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iMac RAM: 16 GB or 20 GB

I'm running an iMac 3.4 GHz Intel quad core i7. I want to upgrade my RAM from the installed 4GB (2X2GB). The Applecare reps tell me that I can't configure beyond 16GB (4X4GB); that higher RAM will not be recognized or even cause a problem. The guy at the Apple dealer (Microcenter) tells me that I can install two 8 GB chips in two additional slots and leave the 2X2GB chips in place and have a total of 20 GBs of RAM. The dealer is not making more money that way. It would actually be less.

What's the right answer?

Posted on Jan 29, 2013 11:26 AM

22 replies

Jan 30, 2013 12:38 PM in response to Michael Grenadier

Will extra RAM speed up uploads to Youtube via Safari?

Jan 30, 2013 12:44 PM in response to Philip Snyder

can't imagine how it could.

Jan 31, 2013 7:44 AM in response to Michael Grenadier

Using Qmaster with Compressor I'm getting the compressions done in 1.5 hours from four. It's changed my life. Thanks so much again for the tip, Michael. 🙂

Jan 31, 2013 7:47 AM in response to Philip Snyder

Just remember, using qmaster in some cases can cause problems. Sending from within fcp and compressing in Compressor from a reference (nonselfcontained) quicktime will not benefit and in some cases may fail. This is a lesson I've learned a few times. My reflex is to always choose a cluster when I submit.

Jan 31, 2013 8:49 AM in response to Michael Grenadier

I exported selfcontained movie, then into Compressor and used qmaster cluster. Worked like a charm.

poconorm

Level 1

95 points

Feb 2, 2013 12:20 AM in response to Philip Snyder

I'm still using 7 but I upgraded the ram on my 8 core from 8gb to 24gb and although 7 is 32bit my computer is just way better in all ways. Snappier, fun. Get some ram you won't regret it.

Feb 5, 2013 3:49 PM in response to poconorm

I just did the upgrade to 20 GB RAM. I notice the speed increase. Much better.

iMac RAM: 16 GB or 20 GB