iMac RAM Upgrade — How to install RAM on Mac

Some time ago 4 gigabytes of RAM were enough to work comfortably on a Mac computer. But not today. When it comes to even simple tasks, such as surfing the Internet with a browser with just a few tabs open, the minimum RAM capacity will be too slow for your Mac.

Due to the high cost of any Apple technology, not everyone has the opportunity to buy a new Mac when it starts running slow. In this case, the only solution is a RAM update on your Mac. In this article, I will show how to add RAM to your iMac.

Contents:

1. Requirements for the iMac memory upgrade
2. Preparation before adding memory to iMac
3. How to install new RAM on iMac
4. How to speed up Mac without replacing RAM

Requirements for the iMac memory upgrade

Before buying and installing RAM to your iMac, first, learn about the list of specifications for compatible memory modules on the Apple website. You should clarify the characteristics of your computer, and only then start the Apple memory upgrade:

• Number of memory slots
• Base memory
• Maximum memory

In my case, I will install RAM on iMac 2011. This iMac has 4 slots for a maximum of 8 GB each. So the maximum memory is 32 GB for this model. This Mac has 2 sticks of 2 GB and 2 free slots. Also, it has 2 free sticks for 8 GB each. So, it has 20 GB of RAM in total.

I checked the information on the Apple website for the computer and saw that I need a RAM module with the following specs:

• Standard: PC3–10600
• No buffering or parity
• Number of contacts: 204-pin
• Frequency: 1333MHz
• Memory Type: DDR3 SDRAM

Ideally, you should try to pick up a memory where all the modules have the same volume, and preferably the same manufacturer and series. But, if for any reason, you can’t find the same memory modules — don’t worry, it is not critical.

Preparation before adding memory to iMac

So you’ve checked your iMac memory, bought additional RAM, and now it’s time to prepare your workplace for the iMac RAM replacement.

1. Make room on the table. Make sure that there are no extra objects, like pens, keys, and anything else on the table that can cause damage to the display.
2. Place some soft fabric on the table to prevent the screen from being scratched as we are going to lay the iMac face down.
3. Prepare a simple crosshead screwdriver for opening the RAM location.
4. And, finally, don’t be nervous. Everything is really simple.

How to install new RAM on iMac

1. Turn off your iMac and unplug absolutely all cables from it.
2. Place your iMac face down on the table.

3. Find 3 small bolts at the bottom. Unscrew them with the crosshead screwdriver.

4. Gently pull the plug. Do not be afraid to lose any screws; they are attached to a special washer.

5. Use a screwdriver so as not to damage contact points.

6. You will see a small space with two tenons of material resembling tape. The tenons are bent simply by swiping with your finger.

7. Once you bend the tenons, you will be able to pull out the memory module. Drag it quietly, gradually adding force until you see that the memory is out of the slot. After that, carefully remove the memory manually. The same can be done on the other side.

8. Now you can install the new memory to the iMac. The connectors for RAM on the Mac are divided into 2 blocks by two planks. Each tenon is responsible for its unit. To insert a memory, take it in your hand and insert the module into the vacant slot.

Please note, RAM should be inserted in such a way that the narrow part (1/3) is on the right. Otherwise, it won’t work, but if you use force, you may damage the pin connectors on the module — or even worse — on the iMac.

9. Then gently fold the tenon on the spot.

10. Screw the cap in place, put the iMac in its normal position, and power it on. The screen may be black for some time until the new memory is initialized.

Once macOS is booted, enjoy its fast performance.

| Read also: How to speed up a Mac.

How to speed up Mac without replacing RAM

I have shown how to upgrade iMac RAM. However, if, for some reason, you don’t have the possibility of adding more RAM to your computer, don’t worry. I’m going now to tell you how to speed up your Mac without replacing RAM, and absolutely for free.

You can use a free application Memory Cleaner to clear the inactive part of RAM and optimize your Mac’s performance.

Memory Cleaner helps to give a 10–20% performance boost to your Mac with just one click.

Here is how to free up Mac RAM with Memory Cleaner:

1. Run Memory Cleaner. You will see its icon in the toolbar.
2. Click on the Memory Cleaner icon.
3. Click the Cleanup button. It will free up inactive RAM memory.

You can also set an automatic memory cleanup on your Mac and find even more advantages of Memory Cleaner:

• View memory usage by apps.
• Force quit apps.
• View disk usage.
• View the volume of removable files, such as junk files, duplicates, unused apps, large and old files.

Once again, Memory Cleaner helps to speed up your Mac without needing a RAM replacement. And the best thing is that Memory Cleaner is absolutely free.

FAQ

How much RAM can I add to my iMac?

Apple officially allows you to add up to 32 GB of RAM, depending on the year and iMac model. To find out how much RAM you can add to your iMac, you should check the Apple website and specify the upgrade for a specific iMac model.

Does upgrading RAM on iMac void the warranty?

According to Apple’s warranty rules, upgrading the RAM on iMac will not void its warranty, as long as you have the iMac model that allows this and you do not damage the Mac during the RAM replacement. Some iMac models allow you to easily access RAM and replace it. Others are protected from upgrading RAM as they have a built-in RAM and it literally takes some disassembling of the Mac to get to it.

Will more RAM speed up my Mac?

Adding more RAM memory to Mac allows the system to run more and heavier apps at the same time without the need to continuously load data from the Mac hard disk. Upgrading the RAM memory speeds up your Mac unless there are other factors that reduce system performance, such as lack of free disk space, using out-of-date software, having malware programs and so on. Also, you can speed up your Mac by clearing inactive RAM with the help of a free application Memory Cleaner.