Help: RAM slots damaged on new iMac

[buster84]

Are you sure it just wasn't a figment of your imagination? Are you sure you didn't put it in backwards? Maybe you tried to install the memory from your eMachine by mistake? Why did you try to force the DIMM into your SD card slot? Just kidding, of course.

Yes, as you are aware, there have been numerous reports of fitment problems in the 2013 iMac with Crucial RAM. And, yes, I can also confirm that the OWC modules fit and functioned perfectly.

You've said that multiple times, I think the whole picture is now appearing more clear for everyone. You apparently work for OWC and came here to make people doubt the Crucial ram since it's literally $100 cheaper for $32Gig's. Why else would you make a thread about damaging ram slots from Crucial only ram and avoid posting any pictures, unless you didn't actually install them, or damage anything. Until those pictures show up their is no reason for anyone to believe you.

Tons of videos on youtube about this ram working fine and the install being fine without any "Soft Issues" or breaking ram slots or breaking even the ram itself breaking. You either work for OWC or your destroyed you mac by installing the wrong ram, or by force. The Imac ram slots dont break on their own. Their is no way to know actually know since you didn't even post pics of the ram you supposably tried. Without damage proof the best assumption would be your association to OWC.

For anyone worried about this ram, dont be. This ram works perfectly, buy it from crucial or amazon (amazon its self not a seller on amazon). Newegg and Tigerdirect also sell this ram. If you want to pay $100 more for the OWC ram feel free to, but don't do it because your afraid of the crucial ram. Crucial ram works just fine. If their is going to be an damage it will be from user error and that can happen with what ever ram you choose.

Here are some good videos on how to replace your ram, one even shows the crucial ram and has links for you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etPWp1k5psA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EL_IaYBWVbw

 

[Sam Spade]

Liable parties? Apple is not going to take any responsibility for your efforts to integrate 3rd party products. The make no explicit warranties on Crucial products.

Thank goodness people like you don't run Apple.

Apple really came through today and demonstrated why their customer service is consistently a bar higher than most others. I took the machine to the Apple store, along with the Crucial RAM, and showed them the problem. At first, the genius suggested it was probably just the tricky RAM slots in the machine and indicated a lot of people have trouble with them. Then, he took my Crucial DIMMs and looked them over, compared it to the Apple memory, and tried to install it in my machine. He was a little surprised when they did not fit. He was also perplexed by the squashed tabs in the RAM slot and said normally they just break if someone tries to force an incorrect DIMM. He took my Crucial memory into the back and returned shortly and said it would not work in another machine in the back either. He then tried to install a couple of other sticks that he had and they slid into the slot without an issue. The manager took the Crucial RAM into the back and when he returned he stated he had verified that it was the correct part #, as he initially thought maybe we had the wrong Crucial product. I then asked the manager what would need to be done to repair the iMac and he just simply said, "Well, we can either repair it here, which will take about a week, or you can just return it since you are in the return period." Never once did the manager act as if this was my fault, never once did he insinuate I should go after Crucial (although they are liable, imo), never once did he ever appear to consider any action that would have placed the burden on me. IMO, they went above and beyond what was the "right" thing to do and really stepped up to help a customer. For that, I am appreciative.

Of course, I also plan to follow-up with Crucial, but I did not have time to do that today.

 

[marsmissions]

Thank goodness people like you don't run Apple.

Apple really came through today and demonstrated why their customer service is consistently a bar higher than most others. I took the machine to the Apple store, along with the Crucial RAM, and showed them the problem. At first, the genius suggested it was probably just the tricky RAM slots in the machine and indicated a lot of people have trouble with them. Then, he took my Crucial DIMMs and looked them over, compared it to the Apple memory, and tried to install it in my machine. He was a little surprised when they did not fit. He was also perplexed by the squashed tabs in the RAM slot and said normally they just break if someone tries to force an incorrect DIMM. He took my Crucial memory into the back and returned shortly and said it would not work in another machine in the back either. He then tried to install a couple of other sticks that he had and they slid into the slot without an issue. The manager took the Crucial RAM into the back and when he returned he stated he had verified that it was the correct part #, as he initially thought maybe we had the wrong Crucial product. I then asked the manager what would need to be done to repair the iMac and he just simply said, "Well, we can either repair it here, which will take about a week, or you can just return it since you are in the return period." Never once did the manager act as if this was my fault, never once did he insinuate I should go after Crucial (although they are liable, imo), never once did he ever appear to consider any action that would have placed the burden on me. IMO, they went above and beyond what was the "right" thing to do and really stepped up to help a customer. For that, I am appreciative.

Of course, I also plan to follow-up with Crucial, but I did not have time to do that today.

I'm glad this worked out for you, although I'm so sad you didn't post any pictures of the damage...

For science of course...

 

[Glen Quagmire]

There isn't.

This is meaningless since all ram is accessed at the same speed irrespective of what slots it is in.

I don't see anything in that article that suggests fast vs slow slots.

You have to make sure you run memory in the correct banks and channels (to enable dual channel access - or triple or quad - depending on the artitecture) hence you need to populate certain pairs of slots. And sometimes, depending on the chipset and/or CPU you need to fill slots in certain sequences for electrical loading reasons. But this has nothing to do with fast or slow slots because as I say, all memory access is at the same speed with single CPU artitectures (and multiple CPU for all I know.)

Thanks for the memory architecture primer, oh wise and learned one.

 

[Bluebros]

For anyone worried about this ram, dont be. This ram works perfectly, buy it from crucial or amazon (amazon its self not a seller on amazon). Newegg and Tigerdirect also sell this ram. If you want to pay $100 more for the OWC ram feel free to, but don't do it because your afraid of the crucial ram. Crucial ram works just fine. If their is going to be an damage it will be from user error and that can happen with what ever ram you choose.

Wondering if you work for Crucial... believe it or not, there is such a thing as defects and *gasp* mistakes. Even if it was human error, a bit tough of you to come down on someone with a legitimate question. It is OK to question one's RAM! (Dibs on Bumper Sticker Rights!!)

You can read the other thread on this similar topic. I'm not saying my issue was the same as OP's but I purchased RAM from Crucial(manufactured in China) on Amazon that said it was compatible with Late 2013 iMacs. It was a snug fit, as it should be... but it loaded. Turned the machine on and got the 3 Beeps...

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008LTBJFW/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Took the cards out and contacted Amazon. Told them of the problem and we verified the RAM I ordered was for the Late 2013 iMac. Amazon overnighted new cards (manufactured in USA) and tried to install only to discover that these cards were slightly heavier and didn't align exactly right.

I see that the crucial website now labels their RAM as Late 2013 compatible and that is great. Here is their site if you want to look at it. Obviously, it is a bit more expensive than Amazon..

http://www.crucial.com/store/mpartspecs.aspx?mtbpoid=81CE351CA5CA7304

Point is... Crucial seems to be an awesome brand that works for a bunch of people and it is cheaper BUT if some some reason their product didn't/doesn't work for you, there is a more expensive alternative.

http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/memory/iMac/2012_27/DDR3L

It worked for me... I paid more for it... Problem solved!!

 

[Sam Spade]

^ For the record, I ordered my RAM directly from the Crucial web site just last week and it is the product that they guarantee for the Late 2013 iMac. It not only did not work in my Late 2013 iMac, it did not work in the Late 2013 machine(s) at the Apple store either.

 

[fa8362]

Wondering if you work for Crucial... believe it or not, there is such a thing as defects and *gasp* mistakes. Even if it was human error, a bit tough of you to come down on someone with a legitimate question. It is OK to question one's RAM! (Dibs on Bumper Sticker Rights!!)

You can read the other thread on this similar topic. I'm not saying my issue was the same as OP's but I purchased RAM from Crucial(manufactured in China) on Amazon that said it was compatible with Late 2013 iMacs. It was a snug fit, as it should be... but it loaded. Turned the machine on and got the 3 Beeps...

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008LTBJFW/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Took the cards out and contacted Amazon. Told them of the problem and we verified the RAM I ordered was for the Late 2013 iMac. Amazon overnighted new cards (manufactured in USA) and tried to install only to discover that these cards were slightly heavier and didn't align exactly right.

I see that the crucial website now labels their RAM as Late 2013 compatible and that is great. Here is their site if you want to look at it. Obviously, it is a bit more expensive than Amazon..

http://www.crucial.com/store/mpartspecs.aspx?mtbpoid=81CE351CA5CA7304

Point is... Crucial seems to be an awesome brand that works for a bunch of people and it is cheaper BUT if some some reason their product didn't/doesn't work for you, there is a more expensive alternative.

http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/memory/iMac/2012_27/DDR3L

It worked for me... I paid more for it... Problem solved!!

That Amazon RAM and Crucial RAM are NOT the same product at all. Look at the photos. They're completely diffferent. Moreover, I didn't see any mention of any iMac on the Amazon listing. Seems like you bought non-compatible RAM from Amazon.

----------

^ For the record, I ordered my RAM directly from the Crucial web site just last week and it is the product that they guarantee for the Late 2013 iMac. It not only did not work in my Late 2013 iMac, it did not work in the Late 2013 machine(s) at the Apple store either.

I guess that could happen, but I can easily see why people are skeptical of your claims. Buying from Crucial has always been foolproof for me and everyone I know for 20+ years.

 

[Sam Spade]

I guess that could happen, but I can easily see why people are skeptical of your claims. Buying from Crucial has always been foolproof for me and everyone I know for 20+ years.

It wasn't just me. Search this forum...since the new iMac release there have been numerous other discussions about problems with Crucial RAM in the machine, including people who have posted in this thread.

Obviously, I wasn't aware of this before purchasing the RAM.

 

[fa8362]

Until those pictures show up their is no reason for anyone to believe you.

Might sound harsh, but I agree with you because I've been buying and recommending Crucial RAM (bought from their site, not Amazon or anywhere else) for 20+ years without a single issue.

 

[propower]

After seeing all this and knowing I wanted at least 16G (and 32 someday) I changed the stock Apple 8G with Apples 16G (2X8) on my BTO for $200 more (same price as OWC ram delivered)

 

[fa8362]

After seeing all this and knowing I wanted at least 16G (and 32 someday) I changed the stock Apple 8G with Apples 16G (2X8) on my BTO for $200 more (same price as OWC ram delivered)

Just so you know, Crucial(Micron) is one of Apple's RAM suppliers. So you might have paid more for the same RAM that Crucial is selling from its website.

Also, OWC sells RAM, but they don't manufacture it like Crucial(Micron) and only a few other companies in the world.

 

[fotofan]

Nice job Apple

Glad they covered what clearly is a defective or mislabeled product from Crucial. My Imac won't get to me for another week. When it does I intend to be very careful trying to place the RAM I have from Crucial since mine also says United States like yours and was bought in the same time frame. If it doesn't go in easily I will not be forcing it, I'll just return it.
I'll add a final update to this thread when mine shows up. I ordered from MacMall and they've been telling me Apple keeps extending the ship date to them. I was trying to avoid the sales tax, but this is turning out to be a mistake as it's now been 3 weeks and they still haven't received it.

 

[Jedi Master]

Are you sure it just wasn't a figment of your imagination? Are you sure you didn't put it in backwards? Maybe you tried to install the memory from your eMachine by mistake? Why did you try to force the DIMM into your SD card slot? Just kidding, of course.

Yes, as you are aware, there have been numerous reports of fitment problems in the 2013 iMac with Crucial RAM. And, yes, I can also confirm that the OWC modules fit and functioned perfectly.

Then just maybe Crucial has an issue. But that poster did damage his slots. That's on you and the hammer you used.

All the Best

 

[WilliamG]

This whole thread is pointless. Guy comes in, guy complains about product without providing A SINGLE SHRED of evidence to back up his claim. And then he (allegedly) takes his iMac which HE has (allegedly) damaged using THIRD-PARTY RAM, and then Apple magically takes care of it.

I seriously don't know why this thread exists...

Hey, I'm a cynic. What can I say!

 

[Serban]

^ For the record, I ordered my RAM directly from the Crucial web site just last week and it is the product that they guarantee for the Late 2013 iMac. It not only did not work in my Late 2013 iMac, it did not work in the Late 2013 machine(s) at the Apple store either.

so now how is your imac? with 2 broken ram slots? or you talk to somebody to replace it? or is working with OWC ram?

 

[Sam Spade]

so now how is your imac? with 2 broken ram slots? or you talk to somebody to replace it? or is working with OWC ram?

See post #77 above.

 

[Erphern]

After all this fuss I decided to pull all my RAM and take a look inside.

I'd had overly tight fitting Crucial RAM, direct from Crucial, with the appropriate part number, which I'd sent back and replaced with OWC, so I figured why not take a look.

Note that the Crucial RAM worked, but it was quite a bit of a careful wiggle to get the stuff in.

Sure enough, the dividers in the slots where the Crucial RAM had lived were a little scratched on the top. Nothing scary, but you could see where plastic had rubbed against plastic in a tight fit. No such visible scuff on the other two slots that Apple had filled.

It really seems to me that one would have had to smash the &%*# out of the RAM slots to completely crush them as described by the OP.

I do believe that either Apple or Crucial's spec is a bit off, and let's face it, it's probably Crucial.

Interestingly, the RAM I received from OWC was Micron RAM, just like the RAM I received from Crucial. Both Micron RAM, both the correct type of RAM, but the stuff from OWC is a completely different fit. Drops into the slots with really no friction at all.

I believe some people have noted that the RAM they received from Crucial was also an easy fit.

TLDR: I believe this whole RAM thing is the luck of the draw. The end.

 

[fa8362]

Interestingly, the RAM I received from OWC was Micron RAM, just like the RAM I received from Crucial. Both Micron RAM, both the correct type of RAM, but the stuff from OWC is a completely different fit. Drops into the slots with really no friction at all.

I believe some people have noted that the RAM they received from Crucial was also an easy fit.

TLDR: I believe this whole RAM thing is the luck of the draw. The end.

Just so you know, Crucial is the retail division of Micron, so all Crucial RAM is Micron. In addition, Micron is one of Apples RAM suppliers, so many Macs are already outfitted with "Crucial" RAM when they're purchased.

 

[Erphern]

Just so you know, Crucial is the retail division of Micron, so all Crucial RAM is Micron. In addition, Micron is one of Apples RAM suppliers, so many Macs are already outfitted with "Crucial" RAM when they're purchased.

Oh, thanks, I'm aware - that's what I thought was interesting! Micron RAM all around, supposedly the same or comparable part, different dimensions.

 

[fa8362]

Oh, thanks, I'm aware - that's what I thought was interesting! Micron RAM all around, supposedly the same or comparable part, different dimensions.

That sums it up nicely, and as you noted earlier, probably a user who pushed a bit too hard when trying to install it.

 

[Sam Spade]

I do believe that either Apple or Crucial's spec is a bit off, and let's face it, it's probably Crucial.

Interestingly, the RAM I received from OWC was Micron RAM, just like the RAM I received from Crucial. Both Micron RAM, both the correct type of RAM, but the stuff from OWC is a completely different fit. Drops into the slots with really no friction at all.

Although some have suggested otherwise in this thread, the intent was not to make a case of Crucial vs. OWC. OWC was just simply the only other brand of aftermarket RAM I had available to test. Like your situation, the OWC RAM dropped into my machine with basically no friction, as did the factory Apple RAM that came in the machine. One could easily insert (and remove) both the OWC and Apple sticks with no problem at all. This was also the case with the various sticks of RAM the genius tested at the Apple store; no problems at all.

There's no question the Crucial RAM that I ordered and received is a defective product. I also do not question the fact that some people are receiving RAM from Crucial that fits and functions correctly. But, Crucial has a problem here and Crucial customers need to be aware that they may have a product that does not fit into their machine properly.

I am sure there are other brands of RAM that also have quality control issues. And I'm sure there are other brands, in addition to factory Apple and OWC, that fit perfectly in the machine. The point is not, and never has been, that this should be your only option.

 

[fotofan]

Update

OK, everyone who's been rude to the OP should apologize. I finally received my Imac and the Crucial RAM I ordered specific to the late 2013 27" imac will not fit. I took the Apple RAM out and measured them against each other and the Crucial sticks are about 1 mm longer in length than the Apple supplied memory. I just called Crucial, informed them of the problem and gave them the name of this thread. Thank God Sam and others posted and I knew better than to try and force it. Crucial rep is contacting technical support to see if they can find a firm reason for the discrepancy. I also informed them that it seems to be specific to the RAM labeled United States and not the China RAM. Lastly, I suggested they be pro-active and contact all customers who recieved this RAM.
Now I also understand why some said "it's a real tight fit, but it works." However, I refuse to force badly sized RAM into my computer and risk damaging the slots.
I'll post and let you know how they respond. They are probably reading this right now, which is a good thing as this problem needs a fix ASAP. I've ordered from them before and as many said on here, they are one of the two major RAM suppliers and this isn't an attempt to bash Crucial. If they realize the error and fix it I'll be happy to get an exchange for the proper sized RAM.

 

[Chippy99]

That photo proves nothing. The egde with the connectors on it looks identical length on both boards, as you would expect.

Why did you not photo them with the connectors against each other? Was it because it would not highlight the non-existant problem? Not only do you have them facing in opposite directions, you have one card with the notch towards the bottom and the other with it at the top. All your photo shows is that the back (non-connecting) end of the Crucial ram is a tiny fraction longer - something that would likely not matter at all.

Go on - indulge us. Show a photo with the cards; connectors lined up against each other so we can see they are identical.

 

[chabig]

I agree. The connector edges look exactly the same size.

 

[FreemanW]

That photo proves nothing.

It may or may not prove something to you.

It DOES illustrate a sizing discrepancy between the two parts.

The over-all size of the memory module is just as important to the fit in the memory slot as the asymmetrical "key" slot.

If you're not aware of that aspect, then you should not be handling memory modules or attempting to install them.