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Samsung RAM Memory Upgrade DDR3 PC3 12800, 1600MHz, 204 PIN, SODIMM for 2012 Apple MacBook Pro's, 2012 iMac's, and 2011/2012 Mac Mini's (16GB Kit (2 x 8GB))

Samsung RAM Memory Upgrade DDR3 PC3 12800

Bottom line: The Samsung RAM Memory Upgrade DDR3 PC3 12800: 16GB as a matched 2 x 8GB pair, no mixing of mismatched sticks; main trade-off: brand field on the listing is blank; only the title says Samsung.

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By , Founder & Editor-in-Chief · Listing data updated

Mike Perry — Hardware researcher since 2014. For retro PC hardware and period-correct parts, synthesises manufacturer documentation, community compatibility lists and marketplace listings rather than first-hand lab testing. Core beat: GPU performance across gaming, rendering, and local-LLM inference.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • ✓ 16GB as a matched 2 x 8GB pair, no mixing of mismatched sticks
  • ✓ DDR3-1600 (PC3L-12800) matches the stock speed of 2012 Mac memory
  • ✓ Low 1.35V PC3L rating per the listed specifications
  • ✓ Listing names Mid 2012 MacBook Pro, Late 2012/2013 iMac and Mac mini models
  • ✓ Standard 204-pin unbuffered non-ECC SODIMM format

Cons

  • ✗ Brand field on the listing is blank; only the title says Samsung
  • ✗ Title says PC3 but the specs say PC3L; check that the labels match on arrival
  • ✗ Compatibility list is cut off; confirm your exact Mac model first
  • ✗ CL11 timings are looser than some other DDR3-1600 kits

Manufacturer description

Give an aging Mac a second wind with this Samsung 16GB kit: two 8GB DDR3 SODIMM modules built to the PC3L-12800 standard. Each 204-pin stick runs at 1600MHz with CL11 timings at 1.35V. The modules are unbuffered and non-ECC, which is the memory type Apple's consumer Macs of this era use. The kit is aimed at 2012-era Apple hardware. The listing names these models: - Mid 2012 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Pro (2.3GHz to 2.9GHz Core i5 and i7) - Late 2012 27-inch iMac - Late 2013 27-inch iMac - Late 2012 Mac mini The product title adds 2011 Mac mini models. Both 8GB modules come as a matched…

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SpecPicks Verdict

SpecPicks scored Samsung RAM Memory Upgrade DDR3 PC3 12800 using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the memory & ram category. Compare with similarly-priced alternatives in the memory & ram category before committing. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.

Common buyer scenarios for memory & ram of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Macs is this Samsung 16GB DDR3 kit compatible with?

The listing names Mid 2012 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Pro models (2.3GHz to 2.9GHz Core i5/i7), Late 2012 27-inch iMac models, Late 2013 27-inch iMac models and the Late 2012 Mac mini. The title also lists 2011 Mac mini models. The published list is cut off, so check your exact model against the full product listing.

What are the speed and timing specs of these RAM modules?

Each module is DDR3 PC3L-12800 running at 1600MHz with CAS latency 11 (CL11). They are unbuffered, non-ECC modules rated at 1.35V.

How many modules come in the kit and what size is each?

The kit has two 204-pin SODIMM modules of 8GB each, for 16GB total.

Is this ECC or registered server memory?

No. The specifications list the modules as unbuffered and non-ECC, the standard type for laptops and all-in-one desktops like the MacBook Pro, iMac and Mac mini.

Will this RAM work in a Retina MacBook Pro from 2012?

The listing only names non-Retina Mid 2012 MacBook Pro models with DDR3 memory. Retina models are not on the list, so check Apple's specifications for your model before buying.

Key Features

  • Module Size: 16GB Kit (2 x 8GB)
  • Box contents: 204 pin SODIMM
  • Features: DDR3 PC3L 12800
  • Specifications: DDR3 PC3L 12800, CL 11, Unbuffered, Non-ECC, DDR3 1600MHz, 1.35V
  • International products have separate terms, are sold from abroad and may differ from local products, including fit, age ratings, and language of product, labeling or instructions.

Full Specifications

BrandSamsung
Voltage1.35 volts
FeaturesDDR3 PC3L 12800
RAM Size16 GB
Model NameM471B1G73QH0-YK0
Form FactorSO-DIMM
Module Size16GB Kit (2 x 8GB)
Box contents204 pin SODIMM
Memory Speed1600 MHz
Model NumberM471B1G73QH0-YK0
CompatibilityMac
Number of Pins204
SpecificationsDDR3 PC3L 12800, CL 11, Unbuffered, Non-ECC, DDR3 1600MHz, 1.35V
Mfr Part NumberM471B1G73QH0-YK0
Number of Items2
Memory GenerationDDR3, DDR3L
Compatible DevicesMacBook Pro (Mid 2012), iMac (Late 2012, Late 2013), Mac Mini 2012)
Data Transfer Rate1600 MHz
Memory Form FactorSODIMM
Additional FeaturesQuad-Core
Full listing titleSamsung RAM Memory Upgrade DDR3 PC3 12800, 1600MHz, 204 PIN, SODIMM for 2012 Apple MacBook Pro's, 2012 iMac's, and 2011/2012 Mac Mini's (16GB Kit (2 x 8GB))

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Samsung RAM Memory Upgrade DDR3 PC3 12800, 1600MHz, 204 PIN, SODIMM for 2012 Apple MacBook Pro's, 2012 iMac's, and 2011/2012 Mac Mini's (16GB Kit (2 x 8GB)) is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.

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Samsung RAM Memory Upgrade DDR3 PC3 12800, 1600MHz, 204 PIN, SODIMM for 2012 Apple MacBook Pro's, 2012 iMac's, and 2011/2012 Mac Mini's (16GB Kit (2 x 8GB))
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