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Skeskali Author

Level 1

4 points

Upgrading RAM on 2017 iMac (refurbished)

I have a 2017 refurbished iMac that currently has 8GB of RAM on it. I contacted an Authorized Apple Service Provider, but they told me that because this computer is still "supported by Apple", they are unable to upgrade the RAM for me. They also told me that the Genius Bar folks at the Apple Store would give me the same answer.

I'm working from home on Excel spreadsheets that have over 2000 lines. Whenever I try to create pivot tables on this machine, the application stops responding and I have to force quit. I've clearly reached the memory limits on this computer and desperately need an upgrade, but can't find anyone to do the work. What are my options here? Trying to do this upgrade on my own is a major process that I don't feel comfortable undertaking.

Posted on May 18, 2020 12:08 PM

Top-ranking reply

padams35

Level 4

3,445 points

Posted on May 18, 2020 12:35 PM

If you have a 5K model the process is easy. Buy a pair of compatible memory sticks from a reputable supplier (Crucial or OWC at macsales.com), open the RAM access door on the back of the machine, and insert the new memory into the empty slots.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201191

If you have a 21.5" or 4K you are out of luck. Either keep looking for an apple service provider who will (and ask the local Genius Bar anyway) or sell it and buy a new machine with more memory.

Alternatively if your iMac has the 1TB HDD you could try reinstalling everything onto an external USB 3.1 SSD. The SSDs have a significantly lower latency (access time) which might make virtual/swap memory use practical.

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Upgrading RAM on 2017 iMac (refurbished)

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