Additional ram makes my iMac restart...The ram is good.

Why does it restart random?


The installed ram is two (4) gb sticks.

I added another two (4) gb sticks...exactly the same Korean manufacturer that came in my iMac for a total of 16 gb. and the restarts started.

I took the new ones back out and the iMac works perfectly.

I then took out the two original ram sticks and put in the 2 new 4 gb sticks for a total of 8 gb. The iMac works perfectly.

I have mixed one new 4gb and one old 4 gb stick and the iMac works perfectly.


Lastly I reinstalled all four (4 gb) ram sticks and the restart problem starts.


This is not a ram defect problem..as far as I can see.


Anyone...help

Posted on Feb 13, 2022 1:13 PM

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Posted on Feb 13, 2022 3:25 PM

It sounds like you may have 4 good modules, but not all 4 are getting fully seated in the slots.


Note that the previously unused slots will take more force to fully seat modules in them.


Try this, install the factory modules in the previously unused slots and install the new modules in the previously used slots.


When installing modules, lay the iMac face down on a flat surface covered with a soft towel.


If the modules install in the bottom of the iMac, push firmly on each module with both thumbs.


If the modules install in the back of the iMac, push firmly on each module with both index fingers.

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Feb 13, 2022 3:25 PM in response to McManus1945

It sounds like you may have 4 good modules, but not all 4 are getting fully seated in the slots.


Note that the previously unused slots will take more force to fully seat modules in them.


Try this, install the factory modules in the previously unused slots and install the new modules in the previously used slots.


When installing modules, lay the iMac face down on a flat surface covered with a soft towel.


If the modules install in the bottom of the iMac, push firmly on each module with both thumbs.


If the modules install in the back of the iMac, push firmly on each module with both index fingers.

Feb 13, 2022 2:16 PM in response to McManus1945

What is the model and year of your iMac? Where did you purchase the additional RAM modules and who was the manufacturer?


It looks like the two new modules and not quite the same as the original and are incompatible when used together. This was the case with 2020 iMacs and OWC (MacSales.com) modules. They would not work together.


If you can return the two new modules and replace them with modules from Crucial.com. Crucial is a well known supplier of Mac RAM and guarantee that their modules will work in the Mac models they are intended for because they test them in each model.


OWC RAM models are also exceptional for Macs except for the 2020 iMac. If your model is not a 2020 iMac you can get the modules from either vendor.



Feb 15, 2022 7:29 AM in response to babowa

FIXED!


Yesterday I was on the phone with a very nice Apple technician for 45 min.

It seems that programs, you install, bring in commands that run in the background of the computer, like in your tool bar, that supposedly helps work flow but you don't really need to use the program.


We went through the computer and deleted all of them he thought I did not need and now I have 40gb of ram and no restarts.


I got online within 2 min. The key is before you talk to the technicians list down exactly what is happening and what you have done as your first conversation with the technician.

Feb 14, 2022 7:36 AM in response to babowa

My iMac was purchased new in March 2020


All four 4gb modules are from the same manufacturer


SKhynix KOREA 4GB 1Rx16 PC4-2666V-SCO-11


Exactly the same type that Apple puts in their iMacs


I can put any one by itself in any slot and It works (4gb)

I can put any two together in any slot and it works (8gb)

I can put any three together and it restarts (12gb)

I can put all four in and it restarts (16gb)




When I installed each configuration I checked to see if the right amount of RAM shows up.



Not to confuse you…


This all started when I purchased 2 new OWC 16gb modules. I put them in and the computer did restarts. I also installed 1 (16gb) module and it restarted. The right amount of RAM always shows up in the specs.




In closing it seems to me that any installed RAM over 8gb causes a restart every once and a while.  ???

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Additional ram makes my iMac restart...The ram is good.

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