Ram For Mac Pro 2009



  1. MacOSG demonstrates how to install memory in a 2009 Mac Pro. When performing this upgrade, be sure to take precautions for static by discharging static electricity before beginning. Shut down, unplug and place the Mac Pro on a static-free surface. To access the memory, you need to open the side access door by lifting the latch located on the rear of the Mac until it locks in the open position.
  2. By contrast, the high-end 'Eight Core' models - Mac Pro 'Eight Core' 2.26 (2009), Mac Pro 'Eight Core' 2.66 (2009) and Mac Pro 'Eight Core' 2.93 (2009) - have eight memory slots. Officially, starting December 4, 2009, Apple supports 16 GB of RAM in the 'Quad Core' models and 32 GB of RAM in the 'Eight Core' models using 4 GB memory modules.

To identify your MacBook Pro model, use the information in How to identify MacBook Pro models.

Question: Q: Mac Pro early 2009 Max Ram. Hi guys, Can anyone confim the Maximum amount of Ram that can be installed in the Mac Pro Early 2009 Quad Core Xeon?

Once you're sure which model you have, find it in the list below to go to the instructions for that model. Note: Apple notebooks not listed in this table have non-removable memory.

13-inch

MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2012)
MacBook Pro (13-inch, Late 2011)
MacBook Pro (13-inch, Early 2011)
MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2010)
MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2009)

15-inch

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2012)
MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2011)
MacBook Pro (15-inch, Early 2011)
MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2010)
MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2.53GHz, Mid 2009)
MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009)
MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008)
MacBook Pro (15-inch, Early 2008) and earlier

17-inchMacBook Pro (17-inch, Late 2011)
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2011)
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Mid 2010)
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Mid 2009)
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009)
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Late 2008) and earlier

Applicable Models

The instructions provided below are for the following MacBook Pro (13-inch) models:

  • MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2012)
  • MacBook Pro (13-inch, Late 2011)
  • MacBook Pro (13-inch, Early 2011)
  • MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2010)
  • MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2009)

Memory specifications

Use the tables below to confirm the memory you're installing is compatible with your MacBook Pro.

MacBook Pro (13-inch, mid 2012)
Number of memory slots2
Base memory4 GB
Maximum memory8 GB
Memory card specifications- Double Data Rate Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Module (DDR3) format
- 67.6mm x 30mm (1.18 inch)
- 2 GB or 4 GB
- 204-pin
- PC3-12800 DDR3 1600 MHz type RAM
Additional notesFor best performance, fill both memory slots, installing an equal memory module in each slot.
MacBook Pro (13-inch, Late 2011) and MacBook Pro (13-inch, Early 2011)
Number of memory slots2
Base memory4 GB
Maximum memory8 GB
Memory card specifications- Double Data Rate Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Module (DDR3) format
- 67.6mm x 30mm (1.18 inch)
- 2 GB or 4 GB
- 204-pin
- PC3-10600 DDR3 1333 MHz type RAM
Additional notesFor best performance, fill both memory slots, installing an equal memory module in each slot.
MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2010) and MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2009)
Number of memory slots2
Base memory4 GB
Maximum memory8 GB
Memory card specifications- Double Data Rate Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Module (DDR3) format
-30mm (1.18 inch)
- 2 GB or 4 GB
- 204-pin
- PC3-8500 DDR3 1066 MHz type RAM
Additional notesFor best performance, fill both memory slots, installing an equal memory module in each slot.

Removing or installing memory

Warning: The internal components of your MacBook Pro can be warm. If you have been using your MacBook Pro, wait ten minutes after shutting down the computer to let the internal components cool before continuing.

Step 1: Remove the bottom case

  1. Shut down your MacBook Pro. Disconnect the power adapter, Ethernet cable, USB cables, security lock, and any other cables connected to the MacBook Pro to prevent damaging the computer.
  2. Turn over your MacBook Pro and remove the ten (10) screws that secure the bottom case. Because the screws are different lengths, note the screw lengths and locations so you can replace the screws correctly. Put them aside in a safe place. Lift off the case and place it to the side.
  3. Touch a metal surface inside the computer to discharge any static electricity from your body.

Step 2: Remove existing memory (if present)

  1. Push the levers on the sides of the memory module in an outward direction to release the module from the memory card slot. The memory pops up at an angle. Before removing it, make sure you find the half-circle notches. If you don’t, try pressing the levers outward again.
  2. Hold the memory module by its notches and remove it from the slot.
  3. Remove the other memory module.
    Important: Hold the memory modules by their edges, and do not touch the gold connectors.

Step 3: Install memory

  1. Align the notch on the gold edge of the module with the notch in the lower memory slot.
  2. Tilt the card and push the memory into the slot.
  3. Use two fingers with firm, even pressure to push down on the memory module. There should be a click when you insert the memory correctly.
  4. Repeat this procedure to install an additional memory module in the top slot. Press down on the module to make sure it is level.
    Note: Make sure you install the memory according to this illustration, with the gold contacts inserted almost completely into the connector.

Step 4: Replace the bottom case

Replace the bottom case. Replace and tighten the ten screws you removed earlier, making sure to put the different length screws in their proper locations.

Applicable Models

The instructions provided below are for the following MacBook Pro 15-inch models:

  • MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2012)
  • MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2011)
  • MacBook Pro (15-inch, Early 2011)
  • MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2010)
  • MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2.53GHz Mid 2009)
  • MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009)

Memory specifications

Please use the tables below to confirm the memory being installed is compatible with your MacBook Pro.

MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2012)
Number of memory slots2
Base memory4 GB
Maximum memory8 GB
Memory card specifications- Double Data Rate Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Module (DDR3) format
- 30mm (1.18 inch)
- 2 GB or 4 GB
- 204-pin
- PC3-12800 DDR3 1600 MHz type RAM
Additional notesFor best performance, fill both memory slots, installing an equal memory module in each slot.
MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2011) and MacBook Pro (15-inch, Early 2011)
Number of memory slots2
Base memory4 GB
Maximum memory8 GB
Memory card specifications- Double Data Rate Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Module (DDR3) format
- 30mm (1.18 inch)
- 2 GB or 4 GB
- 204-pin
- PC3-10600 DDR3 1333 MHz type RAM
Additional notesFor best performance, fill both memory slots, installing an equal memory module in each slot.
MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2010), MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2.53GHz Mid 2009), MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009)
Number of memory slots2
Base memory4 GB
Maximum memory8 GB
Memory card specifications- Double Data Rate Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Module (DDR3) format
- 30mm (1.18 inch)
- 2 GB or 4 GB
- 204-pin
- PC3-8500 DDR3 1066 MHz type RAM
Additional notesFor best performance, fill both memory slots, installing an equal memory module in each slot.

Removing or installing memory

Warning: The internal components of your MacBook Pro can be warm. If you have been using your MacBook Pro, wait ten minutes after shutting down the computer to let the internal components cool before continuing.

Macbook

Step 1: Remove the bottom case

  1. Shut down your MacBook Pro. Disconnect the power adapter, Ethernet cable, USB cables, security lock, and any other cables connected to the MacBook Pro to prevent damaging the computer.
  2. Turn over your MacBook Pro and remove the ten (10) screws that secure the bottom case. Because the screws are different lengths, note the screw lengths and locations so you can replace the screws correctly. Put them aside in a safe place. Lift off the case and place it to the side.
  3. Touch a metal surface inside the computer to discharge any static electricity from your body.

Step 2: Remove existing memory (if present)

  1. Push the levers on the sides of the memory module in an outward direction to release the module from the memory card slot. The memory pops up at an angle. Before removing it, make sure you find the half-circle notches. If you don’t, try pressing the levers outward again.
  2. Hold the memory module by its notches and remove it from the slot.
  3. Remove the other memory module.
    Important: Hold the memory modules by their edges, and do not touch the gold connectors.

Step 3: Install memory

  1. Align the notch on the gold edge of the module with the notch in the lower memory slot.
  2. Tilt the card and push the memory into the slot.
  3. Use two fingers with firm, even pressure to push down on the memory module. There should be a click when you insert the memory correctly.
  4. Repeat this procedure to install an additional memory module in the top slot. Press down on the module to make sure it is level.Note: Make sure you install the memory according to this illustration, with the gold contacts inserted almost completely into the connector.

Step 4: Replace the bottom case

Replace and tighten the ten screws you removed earlier, making sure to put the different length screws in their proper locations.

Applicable model

The instructions provided below are for the following MacBook Pro 15-inch models:

  • MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008)

Memory specifications

Please use the table below to confirm the memory being installed is compatible with your MacBook Pro.

MacBook Pro (15-inch, late 2008)
Number of memory slots2
Base memory2 GB
Maximum memory4 GB
Memory card specifications- Double Data Rate Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Module (DDR3) format
- 30mm (1.18 inch)
- 1 GB or 2 GB
- 204-pin
- PC3-8500 DDR3 1066 MHz type RAM
Additional notesFor best performance, fill both memory slots and install an identical memory module in each slot.

Removing or installing memory

Ram

Warning: The internal components of your MacBook Pro can be warm. If you have been using your MacBook Pro, wait ten minutes after shutting down the computer to let the internal components cool before continuing.

Step 1: Remove the access door

  1. Shut down your MacBook Pro. Disconnect the power adapter, Ethernet cable, security lock, and any other cords connected to the MacBook Pro to prevent damaging the computer.
  2. Turn over your MacBook Pro and locate the latch. Push down to release the latch and remove the access door that covers the battery and hard drive.
  3. The latch must be in its released, open position to remove the access door.

Step 2: Remove the battery

With the latch still in its open position, gently pull up on the tab to remove the battery.

Step 3: Remove the bottom case

  1. Remove the eight screws that secure the bottom case of your MacBook Pro, and then remove the bottom case.
    Important: Because the screws are different lengths, note the screw lengths and locations so you can replace the screws correctly. Put them aside in a safe place.
  2. Touch a metal surface inside the computer to discharge any static electricity from your body.

Step 4: Remove existing memory (if present)

  1. Push out the ejection levers on the sides of the memory module to release the module from the memory card slot. The memory pops up at an angle. Before removing it, make sure you find the half-circle notches. If you don’t, try pressing the ejection levers again.
  2. Hold the memory module by the notches and remove it from the slot.
  3. Remove the other memory module.
    Important: Hold the memory modules by their edges; do not touch the gold connectors.

Step 5: Install memory

  1. Align the notch on the gold edge of the module with the notch in the lower memory slot.
  2. Tilt the card and push the memory into the slot.
  3. Use two fingers with firm, even pressure to push down on the memory module. There should be a click when you insert the memory correctly.
  4. Repeat, if necessary, to install an additional memory module in the top slot. Press down on the module to make sure it is level.
    Note: Make sure you install the memory according to the illustration below, with the gold contacts inserted almost completely into the connector.

Step 6: Replace the bottom case

Replace the bottom case. Replace and tighten the eight screws.

Step 7: Replace the battery

To replace the battery, make sure the latch is in its open position. Hold the battery at an angle and slide the lipped edge of the battery below the brackets on the outside edge of the battery bay. Gently press the battery down.

Step 8: Replace the access door

With the latch in the open position replace the access door, making sure it is level with the bottom case of your MacBook Pro, and press the latch into the closed position.

Applicable models

The instructions provided below are for the following MacBook Pro 17-inch models:

  • MacBook Pro (17-inch, Late 2011)
  • MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2011)
  • MacBook Pro (17-inch, Mid 2010)
  • MacBook Pro (17-inch, Mid 2009)
  • MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009)

Memory specifications

Use the tables below to confirm the memory being installed is compatible with your MacBook Pro.

MacBook Pro (17-inch, Late 2011) and MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2011)
Number of memory slots2
Base memory4 GB
Maximum memory8 GB
Memory card specifications- Double Data Rate Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Module (DDR3) format
- 67.6mm x 30mm (1.18 inch)
- 2 GB or 4 GB
- 204-pin
- PC3-10600 DDR3 1333 MHz type RAM
Additional notesYou can add two 4 GB memory modules for a maximum of 8 GB of memory. For best performance, fill both memory slots and install an identical memory module in each slot.
MacBook Pro (17-inch, Mid 2010), MacBook Pro (17-inch, Mid 2009), and MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009)
Number of memory slots2
Base memory4 GB
Maximum memory8 GB
Memory card specifications- Double Data Rate Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Module (DDR3) format
- 30mm (1.18 inch)
- 2 GB or 4 GB
- 204-pin
- PC3-8500 DDR3 1066 MHz type RAM
Additional notesYou can add two 4 GB memory modules for a maximum of 8 GB of memory. For best performance, fill both memory slots and install an identical memory module in each slot.

Removing or installing memory

Warning: The internal components of your MacBook Pro can be warm. If you have been using your MacBook Pro, wait ten minutes after shutting down the computer to let the internal components cool before continuing.

Pro

Step 1: Remove the bottom case

  1. Shut down your MacBook Pro. Disconnect the power adapter, Ethernet cable, USB cables, security lock, and any other cables connected to the MacBook Pro to prevent damaging the computer.
  2. Turn over your MacBook Pro and remove the ten (10) screws that secure the bottom case. Because the screws are different lengths, note the screw lengths and locations so you can replace the screws correctly. Put them aside in a safe place. Lift off the case and place it to the side.
  3. Touch a metal surface inside the computer to discharge any static electricity from your body.

Step 2: Remove existing memory (if present)

  1. Push the levers on the sides of the memory module in an outward direction to release the module from the memory card slot. The memory pops up at an angle. Before removing it, make sure you find the half-circle notches. If you can't find the notches, try pressing the levers outward again.
  2. Hold the memory module by its notches and remove it from the slot.
  3. Remove the other memory module.
    Important: Hold the memory modules by their edges; do not touch the gold connectors.

Step 3: Install memory

2009
  1. Align the notch on the gold edge of the module with the notch in the lower memory slot.
  2. Tilt the card and push the memory into the slot.
  3. Use two fingers with firm, even pressure to push down on the memory module. There should be a click when you insert the memory correctly.
  4. Repeat this procedure to install an additional memory module in the top slot. Press down on the module to make sure it is level.
    Note: Make sure your memory is installed according to the illustration below, with the gold contacts inserted almost completely into the connector.

Step 4: Replace the bottom case

Replace the bottom case. Replace and tighten the ten screws you removed earlier, making sure to put the different length screws in their proper locations.

Applicable models

The instructions provided below are for the following MacBook Pro 15-inch and 17-inch models:

  • MacBook Pro (17-inch, Late 2008) and earlier
  • MacBook Pro (15-inch, Early 2008) and earlier

Memory specifications

Please use the tables below to confirm the memory being installed is compatible with your MacBook Pro.

MacBook Pro (17-inch, Late 2008) and earlier and MacBook Pro (15-inch, Early 2008) and earlier
Number of memory slots2
Base memory512 MB (configure to order)
Maximum memoryRefer to the table below
Memory card specifications- Double Data Rate Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Module (DDR3) format
- 30mm (1.18 inch)
- 200-pin
- PC2-5300 DDR2 667 MHz Type RAM


Refer to this table for the maximum amount of memory that can be recognized by these notebook computers:

2 GBMacBook Pro, MacBook Pro (17-inch), MacBook Pro (15-inch, Glossy)
3 GBMacBook Pro (15-inch and 17-inch Core 2 Duo)
Note: These models will support only 3 GB total memory. If you want to maximize the amount of SDRAM in your computer, install a 2 GB SO-DIMM in one slot and a 1GB SO-DIMM in the other.
4 GBMacBook Pro (15-inch 2.4/2.2 GHz), MacBook Pro (17-inch 2.4 GHz), MacBook Pro (15-inch Early 2008), MacBook Pro (17-inch Late 2008)

Removing or installing memory

You will need to remove the battery before installing additional memory and reinstall the battery after installing the memory. The following procedure includes all the necessary instructions for both parts of the process.

Warning: The internal components of your MacBook Pro can be warm. If you have been using your MacBook Pro, wait ten minutes after shutting down the computer to let the internal components cool before continuing.

Step 1: Remove the battery

  1. Shut down your MacBook Pro. Disconnect the power adapter, Ethernet cable, and any other cords connected to the MacBook Pro to prevent damaging the computer.
  2. Turn the computer over.
  3. Locate the battery release latches on each side of the battery.
  4. Slide both latches up. The battery should pop up slightly.
  5. Lift the battery out.

Step 2: Remove the memory door

  1. Using a Phillips size 00 screwdriver, unscrew the memory door and remove it from the battery bay of your computer. Depending on the model of your MacBook Pro, you may have three or four screws.
  2. Touch a metal surface inside the computer to discharge any static electricity from your body.

Step 3: Remove existing memory (if present)

If you need to remove a memory card—for example if you are replacing it or if you need to get past the memory in the top slot to access the bottom slot—you can remove the card by spreading the tabs on each side of the card away from the notches in the memory card. The card should pop up slightly. Lift the memory card to about a 25-degree angle and then gently slide the card out of the memory slot.
Important: Hold the memory modules by their edges; do not touch the gold connectors.

Step 4: Install memory

  1. Insert the new memory card at a 25-degree angle. Line up the notch in the card with the small tab in the memory slot and slide the card into the slot until the gold edge is almost invisible. Firmly press the memory card into the memory slot. You might feel some resistance.
  2. Gently spread the small tabs in the memory slot away from the notches and push the memory card down until the two tabs on either side of the card lock into place.
  3. Insert any additional memory into the second slot.
    Note: Make sure you install the memory according to the illustration below, with the gold contacts inserted almost completely into the connector.

Step 5: Replace the memory door

Replace the memory door, and make sure the door is lying flat before you screw it back into place.

Step 6: To insert the battery

  1. Place the bottom edge of the battery into the battery compartment at an angle, as shown below.
  2. Gently press the top edge of the battery down until the battery latch locks into place.

Learn more

Checking that your computer recognizes the new memory

After installing additional memory, you should confirm that the computer recognizes the new memory. To check the computer’s memory:

  1. Start up your computer.
  2. When you see the Mac OS X desktop, choose the Apple () menu from the upper-left menu bar, then choose About This Mac.

The total memory includes the amount of memory that originally came with the computer plus the new memory you added, or if all the memory has been replaced, the new total for that memory. For detailed information about the amount of memory installed in your computer, open System Profiler by choosing Apple () and then About This Mac. Then, click More Info and then Memory from the Hardware section that appears in System Profiler.

If your computer doesn’t recognize the memory or doesn’t start up correctly, confirm that the memory you installed is compatible with your MacBook Pro and that it is installed correctly by reseating the memory.

My fiancé has a 13″ MacBook Pro from 2009. While it probably worked great when it was new, five years later it had become painfully slow (#firstworldproblems) with its 2GB of RAM and 160GB HDD. A few searches online uncovered others who had similar setups and successfully upgraded them to modern performance standards with an SSD and additional RAM.

Ram For Macbook Pro 2009

A Bit of Background

When I first used this laptop in 2013 (four years after it was manufactured) it was running OS X Snow Leopard. From a cold boot, it took about 4 minutes to load the OS and stop thrashing the hard drive so you could open a browser or iTunes. This was bad even for the hardware it had, so I tried a few different solutions, including upgrading to OS X Lion, fixing disk permissions, and general hard drive cleanup (defrag, deleting applications and files that were no longer needed, etc.).

Nothing seemed to make a difference, and after an agonizing afternoon slowly upgrading to OS X Mountain Lion, I decided to get serious about fixing the problem. The only “free” option that I really had left was to backup the data, reformat the hard drive, and install a fresh copy of OS X. I decided against that because even the best-case scenario would still be slow compared to the SSD speeds I’m used to on my personal desktop and my company MacBook with an SSD.

The Upgrade

Mac Pro 2010 Ram

Knowing that others had success with SSD and RAM upgrades in this MacBook model, I decided to pull the trigger on new hardware. After browsing a few discussions on Apple’s support site and reading some reviews, I ordered a Crucial M500 240GB SSD because others reported good compatibility with the specific nVidia chipset (MCP79) in this 2009 MacBook Pro 13″. I also picked up a Crucial 2x4GB DDR3 1066 Mac memory kit.

For the installation process, there are plenty of blogs and tutorials so I won’t go into full details here. I would like to emphasize that you should get a Phillips #00 screwdriver and a Torx T6 screwdriver if you don’t already have them. These are the steps I followed (make sure you avoid static discharge when handling the computer internals):

  1. Backup any files that you want to keep from the old hard drive. I used an external USB drive and Time Machine to create a backup.
  2. Create a bootable USB installation drive. I used createinstallmedia and a 16GB USB flash drive.
  3. Shut down the MacBook. Don’t just put it to sleep; it must be shut down.
  4. Use the Phillips #00 screwdriver to remove the 10 screws on the bottom of the MacBook. Keep track of where they go because three of them are longer than the others. I set them down in the same pattern they are installed in the MacBook.
  5. Take off the bottom cover and use the Torx T6 screwdriver to loosen the two black screws in the black arm/hinge that holds down the hard drive.
  6. Remove the black arm, then use the pull tab to carefully lift out the hard drive.
  7. Unplug the SATA and power cable from the hard drive, then remove the four screws in the sides of the hard drive with the Torx T6 screwdriver.
  8. Put those four screws on the new SSD and stick the plastic pull tab on it.
  9. Connect the SATA and power cable to the new SSD, and carefully place it where the old hard drive was located.
  10. Reattach the black arm and tighten down the two screws to hold the SSD in place.
  11. For the RAM upgrade, follow Apple’s instructions.
  12. Reattach the bottom panel and screws.
  13. Press the power button and wait a few minutes for it to boot up.
  14. Format the SSD as a startup drive.
  15. Attach the bootable USB installer and restart the MacBook while holding down the Option key.
  16. Select the USB drive to boot from and follow instructions to install OS X.
  17. Boot into OS X and transfer your data from the backup. I simply dragged and dropped files from the Time Machine backup because I didn’t need to keep any apps from the previous installation.

The Results

The MacBook Pro now feels like a brand new machine. I’m getting a 3 Gigabit link speed instead of 1.5 in the System Report, and I can boot it and launch a browser in less than a minute. Applications open in a few seconds or less instead of taking up to a minute to open.

Ram For Macbook Pro 2010

I highly recommend an SSD upgrade over a new MacBook Pro if yours is less than 5 years old and you don’t need the latest hardware features like a Retina display or Airplay mirroring. With RAM being relatively inexpensive, it makes a nice upgrade too, especially if you find yourself multitasking a lot.

2009 Mac Mini Ram Upgrade

For about $200 and a few hours of work, my fiancé has a MacBook Pro that performs her daily computing tasks as well as a $1,000+ brand new model.