HT201191: Install memory in an iMac
Learn about Install memory in an iMac
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All replies
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Helpful answers
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Nov 19, 2014 7:02 PM in response to stvnjonsnby Kappy,Does this occur regardless of the slot or the module?
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Nov 19, 2014 7:10 PM in response to stvnjonsnby Mike Sombrio,Does the iMac boot with just 3x4 installed? Without the original 2gb module in the fourth slot.
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Nov 19, 2014 7:49 PM in response to stvnjonsnby Allan Jones,What RAM did you buy? Intel macs can be picky about RAM and often fail to work properly with "value" RAM from some vendors.
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Nov 19, 2014 8:03 PM in response to Kappyby stvnjonsn,Yes tried all configs and modules to rule out a bad module or slot.
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Nov 19, 2014 9:00 PM in response to Mike Sombrioby stvnjonsn,Yes, 3x4 w the 2 installed works. using it as we speek
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Nov 19, 2014 11:44 PM in response to stvnjonsnby MichelPM,PNY RAM may not be reliable or spec'd properly for Macs.
You cannot buy RAM for Macs from local electronics and computer stores.
No one local will carry Mac RAM that is the right spec'd RAM.
Return it for a full refund.
Correct, compatible and reliable Mac RAM can only be purchased from online Mac RAM sources Crucial memory or OWC (macsales.com).
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Nov 20, 2014 3:39 AM in response to stvnjonsnby Mike Sombrio,stvnjonsn wrote:
Yes, 3x4 w the 2 installed works. using it as we speek
Specifically what I asked was does it boot with 3x4 installed WITHOUT the 2 installed? That's an important piece of information because the 2gb module will force the others, if they're the wrong speed to run at a lower speed and possibly work. If it doesn't boot without the 2 installed you should return them and get ram that is manufactured to tighter specs. Some of these ( I call them bargain basement brands ) manufacturers play fast and loose with the specs because PC's generally can handle a ram module that isn't exactly what it's advertised as, Macs can't.
In order to get ram that is guarenteed to work with your Mac you should purchase from either Crucial http://www.crucial.com
or OWC http://eshop.macsales.com
The temptation to save a few dollars by purchasing ram from other sources is sometimes rewarded with Macs that won't boot or kernel panics and corrupt data.
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Nov 20, 2014 6:31 AM in response to Mike Sombrioby stvnjonsn,It does boot without the 2gb, in 2x or 3x by configs. if i add a 4th it won't boot until I remove ANY of the remaining modules. weirdest thing. I was tempted to get some different modules, but except for this quirk the machine runs flawless. I tried removing a chip from pair 1 and par 2 (they came shipped as pairs) I tried with each chip individual all with no issues. all show up correctly in the "about this machine" memory tab.
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Nov 20, 2014 6:33 AM in response to MichelPMby stvnjonsn,PNY packaged it with the Mac logo. It came from amazon as the correct ram for this machine. Is there a certification beyond the mac logo I need to be looking for?
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Nov 20, 2014 11:28 AM in response to stvnjonsnby Mike Sombrio,PNY is one of the bargain basement brands that I said play fast and loose with their specs. your Mac requires ram that is EXACTLY 1066mHz, those state that they'll work with systems running at 1066 AND 1333.....they could be running practically any speed between those two. you should return those and exchange them for Crucial ram from Amazon for $1 less.
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Nov 22, 2014 2:46 PM in response to Mike Sombrioby GeoJoe1,Mike,
I think this answers my questions too! I have a Mid 2007 iMac and purchased the same brand of RAM, 2 x 2GB. With both new modules in, the iMac won't boot. With the original 1GB and one of the new 2GB modules for a total of three GB, iMac works and sees all three GB. I ordered RAM from Crucial and we'll see if that works. Thanks!
