iMac Ram Upgrade 27" 2019 5K

Question

Level 1

43 points

iMac Ram Upgrade 27" 2019 5K

I have purchased a 27" iMac 2019 / 5K with the upgrade of the (1)one TB Fusion to the (2)two TB Fusion left the Ram at 8GB.

The unit arrives next week.

I will be installing 32GB of Ram replacing the standard 8GB configuration.

My question is, should I install the new 32GB Ram prior to the first turn on or turn on, go through set-up and then install the 32GB?

I will not be updating from Mojave to Catalina for a multitude of software issues/compatibility.

Thank you to the Community. Your help has been invaluable over the last few months.

Steve

iMac, 10.11

Posted on Oct 18, 2019 1:05 PM

Answer 1

mreed

Level 3

634 points

Oct 23, 2019 7:54 AM in response to OT51

That's exactly what I did last month on my 27" iMac. There's no need to replace the original ram though. You have four slots. Assuming you purchased two 16 gig sticks, you can add them into remaining slots. As I was told by OWC rep, pair the sticks together. In other words, the two four gig then the two 16 gig. Having 40 gig ram is a treat.

Answer 2

BORg529

Level 4

3,070 points

Oct 25, 2019 9:54 AM in response to OT51

You called Crucial direct, or somebody on Amazon? I don't know about Crucial and 2667, but according to Apple website, the RAM is 2666MHz. I recommend you checkout OWC, they have the right RAM 266MHz for 2019 27" 5K Retina iMac.

Answer 3

OT51 Author

Level 1

43 points

Oct 25, 2019 9:28 AM in response to mreed

Hello mreed,

I have received conflicting responses from the top two ram providers with regard to 2666 and 2667. Crucial lists a part number for a Retina 5K 2019 27" on Amazon yet when you call them directly they say it is non compatible.

Did you order and install from OWC?

Thank you

Answer 4

OT51 Author

Level 1

43 points

Dec 5, 2019 8:52 PM in response to BORg529

Long delay due to a health issue.

Yes I bought the base model w/ 8Gigs of Ram. It has subsequently been upgraded to 40Gig (contrary to 32Gigs) as pointed out. (OWC Ram 32 Gig/8Gig Apple) and humming away beautifully.

For reference if you are in need of that much Ram the 2019 5K 27" is 64 Gig upgradeable but 32Gigs is max when purchasing a new Mac directly from Apple.

Answer 5

Niel

Community+ 2026

Level 10

756,447 points

Oct 18, 2019 1:41 PM in response to OT51

You should wait. If you encounter an issue, it'll be easier to tell what caused it.

(175380)

Answer 6

OT51 Author

Level 1

43 points

Oct 18, 2019 8:45 PM in response to Niel

Thanks Niel. I didn't think that out fully and need to make sure the Mac is fully operational with the 8GB out of the box.

Answer 7

BORg529

Level 4

3,070 points

Oct 18, 2019 9:19 PM in response to OT51

My 2 cents. When did you ordered your 27 inch iMac? Most likely MacOS Catalina will already be installed when iMac is delivered.😳

Answer 8

OT51 Author

Level 1

43 points

Oct 22, 2019 3:58 PM in response to BORg529

Happy to report the new mac came w/ Mojave installed. A sigh of relief as many of my wifes photo editing programs are not compatible with Catalina as well as many other apps.

Thats one problem down.

Answer 9

OT51 Author

Level 1

43 points

Oct 25, 2019 10:55 AM in response to BORg529

Yes, I called Crucial directly. This is the info off of the new Mac showing 2667. I'm totally confused but not an uncommon occurrence.

Answer 10

mreed

Level 3

634 points

Oct 25, 2019 11:52 AM in response to OT51

Use OWC: https://www.macsales.com

They are my go to for ALL Mac upgrades. Great staff, very knowledgeable and money back guarantee.

Answer 11

BORg529

Level 4

3,070 points

Oct 25, 2019 9:21 PM in response to OT51

Looks like you bought the base model 2019 27” 5K iMac Retina, 32 gigs of RAM is the highest it can go. Like previous post wrote, go to macsales.com for RAM, problem will be solved.

iMac Ram Upgrade 27" 2019 5K

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