Jeff A.
Level 1 (139 points)
Desktops

Q: RAM upgrade - 2011 iMac 27"

I have a 27" iMac (mid 2011) with a 3.1 GHz Intel Core i5.  It has 4 GB 1333 MHz DDR3 memory.  Over the past year or two I've noticed that its harder to either switch applications or that there is more delay (spinning ball).  I am considering upgrading my RAM to 20 GB (the 4 GB I currently have and an additional 16 GB in aftermarket upgrade - http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Other%20World%20Computing/1333DDR3S16P/).  Can anyone let me know if this upgrade will considerably help me have a better running, more efficient computer?  What are the advantages to upgrading?  Disadvantage?  Just looking for direction and whether this will help me.

iMac, Mac OS X (10.6.8)

Posted on Nov 15, 2015 3:25 AM

Close
Jeff A.

Q: RAM upgrade - 2011 iMac 27"

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by Mike Sombrio,Helpful

    Mike Sombrio Mike Sombrio Nov 15, 2015 4:05 AM in response to Jeff A.
    Level 6 (17,234 points)
    Apple Watch
    Nov 15, 2015 4:05 AM in response to Jeff A.

    Adding ram from a reputable dealer like OWC is an excellent choice and will help. To be sure that a lack of ram is your only problem learn to use Activity Monitor  Use Activity Monitor on your Mac - Apple Support Run it while you're using your iMac as usual and pay attention to the Memory Pressure graph. Ideally you'll always stay in the green but with only 4GB I suspect you'll often get into yellow and even red. Another test would be to download and run EtreCheck http://www.etresoft.com/etrecheck View the report it generates and look for "processes killed by memory pressure". There's no reason to post the report here unless you want someone else to have a look at it and offer their opinion. The processes killed is a sure fire indicator that ram is low.

    There are no disadvantages to upgrading ram. The advantages are a more efficient and better running computer. Win, win.