HT201191: Install memory in an iMac

Learn about Install memory in an iMac
Monpoppi

Q: I am upgrading memory on IMac model mid 2011 that has 4 slots there 2 slots with 2gb in each. I want to increase to 16gb is it better to use 2 new sticks of 8gb 2 slot or 4 sticks of 4 bg in each slot.

I am upgrading memory on IMac model mid 2011 that has 4 slots there 2 slots with 2gb in each. I want to increase to 16gb is it better to use 2 new sticks of 8gb 2 slot or 4 sticks of 4 bg in each slot.

iMac, Mac OS X (10.7.5)

Posted on Apr 24, 2013 1:29 PM

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Q: I am upgrading memory on IMac model mid 2011 that has 4 slots there 2 slots with 2gb in each. I want to increase to 16gb is it bet ... more

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  • by Paul_31,

    Paul_31 Paul_31 Apr 24, 2013 1:42 PM in response to Monpoppi
    Level 6 (13,925 points)
    Apr 24, 2013 1:42 PM in response to Monpoppi

    Or you could keep your 2 x 2gb and just add 2 x 8gb giving you 20gb.

    If you only want 16gb, Macsales may give you something back for your 2 x 2 gb sticks (they did when I upgraded, don't know if they still do that).

    Or you could get 2 x 8gb, trade in the 2 x 2gb leaving 2 slots for future possible upgrading. Have a look here - so many choices :

    http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/apple/memory/iMac

  • by babowa,

    babowa babowa Apr 24, 2013 1:44 PM in response to Monpoppi
    Level 7 (32,034 points)
    iPad
    Apr 24, 2013 1:44 PM in response to Monpoppi

    It doesn't matter as long as you match the two (or four) you are adding.

     

    So, you can leave the 2 x 2 and add either 2 x 4 or 2 x 8 GB, or, take out the original 2 x 2 and put in 4 x 4. In that case, keep the original RAM in case the RAM should fail at some point or you need to send the Mac in for repair.

     

    Recommended vendors would be OWC (macsales.com) or Crucial  - both have the right and tested RAM; OWC has excellent install videos.

  • by Monpoppi,

    Monpoppi Monpoppi Apr 24, 2013 4:00 PM in response to Monpoppi
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Apr 24, 2013 4:00 PM in response to Monpoppi

    Thanks Pual_31 and babowa for the response. Like the idea of 2 8gb sticks.