Macbook 2012 A1278 RAM Modification

[bluepikachu]

Hello everyone. This is my first time posting on Macrumors. I have a 2012 MacBook Pro A1278 with RAM issues that I want to convert into a useable Windows-running light-gaming laptop. I know I need to replace the RAM processors. I have never modified a laptop before. I have a couple questions on how to go about this process…

The MacBook Pro specifications:

• MacBook Pro 13-inch Mid 2012 A1278
• Two RAM Memory processors -- 4 GB in total (original hardware)
• SSD Harddrive (not original harddrive)
• https://support.apple.com/kb/sp649?locale=en_US

Some Background: About two years ago the MacBook’s original hard drive died. Thankfully all my files and data were recovered by a specialist. The specialist said they replaced the original hard drive with an SSD. Following the hard drive replacement— booting up, Google Chrome, and Adobe Premiere performed significantly faster!

The Situation: I know I need to replace the RAM processors in my MacBook Pro. I no longer use the laptop because when I boot it up I get the three beeps and simultaneous light flashes. The MacBook will only successfully boot up and take me to my desktop home screen when I remove one of the RAM processor chips.

After opening up the MacBook and following the instructions of a YouTube tutorial, I discovered that the issue was with my RAM processors.

Help: What brands of RAM should I look for? What are some safe/reputable retailers to purchase RAM from? Any other tips?

I cannot afford to buy a Windows laptop for light-gaming so this is my idea for a solution. After replacing the RAM I would add a partition to add Windows. Basically following this tutorial = (

).

I would like to play simple visual novels on my browser and Steam. Perhaps run Nintendo DS emulators once I figure out how to do that. Steam will hosted and run from an external Samsung SSD drive-- not from this MacBook's hard drive. I will not be using any Abobe programs or TV streaming.

I am a beginner to computer repairing and modifying so please be patient. Thank you guys!

 

[ArkSingularity]

The RAM is very easy to upgrade on the 2012 non-retina model. I've done this on mine, it's very easy to do even for folks who have never done this before. Definitely a good upgrade if you only have 4GB now, even just upgrading to 8GB will make a major difference in performance.

You're going to want a set of DDR3 SO-DIMM 1600mhz RAM (see the results here: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=PC3-12800+DDR3L+SDRAM+SO-DIMM ). Make sure to get a set of two matching sticks. You can get 2x 4GB or 2x 8GB sticks, the 2012 model supports both configurations (the official documentation says it will only support 2x 4GB, but it can actually support 2x 8GB for a total of 16GB of RAM if you want to max it out. Many have done this with good results).

The brand doesn't really matter, the 2012 models really aren't very picky about this. They'll take just about anything that matches spec, but I would recommend checking for good reviews. RAM isn't something you usually want to cheap out on.

 

[DeltaMac]

Specs are still important, and Crucial passes the "crucial" test for that, I think.

Crucial RAM 16GB Kit (2x8GB) DDR3 1600 MHz CL11 Laptop Memory CT2KIT102464BF160B

CT2KIT102464BF160B is a 16GB kit consisting of (2) 8GB DDR3 1.35V Notebook module that operates at speeds up to 1600 MT/s and has a CL11 latency. It is dual voltage and can operate at 1.35V and 1.5V. It is Unbuffered and is non-ECC. It conforms to the industry standard SODIMM layout of 204 pins a...

www.amazon.com