A static charge can damage memory and many other electrical components. Basically you want to ensure that you are grounded and do not have any charge that can be released to the module. This is where the anti-static strap comes in. I have never done this and never had any problems. Many technicians will remove the battery connector (to the right of the memory) at this point to cut any power that may be connected to the motherboard and modules. You now have access to the old memory modules which are stacked one on top of the other. Here you can see the superdrive, hard drive, and battery are accessible for other repairs/upgrades that might be needed. The bottom cover will easily lift off exposing the guts of the MBP. This may be different on a 15-inch model. In the picture you can see the long screws - they are on the hinge side. It's not difficult to remember where the long screws go but make a mental note. I used a 0x20mm and for convenience it has an end that spins so you can easily hold the screwdriver in place while you loosen/tighten. Using a cross tip screwdriver remove the screws one at a time. You may want to have a small cup or container to put the screws in so they don't get lost. You can see their locations in the picture provided. There are two different sizes which I will simply refer to as short and long - 3 long and 7 short. In all there are 10 screws that have to be removed. You also want to disconnect any external power source.įlip the MBP over to expose the screws on the bottom side. Below is what you will need:Ģ x 8GB laptop memory modules - I will detail specs laterĪnti-static strap - optional but recommendedĮnsure that your MBP is powered off completely, not in sleep mode. My theory is that if a MBP will not accept the full 16GB it will still recognize at least one stick or part of the memory unless the memory is bad.Īs far as upgrades go this is pretty straight forward and not difficult at all.

*I cannot guarantee that you will have the same results I did. If at all possible you should test memory modules before buying to ensure your MBP will recognize the full 16GB. In actuality this model will support 16GB of RAM - 8GB per slot. In the specs Apple reports the 13-inch models will support up to 8GB of RAM - 4GB per slot.

The specs for this model and the standard 13-inch late 2011 can be found here ( Apple Specs). Memory upgrades for the late 2011 should be the same for all models and sizes of that release cycle but do some research for yourself. This particular model is the 'option' model (2.8GHz MacBook Pro MD314LL/A) meaning it came with the Core i7 and a 750gb hard drive. I have a late 2011 13-inch MacBook Pro that continues to be a workhorse.

Macbook pro late 2011 battery