Q: I'm wondering if I can exceed the Apple-specified max RAM (16GB) on my mid-2011, 27" iMac, i7 Core, 3.4ghz.
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Jan 7, 2014 9:08 AMby a brody,HelpfulPossible, but probably not advisable. iMacs have very low heat tolerances, and timing of RAM has to be precise on all Macs. The timing spec of RAM on Macs generally is not enough to guarantee compatibility. Getting a RAM dealer that specifies the age of the Mac, and Mac model, and lifetime warranty is essential to guarantee compatibility. http://www.crucial.com/ and http://www.macsales.com/ both do. Kingston may, but their ValueRAM has been problematic for people.
Also no Mac can run iOS. Please update the signature in your profile with either the Mac OS X, Windows, or Linux version you have installed on your Mac, if you want software specific help.
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Jan 7, 2014 9:45 AMby Mike Sombrio,HelpfulIf you have an iMac 12,2 EveryMac http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/imac/specs/imac-core-i7-3.4-27-inch-alumin um-mid-2011-thunderbolt-specs.html
says that it will take 32gb of ram.
You'll also notice that they link to MacSales OWC and they sell a 32gb kit for your imac. http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/memory/iMac/2011/DDR3_21.5_27As a brody says OWC guarentees their ram will work with your mac. If you can afford it I'd say go for it!
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Jan 7, 2014 10:16 AMby Beer Fridge,Thanks Mike. I checked out the everymac.com link. Although it says 32GB max RAM, there is an asterisk that goes on to explain that officially (according to Apple documentation) 16GB is the max configuration, but 3rd parties have found that it will support 32GB.
So, I'm just wondering about that - like has anyone had problems doing it? a Brody seems to be suggesting that it is not advisable.
Paul
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Jan 7, 2014 1:00 PMby babowa,Adding a third opinion: personally, I'd only really feel comfortable staying within Apple's recommendations/specs; however, having dealt with OWC for quite a few years and never having had a problem with their customer service, I'd say that if I was going to do it, I would definitely buy the RAM from them since they say they tested it and guarantee it.
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by Athelas loraiel Croatia,Jan 7, 2014 2:06 PM
Athelas loraiel Croatia
Jan 7, 2014 2:06 PM
in response to Beer Fridge
Level 1
(35 points)
NotebooksIm using 24GB latest iMac 27".
2x8+original 2x4;
Im positive it might be able to use 2x16 so 32Gb in only 2 slots.
I dojnt have them available to try though.
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Jan 7, 2014 2:17 PMby babowa,We need to all be careful to differentiate between Mac models - for instance, there were problems with late 2009 and mid 2010 models going to 16 GB third party RAM (no problem with 16 GB OEM RAM or up to 12 GB with third party) - see link below; also some of the models would not boot if only one slot was occupied:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1423?viewlocale=en_US#4
(see additional notes)
And, one of the several very lengthy discussions back then about the RAM problems:
