I wondering if I put my 1600Mhz 8Gig (4gigx2) modules in a Macbook Pro 17" 620m (2010 model) if the speeds would be automatically reduced to 1066Mhz? I'm just asking because I don't want to damage the computer. I've read that this will happen, but I just want to ask around before hand :).
3 Answers
The frequency rating on RAM is analogous to the top speed of a car, if it's max speed is (for example) 250 km/h, it can drive up to 250 km/h, but it won't break if u drive at 25 km/h.
Same for RAM. As long as it's the same DDR3 Standard, it will run, regardless of how high the max clock speed is.
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2So if the motherboard and CPU only support 1066Mhz, and the RAM is 1600Mhz. The memory will just decrease to 1066Mhz and run fine :). I really just don't want screw up the computer– ClementJul 11, 2012 at 20:01
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1yes, I just thought you were referring to the Computer being faster and the ram being slower. Sorry!– ClementJul 12, 2012 at 19:42
It depends on manufacturer of your memory and how much specific stick is compatible with your memory controller and/or with graphics chip.
For example, my MacBook Pro mid 2010 13" (MacBookPro7,1) did not support Hynix 4GB PC3-12800 DDR3 1600 MHz sticks if used alone or 4GB+4GB, they work only if coupled (2GB+4GB) with pre-installed 2GB 1033 MHz sticks from Samsung.
XAleXOwnZX already answered, but I'd like to confirm that this indeed works with you 2010 MacBook Pro. I've had a 13" 2010 MacBook Pro and upgraded using 1600 MHz RAM.