Apple MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2011)
Yes. 2 slots, up to 16 GB seen working.
It takes DDR3-1333 laptop-size sticks (SO-DIMM).
- Slots
- 2 SO-DIMM slots
- Type
- DDR3-1333 204-pin SO-DIMM
- Most seen working
- 16 GB in two or more machines
- Firmware says
- 8 GB maximum (often wrong, so we show what machines run)
- How sure
- 49 of 49 reports show this layout
Worked out from 49 hardware reports of this laptop, with Apple's memory specifications for which Macs have sockets. Sources and method. Updated 10 Nov 2026.
Match the label on your battery.
Laptops this old mostly run replacement packs by now, so the capacity in the reports isn't the maker's. The capacity (Wh) and the part number are printed on the battery itself. A replacement should match that part number.
- Capacity
- On the battery's label
How to read a battery label. Sources and method. Updated 10 Nov 2026.
Illustration Match the label on your charger.
We don't have this model's charger rating yet. The label on your charger shows it: the output line gives volts and amps, and volts times amps is the watts (19.5 V at 3.33 A is 65 W). Buy one with the same plug, the same voltage and at least as many watts.
- Rated output
- On your charger's label
How to read a charger label. Sources and method. Updated 10 Nov 2026.
Illustration Questions
Can I upgrade the RAM in the Apple MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2011)?
Yes. 2 slots, up to 16 GB seen working. It takes DDR3-1333 laptop-size sticks (SO-DIMM).
What type of RAM does the Apple MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2011) use?
DDR3-1333 laptop-size sticks (SO-DIMM, 204-pin).
How much RAM can the Apple MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2011) take?
Machines in the reports run up to 16 GB. The firmware reports a maximum of 8 GB, a figure that is often wrong.
Is this my laptop?
On the Mac, choose Apple menu > About This Mac > System Report. The Model Identifier should read MacBookPro8,2.
More in the Apple MacBook Pro
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2012) (MacBookPro9,2)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2011) (MacBookPro8,1)
- MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Early 2015) (MacBookPro12,1)
- MacBook Pro (Retina, 13-inch, Late 2013 and Mid 2014) (MacBookPro11,1)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2017, Two Thunderbolt 3 ports) (MacBookPro14,1)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2009) (MacBookPro5,5)
- MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Late 2013 and Mid 2014, dedicated graphics) (MacBookPro11,3)
- MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2010) (MacBookPro7,1)
- MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2012 and Early 2013) (MacBookPro10,1)
- MacBook Pro (15-inch, Mid 2010) (MacBookPro6,2)
- MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2015, dedicated graphics) (MacBookPro11,5)
- MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Late 2013 and Mid 2014, integrated graphics) (MacBookPro11,2)