iMac 5k upgrade to 16gb

Hi ByronHinson,

I understand that you have some questions about upgrading the RAM on your iMac 5k. This is a fairly simple process, and is explained in depth by the information in the following article:

iMac: How to remove or install memory - Apple Support

http://support.apple.com/en-us/HT1423

Take care, and thanks for visiting the Apple Support Communities.

Cheers,

Braden

Upgrading the RAM (on any computer) will only help if your computer is experiencing issues that require adding additional RAM. One classic example is extended time to load apps or files. You can use Activity Monitor (Applications - Utilities - Activity Monitor) to determine where your RAM is being used. If you have adequate RAM adding additional RAM is frankly a waste of money, you will see no return. However if you need it, then get it!

I agree with rkajufmann87's remarks about the need for increased RAM. If you're not experiencing any problems then you don't need more RAM. Launch Activity Monitor and let it run while you run your normal operations. Then check to see what the RAM usage is?

If you have no Swap Used and the pressure is low and uniform all is OK.

Ditto last two remarks.

Just out of interest, what are you going to use your new iMac Retina for?

Unless you are going to fully utilise the machine for it's intended purpose,

probably intensive graphics, 8GB should be more than enough for a single

user even with average size media files.

Correct me if I am mistaken... The more unused RAM you have the more

the OS uses the available RAM as a file cache that may or may not be

compressed.

BTW. we are all jealous of your 5K. >:-(

Download and run Etrecheck. Copy and paste the results into your reply. Etrecheck a diagnostic tool that was developed by one of the most respected users here (and recommended by Apple Support personnel) in the ASC to help identify the more obvious culprits.