional bar will allow double the RAM, which will have a significant impact on performance.

Of course, the RAM in a MacBook may need to be replaced if it breaks down. For example, if the laptop was flooded, the contacts could oxidize. The bar could be damaged if it fell, or if the MacBook was disassembled by a non-specialist. Another common case is when the MacBook does not see one of the RAM slots (connectors), in which case you have to resolder the RAM connector on the MacBook. In any case, before purchasing replacement RAM, you need to check diagnostics and make sure that this is where the problem lies.

Rules for choosing replacement RAM for MacBooks

• It is recommended to install brackets from the same manufacturer in both slots. If you are planning an upgrade, you should buy Hynix or Samsung RAM (MacBooks usually have modules from these brands); you need to check the specific brand for each individual laptop. If the RAM on a MacBook is replaced due to a breakdown, you can choose any manufacturer.
• Both slots must contain bars of the same volume. Of course, when replacing RAM on a MacBook, you can connect another RAM - the system should start in this case. But when working in some applications, you may encounter problems, including the laptop rebooting and a blue screen appearing, so it’s better not to risk it.
• It is imperative that both strips operate at the same frequency. Ideally, replacing RAM on a MacBook is done with RAM at the same frequency. True, some models allow frequency increases from 1066 MHz to 1333 MHz, but before purchasing, be sure to make sure that your laptop is one of them.

If you are choosing RAM for a replacement MacBook, you can check the RAM specifications by contacting Apple technical support. You can also use the correspondence table.

But the best option is to contact a service center.

We have long been accustomed to the fact that the MacBook is the best ultrabook among all competitors! It is the most beautiful, and the most effective, and the most up-to-date, and... the most unsuitable for repair or upgrade (according to iFixit for 2013). Although, in truth, this is compensated by the fact that the Mac is simply very well made, and therefore it breaks relatively infrequently. However, if this does happen, then any Mac breakdown can be characterized by just one, but very capacious and comprehensive word - pain.

In many ways, this characteristic is also true for an upgrade, which is either not provided for at all, or is extremely difficult,... or you have an old man in your hands, from 2012. And that is why today we decided to once again raise a topic on which dozens of articles have already been written and which, however, on the eve of Black Friday is again becoming very relevant. And most importantly, it concerns almost every poppy grower!

Expanding the internal memory capacity of MacBook Air and Pro!

Since independent intervention in the internal structure of their ultrabooks is not welcomed, users who, after purchasing, suddenly discovered that 128 GB of internal memory is not enough for them and the argument “oh well, it’s a Mac, we’ll take the minimum wage, there’s enough space” is no longer so convincing, have to today we cleverly dodge to solve the problem of the missing space. The elegance of solving this problem directly depends on the budget you have. And we have prepared several examples of solutions - from the most clumsy to the completely revolutionary!

As promised, let's start with the clumsy ones.

1. Regular SDXC card. This method has more disadvantages than advantages, so it is used quite rarely.


Firstly, installation requires an appropriate port, which, for example, the MacBook Air 11’ does not have.
Secondly, the card greatly spoils the appearance of the device and constantly tries to get caught on something.
Thirdly, for all its shortcomings, it also costs a lot of money.

In general, this option is suitable, unless you have an unnecessary card of this format lying around somewhere, and you don’t want to buy a normal memory expander.

2. Budget and universal option - miniature drive SanDisk Ultra Fit.


This baby has two main advantages: price and versatility. It fits any laptop equipped with a USB connector and is inexpensive. But one of the disadvantages is that it is quite large in size for everyday use - such an expansion of memory will not go unnoticed. But first of all, it is invisibility that users of such crutches most often want in a top-end laptop.

3. BASEQI- a special aluminum plug for the MacBook SDXC port, into which you can place a microSD card up to 128 GB and enjoy life. This method and this plug in particular are good because they require constant use of the memory expander without discomfort. The plug completely merges with the body and provides you with any additional free space you need.


The price is quite high - $25 for a simple piece of plastic with aluminum. However, if you happen to have an unnecessary microSD card of a suitable size on hand, this plug for a quarter of a hundred dollars will solve your problems. BASEQI is also supported by user reviews on Amazon, which consistently leave the highest ratings. 5 out of 5 is no joke.

4. Transcend JetDrive Lite- perhaps the most popular and optimal way to inexpensively and effectively increase the memory of your Mac. Absolutely everything is good here - from the successful form factor to the price.

The main thing is that this is a ready-made solution - you don’t need to buy anything, just plug it in and use it. Among the advantages, we highlight the fact that this flash drive is completely “recessed” into the body of the device and works very quickly. Among all similar gadgets, Transcend JetDrive Lite is the most popular and widespread format that can be safely recommended to everyone who is faced with the problem of running out of space in a MacBook.


And Transcend JetDrive Lite is inexpensive. This 128 GB flash drive costs only $69.

5. TarDisk. Our top 5 is completed by the most unusual and interesting of all memory expanders. It’s worth starting with at least the fact that this gadget attracted the attention of users long before its release. Following the fashion, the promising company sought funding on Kickstarter and, as happens with successful startups, instead of the planned 32 thousand dollars, it raised almost 130 thousand.


By the way, pay attention to the device’s rating among buyers - 4.9 out of 5.0. This is a rare result even for very high quality and good things! So what is the secret of success?

The main feature of TarDisk and its difference from Transcend JetDrive Lite is that this gadget, when connected to a Mac, does not appear as a separate flash drive, but is integrated into the system and merges with your main system SSD.
There are a lot of advantages to such a gadget. Perhaps this is the first and only method of fully seamless expansion of internal memory for a MacBook!

TarDisk looks good - the aluminum cover is completely invisible when using the laptop. And it works quickly - average read speed up to 90 MB/s.

And it integrates completely seamlessly - one intuitive setting, and your Mac's SSD is full of free space thanks to TarDisk.

So if you were looking for a way to expand the internal memory of your MacBook as quietly and comfortably as possible, TarDisk may be the ideal solution. Technical details of its work can be found out from company representatives on the official website; there is also a Live Chat where you can contact with any question.

Afterword

We have compiled this selection right now, since Black Friday is approaching - a time of huge sales. As you can easily see, all the links from this article lead to Amazon - a store that every holiday organizes cool promotions with discounts, allowing you to buy the desired goods much cheaper than on ordinary days. The fact is that Amazon really likes to reduce the price of flash drives, SD cards, SSDs and memory expanders. Yes, at least now make sure of this! So if you order these goods from America, then it is on the eve of Black Friday or on the holiday itself.

And it will help to deliver these small gadgets! Just please do not send just a memory card from the USA. Pack yourself a full-fledged package, Black Friday discounts will help with this! And as part of such a combined parcel, send TarDisk or Transcend JetDrive Lite, or even the most ordinary flash drive. This way, sending a parcel from America will be the most profitable.

P.S. In this article, we specifically did not mention various external SSDs and HDDs, since they can hardly be called comfortable memory expanders.

Today we will tell how to replace out of order RAM or just increase its volume by adding a new one. In fact, everything is extremely simple and does not require superhuman resources. We assure you that everyone can do this.

So, first we will need to familiarize ourselves with the requirements for the latest MacBook Pro 13", 15" and 17", released in 2011. We will consider only those Macs with memory less than the maximum 8GB, while those with 8GB have the same requirements same.

So, the memory requirements are listed above. Absolutely any memory that meets these parameters will do. To avoid conflicts, we recommend buying two identical memories of the same size.

So step 1: you need to remove the back plate of the Macbook Pro; to do this, turn the computer over and sequentially unscrew all the screws that hold the back cover. I would like to point out right away: choose exactly the screwdriver! The screws are very small! Do not try to unscrew them with a knife or other improvised means - you may break the thread. The author of this instruction failed on this, so don’t be lazy and find a screwdriver.

Step 2. After we have removed the cover (it can be removed with a simple upward movement), we proceed directly to the RAM. To the right of the RAM block there is a power cable coming from the battery; it is recommended to remove it (but you can do without it). To remove it, feel free to grab it with your hand and pull it towards you. Do not remove the battery. The fact that the cable has moved away from the contacts is enough. On the sides of the RAM block we see two levers: we stretch them in different directions. After this operation, the RAM should seem to “jump out at you”.

Step 3. We remove the memory from the slots, take out both cards one by one, insert our new ones in their place, or replace only one if you are planning to increase it to 6GB. Press the boards (not too much) downwards until you hear a characteristic click. If a click occurs, everything is ok, you can assemble the computer (close the lid and screw it on).

Step 4. Go to “About This Mac” (click on the apple in the top panel). We check whether the computer saw the correct frequency (1333Mhz - in this case the correct one):

Step 5. Click “More details” We check whether the computer has seen all the memory, in my case it is 8GB.

That's all! We have successfully replaced RAM in MacBook Pro 13"/15"/17" 2011. Good luck!