HT201191: Install memory in an iMac

Learn about Install memory in an iMac
H65

Q: Mid 2010 iMac 27 inch.  Each slot 2 G ram.  Can I replace 2 of the 2Gs with 2 8 Gs?  or do I need to keep all four slots the same?

I have a mid 2010 iMac 27 inch with each of the four slots containing a 2 Gig DDR3 1333 PC3-10600 card.  I need to upgrade memory for Aperture.  Always running out.  Can I replace 2 of the cards with 2 of the same cards in 8 Gig?  Or, do I need to replace all four together to keep them the same?

Posted on Apr 8, 2014 1:11 PM

Close

Q: Mid 2010 iMac 27 inch.  Each slot 2 G ram.  Can I replace 2 of the 2Gs with 2 8 Gs?  or do I need to keep all four ... more

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by Kappy,

    Kappy Kappy Apr 8, 2014 1:14 PM in response to H65
    Level 10 (271,052 points)
    Desktops
    Apr 8, 2014 1:14 PM in response to H65

    You can install:

     

    Maximum Memory32 GB (Core i5 or Core i7 Actual) 16 GB (Apple)
    Memory Slots4 - 204-pin PC3-10600 (1333 MHz) DDR3 SO-DIMM

     

    Memory modules are installed in pairs side by side.

  • by Timothy Fink,

    Timothy Fink Timothy Fink Apr 8, 2014 1:17 PM in response to H65
    Level 2 (320 points)
    Apr 8, 2014 1:17 PM in response to H65

    You should be able to switch two banks with other memory modules. You do need to keep the pairs the same, however.

    Check your model, however. Your max may be 16GB, so you may only be able to put in a pair of 4GB cards.

    Won't hurt to try, though.

    Go to Crucial.com as one of the most reliable suppliers of memory for Macs, if you haven't found one yet.

     

    Take care,

  • by Mike Sombrio,

    Mike Sombrio Mike Sombrio Apr 8, 2014 1:21 PM in response to H65
    Level 6 (17,233 points)
    Apple Watch
    Apr 8, 2014 1:21 PM in response to H65

    If your iMac is an i5 or i7 you can use the 8gb sticks, if it's an i3 you cannot. Yes you can mix sizes as long as you keep the pairs matched. Put the two new sticks in either the two top or two bottom slots, not one on top of the other. Stick with either OWC http://eshop.macsales.com or Crucial http://www.crucial.com for your ram.