Thinking of a 8GB RAM upgrade for 2010 Macbook Pro i7


Recommended Posts

Hi all, I'm looking into possibly upgrading my RAM for my mid-2010 15" Macbook Pro i7 from 4GB to 8GB.

I've been looking around a lot and I found some from vendors like G-Skill, Mushkin, OWC, Crucial, and Corsair. With my old Macbook I upgraded using Corsair "Apple ready" RAM for the sake of eliminating any possible compatibility issues with latency or frequencies, and because it was relatively cheap.

But now, it looks like 4GB sticks of RAM are still some novelty item, because they're still priced pretty high. I found the cheapest set I could get for 2x4GB was just above $200.

My issue is that after narrowing it down to a few options, I read the customer reviews for the models and found that a lot of people were complaining that when they put 2x4GB sticks into their Macbook Pro i7, it would cause flickering and screen tearing issues when the Intel GPU is initialized. Once the Nvidia chip kicked in, the issues would go away.

Even OWC's NuRAM brand has been having issues, but I haven't heard of anything from OWC itself. That said, OWC seems to be the only brand of RAM that hasn't been experiencing problems with this particular model of Macbook Pro. Has anyone here with a Macbook Pro 6,2 upgraded to 8GB of RAM? If so, what vendor (and model num if you know it) and what are your experiences?

For reference, this is the OWC RAM I am contemplating ( http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Other%20World%20Computing/8566DDR3S8GP/ ), but it still seems a little expensive, especially considering I have to factor in USD -> CAD conversion and shipping. Total would probably come out to $250 CAD if customs doesn't add on to that. Just seems kind of lame that I can't just go and buy any stick of RAM and be sure that it works. I guess this is the downside to having a switchable GPU?

I have 8GB in my i5 MBP. OWC is just rebranded from another company. There is no reason it's better than any other.

Probably, but at least they provide lifetime warranty and I can see user reviews confirming that it works. With other brands, it's a stretch just to find out if it works well on my machine.

Why do you need 8GB?

I'm constantly running Firefox, Mail, iTunes, Skype, (and sometimes The Hit List, TextMate, and Photoshop), while also running VMWare Fusion running Windows 7 (a RAM hogging beast compared to XP) which is running IIS, Visual Studio, and a large Oracle database.

8GB may not even be enough. :laugh:

But seriously, I'm coping with 4GB for now... Just biding my time until I either get more feedback or the prices come down.

Same MBP as you with the i7 and been using 8Gig of GSkill with no issues at all. I run GNS3 on mine so i NEED that additional memory when i lab up several routers.

If interested, I use the following chip (bought two): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231265 (currently at $89 each)

Same MBP as you with the i7 and been using 8Gig of GSkill with no issues at all. I run GNS3 on mine so i NEED that additional memory when i lab up several routers.

If interested, I use the following chip (bought two): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231265 (currently at $89 each)

Thanks for the link. I know that logically, any RAM with similar spec (latency, frequency) should work fine... But I've been turned off by various negative user reviews. I thought I had taken a look at GSkill already and found negative reviews, but this seems to be a different chip since I can't find those reviews on there.

Unfortunately the CAD price is a little higher than the USD, and shipping is not free: http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231265&Tpk=F3-8500CL7S-4GBSQ so I'll have to consider it... It would still end up being cheaper than OWC.

EDIT: From the gallery closeup you can actually see the chip is made by Samsung. Interesting to note. I wonder what benefit they get by rebranding?

Thanks for the link. I know that logically, any RAM with similar spec (latency, frequency) should work fine... But I've been turned off by various negative user reviews. I thought I had taken a look at GSkill already and found negative reviews, but this seems to be a different chip since I can't find those reviews on there.

Unfortunately the CAD price is a little higher than the USD, and shipping is not free: http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231265&Tpk=F3-8500CL7S-4GBSQ so I'll have to consider it... It would still end up being cheaper than OWC.

EDIT: From the gallery closeup you can actually see the chip is made by Samsung. Interesting to note. I wonder what benefit they get by rebranding?

Yeah, I looked at several myself before buying this set reading the reviews closely from multiple sites, not just Newegg. I found that there are ALOT of MBP owners using this same chip with great success and even noticing improvements compared to the stock memory and other 4GIG chips. As I had said, I have had this memory in mine for about 6 months now and have not had a single issue with the memory, or anything else for that matter ;)

Yeah, I looked at several myself before buying this set reading the reviews closely from multiple sites, not just Newegg. I found that there are ALOT of MBP owners using this same chip with great success and even noticing improvements compared to the stock memory and other 4GIG chips. As I had said, I have had this memory in mine for about 6 months now and have not had a single issue with the memory, or anything else for that matter ;)

Hmm, I tried to do some research into some modules but I found no other info about the G.Skill set from anywhere except Newegg. Kind of odd... Could you perhaps link me some of those sites you found?

I have sort of narrowed it down to these three (Keep in mind the Newegg.ca prices are CAD while OWC is USD):

G.SKILL 4GB 204-Pin DDR3 SO-DIMM DDR3 1066 (PC3 8500) Laptop Memory Model F3-8500CL7S-4GBSQ

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231265

OWC 8GB PC3-8500 DDR3 1066MHz SO-DIMM Upgrade Kit

http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Other%20World%20Computing/8566DDR3S8GP/

Crucial 8GB (2 x 4GB) 204-Pin DDR3 SO-DIMM DDR3 1066 (PC3 8500) Laptop Memory Model CT2KIT51264BC1067

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=20-148-276 (Except I have found it for much cheaper from a local shop ($220), but I'll have to call tomorrow to ask about availability since it says they are out of stock)

These are the only modules that I have found that have some sort of positive feedback from Macbook Pro i7 users. If I can get the Crucial set for $220, I think I'll jump on that. But the Newegg price is too much for that set, I think.

G.SKILL looks good too... Taxes and shipping included, it comes to $225.74. The cheapest overall because the Crucial set does not include taxes.

The real deal-breaker for me is how much the OWC modules would cost after they go through customs. Has anyone had experience shipping OWC RAM to Canada?

If I can find some more confirmation of Macbook Pro i7 owners with the G.SKILL set, then I'll probably go with that to save some money over the OWC. It's really up in the air right now...

So I'm fairly close to pulling the trigger on this one:

G.SKILL 4GB 204-Pin DDR3 SO-DIMM DDR3 1066 (PC3 8500) Laptop Memory Model F3-8500CL7S-4GBSQ

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231265

Reason being is that OWC has unknown costs associated with importing through customs, and the place where I found the Crucial memory for cheaper does not accept returns on memory.

I've never ordered through Newegg.ca before, and on top of that I'm slightly worried because they say that although there is a 30-day return/replacement policy, there is a 15% restocking fee and I would have to pay for shipping if I were to return the item (though the shipment location is close to where I live so I'm not sure how much it might cost).

I've only heard of 3 people who have this RAM for their 2010 MacBook Pro (one here, and two on Newegg) and I'm also slightly concerned that the lifetime warranty might prove to be useless if they go out of business (they don't seem very big and are based on Taiwan), plus RMA shipments after 30 days go to California I think so that will cost a pretty penny.

I'm still holding off while I think about it, but I'm probably over-analyzing the situation...

I just noticed that the price for the OWC RAM ( http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Other%20World%20Computing/8566DDR3S8GP/ ) is getting cheaper on a weekly basis. It is now at $229.99 USD.

This is odd, I wonder if it will continue going down or shoot back up? The "original price" is also dropping so this does not seem like a sale.

Hmm, it's just a tough call because the more I read into OWC, the more I realize that there will be tax (13%) and possible duties and handling fees on top of all that, making the total come to more than $280 (at least). But Canada's customs enforcement on these kinds of things are on-and-off so I'm really unsure of if I want to take the chance.

The only sure-fire bet right now is the G.SKILL RAM I listed above because it's shipped from Newegg.ca's warehouse in Ontario so no customs mess is involved.

G.SKILL vs OWC ... oh man.

I second the G.Skill memory. Forget the negative comments, most are once in a life time situations. People blame the service or the product for their misfortune. Buy the RAM, install it, if it doesn't work, return it. Newegg has a 30-day refund policy.

I just upgraded my MacBook Pro i7 to 8gb. Got it from Crucial Technology for $259.99 US. Kingston Memory, I have been reading up, and not read good things about the ram rom NewEgg. I have seen no issues with the memory from Crucial, even have had a few issues clear up. My memory score went from 6.1 to 6.9 with the new ram.

I second the G.Skill memory. Forget the negative comments, most are once in a life time situations. People blame the service or the product for their misfortune. Buy the RAM, install it, if it doesn't work, return it. Newegg has a 30-day refund policy.

Thanks for the vote, every opinion counts. But you're right, the refund policy is there. I've just never dealt with RMA processes before so it's kind of confusing to me, and there is a 15% restocking fee as well to consider.

no duty on stuff from newegg.ca, regardless of where they ship it from

Yup, I realize that. I was actually referring to the duties that might be incurred from OWC.

I just upgraded my MacBook Pro i7 to 8gb. Got it from Crucial Technology for $259.99 US. Kingston Memory, I have been reading up, and not read good things about the ram rom NewEgg. I have seen no issues with the memory from Crucial, even have had a few issues clear up. My memory score went from 6.1 to 6.9 with the new ram.

Did you get the same Crucial memory that I was looking into? ( http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=20-148-276&AID=10592396&PID=3987385&SID=skim2728X590260&nm_mc=AFC-C8junctionCA ).

Kingston seems far too overly expensive for 4GB sticks for some reason. They quickly weren't even an option for me, and I have never personally used anything made by Kingston in the RAM dept.

Did you get the same Crucial memory that I was looking into? ( http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=20-148-276&AID=10592396&PID=3987385&SID=skim2728X590260&nm_mc=AFC-C8junctionCA ).

Kingston seems far too overly expensive for 4GB sticks for some reason. They quickly weren't even an option for me, and I have never personally used anything made by Kingston in the RAM dept.

That is what i got. I was told that the ram is made by Kingston.

I use Hynix RAM. It's the same company that made the stock RAM in my MBP.

I can't find too much info on them other than info on the company and that it's used in some MacBooks... None of the stores I usually check have them. Perhaps they're rebranded under a different name when they go to retail?

I can't find too much info on them other than info on the company and that it's used in some MacBooks... None of the stores I usually check have them. Perhaps they're rebranded under a different name when they go to retail?

I think you can only find them online; i got mine from eBay US.

Thanks for the info.

For those who said they use G.SKILL in their 2010 MacBook Pro i7s, do you use gfxCardStatus? And if you do, have you tried manually switching the GPU?

I believe this may be what makes or breaks a good RAM upgrade. I can currently do this perfectly with my stock RAM.

This topic is now closed to further replies.
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Posts

    • Glad I uninstalled this incredibly buggy browser. Looking at that changelog, they clearly don't test their updates at all.
    • UniGetUI 2026.2.2 by Razvan Serea UniGetUI is an application whose main goal is to create an intuitive GUI for the most common CLI package managers for Windows 10 and Windows 11, such as Winget, Scoop and Chocolatey. With UniGetUI, you'll be able to download, install, update and uninstall any software that's published on the supported package managers — and so much more. UniGetUI features Install, update and remove software from your system easily at one click: UniGetUI combines the packages from the most used package managers for windows: WinGet, Chocolatey, Scoop, Pip, Npm and .NET Tool. Discover new packages and filter them to easily find the package you want. View detailed metadata about any package before installing it. Get the direct download URL or the name of the publisher, as well as the size of the download. Easily bulk-install, update or uninstall multiple packages at once selecting multiple packages before performing an operation Automatically update packages, or be notified when updates become available. Skip versions or completely ignore updates in a per-package basis. Manage your available updates at the touch of a button from the Widgets pane or from Dev Home pane with UniGetUI Widgets. The system tray icon will also show the available updates and installed package, to efficiently update a program or remove a package from your system. Easily customize how and where packages are installed. Select different installation options and switches for each package. Install an older version or force to install a 32bit architecture. [But don't worry, those options will be saved for future updates for this package] Share packages with your friends to show them off that program you found. Here is an example: Hey @friend, Check out this program! Export custom lists of packages to then import them to another machine and install those packages with previously-specified, custom installation parameters. Setting up machines or configuring a specific software setup has never been easier. Backup your packages to a local file to easily recover your setup in a matter of seconds when migrating to a new machine Devolutions UniGetUI 2026.2.2 changelog: This release marks the completion of UniGetUI's migration from WinUI to Avalonia. With the remaining WinUI components and dependencies now removed, UniGetUI is fully powered by Avalonia. This update also brings Windows 11 Snap Layouts support, refined styling throughout the application, improved log viewing, new illustrations, and significantly smaller release packages. Highlights Further refined the Avalonia user interface to better match WinUI styling and behavior across package lists, navigation elements, dialogs, and controls. Added support for Windows 11 Snap Layouts when hovering the maximize button, matching the behavior of native Windows applications. Added illustrations for empty and loading package list states, improving visual feedback throughout the application. Improved the operation log window so automatic scrolling no longer interrupts users when reviewing previous log entries. Reduced installer and application package sizes, resulting in smaller downloads and a significantly leaner Windows distribution. User Interface Improvements Improved package list styling, column headers, backgrounds, hover states, and selection indicators for a more polished and consistent experience. Refined sidebar navigation and segmented controls to better align with modern Windows design patterns. Improved package tag badges and icon presentation throughout the application. Updated several labels, placeholders, and interface elements for improved clarity and consistency. Removed the remaining WinUI-specific styling dependencies, further consolidating the application around Avalonia. Windows Improvements Added native Windows 11 Snap Layouts integration for the maximize button. Improved maximize button hover and pressed visual states to more closely match native Windows behavior. Performance & Reliability Reduced the size of Windows release packages by removing unnecessary runtime dependencies and optimizing published builds. Reduced installer size through improved compression settings. Simplified application dependencies and reduced overall maintenance complexity. Fixes Fixed log output auto-scrolling behavior when manually reviewing previous entries. Resolved various UI inconsistencies and styling issues across the Avalonia interface. Addressed several minor issues and edge cases throughout the application. Other Changes Dependency cleanup and project maintenance. Internal code refactoring and infrastructure improvements. Additional test coverage and build pipeline optimizations. Download: UniGetUI 64-bit | Portable | ~90.0 MB (Open Source) Download: UniGetUI ARM64 | Portable Links: UniGetUI Home Page | GitHub | Screenshot Get alerted to all of our Software updates on Twitter at @NeowinSoftware
    • The best controller for XBOX and PC is down to the lowest price by Taras Buria Image via Neowin The GameSir G7 Pro is a fantastic controller for XBOX and PC. Officially certified, it works with Microsoft's consoles, mobile devices, and PCs, giving you a universal controller for any kind of gaming machine. And right now, you can save 20% on it, thanks to the latest deal during Prime Day 2026 (purchase link below). The G7 Pro has the classic XBOX layout, complemented by a couple of extra elements, such as the M button for changing various settings and four additional remappable buttons. It also has trigger locks and TMR sticks that eliminate drifting issues, giving you a reliable, long-lasting gamepad. The controller is powered by a built-in battery, which charges via a USB Type-C cable or the bundled dock station. The G7 Pro supports wireless (XBOX Wireless, proprietary dongle, or Bluetooth) and wired connectivity. In addition to software customization (you can remap multiple buttons to different actions), it lets you personalize the look by swapping the faceplate or grips, enabling multiple design combinations. Other features include a 1,000Hz polling rate, an audio jack for your headphones, Hall Effect triggers, and a swappable D-pad (two extra are included). The controller is also available in four color variants, and all of them are now discounted. Thanks to quality materials, reliable components, rich customization, universal compatibility, and an affordable price tag, the G7 Pro received very high praise in our review. It is certainly among the best controllers you can buy. GameSir G7 Pro - $63.99 | 20% off with Prime Good to know This Amazon deal is U.S. specific, and not available in other regions unless specified. We only use first-party seller links (at the time of article publishing); ensure that you purchase from a first-party seller link only. Check out Today's Deals on Amazon | or our recent tech deals. Become a Prime member (for Students or SNAP) via Neowin Get Prime Access - Prime for half price (for qualifying Medicaid, EBT, SNAP) Subscribe to Prime Video, Audible Plus, Music Unlimited or Kindle Unlimited via Neowin As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
    • Microsoft further improving Windows 11 Taskbar with latest builds by Sayan Sen Microsoft has released new Windows 11 builds for users flighting the Experimental channels. The new builds are 26300.8758 for Windows 11 26H2, 28120.2374 for 26H1, and 29617.1000 for future platforms. There are improvements related to the Taskbar, File Explorer and more with the new update. The full changelogs are given below: First we have the build 26300.8758: Changes and improvements gradually being rolled out [Taskbar] Taskbar customization just got easier. As we continue to make improvements to the Taskbar experience mentioned last month, we've introduced a dedicated Taskbar Size setting, making it simpler to find, understand, and personalize your ideal taskbar experience. UI showing the new Taskbar Size setting in Settings. We've also made refinements to the transitions between taskbar sizes for a smoother overall experience. [File Explorer] We've improved the reliability of thumbnail previews for cloud files in the Details pane. The pane has also been reorganized so file properties are easier to find and review at a glance. Fixed an issue where the OneDrive shortcut in File Explorer stops working when File Explorer is run in administrative mode. Fixed an issue where the confirmation dialog might display an internal Recycle Bin file name instead of the original file name when permanently deleting a file. [Sounds] Improved system sounds when using Windows in dark mode. Up next we have build 28120.2374: Changes and improvements gradually being rolled out This update includes a small set of general improvements and fixes [Mobile Device Settings] You can add and manage your mobile devices in Settings under Bluetooth & Devices > Mobile Devices. On this page, you can manage features such as using your device as a connected camera or accessing your device's files in File Explorer. [Remote Recovery Management] Added a recovery remote management plug-in to extend WinRE management capabilities for MDM providers. [Input] The emoji panel (Windows key + period (.)) now uses GIPHY as the GIF provider, delivering a smoother GIF browsing and sharing experience following the deprecation of the Tenor API. Finally we have the changelog for Windows 11 build 29617.1000: Changes and improvements gradually being rolled out [Windows Update] As announced in the Windows Update announce blog, we are now bringing a new unified update experience to reduce the number of reboots you see per month. We are starting by coordinating driver, .NET, and firmware updates to align with the monthly quality update, reducing the update experience to a single monthly restart. See the blog for more information. [Windows Magnifier] Magnifier now gives you more control over how you zoom. You can type an exact zoom percentage directly in the magnifier toolbar to land on precisely the level you need. We've also added preset step increments (5%, 10%, 25%, 50%, 100%, 150%, 200%, and 400%) to the Settings dropdown, so you can jump to common levels in a single click. Whether you need a subtle boost or a dramatic close-up, Magnifier adapts to how you want to zoom. Enter an exact percentage or jump to preset steps —5% up to 400%. Feedback: Share your thoughts in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Accessibility > Magnifier. [Accessibility] We're introducing screen tint, a new accessibility setting that applies a color overlay across your entire display, softening its intensity so it's easier on your eyes throughout the day. If bright, saturated screens leave you with tired or sensitive eyes by the end of a long session, screen tint can help. Screenshot showing UI for screen tint in Accessibility, with color presets and a strength slider. To get started, open Settings > Accessibility (or press WIN + U) and look for screen tint under the Vision section. From there, you can: Pick from six preset colors or choose a custom color of your own. Adjust the tint strength slider from a subtle wash to full intensity. Night light warms your display to reduce blue light that can interfere with sleep. Screen tint reduces overall screen intensity to ease eye fatigue and light sensitivity during the day. They tackle different problems and you can use both at the same time, one working on warmth and the other on intensity. Note that turning on screen tint will disable color filters, and vice versa. If you currently rely on color filters, you might need to keep screen tint turned off. Feedback: Share your thoughts in Feedback Hub (WIN + F) under Accessibility > Narrator. [Voice Access] Voice Access now supports Portuguese (Portugal), Portuguese (Brazil), and Korean (South Korea). [Audio] Continuing our work on improving Sound Settings, we've made a few more updates in this build: We've adjusted the description text for the Allow option in properties for audio devices to include the current state of the device, to improve the clarity of the text and the purpose of the button actions. "Listen to this device" is now available in properties for audio devices, so you don't need to enter Control Panel for this functionality. [Multiple Desktops] Improved explorer reliability when switching between multiple desktops. [Storage] We've updated the dialog when creating a Dev Drive to now support specifying the size in GB instead of only MB. This has also been added when changing the size of volumes under Settings > System > Storage. [Personalization] This update improves color selection accuracy when adjusting your accent color to match your wallpaper when automatic accent color selection is enabled in Personalization settings. This update improves wallpaper persistence reliability across restarts and upgrades, including better support for large-resolution wallpapers and other scenarios to prevent solid color wallpaper fallback. [Display and Graphics] Improves the reliability and persistence of applying color profiles. You can view the official blog posts here (link1, link2, link3) on Microsoft's site.
  • Recent Achievements

    • One Year In
      bernmeister earned a badge
      One Year In
    • Week One Done
      Scoobystu earned a badge
      Week One Done
    • Week One Done
      tuben earned a badge
      Week One Done
    • First Post
      OffsetAbs earned a badge
      First Post
    • Reacting Well
      OffsetAbs earned a badge
      Reacting Well
  • Popular Contributors

    1. 1
      +primortal
      441
    2. 2
      +Edouard
      196
    3. 3
      PsYcHoKiLLa
      154
    4. 4
      FloatingFatMan
      71
    5. 5
      Steven P.
      67
  • Tell a friend

    Love Neowin? Tell a friend!