How to Put More RAM in an Apple iMac Computer

What are the benefits of installing more RAM on Mac?

The iMac is a device that under normal circumstances lasts many years, so it may happen that during those years the needs of the user change so that the configuration he needs of the device at that time is greater than the one he chose at the time of buy your computer from apple. This is why Apple gives users the ability to increase the RAM of their iMac, differentiating the process depending on the iMac model.

Increasing the RAM of the computer means increasing its performance because it provides you with greater fluidity when working with many applications at the same time, that is, if you had to close apps before to be able to work with others, by increasing the RAM this it will not happen, so the work capacity of your Mac will increase, as well as the fluidity of it.

Install more RAM in 27-inch iMac

Do it on your own by buying RAM

The process of changing the RAM in a 27-inch iMac is completely suitable for any user, in fact, Apple on its website shows what are the steps to follow if you want to change the RAM on your own. Below we explain the steps you have to follow in order to do so once you have purchased the desired RAM.

First of all, you have to make sure that the iMac is not hot, so if you have just turned it off, we recommend that you wait 10 minutes to start the RAM expansion process. As soon as the components have cooled, follow these steps:

• Unplug the power cord and all other cables from the iMac.
• Place a clean, soft cloth or towel on the table or flat surface to avoid scratching the screen when you lay it on it.
• Place the computer very carefully on the towel or cloth.

• Open the memory compartment cover by pressing the small gray button just above the AC power port.
• The memory compartment cover will open when the button is pressed. Remove the compartment cover and set it aside.
• There is a diagram under the compartment cover showing the memory levers and the orientation of the DIMM. Locate the two levers, one on each side of the memory, and push the two levers outward to release the memory.
• As soon as you have freed the memory, pull the levers toward you so that you can access each DIMM slot.
• Remove a DIMM by pulling it up and out. The notch will be on the bottom of the DIMM. When reinstalling DIMMs, the notch must be in the correct position or the module will not be inserted correctly.
• To replace or install a DIMM, push it into the slot and press until you feel it click. Once inserted, be sure to align the notch on the DIMM with the slot on the DIMM.
• After all of the memory modules are installed, press the memory levers into place until they click into place.
• Replace the memory compartment cover. It is not necessary to press the compartment cover release button when changing the compartment cover.
• Put the computer in its normal position. Reconnect the power cord and other cables and turn it on.

After this process is complete, the iMac will perform a memory initialization procedure when you turn it on for the first time after expanding memory or rearranging DIMMs. This process can take 30 seconds or more, and the iMac screen will remain black until complete.

Where to buy RAM

When purchasing RAM to upgrade the iMac, it is very important to note that for optimal memory performance, the DIMMs must always have the same capacity, speed, and be from the same vendor. Once you take this into account, you can acquire the memories in many establishments, however, we recommend that you do it through amazon since they have many options of quality manufacturers, in addition to offering you a guarantee and, of course, fast shipping .

Going to an Apple Store or SAT

Another way you have to expand the RAM of your iMac is to do it through Apple, that is, it is the Cupertino company itself, through its professionals, who are in charge of carrying out the process. Undoubtedly, if you are not sure that you can carry out the process safely, it is best to go to an Apple Store or a SAT and in this way be sure that the entire process will be carried out correctly.

Changing the RAM in a 21.5-inch iMac

Limitations in the small iMac

The “problem” presented by the 21.5-inch iMac is that the RAM memory is soldered to the motherboard, so the process of expanding it is much more complicated than in the 27-inch model. It takes a highly developed skill and the necessary means to carry out this extension, so it has to be done by a professional.

So how do you expand the RAM on a 21.5 “iMac?

In case you want to expand the RAM of your 21.5-inch iMac you will have to go to an Apple Store or SAT so that they are the ones in charge of the entire RAM memory expansion process. You can also go to other establishments, however, our recommendation is that you always do so through Apple itself or an establishment certified by the Cupertino company.

Is it advisable to try to change it on your own?

The main reason why you cannot, in theory, increase the RAM of the 21.5-inch iMac model is because the RAM in this case is soldered to the motherboard, so it is a really more complicated process than in the 27-inch model. However, there are users who are encouraged to carry out this process themselves, something that we do not recommend under any circumstances since it will seriously jeopardize the integrity of your iMac.

Our recommendation is that, in no case, you choose to increase the RAM on your own and that you go to an Apple Store or SAT where there are professionals specialized in performing this type of procedure since, in addition, in this way you fully ensure the integrity of your device and be able to continue using a product whose price exceeds a thousand euros.

Change RAM on older iMac

The process for upgrading RAM on some older 27-inch iMac is different, in fact some 21.5-inch models can easily upgrade RAM as well. Specifically, the models that fall within this range are the following.

• iMac (27-inch, Mid 2011)
• iMac (21.5-inch, Mid 2011)
• iMac (27-inch, Mid 2010)
• iMac (21.5-inch, Mid 2010)
• iMac (27-inch, Late 2009)
• iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2009)

For this, the steps are.

1. Disconnect the power cord and other cables from the device.
2. Place a soft cloth or towel on a table or flat surface to later support the iMac screen.
3. Hold both sides of the computer and slowly place it upside down on the towel or cloth.
4. Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the RAM memory access door located on the bottom of the computer.
5. Remove the access door.
6. Pull the tab out of the memory compartment and gently pull it to release the installed memory modules.
7. Insert the new or replacement SO-DIMM into the empty slot, noting the orientation of the sockets on the SO-DIMM.
8. After inserting it, snap the DIMM back into the slot. A slight click should be heard when the memory has been properly installed in place.
9. Replace the tabs on the memory DIMMs and reinstall the memory access door.
10. Return the computer to its normal position, connect all the cables, and turn it on.

If your Mac doesn’t work after installing RAM

The process of increasing the RAM of an iMac is a process that has to be done with great care and using all the senses to avoid possible failures or problems later. However, obviously errors can appear or happen after the expansion of RAM in an iMac, problems such as the inability to turn on the device or that it remains blocked while using the computer.

In the event that your iMac fails after upgrading the RAM, we recommend that you review the installation you have performed again. If Apple has been in charge of carrying out the RAM expansion, you will have to contact the company to take charge of your computer and solve the existing problem.