Dec 02, 2020 Use matched pairs of 4 GB per memory slot. IMac 10,1 Late 2009. 4: 204-pin PC3-8500 DDR3 (1066 MHz) SO-DIMM. Yes: Use matched pairs of 4 GB per memory slot. IMac 11,2 Mid 2010. 4: 204-pin PC3-10600 DDR3 (1333 MHz) SO-DIMM. Yes: Use matched pairs of 4 GB per memory slot. IMac 11,3 Mid 2010. 4: 204-pin PC3-10600 DDR3 (1333 MHz) SO. Jun 06, 2017 That doesn't necessarily contradict what I was told (you can physically add 64 GB), but do we know for a fact that the iMac will be able to use all 64GB? The AppleCare rep I talked to put me on hold for 10 minutes to check his answer with a supervisor: the confirmation was that 24GB is all the machine would be able to access - no matter much was added - if 8GB is what you started with. Apple has guidelines for the maximum amount of RAM each iMac model supports, but upgrade specialists say the devices are capable of supporting more. While earlier versions of the iMac (17-inch or 20-inch models from 2006) have two memory slots, starting with 2007 models Apple decided to implement four slots instead.
You might have heard plenty of times that it’s better to buy a Mac with the maximum amount of RAM (random access memory). Why? The answer is very easy: there is no such thing as too much system memory. Just consider the fact that the more RAM your iMac has installed, the more windows and/or tabs it can have open at one time without slowing down. Also, with physical memory available, macOS won’t need to resort to using virtual memory, which ultimately slows things down.
iMac RAM upgrades are easy for most models, and it’s a good idea to do it yourself, for two reasons: firstly you’ll get to know your iMac better, and secondly it’s possible to save a few hundred bucks rather than having Apple do the expensive upgrade. There are a few situations, though, where you might need to contact Apple or an Apple authorized service provider to install the RAM. Memory isn't removable by users on 21.5 inch iMacs from late 2012, late 2013, mid 2014 and 2017. Nor is it possible to manually remove the RAM on a 21.5 Retina display from 2017, either. In these cases, sadly you will need to pay higher prices to get the upgrade you want.
How to Upgrade iMac RAM
Upgrading your iMac with more RAM is super-easy and requires only a few steps. The first and most obvious task is to identify your iMac to know which memory it is that you will need to purchase. The price of the memory module will differ based on the iMac model you own.
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Apple has guidelines for the maximum amount of RAM each iMac model supports, but upgrade specialists say the devices are capable of supporting more.
While earlier versions of the iMac (17-inch or 20-inch models from 2006) have two memory slots, starting with 2007 models Apple decided to implement four slots instead. However, we highly recommend checking the type of RAM you need to buy, otherwise the iMac won’t recognize it.
Here’s a guideline for the type of RAM you should be looking to buy, depending on your model of iMac:
Mid 2007 models use 200-pin 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM.
Early 2008 models use 800 MHz DDR2 SDRAM.
Early 2009 models use 1066 MHz DDR3 SDRAM.
It’s worth noting that memory specifications change dependent on the iMac model, and so models after this can include additional sizes of memory. As such:
Late 2009 iMacs can equip 2GB or 4GB SO-DIMM, DDR3, or SDRAM formats of RAM, running at 1066 MHz in each slot.
Mid 2010 and mid 2011 iMacs can also use 2GB or 4GB SO-DIMM, DDR3, or SDRAM formats, with a maximum of 1333 MHz in each slot.
Meanwhile, 27-inch models manufactured between late 2012 and mid 2015 with the option to upgrade the RAM each come with a base memory of 8GB, and support a maximum of 32GB. The earlier 27-inch and 21.5-inch models released between late 2009 and mid 2011 support only 16GB of RAM, according to Apple.
Once you’ve figured out which memory types are compatible with your iMac, installing the RAM is easy. It only requires a few minutes, but there is still a slight difference between some models since Apple migrated from one design to another. Essentially the one thing you’ll need for all models is a soft, clean towel or cloth that you’ll place on the desk or other flat surface to protect the display from getting scratched.
The installation of the memory is pretty straightforward: first, you need to locate the memory compartment. On models released between 2006 and 2011 this is located at the bottom. The memory access door is secured by three screws on these earlier models.
On newer models released after 2012, this compartment is located on the back of the iMac above the AC power port. Apple made access easier, and the memory compartment opens with a button. A full step-by-step guide on how to install iMac RAM on various models is available on Apple’s support page.
One last thing that you should be careful with when upgrading your iMac’s memory is the compatibility between each of the individual components. Computer operating systems handle memory in very specific ways, so after finding the right type of RAM for your iMac with the guidelines above you should then try to ensure that you upgrade your system with matching memory.
Why Not Apple RAM
It’s good to have the maximum amount of RAM in your iMac at the moment of purchase, since this is a good way to expand its lifespan. But if you didn’t opt for the maximum RAM, then that’s no problem because you can upgrade it at anytime. And you won’t break the bank, either. In fact, this is the main reason why we don't recommend maxing out RAM at the moment of purchase of an iMac with upgradeable memory. For example, the mid 2017 21.5-inch 4K iMac comes with 8GB of RAM. But if you want to upgrade to 16GB it will cost you an additional $200, while 32GB of 2400MHz DDR4 RAM (the maximum supported) adds another $600. By comparison, a similar non-Apple 32GB DDR4 2400MHz kit costs $250 on Amazon.
In other words, while a factory upgrade is nice as you won’t have to worry about performance for the next ten years or so, it does come at a cost. Opting for a third party RAM upgrade will save a significant amount of cash, and considering how easy upgrading is this is definitely something worth doing.
Best RAM Brands for iMac
With so much choice available when it comes to system memory, it can be a challenge just to pick the one that is right for you. As such, we’ve picked three brands that we think you should consider when looking to upgrade your iMac’s memory.
Crucial
U.S. company Micron Technology can be found among the top ten companies for memory manufacturers; it produces affordable memory modules through its Crucial subsidiary. The company has products in computer memory, internal SSD and internal HDD categories on the Amazon store. If you are eyeing an iMac RAM upgrade, Crucial’s products should be on your list since its memory upgrade kits are well priced. For example, a Crucial 32GB Kit (16GB × 2) DDR4 SODIMM 260-Pin Memory costs $239.99 compared to Apple’s $600. Crucial has modules for earlier versions, as well, and maxing out RAM in an iMac released between 2012 and 2015 would cost you roughly $200 if you opt for four 8GB modules ($103/2 × 8GB).
OWC
Other World Computing’s (OWC) “MaxRAM” Certification Program is often cited by Mac blogs. It’s software that determines the maximum amount of memory supported by any Mac. As a retailer deeply connected with Apple’s platform, the U.S. computer hardware company OWC sells memory modules through its online store, MacSales. Here, besides getting a good quality RAM module, it is possible to find out how much RAM your iMac actually supports based on OWC’s testing results and then go on to purchase the modules. For example, Apple suggests the mid 2010 iMac supports only 16GB of RAM, but OWC has discovered that the actual maximum is 32GB. That means even greater performance for a long time.
Timetec
Timetec, another U.S. memory manufacturer, was founded in 2013 and seeks to provide memory modules to compete with established players such as Kingston, Corsair, Crucial and OWC. Although the Timetec name may not sound familiar to many, the Hynix name does, and Timetec uses integrated circuits from this renowned IC manufacturer. Timetec tries to position itself as a budget-friendly option, and just a quick glance at its products on offer would confirm that to you: while Crucial’s two 8GB RAM kit for a late 2012 iMac costs $103, the same package sold by Timetec comes in at $85.99.
Video Guide and Instructions
If a picture is worth a thousand words, then how much is a video worth? But would you prefer written guidance or a step-by-step video on how to install memory into your iMac? OWC’s online store, MacSales.com, is the best option for easy-to-follow video guides. Here you’ll find detailed videos on how to install memory and SSDs into your iMac and various other Mac products. These video guides deliver just the right amount of information that you won’t find on Apple’s iMac RAM upgrade support page.
Of course, if you have already done a few RAM upgrades then the steps should be familiar, but those upgrading their iMac’s for the first-time should definitely watch the tutorial videos to get an overview of the complete process from beginning to end.
FAQ
Should I Upgrade My iMac’s RAM?
The short answer: yes, definitely. When it comes to performance, any computer’s limits – even the iMac’s – are outlined by its technical specifications. The more RAM you have, the better the computer performs in the long term. To understand the reasons for a RAM upgrade, you should know about its role: random access memory is where macOS, apps and data currently in use by the system are stored. This enables quick access to that data by the computer's processor. The advantage of RAM is that it is much faster to read/write from/to than other storage type in your Mac. But when your Mac reaches the physical limits of its RAM storage, it turns to the system’s virtual memory, which is much slower since it utilizes the startup disk. If this happens then you’ll certainly notice your Mac running slow.
Does Upgrading My iMac’s RAM Void Warranty?
Performance slowdown is a very good sign that your iMac deserves a RAM upgrade. If you have AppleCare+ or the one-year limited warranty is still valid, then know that upgrading memory doesn’t void warranty. Unfortunately, this claim is only valid for iMac models that allow the user to replace the memory. If you opted for – as an example – a 21.5-inch iMac (late 2013 model) then sadly the only warranty-acceptable option for RAM upgrades is via Apple-authorized services or Apple itself. But upgrading RAM on the 27-inch model from the same year, for instance, can still be performed manually at home without ruining your warranty. As such, before jumping on the RAM upgrade hype-train, be sure to always check Apple’s support page to identify what is possible for your iMac.
How Much Memory Does My iMac Need?
Every iMac comes with a minimum amount of memory that it needs for even basic performance. But that’s mainly optimized for the operating system released in the year of that particular iMac’s launch, and as technology and operating systems advance the physical limits of the installed memory modules are reached more quickly. Although Apple has done a great job of optimizing macOS for earlier Mac models, there are still going to be more issues with their limited hardware resources as the machine gets older.
Also, while Apple suggests a maximum amount of supported RAM on every iMac model it releases, as OWC’s tests have shown these machines are capable of recognizing up to twice as much as Apple’s guidelines. The more memory your iMac has, the better the computer’s performance and longer its lifespan.
Optimizing RAM Usage
Still, having the maximum amount of RAM under the hood doesn’t mean you don’t need to pay attention to the remaining details for optimal performance. If this means a change in usage habits, then consider it well worth the investment.
macOS has a very good memory management tool called Activity Monitor, which allows knowledgeable users to keep an eye on resource-demanding applications. But if you want a similar experience that is packed into a more convenient and visually appealing user interface, third party Mac optimization apps can help to manage memory usage.
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Along with providing great cleaning tools – such as removing all the junk files the system and apps build up – Mac optimization apps such as CleanMyMac, MacBooster, MacKeeper and the like provide easy access to memory management tools. Users can discover at a glance whether the memory is at its peak capacity and optimize its usage with a single click.
Apple is eager to highlight the care every product receives during the manufacturing process, iMac included. So as soon as it arrives to your office or home, its lifecycle depends entirely on your care. Give it your best by upgrading RAM and maintaining it using cleaning apps, and these computers will serve you for many years.
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When your computer is running a bit slowly, how can you tell if getting more memory will help?
If you run out of free memory then your computer will be forced to use some of your hard disk as memory, which is VERY SLOW because hard drives are much slower to access than your computer’s RAM. It’s not just a matter of saying ‘8 GB’ is enough because the amount of RAM you need will vary according to your Mac model and the programs you use. Here’s how to check if you have enough RAM.
How to check your Memory on a Mac
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With El Capitan Apple have introduced a very simple graph based on colours to let you know if you have enough RAM or not. Do this during the middle of using your computer for what you normally use it for. Don’t do this as soon as you start your computer as this won’t give a good indication of your normal usage. Better still, check it at various times over a few days.
Go to your Applications/Utilities folder. (Click on your desktop so that the finder is active then hold down Apple-Shift-U, this will open your ‘utilities folder.)
Open ‘Activity Monitor’ – it will probably be the top-most application in the Utilities Folder.
Press Apple-1 to make sure that the main window of Utility Monitor is open.
Click on the ‘System Memory’ tab at the bottom of the window. This will display a little graph with the memory pressure. It will look something like this:
If there is any red in the memory pressure you need more RAM. Red means your performance is taking a hit because your computer needs to use the disk drive for memory.
If the memory pressure is green you have enough memory (like the screenshot above).
If the memory pressure is yellow it may be worth monitoring over a few days to see if it goes into the red.
Checking your memory on older versions of Mac OS
On older versions of Mac OS the display looks more like this:
There are two important items to take note of ‘Free:’ and ‘Page outs:’
Free tells you how much free memory you currently have available to use – the higher the better. If you have no free memory you should get more RAM.
A Page out means your computer has run out of memory and had to use some of the Hard Disk instead of RAM. (This is the equivalent of your brain being too full so you have to write your thoughts down on paper to free up some head space) This DRAMATICALLY slows down your computer.
Tip: Page outs occur when your Mac has to write information from RAM to the hard drive (because RAM is full). Adding more RAM may reduce page outs.
Some Examples:
Here’s a mac with plenty of RAM (12G) – lots of Free RAM (green) and zero Page outs.
Here’s a mac with just enough RAM (8G) – a relatively little Page out Count (339MB) and some free memory (green).
Pay it forward for pets casino nights. Here’s a Mac that needs more RAM (it only has 640M!) – note the High Page Out Count (1010524) even though it currently has some ‘free’ RAM.
This Mac definitely needs some more RAM! Practically no free memory AND High Page-out Count. (1GB!) Performance will be suffering badly. I would add at least another 4G Ram, maybe 8G more to bring it up to 12G.
In OSX Leopard rather than giving a ‘count’ of page in and page outs, it gives a size in GB of the amount of RAM that has been paged in or out. The numbers are smaller but the same principles apply.
In OSX Lion there is a new entry called ‘Swap Used’. (See the last picture above). This is a count of how much Disk Space your computer is using as RAM and it’s a good rough estimate of the minimum amount of extra RAM you need. Eg If your Swap used is 4G then get AT LEAST 4G more RAM.
Where to buy more RAM.
You can’t buy any RAM. It needs to be Apple compatible. It’s worth getting good quality RAM to avoid problems. Currently my 2 favourite places to buy RAM are Crucial.com or OWC Computing. My Mac mini has 16GB of Crucial RAM in it at the moment. I’m in Australia and it usually arrives in about a week. OWC might be the better option if you live in the USA.
Crucial
They have a memory lookup tool for all computers where you choose your model and it shows you exactly what memory you need. The memory chooser tool looks like this:
First choose ‘Apple’ where it says ‘Choose Manufacturer’ Lost money gambling 2019 fantasy.
Secondly select your mac when it says ‘select product line’ (e.g. iMac or Macbook etc)
Finally select the exact model (e.g. Early 2011 i7 27″ iMac”)
It will then show you the options you can buy.
OWC – Macsales
Another reliable source of good Mac RAM is Other World Computing, also called macsales.com.
Why RAM affects your computer’s speed.
RAM in your computer is like the paper sitting on your desk. The information is easy and fast to access. Your Hard Disk is more like a filing cabinet, it takes a bit longer to retrieve information.
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When your desk gets too cluttered you need to spend some time moving things in and out of the filing cabinet, which slows things down.
You don’t need to be able to store everything in your computers memory, it’s good to have a hard disk, but if you don’t have enough memory then your computer will need to access your hard disk too much and this can slow things down.
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To quote from Apple:
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Moving data from physical memory to disk is called paging out (or swapping out); moving data from disk to physical memory is called paging in (or swapping in)… Extended periods of paging activity reduce performance significantly; such activity is sometimes called disk thrashing.