red.m.aciej

Q: iMac13,2 27" with firmware from 21.5" not seeing the 4 memory bays

Hello,

 

I have an 27" iMac 3.4Ghz (late 2012) with some memory problem. I want to put 4 memory modules (4x8GB=32GB) but whatever I put into memory bay 3 and/or 4 results in the beeping error after power-on. Whatever the combination is, even with smaller memory modules - it just gives an error if anything is in bay 3 and/or 4.

 

This made me thinking a bit and I discovered that the EFI I have is from the 21.5" iMac which simply has 2 memory bays... but the problem is apple doesn't even list my 27" late 2012 model on their website and doesn't provide any firmware modules for it at all!

 

Can anybody help me on that? I need a correct EFI for the 27" late 2012 iMac model.

 

Apple support send me to the local premium reseller who told me he doesn't have a clue what to do with that... and that they do not have access to the firmwares from apple. So I try here, below is the system report about the iMac I have.

 

Hardware Overview:

 

  Model Name: iMac

  Model Identifier: iMac13,2

  Processor Name: Intel Core i7

  Processor Speed: 3.4 GHz

  Number of Processors: 1

  Total Number of Cores: 4

  L2 Cache (per Core): 256 KB

  L3 Cache: 8 MB

  Memory: 16 GB

  Boot ROM Version: IM131.010A.B05

  SMC Version (system): 2.11f14

  Serial Number (system): D2*********NMP

  Hardware UUID: BE22D41C-1532-572D-9614-A47682C5FCD2

iMac, OS X Yosemite (10.10.3), null

Posted on Jun 3, 2015 6:04 AM

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Q: iMac13,2 27" with firmware from 21.5" not seeing the 4 memory bays

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  • by red.m.aciej,

    red.m.aciej red.m.aciej Jun 3, 2015 9:07 AM in response to Csound1
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    Jun 3, 2015 9:07 AM in response to Csound1

    iMac 27 (Late 2012) Shuts down. #2

     

    As you may see in this thread, the same iMac with the same firmware DOES work with 4x4GB memory.

     

    So at least the firmware has been proven to be correct and I can abandon this lead.

     

    Still it only proves that 16GB is supported. I will try the same 4x4GB configuration tomorrow from another iMac I have - to address the memory quality issue.

     

    Like I say the iMac WORKS with 2xKingston memory so it would be actually surprising why 4 of the same modules would cause an issue. And all memory modules I tried I took from working iMacs so they are tested... (I tried 2GB, 4GB, 8GB modules from 4 different producers)

     

    But I will return to the issue again with other modules tomorrow. Any more ideas welcome (for example how to verify if there is a damaged memory bay without opening the iMac?).

  • by Csound1,

    Csound1 Csound1 Jun 3, 2015 9:11 AM in response to red.m.aciej
    Level 9 (51,281 points)
    Desktops
    Jun 3, 2015 9:11 AM in response to red.m.aciej

    I have no expectations when Kingston Ram is involved, use OWC (only) and it will work.

  • by Mike Sombrio,

    Mike Sombrio Mike Sombrio Jun 3, 2015 9:18 AM in response to Csound1
    Level 6 (17,283 points)
    Apple Watch
    Jun 3, 2015 9:18 AM in response to Csound1

    if you have enough Kingston ram modules you can stack them up and use them to hold a door open.....other that that they're not good for much.

  • by red.m.aciej,

    red.m.aciej red.m.aciej Jun 3, 2015 9:26 AM in response to Mike Sombrio
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jun 3, 2015 9:26 AM in response to Mike Sombrio

    People I wrote already that it happens also with other producers INCLUDING original HYNIX factory mounted RAMs. Relax a bit with Kingston, these are HyperX in reality if it sounds better and bring the topic on subject.

  • by red.m.aciej,

    red.m.aciej red.m.aciej Jun 3, 2015 9:38 AM in response to red.m.aciej
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jun 3, 2015 9:38 AM in response to red.m.aciej

    And just to prove the case:

     

    http://dustinfarris.com/2013/01/16/2012-27-imac-with-32gb-kingston-hyperx.html

     

    this is an older model of the memory but the new one is even more in accordance with Apple specification because it's low voltage.

  • by Csound1,

    Csound1 Csound1 Jun 3, 2015 9:40 AM in response to red.m.aciej
    Level 9 (51,281 points)
    Desktops
    Jun 3, 2015 9:40 AM in response to red.m.aciej

    You asked for advice on what to do and you have received it, try it or not, it's your choice.

  • by red.m.aciej,

    red.m.aciej red.m.aciej Jun 3, 2015 9:45 AM in response to Csound1
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    Jun 3, 2015 9:45 AM in response to Csound1

    Yes, I will try with 4x4GB modules tomorrow moved directly from a different iMac. I will inform you about the result.

  • by red.m.aciej,

    red.m.aciej red.m.aciej Jun 4, 2015 3:16 AM in response to red.m.aciej
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jun 4, 2015 3:16 AM in response to red.m.aciej

    OK so I tried the 4x4GB 1333 modules - doesn't work.

     

    I tried 2x8GB 1333 Apacer modules, 4x2GB Hynix, some additional 4GB, 8GB, etc - all of them working in different iMac.

     

    I even put the 4x8GB hyperX into an older model and... it works like a charm 32GB.

     

    So I think it must be some other problem, not the modules. Any ideas on this?

     

    I would really like to avoid opening the iMac because I have a cracked glass in the corner and probably I will damage it beyond repair...

  • by Mike Sombrio,

    Mike Sombrio Mike Sombrio Jun 4, 2015 3:59 AM in response to red.m.aciej
    Level 6 (17,283 points)
    Apple Watch
    Jun 4, 2015 3:59 AM in response to red.m.aciej

    As you've been told countless times in this thread you're using the wrong memory. The iMac 13,2 requires

    Memory Slots

    4 - 204-pin PC3-12800 (1600 MHz) DDR3 SO-DIMM

  • by red.m.aciej,

    red.m.aciej red.m.aciej Jun 4, 2015 10:44 AM in response to Mike Sombrio
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    Jun 4, 2015 10:44 AM in response to Mike Sombrio

    OK, but the memory HyperX which I have is perfectly fitting the specification: they are 204 pin, they  are PC3, they are 12800 and they are SO-DIMM + they are 4 exactly perfectly the same.

     

    Nonetheless probably they are too fast indeed.

     

    If I put a 2x8GB 1333 memory into bay 1&2, the system will work with the additional 2x8GB HyperX 1600 (bay 3&4) but will see only 24GB and only at 1333 speed!

     

    So there IS a probem with the iMac because it works at the nominal specification memory speed ONLY from the first 2 bays. I will buy slower stock 1600 memory with CS11 but I still have doubts if it will work (it doesn't work if I put 4x8GB 1333 modules).

     

    In other words: the max specification late 2012 iMac is barely keeping up with the promised parameters and CS9 memory modules are for sure too much to handle (if you want to have more then 16GB)

     

    I would be grateful if somebody with the same model could specify which exactly modules he uses to have 32GB 1600 Mhz memory. I don't have all producers available in my country, for example OWC.

  • by babowa,

    babowa babowa Jun 4, 2015 11:23 AM in response to red.m.aciej
    Level 7 (32,249 points)
    iPad
    Jun 4, 2015 11:23 AM in response to red.m.aciej

    Here are the specs for your iMac (note the notes regarding RAM):

     

    iMac (27-inch, Late 2012) - Technical Specifications

     

    Here are screenshots of my late 2012 showing the correct RAM - 1600 MHz and the hardware/firmware:

     

    Screen Shot 2015-06-04 at 11.21.07 AM.png

     

     

     

     

    Screen Shot 2015-06-04 at 11.21.34 AM.png

  • by red.m.aciej,

    red.m.aciej red.m.aciej Jun 4, 2015 2:29 PM in response to babowa
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jun 4, 2015 2:29 PM in response to babowa

    OK but I also can put 2x8GB and it works - problem starts when I want to put 4x8GB. Look at the specs I posted - 16GB. That's the 2x8GB HyperX 1600 Mhz CS 9 modules.

     

    When I put 2x8GB HyperX 1600Mhz CS 9 modules - it works.

     

    When I put 4 of them - it doesn't.

     

    The only way I managed to put more memory is to put 2x8GB but 1333Mhz and 2x8GB 1600 Mhz - but then I finish with iMac recognizing only 24 GB at 1333 Mhz speed. So the bay nr 4 stays unrecognized and the faster memory runs at the slower speed (matching the first 2 bays memory).

     

    But THATS WRONG. And I wouldn't blame it on the memory modules. For me its a configuration of memory problem which should be addressed by Apple. As you see it's not that common configuration and for most of people 16GB is more then enough. And have you seen an apple support email anywhere? Because the phone support just couldn't help me with the issue (as also the local premium reseller service...).

     

    It also works 16GB at 1333Mhz when I put 2x8GB apacer or, 2x8GB Goodram modules. But for example when I put 4x 4GB 1333Mhz GoodRam modules - it doesn't work. So it's a timing issue between the channels 1&2 and 3&4. That's the EFI problem.

  • by Mike Sombrio,

    Mike Sombrio Mike Sombrio Jun 4, 2015 3:04 PM in response to red.m.aciej
    Level 6 (17,283 points)
    Apple Watch
    Jun 4, 2015 3:04 PM in response to red.m.aciej

    If you want 32GB of ram you're going to have to get it from either OWC or Crucial. Users have reported better luck with OWC ram than Crucial. If you insist on trying Kingston or another brand that is not what is suggested ram you will  continue to fail. With that I'm done with this thread. You've been offered the same advice by several experienced users and you continue to ignore it. Good luck.

  • by babowa,

    babowa babowa Jun 4, 2015 3:30 PM in response to red.m.aciej
    Level 7 (32,249 points)
    iPad
    Jun 4, 2015 3:30 PM in response to red.m.aciej

    If you actually managed to download/install the incorrect firmware update, then that is not Apple's problem either. And, you continue to experiment with the incorrect RAM from sources which are not recommended.

     

    Since you prefer not to accept what anyone says, my suggestion is to take it to your nearest Genius Bar/Apple store.

     

    Ask them.

  • by red.m.aciej,

    red.m.aciej red.m.aciej Jun 5, 2015 5:32 AM in response to Csound1
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Jun 5, 2015 5:32 AM in response to Csound1

    Yes, it's a perfect solution. For Apple.

     

    I have no choice but to replace the memory modules although they meet the specs and DO work in the computer (2 pcs. at least) because Apple will not care to fix the firmware to eliminate the problem. But why would it if it has hundreds of people who will not allow to say a bad word about it?

     

    So thanks for all the help. I am very unhappy with Apple on this subject and that's it.

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