I know that buying and installing RAM from a regular computer shop will be cheaper for me. I was just wondering if a Macbook Pro 17" early 2011 model uses specific 'Mac' DDR3 RAM or if I can get away with any DDR3 RAM?
Purchase regular DDR3 RAM for the MAC (not from an iMac store?)
memory
Related Solutions
As long as the technical specifications (DDR speed, clock, physical size) line up to what Apple lists for your model MBP, you should be fine.
To answer your second question, that isn't possible. MBPs (along with every laptop I have ever opened up) contain only two RAM slots.
It's not possible to use RAM running at 1600MHz in your Macbook Pro 8.2, because it's not supported by the processor.
Your Macbook Pro has the Intel® Core™ i7-2635QM Processor which only allows DDR3-RAM running at 1066/1333MHz according to Intel. (see link for official specs)
While the 2635QM processor does not support 1600MHz memory, it does support 16GB RAM:
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Best Answer
Generally in principle yes. You do not need to purchase expensive Apple memory.
However you will need to check for each model - the best thing is to go to a reputable memory supply company website which sells certified RAM and look up your model.
You can search for them online but here is a respected store (I have no affiliations with)
http://www.crucial.com