Need some help with buying RAM upgrades for 27-inch, 2020 iMac

[helpmebuydiz]

Sorry I'm not all that tech-literate, so would just like to make sure I'm not buying the wrong thing before going ahead. Looking to upgrade the RAM on my iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2020), that currently has 8 GB 2667 MHz DDR4. Is there any meangfull difference between these options that I should be aware of before buying?

Crucial RAM 64GB Kit (2x32GB) DDR4 2666MHz CL19 Memory for Mac CT2K32G4S266M

CT2K32G4S266M is a 64GB Kit consisting of (2) 32GB DDR4 SODIMM for Mac that operates at speeds up to 2666 MT/s and has a CL19 latency. It is an Unbuffered SODIMM. It conforms to the industry standard DDR4 SODIMM layout of 260 pins and is compatible with systems that take DDR4 2666 MT/s SODIMM mem...

www.amazon.co.uk

Crucial RAM CT2K32G4SFD8266 64GB Kit (2x32GB) DDR4 2666MHz CL19 Laptop Memory

There’s an easy cure for a slow computer: more memory. Designed to help your system run faster and smoother, Crucial Laptop Memory is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to improve your system’s performance. Load programs faster. Increase responsiveness. Run data-intensive applications wi...

www.amazon.co.uk

OWC - 64GB OWC Memory Upgrade Kit - 2 x 32GB PC21300 DDR4 2666MHz SO-DIMMs for Mac mini (2018 - Current), iMac (2017-2020), and compatible PCs

International products have separate terms, are sold from abroad and may differ from local products, including fit, age ratings, and language of product, labeling or instructions.

www.amazon.co.uk

 

[wilberforce]

Sorry I'm not all that tech-literate, so would just like to make sure I'm not buying the wrong thing before going ahead. Looking to upgrade the RAM on my iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2020), that currently has 8 GB 2667 MHz DDR4. Is there any meangfull difference between these options that I should be aware of before buying?

Crucial RAM 64GB Kit (2x32GB) DDR4 2666MHz CL19 Memory for Mac CT2K32G4S266M

CT2K32G4S266M is a 64GB Kit consisting of (2) 32GB DDR4 SODIMM for Mac that operates at speeds up to 2666 MT/s and has a CL19 latency. It is an Unbuffered SODIMM. It conforms to the industry standard DDR4 SODIMM layout of 260 pins and is compatible with systems that take DDR4 2666 MT/s SODIMM mem...

www.amazon.co.uk

Crucial RAM CT2K32G4SFD8266 64GB Kit (2x32GB) DDR4 2666MHz CL19 Laptop Memory

There’s an easy cure for a slow computer: more memory. Designed to help your system run faster and smoother, Crucial Laptop Memory is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to improve your system’s performance. Load programs faster. Increase responsiveness. Run data-intensive applications wi...

www.amazon.co.uk

OWC - 64GB OWC Memory Upgrade Kit - 2 x 32GB PC21300 DDR4 2666MHz SO-DIMMs for Mac mini (2018 - Current), iMac (2017-2020), and compatible PCs

International products have separate terms, are sold from abroad and may differ from local products, including fit, age ratings, and language of product, labeling or instructions.

www.amazon.co.uk

There is no meaningful difference.
The first Crucial one is “for Mac” which supposedly is more QC testing, but they are vague exactly what this is, and functionally it is same spec and performance as second Crucial one. I would not hesitate to get either, Crucial is the brand with best reputation.
The OWC brand also has good reputation although some people have had issues with 128 GB OWC (4x32GB sticks), so if you plan to get another 64gb in future this might be something to consider. However OWC has excellent customer service and lifetime warranty and will replace if any issues. So will Crucial. At least in US, not sure about EU or UK.

btw, do not attempt to mix with the existing 8gb ram. Just remove the 8gb ram and replace with the new ram. In 2020 imac all sticks must be same size else memory speed drops

 

[helpmebuydiz]

There is no meaningful difference.
The first Crucial one is “for Mac” which supposedly is more QC testing, but they are vague exactly what this is, and functionally it is same spec and performance as second Crucial one. I would not hesitate to get either, Crucial is the brand with best reputation.
The OWC brand also has good reputation although some people have had issues with 128 GB OWC (4x32GB sticks), so if you plan to get another 64gb in future this might be something to consider. However OWC has excellent customer service and lifetime warranty and will replace if any issues. So will Crucial. At least in US, not sure about EU or UK.

btw, do not attempt to mix with the existing 8gb ram. Just remove the 8gb ram and replace with the new ram. In 2020 imac all sticks must be same size else memory speed drops

Thank you so much. Yes I've actually heard that last part before, will follow.

 

[wilberforce]

Btw, I had good luck with timetec brand, could find no difference from Crucial in testing

Timetec Hynix IC DDR4 2666MHz PC4-21300 Unbuffered Non-ECC 1.2V CL19 2Rx8 Dual Rank 260 Pin SODIMM Laptop Notebook Computer Memory RAM Module Upgrade (64GB Kit (2x32GB))

Timetec – Memory of a lifetime Compatible with (But not Limited to): *Please click image for more compatible systems model Need to know if this part is compatible? Contact us with manufacturer and model information of your motherboard

www.amazon.co.uk

Timetec 64GB KIT(2x32GB) Compatible for Apple DDR4 2666MHz for Mid 2020 iMac (20,1/20,2) / Mid 2019 iMac (19,1) 27-inch w/Retina 5K Display, Late 2018 Mac Mini (8,1) PC4-21333 / PC4-21300 MAC RAM

International products have separate terms, are sold from abroad and may differ from local products, including fit, age ratings, and language of product, labeling or instructions.

www.amazon.co.uk

Just make sure you can return anything

 

[PBG4 Dude]

There is no meaningful difference.
The first Crucial one is “for Mac” which supposedly is more QC testing, but they are vague exactly what this is, and functionally it is same spec and performance as second Crucial one. I would not hesitate to get either, Crucial is the brand with best reputation.
The OWC brand also has good reputation although some people have had issues with 128 GB OWC (4x32GB sticks), so if you plan to get another 64gb in future this might be something to consider. However OWC has excellent customer service and lifetime warranty and will replace if any issues. So will Crucial. At least in US, not sure about EU or UK.

btw, do not attempt to mix with the existing 8gb ram. Just remove the 8gb ram and replace with the new ram. In 2020 imac all sticks must be same size else memory speed drops

It is my understanding that Crucial’s Mac RAM follows the same PVC-free BFR-free, etc. manufacturing techniques Apple uses on their own boards, which is the reason for the price difference between the ‘M’(ac) version and non-M version.

 

[wilberforce]

It is my understanding that Crucial’s Mac RAM follows the same PVC-free BFR-free, etc. manufacturing techniques Apple uses on their own boards, which is the reason for the price difference between the ‘M’(ac) version and non-M version.

Yes, I heard that Mac versions are more environmentally friendly, but could not find this stated anywhere other that hearsay. Maybe it is both, but it seems deliberately obscure. There may also be licensing fee involved, i.e. a royalty to brand it “for Mac.” But there does not seem to be any performance difference

 

[PBG4 Dude]

Yes, I heard that Mac versions are more environmentally friendly, but could not find this stated anywhere other that hearsay. Maybe it is both, but it seems deliberately obscure. There may also be licensing fee involved, i.e. a royalty to brand it “for Mac.” But there does not seem to be any performance difference

Based on posts in the 2020 iMac RAM thread, it works fine.

Memory upgrade troubleshooting in 2020 27-inch iMacs

Hi all! First post on this site. I received my 2020 27" iMac (tier 3 stock configuration) yesterday and have been using it happily since. Today I received some Crucial memory (CT2K8G4S266M aka 2 sticks of 8GB 2666) and I installed it in the two slots that were occupied by the Apple memory, which...

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