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Unibody MacBook Pro Q&A
Update Published May 10, 2016
All Mac Q&As >> Unibody MacBook Pro Q&A | Also See: All MacBook Pro Specs
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How do you upgrade the RAM in the 17-Inch "Early 2009/Unibody" MacBook Pro? How much RAM of what type does it support?
Please note that this Q&A is up-to-date and covers the "Early 2009 Unibody" 17-Inch MacBook Pro models. EveryMac.com also provides RAM upgrade instructions for later "Unibody" MacBook Pro models released between "Mid-2009" and "Mid-2012."
Upgrading the memory in the 17-Inch "Early 2009/Unibody" MacBook Pro -- the MacBook Pro "Core 2 Duo" 2.66 17-Inch (Early 2009/Unibody) -- is not quite as easy as it is in previous 17-Inch MacBook Pro models, which didn't even require a screwdriver, but it is still pretty straightforward.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (Early 2009/Unibody MacBook Pro, 17-Inch)
Identification Help
If you're not sure whether or not you have a 17-Inch "Early 2009" MacBook Pro or another model, these models can be most readily identified externally via EMC number 2272 on the bottom of the computer. In software, they can be spotted by the MacBookPro5,2 model identifier (although the 17-Inch "Mid-2009" MacBook Pro models also share this identifier, they use the same type of RAM and have the same maximum capacity).
These models also can be identified by the serial number using EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Lookup feature.
Supported RAM Types
Apple covers the how to upgrade the RAM in the 17-Inch "Unibody" MacBook Pro in pages 45-49 of the 17-Inch "Unibody" MacBook Pro User Guide (PDF). This provides much of what you need to upgrade the stock memory.
The manual starts by reporting that this 17-Inch "Unibody" MacBook Pro:
Has two memory slots that you access by removing the bottom case. Your MacBook Pro comes with a minimum of 4 gigabytes (GB) of 1066 MHz Double Data Rate (DDR3) Synchronous Dynamic Random-Access Memory (SDRAM) installed.
Each memory slot can accept an SDRAM module that meets the following specifications:
- Double Data Rate Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Module (DDR3) format
- 1.25 inch (3.18 cm)
- 2 GB or 4 GB
- 204-pin
- PC3-8500 DDR3 1066 MHz type RAM
You 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.
Actual Maximum RAM
For many Macs, the actual maximum RAM is higher than the official maximum capacity. For the 17-Inch "Early 2009" MacBook Pro models, however, both the official and actual maximum RAM is 8 GB.
RAM Upgrade Instructions
The Apple document goes on to provide installation instructions complete with drawings -- which absolutely should be read in their entirety before one installs memory -- but even better, site sponsor Other World Computing provides a convenient step-by-step video of the process:
After watching the video, it should be clear that upgrading the RAM is easy. However, if you do not feel comfortable -- or have the time -- to upgrade the RAM yourself, hiring a professional is a good idea.
MacBook Pro RAM Purchase Options
Just because RAM meets the minimum listed criteria does not mean that it will necessarily function as intended in a particular Mac. Be sure to buy from a quality vendor that has tested their RAM with your Mac to ensure full compatibility.
In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells memory as well as storage for all MacBook Pro models for do-it-yourself upgrades.
In the UK and Ireland, site sponsor Flexx sells MacBook Pro compatible memory with free shipping. The company provides flat rate shipping to France, Germany, and Switzerland and inexpensive shipping for all of Europe, too.
In Germany, site sponsor CompuRAM sells quality memory for all MacBook Pro models with affordable delivery country-wide and in person pick up and professional installation service available in Munich.
Also see:
- How do you upgrade the RAM in the 15-Inch "Late 2008/Unibody" MacBook Pro? How much RAM of what type does it support?
- How do you upgrade the RAM in the "Mid-2009," "Mid-2010," "Early 2011" and "Late 2011" 13-Inch, 15-Inch, and 17-Inch MacBook Pro models? How much RAM of what type do they support?
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