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RemekTek Author

Level 1

8 points

32gb ram not working

Is it possible to have a current (late 2013, version 14,2) iMac work stably with 32GB of RAM?

I think not, after reading for over an hr, the many complaints and posts on a multiplicity of forums. I, myself have spent about 8 hrs trying this, and so far the conclusions (subject to change based on new info, of course) are:

the new iMac's seem to work well with most DDR3 SO-DIMMS, that are specced for 1600MHz and timing of 11-11-11
both 1.5V and 1.35V ram works ok
BUT do not use the full 32GB storage, even though that is what Apple advertises as max allowed

I, and others, have found for example that if you have 4x 8GB memory sticks, ANY 3 will work, but if you add the 4th then the iMac will seemingly randomly reboot. This can happen within a couple of hrs, and it doesn't matter if the Mac is stressed or idle, or even asleep.

What I find most dissapointing is that Apple has never, to my knowledge, admitted this problem, nor stated that they are working on a fix.

I have now put my iMac back to 24GB, using 2x 8GB and 2x 4GB memory sticks.

I know that people are unlikely to post that something IS working, but if anyone has an iMac 14,2 working on 32GB ram for over 48hrs without rebooting, I would love to hear from you.

Meanwhile I suggest, save yourself the headache and cost of trying to max out the ram, and risk loss of work by the reboots!

And have a nice day!

Paul

iMac (27-inch, Late 2013), OS X Mavericks (10.9.1), iMac AppStore login fails, MBP ok

Posted on May 21, 2014 3:13 PM

50 replies

May 23, 2014 5:20 PM in response to Csound1

The Ratings that are mentioned are from the OWC Lab not Apple Certification Lab but from OWC;s Lab.

In addition Apple says there machines will hold a recommended amount of Ram but testing from OWC's Lab they give a differeny number for Maxed out Ram. The link shows the results from OWC.

http://eshop.macsales.com/memory/maxram

Csound1

Level 9

59,979 points

May 24, 2014 1:39 AM in response to Donald Morgan

Earth to Donald, Earth to Donald

RemekTek Author

Level 1

8 points

May 26, 2014 9:43 PM in response to RemekTek

Hi Csound1,

(Not clear on why you thought I wasn't prepared to try OWC, all I wanted was some indication that it works). Anyway, I had spoken with OWC Service and they assured me that their ram will work in 32GB configuration so I ordered 32GB set straight away. The GSKILL was refunded with no issues.

My OWC 32GB ram arrived 15 minutes ago. I have taken out all the other ram sticks from my iMac and installed 4x 8GB OWC sticks. I am hoping that it will be stable. If I get a crash, I will report it here, otherwise (fingers crossed) if nothing goes wrong, I'll confirm in a week.

I still think it odd that memory which works perfectly stable in 24GB mode, should not work in 32GB configuration. Ah well, we shall see what happens.

Csound1

Level 9

59,979 points

May 27, 2014 1:51 AM in response to RemekTek

I just consider precedent

OWC works almost always, everything else doesn't.

OWC do it better

RemekTek Author

Level 1

8 points

May 27, 2014 2:54 AM in response to Csound1

OWC is holding good, now 5hrs without a problem. I think this is goodness.

Csound1

Level 9

59,979 points

May 27, 2014 3:18 AM in response to RemekTek

RemekTek Author

Level 1

8 points

May 28, 2014 6:35 PM in response to RemekTek

Ok, people. This will be my last post to this thread, as I can hapily report that OWC memory has been working in my iMac flawlessly for the last 3 days. I had ZERO issues, and the Mac had been asleep during the night, been doing some heavy lifting and also idling for hrs. All good.

So, in summary: I recommend OWC memory if you want to run 32GB. If running 24GB or less, mine had worked with other Mac "certified" ram, but for 32GB it only works with OWC. I have not tried Apple supplied ram.

Happy computing folks...

Csound1

Level 9

59,979 points

May 29, 2014 3:19 AM in response to RemekTek

Hi RemekTek,

I think that you will be able to make the same post at anytime from now on. You have Ram from the best supplier in the business, unlike others it will continue to work and any extra cost over the 'competition' will be forgotten.

Glad it all worked out for you.

Jun 20, 2014 8:28 AM in response to RemekTek

One theory: since apple advises 1.35V, perhaps 1.5V memory is fine for up to three slots, but if using all four slots then the memory is drawing too much voltage. (Slightly supporting this, one person who was experiencing failures with 4x8GB wrote that they were using 1.5V.)

If anybody who was having failures could reply and confirm/deny whether they were using 1.5V memory or 1.35V memory, that could help support or disprove this theory.

Csound1

Level 9

59,979 points

Jun 20, 2014 8:38 AM in response to not-just-yeti

Please read the posts before you reply, the problem was solved a month ago:

RemekTekMay 29, 2014 2:35 AMin response to RemekTek

Ok, people. This will be my last post to this thread, as I can hapily report that OWC memory has been working in my iMac flawlessly for the last 3 days. I had ZERO issues, and the Mac had been asleep during the night, been doing some heavy lifting and also idling for hrs. All good.

So, in summary: I recommend OWC memory if you want to run 32GB. If running 24GB or less, mine had worked with other Mac "certified" ram, but for 32GB it only works with OWC.

Macs can use either voltage, but most people choose crap Ram.

Jun 23, 2014 4:15 AM in response to Csound1

Just an update.. I have been running with 28 GB ram for the last week or so.. No kernel panics.. 2 hours ago I install all 32 GB again.. Pernel Panic 10 min later.. CRAP.. I guess the iMac can't handle all 32 GB.. That really *****.. 10.9.4 didn't solve the issue..

Csound1

Level 9

59,979 points

Jun 23, 2014 4:18 AM in response to JP Hansen

Did you buy Ram from OWC?

If not, do so.

Jun 23, 2014 4:18 AM in response to Csound1

No? I live in denmark..

Csound1

Level 9

59,979 points

Jun 23, 2014 4:23 AM in response to JP Hansen

OWC ship worldwide, read this thread, the one you are posting in now.

Here's one to get you started;

Happy computing folks...

Jun 23, 2014 4:31 AM in response to Csound1

yes they do.. But because I live in the EU and USA is not a member I have to pay taxes when getting stuff from the US.. That means $ 160,- in tax alone :-/

Thats on top of the 399 $

32gb ram not working