Since working more more in virtual machines and processing large amounts of data, I was looking to upgrade the memory of my early 2011 15” MacBook Pro currently utilizing 4GB of RAM. After digging through hardware specs and various manufacturer site, I decided to pick a 16GB kit from Crucial.
The specs of the memory chosen are
- Part Number CT3327367
 - Module Size: 16GB kit (8GBx2)
 - Package: 204-pin SODIMM
 - DDR3 PC3-10600
 - CL=9
 - Unbuffered
 - NON-ECC
 - DDR3-1333
 - 1.35V
 - 1024Meg x 64
 
The only thing you need is a Phillips #0 screwdriver to remove the bottom of the MacBook.
Old memory out, new in is pretty easy, both modules are on top of each other.
Once upgraded, I had to check the Windows Experience Index, if the new memory did change anything considering the performance, Actually the subscore for the memory went up from 5,9 to 7,6.
While I bought the MacBook, more than 4 GB was not a requirement. In addition the model is officially supported by Apple only up to 8 GB of RAM. However, the hardware can handle 16GB which now just comes in quite handy.