HT4621: iMac (Mid 2011): Memory specifications

Learn about iMac (Mid 2011): Memory specifications
Danny1962
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: I have a mid model 2011 iMac i7 system with 8GB RAM.  I am interested in maximizing 4 x 8GB = 32 GB total 204-pin DDR3 SO-DIMM, Speed DDR3 1333 (PC3 10600) but am releuctant to because Apple says only 2 or 4 GB Ram can be added.  Is this really true?

iMac, OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.2)

Posted on Feb 11, 2013 12:20 PM

by mende1,Solvedanswer
mende1 mende1
Level 10 (93,329 points)
Desktops
A:

Welcome to the Apple Support Communities

 

The memory type you mentioned is the one that your Mid 2011 iMac needs, and a Mid 2011 iMac supports 32 GB of memory without any problem, althoug Apple says that it only supports 16 GB of memory.

 

Apple often puts a smaller memory quantity than the Mac really supports, and we don't know the reason, but the most important thing is that you can install 32 GB of memory, 4x8 GB of memory. You can buy the memory in OWC or Crucial (Crucial is cheaper and offers the same compatibility warranty as OWC).

 

If you need help installing memory > http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1423?viewlocale=en_US#1

Posted on Feb 11, 2013 12:25 PM

Close
Danny1962

Q: I have a mid model 2011 iMac i7 system with 8GB RAM.  I am interested in maximizing 4 x 8GB = 32 GB total 204-pin DDR3 SO-DIM ... more

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by mende1,Solvedanswer

    mende1 mende1 Feb 11, 2013 12:25 PM in response to Danny1962
    Level 10 (93,329 points)
    Desktops
    Feb 11, 2013 12:25 PM in response to Danny1962

    Welcome to the Apple Support Communities

     

    The memory type you mentioned is the one that your Mid 2011 iMac needs, and a Mid 2011 iMac supports 32 GB of memory without any problem, althoug Apple says that it only supports 16 GB of memory.

     

    Apple often puts a smaller memory quantity than the Mac really supports, and we don't know the reason, but the most important thing is that you can install 32 GB of memory, 4x8 GB of memory. You can buy the memory in OWC or Crucial (Crucial is cheaper and offers the same compatibility warranty as OWC).

     

    If you need help installing memory > http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1423?viewlocale=en_US#1

  • by Danny1962,

    Danny1962 Danny1962 Feb 11, 2013 12:34 PM in response to mende1
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Feb 11, 2013 12:34 PM in response to mende1

  • by Danny1962,

    Danny1962 Danny1962 Feb 11, 2013 12:37 PM in response to mende1
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Feb 11, 2013 12:37 PM in response to mende1

    Thanks for the great information.  You mentioned "Crucial" as a source to buy the RAM which I am unfamiliar with.  I was advised that "New Egg" is another overall decent vendor.  Do you have your own personal preference between the two or perhaps some other company of choice?  Really appreciate your advice.  Thanks again.... 

  • by mende1,Helpful

    mende1 mende1 Feb 11, 2013 12:40 PM in response to Danny1962
    Level 10 (93,329 points)
    Desktops
    Feb 11, 2013 12:40 PM in response to Danny1962

    New Egg is an online shop that sells memory from different brands, and Crucial sells its own memory. Some users recommend Corsair memory (New Egg sells memory from this brand), but the truth is that OWC, Crucial and Corsair memory work well