Apple - Can I use 16GB DDR3-1600MHz RAM in an early Macbook Pro 8.2?

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:

16 GB should be possible - but I'm quite sure it will always run at 1333 MHz, as the firmware sets the clock speed. Thus, even if you buy a 1600 MHz module it should run at 1333 MHz (edit: 1600 MHz is possible, see comments)

And I could not find any 8 GB module at 1600 MHz.

So I would recommend to get 16 GB at (at least) 1333 MHz.

I successfully bought and installed a 16GB Patriot kit (2x8GB) of PC3-1600 (12800) in my 15" MBP 8,2 (2.3Ghz Early 2011). Used to have 2x4GB PC3-1333, now it runs 2x8GB at 1600 speeds! No extra software needed, and even Boot Camp (Win 7) had no issues... so far. 48 hours since I installed it, and I feel good. While I know YMMV, just make sure you have HIGHER than 2.0 Ghz (2.2 and up) CPU and 2011 or newer, and you should be ok. No idea about the 13" models, though.