Mixing 1067MHz RAM with 1333MHz questions

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Level 1

8 points

Mixing 1067MHz RAM with 1333MHz questions

I'm going to upgrade the RAM on my iMac. I currently have 2 lots of 1067MHz 2GB RAM. I believe I have a total of 4 slots. I am thinking of getting 2 more 4GB 1333MHz and then shall have a total of 12GB of RAM. I've read a few other discussions on here about whether or not it is a good idea to mix 1067MHz RAM with 1333MHz RAM, but I'm still unsure. Surely I am better off with 12GB of RAM that would run at 1067 MHz than if I were to use 8GB of the new 1333MHz RAM?

I am also better off getting 1333MHz RAM instead of just buying more 1067 (if that is an option) in case I ever get a new iMac and want to use this RAM in that one instead?

I live in Australia so I suspect that Samsung in the brand to go with as mixing brands can lead to problems? I'd have to take a look inside physically to see what brand it is yeah? This was bought direclty form the mac website so I'm guessing it's using Samsung RAM?

here are some of my specs incase it matters:

Model Name: iMac

Model Identifier: iMac11,1

Processor Name: Intel Core i5

Processor Speed: 2.66 GHz

Number Of Processors: 1

Total Number Of Cores: 4

L2 Cache (per core): 256 KB

L3 Cache: 8 MB

Memory: 4 GB

Processor Interconnect Speed: 4.8 GT/s

Boot ROM Version: IM111.0034.B02

SMC Version (system): 1.54f36

BANK 0/DIMM0:

Size: 2 GB

Type: DDR3

Speed: 1067 MHz

Status: OK

Manufacturer: 0x80CE

Part Number: 0x4D34373142353637334548312D4346382020

Serial Number: 0x82D21F44

BANK 1/DIMM0:

Size: 2 GB

Type: DDR3

Speed: 1067 MHz

Status: OK

Manufacturer: 0x80CE

Part Number: 0x4D34373142353637334548312D4346382020

Serial Number: 0x82D21F24

BANK 0/DIMM1:

Size: Empty

Type: Empty

Speed: Empty

Status: Empty

Manufacturer: Empty

Part Number: Empty

Serial Number: Empty

BANK 1/DIMM1:

Size: Empty

Type: Empty

Speed: Empty

Status: Empty

Manufacturer: Empty

Part Number: Empty

Serial Number: Empty

iMac, Mac OS X (10.6.7)

Posted on May 8, 2011 6:11 AM

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Answer 1

May 8, 2011 6:44 AM in response to keithslist

if it works it shouldn't cause any problems. the speed of the 1333 will be dropped down. i've seen certain systems that have RAM incompatibilities with certain brands, most of the time mixing isn't an issue though

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Answer 2

rkaufmann87

Level 10

148,458 points

May 8, 2011 6:45 AM in response to keithslist

Macs are very sensitive to RAM. Your machine calls for 1066 RAM and that's what you should install, it's really that simple. As long as the RAM meets the specifications it should be fine, the brand is not critical.

Roger

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Answer 3

den.thed

Level 10

90,946 points

May 8, 2011 8:31 AM in response to keithslist

If you want to experiment, then just buy whatever...

If not, then buy the correct specifications for your iMac.

Dennis

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Answer 4

keithslist Author

Level 1

8 points

May 9, 2011 1:30 AM in response to rkaufmann87

How do I know that my machine calls for the 1066 (or 1067) kind? because that's what it already has, so i should get more the same?

I'm guessing this RAM is slower and will be cheaper for me to buy?

or if I can can get the 13333 for cheap, should I just get that instead?

this is what I was thinking of getting: http://www.upgradeable.com.au/apple/imac--imac11-2--core-i3-3-2ghz-21-5-inch.htm l

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Answer 5

rkaufmann87

Level 10

148,458 points

May 9, 2011 6:38 AM in response to keithslist

Yes you know which RAM it needs by what is already installed, your machine calls for 1066. I would NOT recommend the RAM you provided the link for. As Dennis mentioned if you want to experiment go for it, if not then choose the correct RAM.

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Answer 6

Sep 18, 2011 9:41 AM in response to keithslist

It can use BOTH 1067MHz and 1333MHz, no problem! My mid-2010 iMac with the i7@2,93GHz came with 1067MHz RAM and I bought two KTA-MB1333/4G and it works like a charm. Don't listen to people that doesn't know what they're talking about! Apple says that BOTH memory works! Now you know! 😉

http://www.ramjet.com/imi.asp#1333

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Answer 7

Sep 30, 2011 7:32 AM in response to keithslist

However higher speed RAM you install the machine will work at the same clocking rate.

Since the logic board RAM slot is designed for clocking at1067MHz.

Even if you are putting 1333MHz RAM, it is going to work at only 1067MHz.😎

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Answer 8

Sep 30, 2011 9:08 AM in response to Aananth Jude

Really? And what exactly are you basing that on?

How come that my two KTA-MB1333/4G works at 1333 MHz on my MacMini (Mid2011) AND my iMac (Mid2010)???

I have four KTA-MB1333/4G in my iMac btw!

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Answer 9

den.thed

Level 10

90,946 points

Sep 30, 2011 4:37 PM in response to Joseph Moudi

Very interesting!

If you don't mind, please go to the System Profiler > Hardware > Memory of your Mid 2010 iMac, take a screen shot and post the shot here so that we can see what speed that KTA RAM is actually running at?

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Answer 10

Oct 1, 2011 3:58 AM in response to den.thed

Does this convince you? 😉

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Answer 11

Oct 1, 2011 4:04 AM in response to den.thed

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Answer 12

Oct 1, 2011 4:41 AM in response to den.thed

I really can't see WHY this even is an issue when Apple says that it's OK to use 1333MHz RAM. Can't you people read and find out yourselves? Because it isn't really that hard! There's even a link from the System Profiler directly to this website: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1423?viewlocale=en_US

Can we rest this case now and all agree on that you CAN use 1333MHz RAM IF ALL are of the type 1333MHz. If you put in just one 1066MHz they all will run at 1066MHz. OK?!

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Answer 13

den.thed

Level 10

90,946 points

Oct 1, 2011 6:35 AM in response to Joseph Moudi

There is a difference in models.

You have an iMac11,3 and the OP's has a Late 2009 iMac11,1 which takes 1066HMz.

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