External Ram For Mac

MacBook Air Q&A

When internal surgery of a Mac isn't in the cards, an external SSD can rejuvenate a slow machine. Picked by Macworld's Editors. To be fully responsive—this despite 16GB of RAM.

Revision Published August 10, 2019

I have an early 2015 13' MBP with 8GB RAM and it really could use a RAM bump. Unfortunately this machine is not upgradeable. Is there any way to attach an external drive and use it as some type of overflow RAM? I would really like to be able to circumnavigate the 4GB RAM limit in my Macbook Pro. I know this is probably a long-shot, but is there a such thing as external RAM? I'm talking about some sort of device that you can connect via USB to add more RAM to a computer. 6 Align the connector on the bottom of the module with the socket and push down with light pressure to seat the module. While you push down, the levers on each side of the socket should move toward the center, until they click in place. After you correctly install the module, the two levers should be tightly flush against the sides of the memory module to hold it securely. How to upgrade RAM on a Mac Mini. Due to the form factor of the Mac Mini, it is one of the more challenging devices to upgrade. We recommend getting help from professionals or someone that has experience upgrading Mac Mini RAM. Yes, you could use Windows ReadyBoost, but it is under no circumstances a substitute to upgrading you physical RAM. USB 2 is limited to 480Megabits/second a theoretical max data transfer rate of 60 MegaBytes/second. USB 3 is limited to 5Gigab.

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What processors do the MacBook Air models use? Is it upgradable?

Officially, Apple only revealed that the original MacBook Air has a 1.6 GHz or 1.8 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor (P7500 or P7700) and was 'custom-built to fit within the compact dimensions of the MacBook Air.' Apple also provided the following image to compare the size of the standard Intel Core 2 Duo processor to the one in the MacBook Air.

The always excellent AnandTech did some digging and discovered that the 'packaging technology used for this CPU is what makes it unique; the CPU comes in a package that was originally reserved for mobile Penryn due out in the second half of 2008 with the Montevina SFF Centrino platform. Intel accelerated the introduction of the packaging technology specifically for Apple it seems.'

After AnandTech published their initial speculation, Intel followed up with their own statement, noting that the original MacBook Air uses 'existing Core 2 Duo technology with a lower voltage spec in a new miniaturized packaging design.'

Subsequent MacBook Air models are far less mysterious, although Apple has not released the actual Intel processor number for any of the systems. EveryMac.com documents the Intel processor number for all MacBook Air models on the main MacBook Air specs page as well as on the specs page for each model.

All MacBook Air models have a soldered processor and it cannot be upgraded after the time of initial purchase.

How do you upgrade the RAM in the MacBook Air models? How much RAM of what type does each support?

The short answer to this question is you cannot upgrade the RAM in the MacBook Air models as it soldered in place.

The longer answer is that some models could be upgraded with twice as much RAM as stock at the time of purchase at additional cost, but cannot be upgraded at all afterwards. Different lines use different types of soldered RAM.

Specifically, MacBook Air RAM details include:

* Maximum RAM applies to the maximum that could be installed at the initial time of notebook purchase for an extra US$100. It cannot be upgraded subsequently.

† The entry-level 'Mid-2011' MacBook Air model -- the MC968LL/A configuration of the MacBook Air 'Core i5' 1.6 11-Inch (Mid-2011) -- has 2 GB of RAM standard and could be upgraded to 4 GB at the time of purchase. All other 'Mid-2011' MacBook Air models have 4 GB of RAM soldered in place and cannot be upgraded at all.

What are the capabilities of the external SuperDrive available for the MacBook Air? What other Macs does it support?

The external SuperDrive that is available for the MacBook Air writes DVD+R DL and DVD-R DL at 4X, DVD-R and DVD+R at 8X, DVD-RW at 6X, and DVD+RW at 8X. It reads DVD at 8X, writes CD-R at 24X, writes CD-RW at 16X, and reads CD at 24X.

When first introduced in 2008, the external MacBook Air SuperDrive only was intended to work with the MacBook Air models, although Apple has offered it subsequently for the optical drive-less aluminum Mac mini models, 'Tapered Edge' aluminum iMac models, Retina Display MacBook Pro models, the Cylinder Mac Pro line, and other Macs that do not have internal optical drives.

At the time the MacBook Air SuperDrive was released, somespeculated that the USB 2.0 port(s) in the pre-'Mid-2012' MacBook Air models had been 'boosted' to provide extra power beyond that provided by most other Macs. Further speculation from AppleInsider concluded that the MacBook Air SuperDrive could work with other Macs if not for software restrictions and states that it is possible 'Apple is offering the drive as a loss leader convenience for Air users, and doesn't want to support the drive on other systems because it's not making any money on it.'

However, after a truly 'überleet' hardware hacking session, tnkgrleliminated 'power boosting' and software restrictions as possible variables -- as well as others -- and discovered that replacing the IDE to USB bridge with another one (for US$9) made it possible to use the MacBook Air SuperDrive with older Macs as well as other computers. More recently, Lukas Zelller first discovered a software method that simply involves editing a single line in a text file. This simple edit still could cause problems with operating system updates, however.

Ultimately, the external MacBook Air SuperDrive will not work with incompatible Macs without hacking and Apple obviously does not support hacking whether hardware or software, either one.

Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (SuperDrive - Left), OWC (Blu-ray Options - Right)

However, the MacBook Air SuperDrive will work with all Macs that do not have an internal optical drive, just not earlier Macs, and the MacBook Air also can support just about any USB-based optical drive that has OS X drivers.

Site sponsor Adorama has the official aluminum Apple SuperDrive for US$79 and Other World Computing has a variety of compact external optical drive options, as well.

In Australia, site sponsor Macfixit has a number of external optical drives for sale, too.

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To identify your MacBook Pro model, use the information in How to identify MacBook Pro models.

External Ram For Mac Mini

Once you're sure which model you have, find it in the list below to go to the instructions for that model. Note: Apple notebooks not listed in this table have non-removable memory.

Applicable Models

The instructions provided below are for the following MacBook Pro (13-inch) models:

• MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2012)
• MacBook Pro (13-inch, Late 2011)
• MacBook Pro (13-inch, Early 2011)
• MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2010)
• MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2009)

Memory specifications

Use the tables below to confirm the memory you're installing is compatible with your MacBook Pro.

Removing or installing memory

Warning: The internal components of your MacBook Pro can be warm. If you have been using your MacBook Pro, wait ten minutes after shutting down the computer to let the internal components cool before continuing.

Step 1: Remove the bottom case

1. Shut down your MacBook Pro. Disconnect the power adapter, Ethernet cable, USB cables, security lock, and any other cables connected to the MacBook Pro to prevent damaging the computer.
2. Turn over your MacBook Pro and remove the ten (10) screws that secure the bottom case. Because the screws are different lengths, note the screw lengths and locations so you can replace the screws correctly. Put them aside in a safe place. Lift off the case and place it to the side.
   
3. Touch a metal surface inside the computer to discharge any static electricity from your body.
   

External Ram Drive For Mac

Step 2: Remove existing memory (if present)

1. Push the levers on the sides of the memory module in an outward direction to release the module from the memory card slot. The memory pops up at an angle. Before removing it, make sure you find the half-circle notches. If you don’t, try pressing the levers outward again.
2. Hold the memory module by its notches and remove it from the slot.
3. Remove the other memory module.
   Important: Hold the memory modules by their edges, and do not touch the gold connectors.
   

Step 3: Install memory

1. Align the notch on the gold edge of the module with the notch in the lower memory slot.
2. Tilt the card and push the memory into the slot.
3. Use two fingers with firm, even pressure to push down on the memory module. There should be a click when you insert the memory correctly.
4. Repeat this procedure to install an additional memory module in the top slot. Press down on the module to make sure it is level.
   Note: Make sure you install the memory according to this illustration, with the gold contacts inserted almost completely into the connector.

Step 4: Replace the bottom case

Ram For Macbook

Replace the bottom case. Replace and tighten the ten screws you removed earlier, making sure to put the different length screws in their proper locations.

Applicable Models

The instructions provided below are for the following MacBook Pro 15-inch models:

• MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2012)
• MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2011)
• MacBook Pro (15-inch, Early 2011)
• MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2010)
• MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2.53GHz Mid 2009)
• MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2009)

Memory specifications

Please use the tables below to confirm the memory being installed is compatible with your MacBook Pro.

Removing or installing memory

Warning: The internal components of your MacBook Pro can be warm. If you have been using your MacBook Pro, wait ten minutes after shutting down the computer to let the internal components cool before continuing.

Step 1: Remove the bottom case

1. Shut down your MacBook Pro. Disconnect the power adapter, Ethernet cable, USB cables, security lock, and any other cables connected to the MacBook Pro to prevent damaging the computer.
2. Turn over your MacBook Pro and remove the ten (10) screws that secure the bottom case. Because the screws are different lengths, note the screw lengths and locations so you can replace the screws correctly. Put them aside in a safe place. Lift off the case and place it to the side.
   
3. Touch a metal surface inside the computer to discharge any static electricity from your body.
   

Step 2: Remove existing memory (if present)

1. Push the levers on the sides of the memory module in an outward direction to release the module from the memory card slot. The memory pops up at an angle. Before removing it, make sure you find the half-circle notches. If you don’t, try pressing the levers outward again.
2. Hold the memory module by its notches and remove it from the slot.
3. Remove the other memory module.
   Important: Hold the memory modules by their edges, and do not touch the gold connectors.

Step 3: Install memory

1. Align the notch on the gold edge of the module with the notch in the lower memory slot.
2. Tilt the card and push the memory into the slot.
3. Use two fingers with firm, even pressure to push down on the memory module. There should be a click when you insert the memory correctly.
4. Repeat this procedure to install an additional memory module in the top slot. Press down on the module to make sure it is level.Note: Make sure you install the memory according to this illustration, with the gold contacts inserted almost completely into the connector.

Step 4: Replace the bottom case

Replace and tighten the ten screws you removed earlier, making sure to put the different length screws in their proper locations.

Applicable model

The instructions provided below are for the following MacBook Pro 15-inch models:

• MacBook Pro (15-inch, Late 2008)

Memory specifications

Please use the table below to confirm the memory being installed is compatible with your MacBook Pro.

Removing or installing memory

Warning: The internal components of your MacBook Pro can be warm. If you have been using your MacBook Pro, wait ten minutes after shutting down the computer to let the internal components cool before continuing.

Step 1: Remove the access door

1. Shut down your MacBook Pro. Disconnect the power adapter, Ethernet cable, security lock, and any other cords connected to the MacBook Pro to prevent damaging the computer.
2. Turn over your MacBook Pro and locate the latch. Push down to release the latch and remove the access door that covers the battery and hard drive.
3. The latch must be in its released, open position to remove the access door.

Step 2: Remove the battery

With the latch still in its open position, gently pull up on the tab to remove the battery.

Step 3: Remove the bottom case

1. Remove the eight screws that secure the bottom case of your MacBook Pro, and then remove the bottom case.
   Important: Because the screws are different lengths, note the screw lengths and locations so you can replace the screws correctly. Put them aside in a safe place.
   
2. Touch a metal surface inside the computer to discharge any static electricity from your body.

Step 4: Remove existing memory (if present)

1. Push out the ejection levers on the sides of the memory module to release the module from the memory card slot. The memory pops up at an angle. Before removing it, make sure you find the half-circle notches. If you don’t, try pressing the ejection levers again.
2. Hold the memory module by the notches and remove it from the slot.
3. Remove the other memory module.
   Important: Hold the memory modules by their edges; do not touch the gold connectors.
   

Step 5: Install memory

1. Align the notch on the gold edge of the module with the notch in the lower memory slot.
2. Tilt the card and push the memory into the slot.
3. Use two fingers with firm, even pressure to push down on the memory module. There should be a click when you insert the memory correctly.
4. Repeat, if necessary, to install an additional memory module in the top slot. Press down on the module to make sure it is level.
   Note: Make sure you install the memory according to the illustration below, with the gold contacts inserted almost completely into the connector.
   

Step 6: Replace the bottom case

Replace the bottom case. Replace and tighten the eight screws.

Step 7: Replace the battery

To replace the battery, make sure the latch is in its open position. Hold the battery at an angle and slide the lipped edge of the battery below the brackets on the outside edge of the battery bay. Gently press the battery down.

Step 8: Replace the access door

With the latch in the open position replace the access door, making sure it is level with the bottom case of your MacBook Pro, and press the latch into the closed position.

Applicable models

The instructions provided below are for the following MacBook Pro 17-inch models:

• MacBook Pro (17-inch, Late 2011)
• MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2011)
• MacBook Pro (17-inch, Mid 2010)
• MacBook Pro (17-inch, Mid 2009)
• MacBook Pro (17-inch, Early 2009)

Memory specifications

Use the tables below to confirm the memory being installed is compatible with your MacBook Pro.

Removing or installing memory

Warning: The internal components of your MacBook Pro can be warm. If you have been using your MacBook Pro, wait ten minutes after shutting down the computer to let the internal components cool before continuing.

Step 1: Remove the bottom case

1. Shut down your MacBook Pro. Disconnect the power adapter, Ethernet cable, USB cables, security lock, and any other cables connected to the MacBook Pro to prevent damaging the computer.
2. Turn over your MacBook Pro and remove the ten (10) screws that secure the bottom case. Because the screws are different lengths, note the screw lengths and locations so you can replace the screws correctly. Put them aside in a safe place. Lift off the case and place it to the side.
   
3. Touch a metal surface inside the computer to discharge any static electricity from your body.
   

Step 2: Remove existing memory (if present)

1. Push the levers on the sides of the memory module in an outward direction to release the module from the memory card slot. The memory pops up at an angle. Before removing it, make sure you find the half-circle notches. If you can't find the notches, try pressing the levers outward again.
2. Hold the memory module by its notches and remove it from the slot.
3. Remove the other memory module.
   Important: Hold the memory modules by their edges; do not touch the gold connectors.
   

Step 3: Install memory

1. Align the notch on the gold edge of the module with the notch in the lower memory slot.
2. Tilt the card and push the memory into the slot.
3. Use two fingers with firm, even pressure to push down on the memory module. There should be a click when you insert the memory correctly.
4. Repeat this procedure to install an additional memory module in the top slot. Press down on the module to make sure it is level.
   Note: Make sure your memory is installed according to the illustration below, with the gold contacts inserted almost completely into the connector.

Step 4: Replace the bottom case

Replace the bottom case. Replace and tighten the ten screws you removed earlier, making sure to put the different length screws in their proper locations.

Applicable models

The instructions provided below are for the following MacBook Pro 15-inch and 17-inch models:

• MacBook Pro (17-inch, Late 2008) and earlier
• MacBook Pro (15-inch, Early 2008) and earlier

Memory specifications

Please use the tables below to confirm the memory being installed is compatible with your MacBook Pro.

Refer to this table for the maximum amount of memory that can be recognized by these notebook computers:

Removing or installing memory

You will need to remove the battery before installing additional memory and reinstall the battery after installing the memory. The following procedure includes all the necessary instructions for both parts of the process.

Warning: The internal components of your MacBook Pro can be warm. If you have been using your MacBook Pro, wait ten minutes after shutting down the computer to let the internal components cool before continuing.

Step 1: Remove the battery

External Ram Drive

1. Shut down your MacBook Pro. Disconnect the power adapter, Ethernet cable, and any other cords connected to the MacBook Pro to prevent damaging the computer.
2. Turn the computer over.
3. Locate the battery release latches on each side of the battery.
4. Slide both latches up. The battery should pop up slightly.
5. Lift the battery out.
   

Mac

Step 2: Remove the memory door

1. Using a Phillips size 00 screwdriver, unscrew the memory door and remove it from the battery bay of your computer. Depending on the model of your MacBook Pro, you may have three or four screws.
   
2. Touch a metal surface inside the computer to discharge any static electricity from your body.
   

Step 3: Remove existing memory (if present)

If you need to remove a memory card—for example if you are replacing it or if you need to get past the memory in the top slot to access the bottom slot—you can remove the card by spreading the tabs on each side of the card away from the notches in the memory card. The card should pop up slightly. Lift the memory card to about a 25-degree angle and then gently slide the card out of the memory slot.
Important: Hold the memory modules by their edges; do not touch the gold connectors.

Step 4: Install memory

1. Insert the new memory card at a 25-degree angle. Line up the notch in the card with the small tab in the memory slot and slide the card into the slot until the gold edge is almost invisible. Firmly press the memory card into the memory slot. You might feel some resistance.
2. Gently spread the small tabs in the memory slot away from the notches and push the memory card down until the two tabs on either side of the card lock into place.
3. Insert any additional memory into the second slot.
   Note: Make sure you install the memory according to the illustration below, with the gold contacts inserted almost completely into the connector.
   

Step 5: Replace the memory door

Replace the memory door, and make sure the door is lying flat before you screw it back into place.

Step 6: To insert the battery

1. Place the bottom edge of the battery into the battery compartment at an angle, as shown below.
2. Gently press the top edge of the battery down until the battery latch locks into place.
   

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Checking that your computer recognizes the new memory

After installing additional memory, you should confirm that the computer recognizes the new memory. To check the computer’s memory:

1. Start up your computer.
2. When you see the Mac OS X desktop, choose the Apple () menu from the upper-left menu bar, then choose About This Mac.

External Ram Upgrade Mac

The total memory includes the amount of memory that originally came with the computer plus the new memory you added, or if all the memory has been replaced, the new total for that memory. For detailed information about the amount of memory installed in your computer, open System Profiler by choosing Apple () and then About This Mac. Then, click More Info and then Memory from the Hardware section that appears in System Profiler.

If your computer doesn’t recognize the memory or doesn’t start up correctly, confirm that the memory you installed is compatible with your MacBook Pro and that it is installed correctly by reseating the memory.