Mac Repair London carries out a RAM upgrade on the MacBook Pro 15-inch Unibody from our Central London workshop, for home users and businesses.
Two DDR3 SO-DIMM slots under the base. The 2011 and 2012 models (quad-core i7) will take 16GB, which really helps with photo editing, virtual machines and many browser tabs. Earlier models top out at 8GB. We supply matched modules and stress-test the result.
About this model: The 15-inch unibody MacBook Pro (A1286) was the professional’s laptop for four years. It shares the easy-access drive and RAM of the 13-inch but adds a discrete graphics chip, and that’s where the trouble is: the 2011 models with AMD Radeon 6490M, 6750M or 6770M graphics are notorious for GPU failure.
Signs it needs a RAM upgrade
- Memory pressure in Activity Monitor
- Slow when multitasking
- RAM errors or beeps at start-up
How we do it
We read your exact model identifier first, because Mac memory is fussy about speed and type, and the wrong module can cause beeps at start-up or random crashes. We fit matched pairs where the model benefits from dual-channel memory.
After fitting we run an extended memory test and check that the full amount shows in System Information, so there are no surprises later.
At a glance
| Years | 2008–2012 |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core 2 Duo, then Core i5/i7 with NVIDIA or AMD graphics |
| Storage | Standard SATA drive |
| Memory | Socketed, upgradeable |
| Battery | Screwed in (no glue) |
| Power / charging | MagSafe 1 |
Before you bring it in
If the Mac has ever beeped at start-up or reported memory errors, tell us, as a faulty existing module changes what we fit.
Which model do you have?
This page covers the MacBook Pro 15-inch Unibody (2008–2012) (MacBookPro5,1 to 9,1; A1286). Open the Apple menu, choose About This Mac, then More Info or System Report. The A-number is also printed in small text on the underside. Not sure? Bring it in and we’ll identify it for you.
Price
We give you a fixed quote for your exact model after a free initial assessment, before any work starts. All prices are subject to inspection, and nothing is done without your approval.
Questions we’re often asked
Will I lose my files?
No. We clone or back up your data before any upgrade and check everything is in place afterwards.
Is it worth upgrading this model?
If the machine is otherwise healthy, yes. Storage and memory upgrades are the cheapest way to make an older Mac noticeably quicker, and we’ll tell you honestly if we think a replacement would be better value.
Is there a warranty?
Yes, our repairs come with a warranty on the work and parts. Ask us for the terms that apply to your repair.
Book a repair
Call us on 020 7394 2528 or email info@mac-repair.london to arrange a time to drop it off.