Looking to buy a computer for my son as he's starting to edit videos for his YouTube channel. (He's 10 and doing GREAT at editing!) He's been doing it all on his phone and wants to upgrade. If not this model, do any of the 2017 iMacs allow RAM upgrades? Other info on this specific model is a 1TB Drive, and graphics card is Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640 1526 MB.
iMac, OS X 10.10
No not really, RAM on 2012-2020 21.5" iMacs is NOT user replaceable. It requires a 100% disassembly of the computer which is complex and often results in bricking the computer when someone goofs. If you want to buy a used Mac and need more than the base 8GB of RAM, buy one from macsales.com and have them install a SSD and upgrade the RAM. DO NOT buy one with a Fusion driver or a HD!!
However, a 2017 27" iMac does have user upgradeable RAM. However again, get one with a SSD. DO NOT buy one with either a Fusion Drive or a HD.
No not really, RAM on 2012-2020 21.5" iMacs is NOT user replaceable. It requires a 100% disassembly of the computer which is complex and often results in bricking the computer when someone goofs. If you want to buy a used Mac and need more than the base 8GB of RAM, buy one from macsales.com and have them install a SSD and upgrade the RAM. DO NOT buy one with a Fusion driver or a HD!!
However, a 2017 27" iMac does have user upgradeable RAM. However again, get one with a SSD. DO NOT buy one with either a Fusion Drive or a HD.
Little Rocky wrote:
If not this model, do any of the 2017 iMacs allow RAM upgrades?
The iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2017) does.
All 27" iMacs ever released – from Late 2009 through 2020 – have 4 user accessible RAM slots.
Install memory in an iMac - Apple Support
21.5" iMacs only had that arrangement from Late 2009 through Late 2011, when they were thick and had built-in optical drives. When they got thin, they lost half their RAM slots, and the other two RAM slots were sealed inside. Some of the later 21.5" iMacs don't even have sealed-in RAM slots – just soldered-in RAM.
Take a look at Macsales.com, they are one of the rare trustworthy sources for buying a used Mac. I say that because many posters on these forums buy used or inherit a Mac that:
a) has not been setup per CRITICAL directions in What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your Mac
b) are inheriting someone else's broken or otherwise defective machine.
Common mistakes include buying from:
By the way, on Macsales.com I found a 2017 21.5" iMac with 1TB SSD and 16GB or RAM for $419. Also, I wanted to mention I have no affiliation with Macsales.com, I'm simply a longterm satisfied customer.
iMac 21.5" (Mid-2017) 2.3 GHz Core i5 (i5-7360U) fits your description.
Identify your iMac model - Apple Support
Install memory in an iMac - Apple Support
Yes this model supports changing the RAM, but Apple advises to let an Apple Retail Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider do this. The iMac has to be dismantled almost entirely.
Good stuff! Thank you! I found this one for $100, but knew I would need to put at least another $150 or so, but you're not sure what you are really getting online. To pay a little more from Macsales.com may be the way to go. Thank you for your thorough answers!
Thank you! That is what I was afraid of.
Thank you. Love that the 27" is user upgradeable, which I have done on apple laptops and an older iMac! Good advice on making sure it's a SSD!
Your welcome and good luck!
Can you upgrade RAM or Hard Drive on a 2017 iMac 2.3 GHz Dual-Core Intel Core i5 21.5" 1920x1080?
