Updating RAM in mid 2011 iMac 27"

Question

Level 1

8 points

Updating RAM in mid 2011 iMac 27"

Currently running 8GB RAM (2x4GB). I ordered new ram (2x8GB). The Apple memory upgrade instructions state:

"For iMac (Mid 2010) and iMac (Mid 2011), use 2GB or 4GB RAM SO-DIMMs of 1333MHz DDR3 SDRAM in each slot."

There are obviously 4 memory slots. I know that using 2 is more efficient that 4. However the apple instructions indicate that 4GB is the max for each slot, necessitating 4x4GB to get to 16GB. Will 2 x 8GB work or is my only option 4 x 4GB? I've obviously matched everything else being 1333 MHz DDR3.

Thank you in advance!

iMac 27″, macOS 10.13

Posted on Jul 21, 2020 4:08 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Best reply

Rameeark

Level 1

55 points

Jul 21, 2020 5:05 PM in response to skibar101

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT205040

If you read this carefully 16Gb with 4 x 4Gb modules is supported option.

For the best performance with the 4 slots use matched pairs i.e. 2Gb x 2, 4Gb x 2, or best 4Gb x 4 for 16Gb memory.

Reply

Answer 2

rkaufmann87

Level 10

140,970 points

Jul 21, 2020 4:25 PM in response to skibar101

You can keep the original RAM in the original slots, you can fill the empty slots with the additional RAM. Your 2011 will address up to 32 GB of RAM. When upgrading only purchase RAM from crucial.com or Mac sales.com. iMacs are very sensitive to quality RAM, both vendors only sell high quality products at reasonable prices and provide excellent service. The both offer life time warranties on RAM.

Apple was very conservative on their RAM specs, 32 gb is correct. My 2011 came with 8 gb of RAM, I added 2 8gb DIMMS giving mine a total of 24 gb of RAM. Been that way since 2011.

Reply