Certain ’10 MacBook, MBP, Mac minis Join 16GB MaxRAM Club
Do you have a 2010 Mac mini, 13” MacBook or 13” MacBook Pro? Can you benefit from more than 8GB of memory? If you answered yes to both, you will be pleased to know that extensive qualification in our test lab has concluded. These Macs are now OWC MaxRAM Certified for up to 16GB with this OWC 16GB Memory Kit available now and specifically qualified just for these Mac models.
While these systems were originally factory limited to 8GB, the right Apple OS version, current EFI update(s), and correct spec/build memory modules now enable them to support and have the full benefit from up to 16GB of installed memory. This isn’t the first time something like this happened, however, after the fact enabling such a benefit. A while back, we had a similar instance with the Late 2008 MacBook Pros, wherein having the proper OS version and a particular firmware update allowed you to max your RAM out at 8GB vs. a prior 4GB to 6GB max.
Just like with those Late 2008 MBP models, your Mac needs to meet specific criteria for this to work. In the case of the 2010 Macs, here’s what you must have:
- a Mac mini (Mid-2010), a MacBook (Mid-2010) or a 13” MacBook Pro (Mid-2010)
- Mac OS X 10.7.5 or later
- the latest EFI firmware update for your system
- the proper specification memory modules
As there is the possibility of confusion here, let’s elaborate on those requirements.
A Mac mini, MacBook, or 13” MacBook Pro from 2010
At this time, 16GB MAXRam Certified Support is being Expanded to now include specifically these three 2010 models:
- Mac mini (Mid 2010)/Mac mini Server (Mid 2010) – Model ID: Macmini4,1
- MacBook (Mid 2010) – ModelID: MacBook7,1
- 13” MacBook Pro (Mid 2010) – ModelID: MacBookPro7,1
If you are unsure of which model you have, these instructions will show you how to quickly find out. If your Model ID matches one of those listed above, it is among those now newly supported for the 16GB Max. Using our complete online memory guide, you may also review and quickly determine the available memory options for nearly any Mac model.
OS X 10.7.5 or later
The OS plays a part in how memory is supported and in this case OS 10.7.5 ‘Lion’ or later (including 10.8.x ‘Mountain Lion) is a requirement for upgrading beyond the original 8GB factory maximum.
Latest EFI Update for your machine
Occasionally, Apple will release an update to a machine’s EFI firmware to resolve hardware-level issues. These are Apple recommended updates which include documented additions and/or improvements for your Mac that also have the occasional undocumented benefit as well. As some EFI updates are required for OS Version or application compatibility, we recommend keeping these up to date regardless of whether or not you intend to upgrade to 16GB. These updates come down via Apple Software Update just like other OS updates.
In most cases, if no EFI updater shows up in Software Update, you’ve probably got the latest version already installed. If you want to be extra sure, you can always check Apple’s listing of latest EFI updates to see if yours matches.
The proper modules
Finally, no different than any size upgrade for your Mac, you need to get the right spec memory for your model. Our OWC MaxRAM certified memory upgrades are available in both single 8GB modules and in 16GB matched pairs that are guaranteed correct for the job and lifetime warranty backed.
More memory can really make the difference enabling applications to operate more efficiently and to better utilize the processing horsepower your Mac has always had. Upgrading memory also happens to be one of the easiest and best bang for the buck upgrades you can do today too. It’s a great option to have and great to see up to 16GB support expand to now include these additional Mac models.
A special call out to Paolo D. for his feedback and reporting that put the spotlight back on these Mac models – Thank you!


Hello, I have an MacBook Pro “Core 2 Duo” 2.4 13″ Mid-2010Model, A1278 (EMC 2351*) , came stock with 4GB (2x2GB). I would know if I can upgrade it up to 16GB instead of 8GB RAM max? I just looked on your blog and there are people saying that will not work. Can you explain me in details , please? I would buy some RAM Modules. Also do you offer shipping to Ireland or Romania? Thanks in advance!
Hi, your MacBook Pro is indeed compatible with 16GB of memory. Here is a link to the correct kit for you https://eshop.macsales.com/item/Other%20World%20Computing/8566DDR3S16P/ Note that Apple OS X 10.7.5 or later is required for utilization of more than 8GB of total system memory.
And yes, we do ship to Ireland and Romania. Thanks!
what about the 15 inch models? Would it work for them too?
Hi, Jesse. The 15-inch mid-2010 MacBook Pros are compatible with up to 8GB of memory. To find all upgrades for your exact model, check out our My Upgrades page.
I just received my upgrade pair of 8GB ram for my Mid 2010 MBP7,1. I’m running OSX 10.10.5 and just installed the most recent updates but my Boot ROM Version still shows MBP71.0039.B0B (not MBP71.0039.B0E). Will this present a problem?
SMC Version (system) is 1.62f7
Thanks!
Hello talers,
We would recommend running the latest EFI Firmware Update 2.5.
If you are still unable to see your Boot ROM version as MBP71.0039.B0E, please feel free to contact our Technical Support Team. We will be happy to assist you!
Thanks Dyllon,
I previously looked at the download page and hesitated because the sys requirements specifically call for Mac OS X 10.7.2. I have OS X 10.10.5 (Yosemite). It doesn’t state “10.7.2 or LATER versions”.
Will I have to downgrade my OS to install the EFI Firmware update 2.5? Or can I proceed with Yosemite?
Thanks again!
Great question! You will be able to complete the download with Yosemite without any problems.
Thank you, Dyllon!
Hello,
Is 2009 MBP 5,5 core duo 2.53Ghz a candidate for 16Gb ram upgrade?
Thanks!
Hi, Ben. Your model is compatible with up to 8GB of memory: https://eshop.macsales.com/item/Other%20World%20Computing/8566DDR3S8GP/
I have a mid-2009 MBP that I’m trying to determine whether or not can be updated from its current 8 gigs of DDR3 ram to 16 gigs of DDR3L ram. Throughout my research I still have not seen clearly why I cannot update my ram. The information on the net is also all over the place with equal parts saying you can/cannot, but no clear explanation as to why/why not.
Lastly, if I update my HD drive to an SSD does this mean I could then update to 16 gigs? Thanks for reading through this. Much appreciation!
Hello Tyson,
Great questions! Upgrading your computer to an SSD will not have any affect on if you can put 16GBs of RAM in your computer. This will however allow your computer to have much greater performance!
In order to determine how much RAM your computer can support, please contact our Technical Support Team! We will be happy to help you!
Hi
I have mac mini mid 2011 and OSX 10.11.5
Will it work for me? Do you ship to Russia?
Thanks
Thank you for your questions! Your mid 2011 MacMini will be compatible with the 16GB upgrade.
We are very sorry but currently we do not ship to Russia.
If you have any further questions, please contact our Technical Support Team!
Hello
I have a Mid-2010 MacBook Pro 13.3″ 7.1 2.66GHz.
On the following page (http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/memory/Apple_MacBook_MacBook_Pro/Upgrade/DDR3), I can read that the MacBook Pro 13.3″ 2.4GHz (Model ID: 7,1 only) Supports 16.0GB. The 2.66GHz model appears to be compatible with up to 8.0GP only.
Could you please confirm.
Thanks
Zouz
Hi, Zouz. Both the 2.4GHz and 2.66GHz MacBook Pro7,1 models from mid-2010 support 16GB of memory. Please feel free to contact our customer support team if you have any other questions!
I have a mid 2010 13 inch macbook white unibody and I just upgraded from 2x2gb to 2x8gb. The problem is that I can’t get my computer to boot with both 8gb cards. They each work with a 2gb card (and my computer registers that it has 10gb ram), but they won’t work together.
I have a mid 2010 13inch macbook pro running el capitan, is my macbook upgradeable to 16 gigs of ram?
Hi Trex, the mid 2010 MacBook Pro7,1 is indeed compatible with up to 16GB of memory. Follow this link for the correct kit: http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Other%20World%20Computing/8566DDR3S16P/
Hi, i have a MBP15″ mid 2010 :
2,4 GHz intel core i5
4 go 1067 MHz DDR3
I want to change my disk for a Samsung Ssd 1 To and I was wondering about the RAM, do you think i can put 2 x 8 go or only 2 x 4 Go
Thx for help me : )
Hello S.ROMA,
In the mid 2010 MacBook Pro 15″ you are able to add up to 8GBs of RAM (2X4GB).
If you have any other questions, please contact our Technical Support Team!
I have a 2009 15 in MacBook Pro my model identifier is MacBookPro5,4. Is this compatible with 16gb RAM?
Hi, Jameson. Your MacBook Pro model is compatible with up to 8GB of memory.
I have a mid-2011 mac mini (core i5, intel graphics)… matched up a 2×8 16GB kit for it and it will not work. I have OSx 10.11… tried to install the efi update and it says it requires 10.9.5 to install… I am wondering if the new efi that may have installed with 10.11 won’t yet work with 16GB?
Hello Patrick,
At this time there are not any known issues with 10.11 running 16GBs of RAM. If you can please contact our Technical Support Team, we will be more than happy to troubleshoot this with you!
is my 13 macbook pro Model Identifier: MacBookPro9,2. 2012 modal conpatabil for 16g of ram
Hi Russell, your MacBook Pro9,2 is compatible with 16GB of memory. Let us know if you have any other questions!
Do you also ship to addresses in Shanghai, China?
Hi, Sebastian. We do ship to China. Please feel free to contact our customer service team if you haven any other questions.
Hello there, is the mid 2009 17inch macbook pro still maxed out at 8gb or ram? Do you think there may be an update that will allow more RAM? Thank you.
Hi, your MacBook Pro model is compatible with up to 8GB of RAM. We can’t speak to any future updates or changes.
FWIW, I have been using my 17″ MacBookPro8,3 with 2x8GB DDR3 1333MHz (16GB total) for 5 years now. It truly pains me to use my other MBP’s with 8Gb or less ram. I stuck with OSX10.6.8 until a year ago and now I’m with 10.8.5 (avoiding 10.9-10.10).