Matching pairs in memory upgrade for mid 2011 IMAC

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Level 1

8 points

Matching pairs in memory upgrade for mid 2011 IMAC

My IMAC has 4GB installed as 2 x 2GB modules and is starting to slow down.

I would like to upgrade memory before buying a new IMAC, but want to check if i can install 2 x matching pairs that are of different capacity to original.

I have 2 slots available .. I believe this IMAC can support max 16GB.

I have a current minimum need of 8GB.

Am i best to install a pair of 2GB modules to match existing?..this would give me 8GB..i.e 4 x 2GB.

Or can i go for 2 x4GB modules, gives me 12GB ?

I do not think the "unbalancing" of the pairs would cause any problems, but have not done this before.

JG

iMac 21.5″, macOS 10.13

Posted on Dec 28, 2020 5:32 AM

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Answer 1

Dec 28, 2020 6:43 AM in response to swanmore

2011 iMac, (and 2010 iMac with Core 5 and Core 7 processor) can upgrade to 32 gigabytes.

I am running 20 gigabytes on a 2011, two 2 gigabytes, and two 8 gigabyte chips.

Look at Other World Computing, or Data Memory Systems...

https://eshop.macsales.com/shop/memory/iMac/2011/DDR3_21.5_27

https://www.datamemorysystems.com/apple-imac-intel-core-i5-quad-core-2-5ghz-21-5-mc309ll/a-mid-2011-memory-upgrades/

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Answer 2

padams35

Level 4

3,619 points

Dec 28, 2020 5:36 AM in response to swanmore

You can install a second pair of memory with a different capacity than the first pair: I added +2x4GB to mine for 12GB installed.

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Answer 3

Dec 28, 2020 8:15 PM in response to swanmore

Memory needs to be in pairs.

No difference in speed because of size...

Leaving the two 2 gig chips, then adding two 8 gig chips would be better than adding two 4 gig...

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Answer 4

swanmore Author

Level 1

8 points

Dec 28, 2020 6:22 AM in response to padams35

Tks..I think its worth having a crack before spending big bucks on new kit

2 x4GB would suit me

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Answer 5

swanmore Author

Level 1

8 points

Dec 28, 2020 6:49 AM in response to mattwithcats

Tks..32GB is double the Apple spec.

My current thought is to leave the existing pair of 2 x 2GB in the slots and add 2 x4GB

What i was concerned with was balancing..i.e have 4 cards of the same capacity .

Would 4 x 4GB provide any noticeable difference than a combination of 2 x 2 and 2 x 4 ?

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Matching pairs in memory upgrade for mid 2011 IMAC

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