jbrownlow
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: Memory Question for min 2011 iMac

I want to add more memory for my imac. I done the searches but I'm getting bits and pices of info so here are my questions ( I have 8gb of memory installed now. 2x4 gb)

1. how much can i put in the 16 apple says or 32 ive read? (or any inbetween)?

2. Apple sells the memory on their website ($200 is a lot for 8 gb) where can i find the same for less?  ie. waht's the best memory for my imac out there?

3. It looks esy to install. Is it?

Thanks!

iMac

Posted on Jan 5, 2013 8:59 AM

by Shootist007,Solvedanswer
Shootist007 Shootist007
Level 6 (16,660 points)
A:

Your first line is just incorrect. It is what Apple TESTED the unit with when it was first in production.

 

Apple recommends only 8Gbs in both the late 2011 model MBPs and even on the Mid 2012 model MBPs when it can actually take 16GBs of RAM with No Problems. Other manufacturers do that also. I have a Dell E6420 that Dell and even Crucial state that it can only take 8GBs. I have 16GBs installed.

To order that 16GBs from Crucial I had to punch in my late 2011 MBP as the model. When I used the Dell E6420 it came up with 8GBs. The package I got from crucial stated Mac Memory. Works fine in my Dell as the Mac and Dell use the Same Intel Chipset.

 

It is up to the Intel Chipset as to how much memory can be installed. If the intel chipset supports 16GB you can use 16GBs. if it supports 32GBs you can install 32GBs

ComputerFixer wrote:

 

1)  I would stick with the 16 apple says.   While others may have gotten it to work on 32,  there is a reason apple recommends 16.

 

2)  Crucial and OWC are the best memory you can find.  If you are looking for cheaper memory, PNY may work as well, but I would highly recommend using Crucial memory.

 

 

Posted on Jan 5, 2013 9:18 AM

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jbrownlow

Q: Memory Question for min 2011 iMac

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  • by ComputerFixer,Helpful

    ComputerFixer ComputerFixer Jan 5, 2013 9:09 AM in response to jbrownlow
    Level 3 (735 points)
    Jan 5, 2013 9:09 AM in response to jbrownlow

    1)  I would stick with the 16 apple says.   While others may have gotten it to work on 32,  there is a reason apple recommends 16.

     

    2)  Crucial and OWC are the best memory you can find.  If you are looking for cheaper memory, PNY may work as well, but I would highly recommend using Crucial memory.

     

    3)  It is actually as easy as it looks.  Just unscrew the access door, pull the tab to eject the memory (do not pull it out without using the tab first, as this has been known to damage the ram dock), Insert the new ram.  Its that easy!     Make sure that if you are replacing any ram cards, that the two slots closest to the front side of the machine (the screen) are occupied, as the iMac is picky, and may not attempt to start.   Alternatively, you can read this guide.  http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1423

     

    You will get the very same guide by going to (apple logo) > About This Mac > More Info > Memory > Memoy Upgrade Instructions.

  • by Shootist007,Helpful

    Shootist007 Shootist007 Jan 5, 2013 9:11 AM in response to jbrownlow
    Level 6 (16,660 points)
    Jan 5, 2013 9:11 AM in response to jbrownlow

    Go to Crucial.com and in there memory finder app and enter your system. Make, Apple, type iMac, Model whatever year iMac you have.

     

    To find out what year mac you have, Early, Late or Mid 20XX, go to the Apple Logo in the menu bar and select "About This Mac".

  • by Shootist007,Solvedanswer

    Shootist007 Shootist007 Jan 5, 2013 9:18 AM in response to ComputerFixer
    Level 6 (16,660 points)
    Jan 5, 2013 9:18 AM in response to ComputerFixer

    Your first line is just incorrect. It is what Apple TESTED the unit with when it was first in production.

     

    Apple recommends only 8Gbs in both the late 2011 model MBPs and even on the Mid 2012 model MBPs when it can actually take 16GBs of RAM with No Problems. Other manufacturers do that also. I have a Dell E6420 that Dell and even Crucial state that it can only take 8GBs. I have 16GBs installed.

    To order that 16GBs from Crucial I had to punch in my late 2011 MBP as the model. When I used the Dell E6420 it came up with 8GBs. The package I got from crucial stated Mac Memory. Works fine in my Dell as the Mac and Dell use the Same Intel Chipset.

     

    It is up to the Intel Chipset as to how much memory can be installed. If the intel chipset supports 16GB you can use 16GBs. if it supports 32GBs you can install 32GBs

    ComputerFixer wrote:

     

    1)  I would stick with the 16 apple says.   While others may have gotten it to work on 32,  there is a reason apple recommends 16.

     

    2)  Crucial and OWC are the best memory you can find.  If you are looking for cheaper memory, PNY may work as well, but I would highly recommend using Crucial memory.