georgethevet

Q: I want to memory upgrade my iMac - will I loose files?

I want to upgrade my iMac (early 2008) and I plan to buy a 2GB memory module replacement. Just want to ask so I am sure - if I remove one of my 1GB memory modules, I won't loose anything on my computer will I? Any files for example? Thanks in advance to anyone who is able to put my mind at ease! George

iMac, OS X Mavericks (10.9.5), Early 2008 iMac

Posted on Oct 13, 2014 1:55 PM

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Q: I want to memory upgrade my iMac - will I loose files?

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  • by Niel,Helpful

    Niel Niel Oct 13, 2014 1:57 PM in response to georgethevet
    Level 10 (314,264 points)
    Mac OS X
    Oct 13, 2014 1:57 PM in response to georgethevet

    You won't unless a problem occurs. Back up everything first.

     

    (114589)

  • by Phil0124,Helpful

    Phil0124 Phil0124 Oct 13, 2014 1:58 PM in response to georgethevet
    Level 7 (27,849 points)
    iPhone
    Oct 13, 2014 1:58 PM in response to georgethevet

    No. RAM memory has no bearing on your computer's files on its hard drive.  Replacing a Memory module will have no effect on your files.

     

    However, make sure the computer is fully turned off before replacing the module, and make sure you get the right type, and make sure your iMac will allow you to place a 2GB module with a 1Gb module, as often they need to be in matched pairs.

  • by georgethevet,

    georgethevet georgethevet Oct 13, 2014 4:18 PM in response to Phil0124
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Oct 13, 2014 4:18 PM in response to Phil0124

    Hi Niel and Phil

    Thanks for your helpful and quick responses - Phil I found this on an apple support page, specifically for my model (early 2008):

     

    Memory specifications

    These iMac computers have two side-by-side Synchronous Dynamic Random-Access Memory (SDRAM) slots in the bottom of the computer.

    The maximum amount of random-access memory (RAM) you can install in the computer is:

     

    ComputerMemory TypeMaximum Memory
    iMac (Mid 2007)DDR24GB (2x2GB)
    iMac (Early 2008)DDR24GB (2x2GB)
    iMac (Early 2009)DDR38GB (2x4GB)

     


    You can use a 1GB or 2 GB RAM module in each slot for iMac (Mid 2007) and iMac (Early 2008). Use 1GB, 2GB, or 4GB modules in each slot for the iMac (Early 2009).

     

    Taking into account what you said Phil - do you think I need to buy two 2GB modules or can I just buy one and have a 1GB and a 2GB in the slots? I got this extract from this: iMac: How to remove or install memory.

    Thanks again.

    George

  • by Csound1,

    Csound1 Csound1 Oct 13, 2014 4:20 PM in response to georgethevet
    Level 9 (51,231 points)
    Desktops
    Oct 13, 2014 4:20 PM in response to georgethevet

    Buy 2 x 2GB chips, 4GB is not a lot of Ram so why upgrade to less? (plus matched pairs of chips are faster)

  • by Niel,

    Niel Niel Oct 13, 2014 4:20 PM in response to georgethevet
    Level 10 (314,264 points)
    Mac OS X
    Oct 13, 2014 4:20 PM in response to georgethevet

    You can buy just one. In addition, you can have 5 or 6GB of RAM in that computer by using a 4GB and a 1GB/2GB module; Apple didn't update its specifications when 4GB modules became available.

     

    (114600)

  • by georgethevet,

    georgethevet georgethevet Oct 13, 2014 4:35 PM in response to Niel
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Oct 13, 2014 4:35 PM in response to Niel

    CSound1 - I realised as I was typing that I was being dim!

     

    Niel - I will look into getting bigger RAM. I scanned my computer on crucial.com and they said that the 2x2GB set was the largest pack available and that you shouldn't exceed the manufacturers supported memory. Still OK to go higher?

     

    GtV

  • by Csound1,

    Csound1 Csound1 Oct 13, 2014 4:36 PM in response to georgethevet
    Level 9 (51,231 points)
    Desktops
    Oct 13, 2014 4:36 PM in response to georgethevet

    Not with Crucial, take OWC's recommendations and buy the Ram from them.

  • by Niel,

    Niel Niel Oct 13, 2014 4:36 PM in response to georgethevet
    Level 10 (314,264 points)
    Mac OS X
    Oct 13, 2014 4:36 PM in response to georgethevet

    Yes.

     

    (114602)