iMac 8,1 2008 8gb ram upgrade

I did the 6GB upgrade from OWC. It has made a significant improvement. I hope to get another couple of years out of this machine. BTW Apple is now building the Macs and MacBooks with hardwired RAM and once you buy, you are stuck with what you got. Since the operating systems keep demanding more and more resources, you could end up buying a replacement computer before you planned. I plan to buy all the RAM I can get at the time I get a new computer.

Well OK if this upgrade is working out for you and MichelPM, I'm happy for ya but if I am reading this right, the subject line says: "Re: iMac 8,1 2008 8gb ram upgrade" but it appears you both are talking about having installed 6GB of RAM (2GB+4GB) modules so I'm confused. Which did ya'all actually install: 6 or 8GB? If you installed a total of 8GB, I still maintain, that you would be asking for problems.........plus, even though it might indicate it's recognizing 8GBs, I can assure you the processor is not able to utilize the full 8GB and this is putting considerable strain on your processor.

and btw - your statement about Apple's new computers having RAM hard wired into the motherboard is not totally correct........at least when referring to the iMacs (not sure about the MacBooks / MacBook Pros or the MacBook AIRs) I was just at the Apple store in Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg, Illinois looking at a 27" iMac, 3.5GHz Quad-core Intel Core i7 with 8GB RAM. I spoke to both, an Apple tech at the Genius bar as well as an Apple Expert on the floor and both assured me that I could buy (from Crucial) a 16GB kit (2x8) and install the RAM myself. Perhaps you are referring to the graphics card memory.

Now - I will tell ya'all that I am in total agreement as far as wanting to hang on to my "trusty old" iMac 2.8GHz Intel Core 2 Duo primarily because it would entail shelling out about $4000.00 to buy a new iMac and upgrade all my software...........plus I would have to give up my most important software, the AppleWorks Data base of which I have over 3000 records stored. The only reasonable replacement for this would be FileMaker Pro and not only is this expensive, it's way more complicated than what my needs call for. That's the story folks. I appreciate your feedback especially on the "ram issue" but still not sure exactly how much ram ya'all actually installed in your iMacs.

btw - I'm still running OS X 10.6.8.

The 2007 and 2008 iMac models can only take a total of 6 GBs of RAM.

I never mentioned anything about those models running with 8 GBs of RAM.

The early 2009 iMac models can take a total of 8 GBs of RAM, max.

If someone is running 2007-2008 IMac with 8 GBs of RAM, then they do so at their own risk.

The newer slimline iMacs from 2012 forward, the 27 inch screen models still have user upgradeable/installable RAM.

The 2012 and newer 21 inch screen iMacs have RAM that cannot be user upgradable as there are no user access panel to the RAM.

The RAM is sealed inside the iMac where only disassembly by Apple or authorised Apple repair center of the iMac's sealed front panel must be performed to reach the installed RAM modules and other hardware components.

This is only applicable to the newer, modern 21 inch screen iMac models.

To clarify I added the 6GB package from OWC. I avoided trying 8GB based upon what I read on this thread. BTW, OWC won't sell 8GB for this machine per their website based upon their testing.

I did look at the desktop on the Apple web page and it seems to imply that you can upgrade RAM because it does not have the warning about not being able to upgrade that you will see regarding the MacBook Pro and the MacBook Air. Those have warnings that explicitly say, "it is important to upgrade at the time of purchase, as RAM is not upgradeable."

In my opinion in the future you will see less options to upgrade without buying a new computer. I leave it to you to judge Apple's motivation. I have my own opinion.

LexSchellings wrote:

I is all a matter of wording:

You can put in 2x4GB=8GB, it fits, does not harm; but your Mac hardware itself can only address 6GB of it.

Lex

Yes, it might "fit" but the incorrect size tires might "fit" on your car too but this would create a hazard to your car............and to your computer. And more significantly, if the computer won't recognize 8GB (and would not be able to utilize this much RAM) then why shell out good money to buy and install it?

Ok, can someone answer a question for me? I can easily see how to reply to post but how does one create a brand new post? (obviously I' not too smart 😉

Again: a question of wording:

"Yes, it might "fit" but the incorrect size tires might "fit" on your car too but this would create a hazard to your car...."

You do not want to understand: it is no problem at all to mount 2x4 instead of 2+4: when the specs are ok, without any problem. Just 6GB is addressed. Sometimes the price of 2x4 is the same as 2+4.

LexSchellings wrote:

Again: a question of wording:

"Yes, it might "fit" but the incorrect size tires might "fit" on your car too but this would create a hazard to your car...."

You do not want to understand: it is no problem at all to mount 2x4 instead of 2+4: when the specs are ok, without any problem. Just 6GB is addressed. Sometimes the price of 2x4 is the same as 2+4.

I understand completely but apparently you do not understand. Why do you insist upon referring to the installation of 8GB RAM when that is TOTALLY irrelevant when discussing Early 2008 iMacs. Early iMac cannot accept any more than 6GB's and that's all anyone reading these posts needs to know. Why confuse other people who might read these threads. Actually the mere subject of this thread is misleading. Again, Early 2008 iMac'S CANNOT ACCEPT 8GB UPGRADE so why keep beating a dead horse, sir?

btw - I am not going to respond to you any further so you might as well give up.

I do NOT insist on mounting 8GB.

But it could be easier to find.

It will fit and that is proven. Only 6GB can be addressed. So you have 2 GB sitting doing nothing; that is all.

Do what you want.

You are beating a dead horse.

This is a very useful thread - thanks experts!

I currently have 2 x 2GB RAM and just ordered a single 4GB from OWC to replace one of the existing 2GB (instead of ordering the slightly more expensive 2GB + 4GB set).

Now I'm wondering, it is a mistake to only replace one of the cards and not have a matching set? Should I return the 4GB card I ordered and get the 2+4 set instead?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

I have an iMac 8.1 (Early 2008) currently running 2Gigs memory (2X1Gig Sticks). I am looking to upgrade but trying to get the full 6 gig set is a bit pricy for me at the moment. Can I get a single 4gig stick and run that in one slot while leaving a 1Gig stick in the second slot? Will that present any problems?

If that doesn't work, can I just run a single 4gig stick for the time being in just one slot. In a few months time, I can purchase a 2gig stick to bring me up to the full 6gigs.

I dont want to get 2X2gig sticks now then a 4gig later because I'll end up with 4gigs of memory in the end that have no use (a 2gig stick, and the two 1 gig sticks that I have now).

Appreciate your feedback.

By the way, does anyone have any idea why the memory prices vary so steeply as the capacity climbs on a single stick? I was perplexed when I saw that a 2gig stick was about $30, a 2x2Gig matched set for about $50, and then a SINGLE 4gig stick for more than $100.

im thinking of just upgrading mine to the 4gb(2x2gb) and see what i think then maybe just find someone who did the 8gb(4gbx2) who went down to a 6gb(4gbx1 and 2gbx1) setup and try to buy their other 4gb stick

@jexes10sal. With the iMac face screen down I installed a 4GB RAM module in the right hand slot. I did it this morning and so far the iMac [early 2008 2.8GHz] works well, though I have not noticed any obvious improvement in its performance. The total of 6GB of RAM is recognised in both the system report and the activity monitor. A few days ago I replaced the iMac's 1TB WD hard drive with a Samsung 500GB solid state drive [SSD]. Now that did produce a dramatic improvement with very quick start up and launching of applications, even 2 or 3 at once. So, good luck with the RAM upgrade and, if it suits you, try replacing the hard drive with and SSD.

I installed my 4GB module in the opposite slot. I also repaired my hard drive permissions using SuperDuper. Performance is much better than it had been. Thanks for the SSD recommendation. I'm strongly considering that.

Theoretically it can be installed by the user. Samsung SSDs comes with a data migration disk, but not the needed SATA to usb adapter. It may also need a mounting bracket to fit into the iMac. All beyond me. So I had the SSD installed by the nearby Apple reseller. He used an Apple approved Samsung SSD 850 EVO model MZ-75E500. I thought that was enough storage for me. Other models of this SSD range in size from 120GB to 1TB. It was done in a day and cost AUS$599. Another advantage of the SSD is completely silent operation. I intend to install El Capitan and see how the iMac goes over the next few months. Good luck, if you go ahead.