STLSpidey
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: Replacing RAM on a Mid-2010 iMac

I didn't read the fine print on apple.com, and fear that I've spent some money on RAM unnecessarily.  I'm hoping someone here can confirm.

 

I want to upgrade from the 4GB of RAM ot 16GB.  I bought two 8GM SODIMMs.  I put both in, and the computer errored. I put one in, and it started, booted up, but then shut itself down.  It showed 8GB for a moment, before it shut itself down.

 

The SODIMM is DDR3 1333MHz 204 pin.

 

I put the 2 x 2GB SODIMM back in, and I'm up and running fine.

 

Can someone confirm that the 8GB SODIMM won't work in the mid-2010 iMac.  I'll have lost my money, but at least I'll have peace of mind.

 

Thanks.

Posted on Sep 11, 2013 6:29 PM

by babowa,Solvedanswer
babowa babowa
Level 7 (32,357 points)
iPad
A:

Here is some information on RAM problems that occurred with mid 2010 iMacs:

 

basically, there were problems running it with 16 GB of third party RAM; there were no problems running it with 16 GB OEM RAM or staying with 12 GB RAM.

 

There were several very lengthy threads, here is one:

 

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/2588800

 

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/2567907

 

FYI, the Mac will get the most benefit from its RAM if the modules are matched horizontally. I have a mid 2010 and left the OEM 2 x 2 GB and added 2 x 4 GB for a total of 12 GB. Additionally, please note the caution about installing a single module in a bottom slot (Mac will not boot):

 

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1423?viewlocale=en_US#1

 

I would return both RAM modules and order 2 x 4 GB from OWC.

Posted on Sep 11, 2013 8:15 PM

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STLSpidey

Q: Replacing RAM on a Mid-2010 iMac

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  • Helpful answers

  • by Frank Caggiano,Helpful

    Frank Caggiano Frank Caggiano Sep 11, 2013 6:36 PM in response to STLSpidey
    Level 7 (25,796 points)
    Sep 11, 2013 6:36 PM in response to STLSpidey

     

    I put both in, and the computer errored. I put one in, and it started, booted up, but then shut itself down

     

    Did you try the second 8gb stick by itself. The first one you tried might be bad,

     

    Where did you get the memory from? Most reputable dealers will let you return the memory, possibly for a restocking fee.

     

    If you go to System Scanner at Crucial you can download their memory scanner app. It will tell you exactly the amount and type of memory your system takes.

     

    Message was edited by: Frank Caggiano

  • by STLSpidey,

    STLSpidey STLSpidey Sep 11, 2013 6:41 PM in response to Frank Caggiano
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Sep 11, 2013 6:41 PM in response to Frank Caggiano

    Frank - thanks.

     

    Duh - no, I didn't try the second one.  Which I will.  The first one booted, I got the desktop.  "About this Mac" showed 8GB and then the computer shut itself down.

     

    Based on your answer, do you think one 8GB stick should work by itself?

     

    I bought the ram on Amazon, and it looks like I can return for at least a partial refund.  The package is open, obviously.

  • by Frank Caggiano,

    Frank Caggiano Frank Caggiano Sep 11, 2013 8:10 PM in response to STLSpidey
    Level 7 (25,796 points)
    Sep 11, 2013 8:10 PM in response to STLSpidey

    I'd definitely try the second 8gb stick by itself. You might just have one bad stick

  • by babowa,Solvedanswer

    babowa babowa Sep 11, 2013 8:15 PM in response to STLSpidey
    Level 7 (32,357 points)
    iPad
    Sep 11, 2013 8:15 PM in response to STLSpidey

    Here is some information on RAM problems that occurred with mid 2010 iMacs:

     

    basically, there were problems running it with 16 GB of third party RAM; there were no problems running it with 16 GB OEM RAM or staying with 12 GB RAM.

     

    There were several very lengthy threads, here is one:

     

    https://discussions.apple.com/thread/2588800

     

    https://discussions.apple.com/thread/2567907

     

    FYI, the Mac will get the most benefit from its RAM if the modules are matched horizontally. I have a mid 2010 and left the OEM 2 x 2 GB and added 2 x 4 GB for a total of 12 GB. Additionally, please note the caution about installing a single module in a bottom slot (Mac will not boot):

     

    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1423?viewlocale=en_US#1

     

    I would return both RAM modules and order 2 x 4 GB from OWC.

  • by STLSpidey,

    STLSpidey STLSpidey Sep 11, 2013 8:47 PM in response to babowa
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Sep 11, 2013 8:47 PM in response to babowa

    Got it.  I assume I could order 4 x 4 from OWC as well and it should work?

  • by babowa,

    babowa babowa Sep 11, 2013 8:55 PM in response to STLSpidey
    Level 7 (32,357 points)
    iPad
    Sep 11, 2013 8:55 PM in response to STLSpidey

    Well, with the 4 x 4 GB, we're back to the 16 GB third party problem...... however, OWC is a good company, so you could try it and return if it doesn't work. You can also chat with them and remind them of the (at the time) very well documented and known problem and ask if it's still a concern with your 2010 machine. So that's your decision to make; I do a fair share of video editing/rendering and find that 12 GB works well (I do not do any gaming though).