Crucial vs Samsung vs OWC memory for iMac 2020

[lukasz74nj]

I ordered a new iMac 2020 and want to upgrade the memory. I'm considering these 3:

1) Samsung 2 x 32GB DDR4 2666 (M471A4G43MB1-CTD00) - $240

2) Crucial 2 x 32GB DDR4 2666 (CT32G4S266M) - $320

CAS Latency: 19

3) OWC 2 x 32GB (kit) 2666MHZ DDR4 SO-DIMM PC4-21300 - $309

CAS Latency: not published

I leaning towards #1 because of the price, however I don't understand what is CL from the spec, i.e. is it 13.75? How about OWC?

Which one do you recommend? Thanks.

 

[The_Lord_of_Apple]

In a nutshell, whichever RAM you choose the latency won't make any difference to what you do. OWC has always had great user feedback.

Here is a definition - https://bfy.tw/OqXE

 

[lukasz74nj]

I know what is the definition of CAS latency, I was asking about CL for #1 and #3 in order to determine which model to choose.

 

[The_Lord_of_Apple]

you are splitting hair!!! Is it going to make a difference what the CL value for each of the aforementioned RAM is for what you do? Just buy whichever one you can get your hands. For me it has always been and will be OWC.

 

[lukasz74nj]

Maybe it doesn't make any difference for you but it does for me.

 

[wilberforce]

1600 MT/s at CL11
1866 MT/s at CL13
2133 MT/s at CL15
2400 MT/s at CL17
2666 MT/s at CL19
ALL give Latency time of about 13.75 to 14.25 ns.
So all your choices amount to the same thing! (i.e. 2666 MT/s with CL19)
Read this:

The Difference Between RAM Speed and CAS Latency

Learn more about the differences between RAM speed and CAS latency, and what it means for your PC. Discover memory solutions for your PC at Crucial today.

www.crucial.com

 

[wilberforce]

OWC 2666 RAM is also CL19, btw:

 

[The_Lord_of_Apple]

Maybe it doesn't make any difference for you but it does for me.

I'm curious what do you do that this would make such a significant difference?

 

[lukasz74nj]

OWC 2666 RAM is also CL19, btw:

I see, thanks. I already decided to go with Samsung (2x32).

 

[pldelisle]

I see, thanks. I already decided to go with Samsung (2x32).

Good choice.
Anyway the only CAS latency compatible with the iMac is CL19. You don’t have choice, it’s the JEDEC standard dans every Apple computer works only with this standard. It’s not a gaming PC to which you can enable XMP profiles.

 

[SS2]

Hello, I'm upgrading RAM on the same model iMac (2020, 27"). Trying to decide between Crucial and OWC. Anyone know why the B&H page suggests using OWC for Macs? Please see the bottom of this:

Crucial 32GB DDR4 2666 MHz SO-DIMM Memory Module (Mac)

Buy Crucial 32GB DDR4 2666 MHz SO-DIMM Memory Module (Mac) featuring 32GB (1 x 32GB) Capacity, 2666 MHz Clock Speed, PC4-21300, 260-Pin SO-DIMM, 1.2V, 19-19-19 Extended Timings, Unbuffered. Review Crucial null

www.bhphotovideo.com

Secondly, any concerns about buying Crucial or OWC memory on Amazon Prime?

 

[wilberforce]

Hello, I'm upgrading RAM on the same model iMac (2020, 27"). Trying to decide between Crucial and OWC. Anyone know why the B&H page suggests using OWC for Macs? Please see the bottom of this:

Crucial 32GB DDR4 2666 MHz SO-DIMM Memory Module (Mac)

Buy Crucial 32GB DDR4 2666 MHz SO-DIMM Memory Module (Mac) featuring 32GB (1 x 32GB) Capacity, 2666 MHz Clock Speed, PC4-21300, 260-Pin SO-DIMM, 1.2V, 19-19-19 Extended Timings, Unbuffered. Review Crucial null

www.bhphotovideo.com

Secondly, any concerns about buying Crucial or OWC memory on Amazon Prime?

Different people recommend different things. B&H may have a vested interest in selling OWC over Crucial, or perhaps they get less returns. Who knows. Without them explaining why, it just creates FUD. There is nothing wrong with Crucial, in fact it has an excellent reputation.
Amazon Prime is an excellent way to purchase it. That is what I and many others did.

 

[SS2]

Thanks for the quick response. Just purchased Crucial from a seller called CalvinNHobbes on Amazon. (Prime didn't offer the specific model). Fingers crossed.

 

[wilberforce]

Thanks for the quick response. Just purchased Crucial from a seller called CalvinNHobbes on Amazon. (Prime didn't offer the specific model). Fingers crossed.

Just checking because your link was for only a single module: you are buying matched pairs, right?

 

[SS2]

Thanks for asking... i bought this item which has 2 x 16GB: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071H38422/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Is that a matched pair as in built from the same semiconductor wafer or matched as in the same model?

 

[wilberforce]

Thanks for asking... i bought this item which has 2 x 16GB: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071H38422/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Is that a matched pair as in built from the same semiconductor wafer or matched as in the same model?

What you bought is correct - a pair of DIMMs - i.e. matched part numbers.

I was concerned, because the link in your first post was for a single 32GB DIMM. Some people are not aware that you need to install them in pairs, one in each channel, else the RAM transfer speed is effectively halved.

Also, and you may already know this: for the 2020 iMac, do not install the 8GB Apple RAM along with the 32GB Crucial RAM. Mismatched DIMM sizes just degrade the RAM speed/performance (for only the 2020 iMac). Just leave the 8GB Apple RAM out.