Should I upgrade RAM while upgrading to SSD? 21.5" Late 2013 iMac

[djc6]

My parents have a 21.5" Late 2013 iMac - Model A1418 EMC 2638.

Its only used maybe a few times a month - most of their computing is done on iPads. Its used for managing photos, surfing web, email, running tax software once a year It was never a peppy computer, but its become even slower and I feel like HDD is the major component holding it back.

I'm going to replace 1TB HDD with a 500GB Samsung 860 EVO - seems reasonably straightforward looking at iFixIt guides. However, should I replace RAM while I'm in there? That seems like major surgery. iMac currently has 8GB of RAM.

Has anyone else put RAM in this model? Is it a major PITA? Right now leaning toward only replacing HDD with SSD.

 

[TwoH]

For what you've said you use the machine for - I wouldn't suggest upgrading the RAM, the max it can take is 16gb.
There is a little cheeky shortcut to replace the RAM without taking the whole machine apart - but for your needs, I think you only need an upgrade to SSD.

 

[velocityg4]

Taking a 21.5 iMac apart is quite a task. Plus you always risk damaging the display, display cables and display connectors during assembly and disassembly. Then you've got to clean and put on new adhesive.

Further even web browsing with multiple tabs open can use a considerable amount of RAM these days. Add to that cloud syncing and other background services using RAM. RAM is also rather cheap for nowadays. I'd say it is well worthwhile to max the RAM now. Rather than having to open it back up in another year or two.

 

[TwoH]

Taking a 21.5 iMac apart is quite a task. Plus you always risk damaging the display, display cables and display connectors during assembly and disassembly. Then you've got to clean and put on new adhesive.

Further even web browsing with multiple tabs open can use a considerable amount of RAM these days. Add to that cloud syncing and other background services using RAM. RAM is also rather cheap for nowadays. I'd say it is well worthwhile to max the RAM now. Rather than having to open it back up in another year or two.

If you do end up going the route of upgrading your RAM - make sure you test the RAM is being read properly, your internal microphone and camera before deciding to stick it back down - The camera/mic cable can easily decide to not work properly, even after you think it's been plugged back in correctly.

 

[djc6]

I finally got around to the upgrade.

Replaced 1TB spinning HDD that Late-2013 21.5" iMac came with - and installed Samsung EVO 860. I left the RAM at 8GB - its SO MUCH FASTER. Boot time, login time, application launching, browser - everything - its like a whole new computer.

Crazy current iMacs come with 1TB spinning HDD and a 512GB SSD is $400 upgrade! I paid $60 for this SSD on Amazon (before Christmas).

Tips:

1) Remember to remove ALL of old adhesive from chassis AND display.
2) New SSDs are 7mm - old HDD is 9.5mm. Since its not held in with screws, buy a 7mm->9.5mm spacer or be prepared with a DIY solution. SSDs don't come with spacers anymore.

Video I followed:

 

[Mr_Brightside_@]

I finally got around to the upgrade.

Replaced 1TB spinning HDD that Late-2013 21.5" iMac came with - and installed Samsung EVO 860. I left the RAM at 8GB - its SO MUCH FASTER. Boot time, login time, application launching, browser - everything - its like a whole new computer.

Crazy current iMacs come with 1TB spinning HDD and a 512GB SSD is $400 upgrade! I paid $60 for this SSD on Amazon (before Christmas).

Tips:

1) Remember to remove ALL of old adhesive from chassis AND display.
2) New SSDs are 7mm - old HDD is 9.5mm. Since its not held in with screws, buy a 7mm->9.5mm spacer or be prepared with a DIY solution. SSDs don't come with spacers anymore.

Video I followed:

Nice! My first sliMac repair was intimidating, but after that they are easy to work on. Still curious about doing the RAM on one, but they fly with SSD.
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There is a little cheeky shortcut to replace the RAM without taking the whole machine apart - but for your needs, I think you only need an upgrade to SSD.

Can you elaborate on the shortcut?

 

[mikehalloran]

Crazy current iMacs come with 1TB spinning HDD and a 512GB SSD is $400 upgrade! I paid $60 for this SSD on Amazon (before Christmas).

Apples and oranges. The SSD equipped iMacs since 2017 have an NVMe 3 x4 blade that is 6x faster than the SATA III drive you installed. All 27" from 2013-on have a socket for that blade but it's a crap shoot as to whether or not that socket is sitting inside a 21.5" (officially, No but most do have it because of the Hybrids). T

SSDs don't come with spacers anymore.

All the SSDs I've bought recently from Samsung and Crucial do but I'll take your word that some don't.

I use this adapter instead because of the superior cooling. $10 but it saves time.
3.5" to 2.5" SATA III adapter

 

[Mr_Brightside_@]

Apples and oranges. The SSD equipped iMacs since 2017 have an NVMe 3 x4 blade that is 6x faster than the SATA III drive you installed. All 27" from 2013-on have a socket for that blade but it's a crap shoot as to whether or not that socket is sitting inside a 21.5" (officially, No but most do have it because of the Hybrids). T

All the SSDs I've bought recently from Samsung and Crucial do but I'll take your word that some don't.

I use this adapter instead because of the superior cooling. $10 but it saves time.
3.5" to 2.5" SATA III adapter

How do you fit an adaptor meant for a 3.5" hard drive into the space of a 2.5"? Have you used one of these in a 21.5" iMac?

 

[mikehalloran]

The 2013s I've seen had 3.5" drives. Could be the education models since I've only seen them in schools.

Obviously, if yours doesn't have that, then it doesn't apply.