RAM Upgrade for iMac Mid 2011 21.5-inch

[Vince Uy]

Hi,

I am looking to upgrade my iMac (21.5-inch, Mid 2011) 2.5 GHz Intel Core i5. Based on research, I found available compatible RAMs. But when I tried verifying with their tech support, they told me that they were not compatible.

Can you guys help me? These are the ones I found that are I think compatible with my iMac

Crucial 4 GB DDR3 RAM

Kingston 4 GB DDR3 RAM

Thanks!


EDIT:
So, the tech support replied why the above mentioned were incompatible is because of this link. I am still not sure what is the difference from the first product links to his product link?

 

[herrdude]

According to Everymac: https://everymac.com/systems/apple/...inch-aluminum-mid-2011-thunderbolt-specs.html

You can upgrade to 32GB if you use 1333 MHz PC3-10600 DDR3 SDRAM.

 

[Fishrrman]

This place has always done right by me:

Apple iMac Memory -Intel Core i5 Quad-Core 2.7GHz 21.5" MC812LL/A - DMS

DMS offers DDR3-1333 (PC3-10600) Memory for your iMac Intel Core i5 Quad-Core 2.7GHz 21.5" MC812LL/A. 100% Apple Compatible and backed by a Lifetime Warranty.

www.datamemorysystems.com

 

[ZenSurfeur]

you can get samsung ram I got 4 of them Samsung 8Go
yes this is DDR3 L means it can accept both 1,5v or lower voltage 1,35v
despite this a 1600Mhz modul it works like a charm at 1333Mhz

 

[Franzern23]

Do the RAMs need to be 4gb each or can I also buy 2x 8gb RAM?

what do you think of the three below?
The Corsair is the cheapest while OWC and Crucial are pricier. Is there a significant difference among the below?

- Corsair CMSA16GX3M2A1333C9 Apple Mac 16GB (2x8GB) DDR3 1333Mhz CL9
- Crucial CT2K8G3S1339M 16GB (8GBx2) (DDR3/DDR3L, 1333 MT/s, PC3-10600, SODIMM, 204-Pin)
- OWC 32 GB (4 x 8 GB) 1333 MHz 204-Pin DDR3 SO-DIMM PC3-10600 CL9

 

[ZenSurfeur]

you can use 8Gb without any problem
As I told you I use samsung DDR3L 4 x 8Gb module
All noticed modules are ok so you can buy the cheapest ones corsair is a good trademark

 

[Franzern23]

Great, thanks. I was just wondering as you use the 1600mhz if there is an issue in the long-term. Since Samsung also has the 1333mhz available as well

 

[ZenSurfeur]

in my macbook pro 15" 2011 core i7 (sandy bridge) the same ram are running at 1600Mhz so I tought it would be the same in my iMac 27" 2011 i7 but not simply at 1333Mhz

 

[Franzern23]

Understood, I will then buy the Corsair as they give the most value €70 compared to 85-120€ for Samsung, Crucial and OWC

 

[Franzern23]

Does it make sense to keep the in-house DDR inside the Mac or will this lead to some issues due to incompatibility?

 

[ZenSurfeur]

I don't think there will be an incompatibility.
Use the largest modules in ports left and right but in the farest from you

 

[Franzern23]

Sorry, did not get that. Where shall I keep the large RAMs?

 

[ZenSurfeur]

it will be more explicit
Largest capacity ram modules in dimm 0
Lower capacity ram modules in dimm 1
example you have 2 x 8Gb and 2 x4Gb
put the 2 x 8Gb in dimm 0 and the 2 x 4 Gb in dimm 1

 

[Franzern23]

Perfect, thanks alot

 

[ZenSurfeur]

you are welcome

 

[jackhardy]

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