DDR3-1600 memory in a 2009 Macbook Pro

[nicky9499]

Hi guys,

I've found a good deal for a pair of Macbook Pro memory for S$75, which is about 60 yank bucks. 2 sticks of 4GB straight out of a brand new Mac because the owner upgraded it. However, they are of the 1600MHz variety. So I've been doing some research and according to some of the site listed below, it is actually possible to run them in my Macbook Pro, which is a unibody A1297 Mbp5,2 Core 2 Duo 2.66GHz which originally came with 4GB of DDR3-1066.

1600MHz works and runs at 1600 MacBook Pro 2011 - MacRumors Forums
Can I put 1600MHz memory in a Macbook Pro? - Super User
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3473848?start=0&tstart=0
Is early 2011 macbook pro ram ok for mid 2009 MBP - MacRumors Forums

The general consensus according to my research is that OSX can and will automatically downclock the new memory and "just works". Whatever speed it reports is of no concern to me.

My goal is not to get the sticks running at 1600MHz in my notebook, but rather to have them downclocked as some people have reported successfully doing (automatically?). The bonus is if I do upgrade someday, the sticks can go into the new notebook and run it its full speed.

I'm meeting with the seller tomorrow as he has agreed to let me test out the sticks for speed compatibility. My question is, if I get a kernel panic on boot, are there any steps I can take to downclock the memory to run at 1066MHz or is it just a dead end right away?

Nicholas

 

[harryb2448]

Here is the precise memory:-

OWC OWC8566DDR3S8GP 8.0GB (4.0GB + 4.0GB Kit)... in stock at OWC

IF they do work it will be at 1066MHz. It happens that MBP can be pretty fussy about memory specs so make sure you can return them if they do not work. Personally would go with the 1066MHz.

 

[techiesteve]

I must admit I always fit the original spec RAM, but have seen 8GB of faster 1333 MHz RAM fitted in 2009 MBP's many times. About this Mac shows it as as 1333 MHz RAM, but it does automatically run at the slower speed and it passed every memory test I ran. I can't speak for 1600 MHz RAM though, never tried it myself or seen it in an older Mac. There must be a lot of 1600 MHz going cheap as users upgrade their new 27" iMac's.

 

[nicky9499]

Ok, that's reassuring, thanks. Still, when I meet with the seller (who has agreed to let me test the sticks on-the-spot and will take them back if they don't work) I'd like to know if there's anything I can do in the unlikely event of a non-boot or kernel panic. Are there any obscure key combination or something that fires up the superhyperelectroinductive megakilotronicity flux capacitor that will downclock the memory and make them work?

Also, are there any tests that I can run to make sure the notebook runs stable with the new memory? It'd be a big headache if I started seeing beachballs all over my FCP after I get home.

Nicholas

 

[harryb2448]

Other than remove that memory no. When you pop it in use it and do not use current memory.

 

[nicky9499]

do not use current memory.

This means to not mix the new 1600 modules with the old 1066 ones, am I right? And if they work right out of the box it means all's well and done, correct?

 

[harryb2448]

Yep you are right. Who knows time will tell regarding all's well and good.