HT201191: Install memory in an iMac

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SandESolorio

Q: I tried adding more memory to late 2009 iMac but now it won't start up! Any suggestions.

Don't know what's wrong. The memory card should've been compatible but now even with just the original cards it won't start up or get past the white screen. it shuts back down.

iMac (21.5-inch Late 2009), Mac OS X (10.7.3)

Posted on Nov 21, 2013 8:04 PM

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Q: I tried adding more memory to late 2009 iMac but now it won't start up! Any suggestions.

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  • by rkaufmann87,

    rkaufmann87 rkaufmann87 Nov 21, 2013 9:04 PM in response to SandESolorio
    Level 9 (58,466 points)
    Photos for Mac
    Nov 21, 2013 9:04 PM in response to SandESolorio

    Exactly what RAM did you install, include the manufacturer and exact specifications. If you put the old RAM back in does the comuter start normally, if so then your RAM is either installed incorrectly, is the wrong RAM or is defective.

  • by SandESolorio,

    SandESolorio SandESolorio Nov 21, 2013 9:12 PM in response to rkaufmann87
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Nov 21, 2013 9:12 PM in response to rkaufmann87

    I put the old ram back in same slot, plug it in, turn it on and it tries to restart but then shuts down.  It was a PNY 4gb DDR3 sdRAM

  • by rkaufmann87,

    rkaufmann87 rkaufmann87 Nov 22, 2013 5:56 AM in response to SandESolorio
    Level 9 (58,466 points)
    Photos for Mac
    Nov 22, 2013 5:56 AM in response to SandESolorio

    Did you firmly push in all the RAM so that it clicks into place? What is the full specifications on the PNY RAM  you bought, you haven't provided that information.

  • by SandESolorio,

    SandESolorio SandESolorio Nov 22, 2013 9:16 AM in response to rkaufmann87
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Nov 22, 2013 9:16 AM in response to rkaufmann87

    Pushed in RAM - never did hear a click but it won't budge to me indicating its in as far as it can go. 

     

    This is what is on the package:  PNY 4GB DDR3 PC3-1066 compatible with 1333 MHz 1066MHz Mac compatible

     

    The screen I get when trying to reboot is grey with apple logo and progress bar that gets  a 1/4 way filled and I hear a click and shuts down.  Doing a soft boot gives me a list of actions, then it shuts down midway thru. 

  • by MichelPM,

    MichelPM MichelPM Nov 22, 2013 9:36 AM in response to SandESolorio
    Level 6 (13,769 points)
    iPad
    Nov 22, 2013 9:36 AM in response to SandESolorio

    Macs are picky about the type of RAM they need.

    Strongly suggest returning the PNY RAM and get your money back.

    Correct and reliable Mac RAM can be purchased from online Mac RAM sources Crucial memory or OWC (macsales.com).