Chosen Solution
Is it possible to install the ram Kingston SODIMM DDR3L-1600 16384MB PC3-12800 (Kit of 2x8192MB) (HX316LS9IBK2/16)?
Your system was designed to use 1333 MHz PC3-10600 DDR3 SDRAM. While time has marched on you can use DDR3L modules as they will run in both low & standard voltage based systems. At the time Apple designed and built this series larger RAM modules just weren’t available for them to test out which is why Apple states in there MacBook Pro: How to remove or install memory guide a limit of 8 GB. If one looks at the processor & PCH chip used we can see the lines needed to support larger RAM are present so then its only an issue of the systems firmware is able to support this larger RAM. A few years ago at the WWDC Tim Cook announced Apple will support 16 GB on the I series systems using the newest firmware. To make sure your system is able to support it you should be using Mavericks or newer OS or reference this Apple TN: About EFI and SMC firmware updates for Intel-based Mac computers While this TN is dated (the newer OS’s update the firmware higher) you need to be at the level listed or newer. RAM Speed gets tricky! Often one can push the system one level up but you run the risk of stability when you go too fast. For reference review this Question: RAM Upgrade 2133 MHz now having problems For reference here is what Kingston recommends from their website: System Specific Memory for Apple MacBook Pro 13-inch and 15-inch (Mid 2012) - DDR3 , 1600MHz So make sure you don’t over buy or pay more than you have too.
