Upgrade iMac RAM and HDD, late 2012, 21.5"

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Level 1

9 points

Upgrade iMac RAM and HDD, late 2012, 21.5"

Hi All,

I have an iMac 21.5", late 2012 model. (i5 2.7Ghz, 8GB RAM, 1TB HDD, 512MB GDDR3 graphics card). I live in Czech Republic and went into a local iSetos authorized reseller to ask them if I could upgrade my RAM to 16GB and my HDD to SSD. They said yes, this can be done, bring in the hardware and we'll upgrade it all for you. I would need to purchase two sticks of 8GB and I can only go to 500GB SSD as a limit.

I started searching around for the right RAM and SSD for them to upgrade. Would anyone know exactly what RAM and SSD I can purchase with any additional equipment that would complete the upgrade?

I did ask the store if they could get the Apple hardware, but they said it would take 3-4 weeks for the order. I don't want to wait that long to be honest!

Any help would be much appreciated!

Sean

iMac, iOS 8.4, null

Posted on Aug 10, 2015 10:01 AM

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Answer 1

PsySeanio Author

Level 1

9 points

Aug 10, 2015 12:26 PM in response to babowa

Babowa/rkaufmann87,

Thank you very much for your replies. Much appreciated. I think I have everything I need now from OWC 🙂 I'll get back to you all when the upgrade has completed.

P.s, I'm buying a new Mac next week, but I need two Macs for editing, one for music production and other for video, thus updating this Mac for music 🙂

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Answer 2

rkaufmann87

Level 10

148,488 points

Aug 10, 2015 10:56 AM in response to PsySeanio

Most experienced users on this site only recommend two vendors for RAM. The reason being is iMacs are VERY sensitive to RAM. We recommend using either Crucial (purchase direct) or OWC (www.macsales.com). Because you are in the Czech Republic I believe you will find that Crucial is your best option.

Best of luck.

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Answer 3

PsySeanio Author

Level 1

9 points

Aug 10, 2015 11:19 AM in response to rkaufmann87

Thanks for the reply rkaufmann.

Went onto the crucial website, but it said sorry, now RAM available from them directly, however I found it on Amazon, I think this would be it right?

Crucial ram memory 16GB kit (2 x 8GB) DDR3 PC3-12800,1600MHz

Would anyone know about the SSD part?

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Answer 4

babowa

Level 9

78,568 points

Aug 10, 2015 11:38 AM in response to PsySeanio

Unfortunately, these 21.5" models are not meant to be user upgradeable as you would have to pry off the glued-on display:

By default, this system has 8 GB of 1600 MHz DDR3 SDRAM. Apple does not intend for one to upgrade the RAM in this system. However, as first discovered by site sponsor OWC, this system has two SO-DIMM slots (204-pin). Unfortunately, accessing these slots requires one to pry off the display that is glued to the case and remove the logic board.

from here:

http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/imac/specs/imac-core-i5-2.7-21-inch-alumin um-late-2012-specs.html

Apparently it can be done; however, it is not for the faint at heart. Here is an install video:

http://eshop.macsales.com/installvideos/imac_21inch_late_2012/

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Answer 5

rkaufmann87

Level 10

148,488 points

Aug 10, 2015 11:42 AM in response to PsySeanio

For the SSD you really should consult with OWC, they specialize in Macs. If you decide to do that then consult them about the RAM too. As for the RAM you found on Amazon, I'd recommend against that route. Getting your machine upgraded will be challenging and potentially expensive. Considering it's age, you may want to sell it and purchase a new machine with the specifications you really want. iMacs in general are not intended to be user upgradeable with the exception of the RAM on 27" iMacs. 2012 and later 21.5" iMacs are even designed to have the RAM upgraded. All of these reasons are why I encourage you to sell and replace your current iMac.

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