UPGRADE TO MID 2010 - 27 inch IMAC

Hi, b279owler !

Here is the simple reality for a Mid-2010, 27-inch iMac :

The Apple Spec Database tells us the maximum supported RAM is 16 GB.

The people trying to sell you RAM tell us the maximum possible RAM is 32 GB.

Please note the difference between "supported" and "possible". Just because I can drop a third-party, 1,000 HP motor into a Corvette doesn't mean General Motors will support me. In all probability if something goes wrong and you have to take your iMac to an AASP, they will probably require the RAM to be backed down to a supported configuration for testing purposes.

The question to be answered thus becomes : Are your technical skills such that you can utterly self-support when something goes wrong? If you can confidently answer in the affirmative, then by all means seek out and install the 32 GB of RAM. If not, then perhaps the 16Gb will be less hassle in the long run. As others here have pointed out, rare would be the need for more than 16 GB unless one dips a toe in professional waters.

I hope this helps - have fun, and good luck !

OWC is correct. It can go to 32GB, however I'd recommend only adding an addtional 16GB to what originally shipped with the computer, this will increase the RAM to 20GB which should be plenty! The brands that are most commonly recommended on these forums are OWC (www.macsales.com) and Crucial (www.crucial.com), the reason is iMacs are VERY sensitive to using quality RAM and both vendors only sell high quality products at reasonable prices and have excellent service.

Personally I would go for a lesser upgrade and just put either 2x4GB or 2x8GB modules into the empty slots.

Why you might ask..

because that's to much to spend on an old machine.

because you will almost never use or need more than 10 to 12GB.

You might also consider the fact that the 2010’s had major problems when going to an all third party full 16 GB - I had one of those machines and had to be content with a total of 12 GB. I cannot find the old thread on this at the moment since the new iteration of the forums wiped out all of my bookmarks, will try to add that link later. As well, as already mentioned, I would not spend a lot on a 9 year old machine.

Dennis brings up a valid point, the age of your computer. If you do upgrade the RAM and the computer fails, the investment in RAM is lost as you cannot use it in a new Mac. That being said, an upgrade to only 10-12GB may be more wise from an investment point of view.

Hi babowa, I couldn't remember if it was

this one > New 27" 2010 iMac i7 Memory Issues - Apple Community

this one > Will installing additional memory help wi… - Apple Community

or this one > Problem with 16GB on 2010 iMac 27" i5 & i… - Apple Community

🤔

All of the above....

Thank you for doing my research for me - send me a bill, I will pay promptly! 😇. 😈