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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

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Posted on Jan 5, 2013 9:09 AM

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.

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Question marked as Best reply

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.

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.



Memory Question for min 2011 iMac

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