Related Article: Install memory in an iMac

upgrade memory on iMac (Retina 4K, 21.5-inch, 2017)

Is it possible to upgrade memory on my iMac (Retina 4K, 21.5-inch, 2017)?

iMac, OS X 10.10

Posted on Nov 24, 2023 10:20 AM

Reply
3 replies

Nov 24, 2023 7:24 PM in response to holterwill

That Mac has two sealed-in RAM slots. The official limit is 32 GB of RAM (16 GB x 2), but MacTracker says the machine can actually accept 64 GB (32 GB x 2), and Other World Computing agrees.


You can use the Memory Pressure graph in Activity Monitor to help determine if you need an upgrade. Leave it open while you carry about the tasks that you think are putting pressure on memory. Watch the graph.


  • Green = You probably have enough memory
  • Yellow = Memory is marginal
  • Red = A lack of memory is probably affecting performance


Other World Computing sells RAM for this Mac. I would suggest buying RAM only from them or from Crucial (a division of the semiconductor manufacturer Micron).


https://eshop.macsales.com/shop/memory/imac-2017-21.5-inch


Unless you are a skilled electronics technician, installing the RAM in a 21.5" iMac is a job for a repair shop.

Nov 24, 2023 1:52 PM in response to holterwill

Also, upgrading the RAM will not have any effects on the speed of the computer. If you are attempting to make the computer faster, the ONLY thing that can be done is to add an external SSD. However, considerings the computer is about 7 years old now rather than spending money on an obsolete machine I'd recommend considering replacing it with a new machine which will be considerably faster!

upgrade memory on iMac (Retina 4K, 21.5-inch, 2017)

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple ID.