I need to upgrade my RAM. I have the original 2x2GB of RAM installed but want to know if i can add a single 8GB of RAM with the 2x2GB already installed? Please help?
Generally, RAM should be installed in matching pairs. However, it's difficult to be precise without relevant information such as your machine model, etc.
I installed the 8GB Dimm that i had and it seems to be working fine, but can this pose a problem in the future?
8GB 1600MHz DDR3
Here is some info; and below that is an excerpt which appears to apply to your model:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1423?viewlocale=en_US
Additional notes i5 and i7 Quad Core iMac computers come with both top memory slots populated. These computers will not start up if only a single DIMM is installed in any bottom slot; these computers should operate normally with a single DIMM installed in any top slot. Core Duo iMac computers should operate normally with a single DIMM installed in any slot, top or bottom. ("Top" and "bottom" slots refer to the orientation of the slots in the pictures below. "Top" refers to the slots closest to the display; "bottom" refers to the slots closest to the stand).
Now I always get confused which slots Apple deems to be the top or the bottom on the newer Macs - they seem to be looking at it from a different angle than I am. Yours is a 2011 - do you still have two rows with 2 slots each? Yours is working and recognizing it; if I remember correctly Apple calls the top what I'd call the bottom when the iMac is laying screen down. In any case, you should be fine as long as it's working.
Thank you for this info, but it doesn't appear to give me the particulars of the memory mix n match. I saw the other pre-requisites on the support page but it doesn't give specifics to this question, but given that my iMac is working ok, i would assume that i am good unless you find something else on this. Thank you again.
Well, it runs a bit faster if you have matched pairs and you do have them matched in the upper slots; if you should any more, just make sure you put that one next to the 8 GB module (and it's the same).
can i add a single 8GB or ram with my already installed 2x2 GB of RAM?
