Q: Why can't I add more RAM than recommended?
My 2.5 GHz Intel Core i5, 27in 2011 iMac OS Lion has four slots for memory and currently with 2 of 2GB each, for a grand total of 4GB. I think there are 8GB memory cards available and compatible for this iMac, but Apple recommends that the computer could be boosted up to 16GB (only). It seems there's more capacity available. Why can't I add two 8GB cards, for example, totaling 20GB? Or any other combination up to 32GB, for argument's sake?
The question is Why upgrade? may be important...Things are getting slow ALREADY. And I suspect if I want to go to Mountain Lion, I'd run into more sludge on the road. And the price to upgrade (as a possible panacea) is relatively cheap.
Thanks.
Joseph
iMac, Mac OS X (10.7.2), brand spanking new
Posted on Sep 19, 2012 6:47 AM
Apple has its reasons for recommending a maximum of 16GB RAM. There may be design limitations on which they can effectively guarantee performance up to 16GB but not above that. It doesn't mean the iMac can't use more memory, just that you're on your own there. Meaning, if you exceed 16GB RAM and then run into problems, Apple warranty coverage will not apply unless you remove the excess RAM.
That said, go to crucial.com and use the memory advisor tool to see what memory sticks are compatible with your iMac.
Slow performance is more often related to a system HD that is over 50% full and/or too many processes or apps running simultaneously (especially if you are using Parallels or Fusion, Aperture, Final Cut, Lightroom, Photoshop or other pro apps).
If your system HD is not over 50% full then I'd suggest trying one of the system maintenance utilities such as Mac OS X Cocktail to clean out all caches, logs, run the daily/weekly/monthly scripts, repair permissions, etc. and see if that helps. Don't use it on a routine basis, but when your system really slows down it's often useful to get things running better.
Posted on Sep 19, 2012 8:11 AM