Two OWC 8.0GB 1333MHz DDR3 SO-DIMM PC10600 204 Pin memory sticks.
Why You Need More RAM
For the photographer more RAM equals a faster computer and when you consider the amount of performance gain a 16GB RAM offers for such a low price it is almost too good to be true.
This is the very first upgrade for my new 17-inch MacBook Pro (late 2011 version). Since this computer will serve as my main travel computer I need the maximum speed and response possible for downloading, saving, optimizing and transferring large files on a daily basis. Additional RAM can also make a huge difference in performance when running multiple programs at the same time, such as Photoshop, Lightroom, video files, web browsers, and email.
Upgrading RAM will make even bigger gains in speed if you are using solid state drives.
How Much Faster is 16GB Over 8GB?
OWC the supplier of the RAM upgrade reports that benchmark Photoshop tests show moving from 8GB to 16GB RAM show a 42% increase in speed. With an SSD the numbers jump 52% again with 16GB RAM installed.
With 16GB and an SSD drive the numbers are 300% faster than a stock Apple machine with 8GB RAM and a standard HDD.
How Much Does 16GB Cost?
The Apple 8GB RAM upgrade is $200 (from the standard 4GB), the OWC 16GB RAM upgrade is only $244. 16GB of RAM for $245 is an astounding value, this same upgrade was $1600 in 2011!
I chose OWC (Other World Computing) for my RAM upgrade purchase: http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Other World Computing/1333DDR3S16P/The OWC RAM will not void Apple's warranty, it exceeds Apple and Intel standards, it comes with a 30 day money back guarantee, a life time advanced replacement guarantee, and OWC offers excellent customer service.
So why didn't I just have more RAM installed when I ordered my MBP? Apple only offers a maximum of 8GB RAM on the MBP and since I was planning on upgrading to 16GB I actually ordered my machine with only 4GB of RAM.
Apple 2GB RAM and OWC 8GB RAM DDR3 204 Pin modules.
MacBook Pro RAM Installation.
I used Apple's RAM upgrade support document to install the RAM modules myself : http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1270#link6
The complete upgrade took about 15 minutes at the most but you will need good quality Phillips #00 Screwdriver to do the job.
OWC has RAM installation videos available on their site: http://eshop.macsales.com/installvideos/
OWC 16GB upgrade installed in a 2011 MBP.
Conclusion
The 16GB OWC RAM upgrade was easy to order and install. All 16GB was recognized by the OS on the first restart. I would not hesitate to recommend this upgrade to any 2011 MacBook Pro owner.
Useful Links
To find out the amount of RAM in your Mac: http://eshop.macsales.com/memory/maxram
How to identify MacBook Pro models: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4132
All content (including text, design, photos, layout, and graphics) are copyright © 2012 Robert OToole. All rights reserved.