Which brand is really trusted on RAM upgrade?

Question

Which brand is really trusted on RAM upgrade?

Just bought late-2013 21.5 iMac (iMac 14,3) - 1TB 5,400 RPM HDD, 8GB RAM, 3.1GHz Intel Core i7

For upgrading hard drive, I will be getting 1TB Crucial SSD. With buying 16GB RAM (maximum is 16GB), I'm trying to choose which the brand I should go for. But on Internet, it looks generic to me, just make me a little bit nervous despite its reviews are positive. I've never done upgrading the memory before (you don't need to give me instruction on how to upgrade HD or memory). Just wanted to hear something from someone that has bought RAM and done upgrading.

So, on Amazon, there's OWC, A-Tech, Timetec, some of them with high ratings of no more than 4.5 stars. Crucial seems to be out of the option and on ifixit.com, the price isn't very reasonable. Give me a thought of what RAM I should get.

You could give me a tip or how to avoid any mistake you have or haven't made before, anything else. Thank you.

iMac Line (2012 and Later)

Posted on Sep 12, 2019 7:09 AM

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Answer 1

Kurt Lang

Level 9

68,082 points

Sep 12, 2019 7:32 AM in response to matfromnewarko

I'm going to presume you have a 14,1 iMac, since that's the only late 2013 model with a 21.5" screen.

Crucial's page insists the RAM is not removable for your Mac. OWC lists 8 and 16 GB kits.

If you watch the video on OWC's site on how to replace or upgrade the RAM, it isn't easy, or for the inexperienced. Consider taking it to an Apple Store or other certified Mac dealer and have them do it.

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Answer 2

Sep 12, 2019 7:45 AM in response to Kurt Lang

Just checked out Crucial site, looks like their memory isn't available. I will email them, ask if why they don't have memory iMac 14,1/14,3. Will keep OWC in the mind and let me hear from other users.

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Answer 3

pokey b

Level 4

1,929 points

Sep 12, 2019 7:58 AM in response to matfromnewarko

Personally, I have always used OWC's RAM and it has always worked well for me, first time / every time. Kurt Lang is right (and maybe not emphasizing enough), changing / adding RAM on that Mac is not easy. As I understand it Apple will not undetake RAM upgrades after the sale of the Mac. A certified Apple reseller / repair operation probably will but it will be expensive. They have to crack open the case (remove the screen) to access the RAM.

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Answer 4

rkaufmann87

Level 10

148,374 points

Sep 12, 2019 7:59 AM in response to matfromnewarko

Another vote for Crucial or OWC (www.macsales.com). Never use any other brand unless you want to risk compatibility or failures. While even Crucial or OWC can have failures the percentage is dramatically lower and compatibility is simply a non-issue.

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Answer 5

Sep 12, 2019 8:26 AM in response to Kurt Lang

Crucial says they have stopped the production. "Non-removable" seems to mean that model of iMac's back doesn't have "door" like latest 27-inch iMac has its own door for placing RAMs. I will just go with OWC.

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Answer 6

Allan Jones

Level 9

77,384 points

Sep 12, 2019 8:33 AM in response to matfromnewarko

Most of those "wheel" tools are plastic and should not harm the case or the display cover. The real issue is around the camera. There are wires rather close to the edge and a lack of attention in that area could pull an important bit of wiring loose.

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Answer 7

BORg529

Level 4

3,070 points

Sep 12, 2019 10:02 AM in response to matfromnewarko

Apparently, screen is heavy, you risk of dropping and breaking it, might 2 person job. Your mistake is, you bought used late 2013 iMac with 5,400 rpm hard drive, unless you going be looking at emails, and some web browsing, it will be too slow for use. Also, these 21.5 iMacs are not user upgradable, you should have researched more, or bought brand new iMac with "user upgradable" RAMS.

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Answer 8

Kurt Lang

Level 9

68,082 points

Sep 12, 2019 10:41 AM in response to matfromnewarko

Canned air dusters can be useful, but you have to be very careful with them. You must use them held level. As soon as you start to tip the can downward, the propellant also comes out. It's very cold, and leaves a residue on whatever you were spraying at.

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Answer 9

Kurt Lang

Level 9

68,082 points

Sep 12, 2019 7:11 AM in response to matfromnewarko

By far, Crucial and OWC are the ones most users here would go with first. They both have 100% forever guarantees. No matter how old the RAM you purchase is, if it fails, they replace it for free.

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