Bkavs

Q: Adding memory to iMac 27 inch

I just installed additional memory, 2 cards. But it does not seem to register at "about this Mac".  Is that a problem? the system does seem faster. Any advice appreciated.

iMac (27-inch Mid 2010), OS X Mavericks (10.9.5)

Posted on Jul 25, 2016 1:35 PM

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Q: Adding memory to iMac 27 inch

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  • by K Shaffer,Helpful

    K Shaffer K Shaffer Jul 25, 2016 1:47 PM in response to Bkavs
    Level 6 (14,335 points)
    Desktops
    Jul 25, 2016 1:47 PM in response to Bkavs

    Reset the NVRAM...

    • How to Reset NVRAM on your Mac - Apple Support

     

    You could see the system report by use of a utility instead

    of About this Mac. In Mavericks OS X 10.9.5 that would be

    System Information (from button in About this Mac) choose

    System Report in the next view.

     

    If you choose GO in Finder menu bar, and let it open Utilities

    then choose System Information (utility) that offers all info on

    the hardware and software in the computer.

     

    According to the info in your post (27-inch mid-2010 iMac)

     

    Maximum Memory    32 GB (Core i5 or Core i7 Actual) 16 GB (Apple)

    Memory Slots    4 - 204-pin PC3-10600 (1333 MHz) DDR3 SO-DIMM

     

    The max is 32GB of matching quality RAM... per http://mactracker.ca

     

    Sometimes the quality of third-party memory isn't up to par.

    Or a 'close number' part may not be correct for the computer.

     

    So that also can be a source of issues. Usually recommended

    reseller sources include OWC macsales.com or Crucial.com.

     

    Good luck in any event...!

  • by pokey b,

    pokey b pokey b Jul 25, 2016 1:59 PM in response to Bkavs
    Level 3 (582 points)
    Desktops
    Jul 25, 2016 1:59 PM in response to Bkavs

    Typically yes, that is a problem in that the new memory chips are not being recognized. My Mac originally had 4 GB of RAM, late last year I installed 8 GB more and it appears as below. Where did you purchase the RAM chips? Generally the users here recommend either OWC or Crucial brands (I used OWC). Many bargain brands will not work in a Mac as they are finicky about the RAM chips.

     

    Ram Installed.png

  • by Bkavs,

    Bkavs Bkavs Jul 25, 2016 2:06 PM in response to pokey b
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Desktops
    Jul 25, 2016 2:06 PM in response to pokey b

    I wonder if I installed the cards incorrectly that is exactly what I did- 4 slots, 2 were occupied. I added 2 I bought from CDW, Kingston brand, their recommendation.

     

    is this a cheap brand?

  • by pokey b,

    pokey b pokey b Jul 25, 2016 2:09 PM in response to Bkavs
    Level 3 (582 points)
    Desktops
    Jul 25, 2016 2:09 PM in response to Bkavs

    I'm not sure I'd label Kingston as "cheap" but yes, I have seen postings of others here who have also had problems with Kingston and Kensington brands.