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What RAM to buy to update new iMac launched today?

I'm looking at a Crucial 32 GB kit which has the exact same specs as the kit approved for the iMac which is out of stock, but it doesn't mention lead-free and halogen-free. Anyone know if this is why Crucial doesn't approve it for the iMac? Because Apple is trying to be environmentally friendly and this wouldn't meet Apple's guidelines? The specs indicate it should work.

This might apply as well to the poster right above me regarding the 16 GB kit.
 
AGE___! said:
OK this place is just round the corner from me. It doesn't specify the amount of pins. Anyone know if it is ok to use?
http://cplonline.com.au/memory/crucial-16gb-2-x-8gb-ct2k8g4sfs824a-ddr4-2400-sodimm-memory.html

Crucial 16GB (2 x 8GB) CT2K8G4SFS824A DDR4 2400 SoDimm Memory
Model # : CT2K8G4SFS824A
Click to expand...

This seems to be the same part as this one at Amazon.com: https://www.amazon.com/Crucial-PC4-19200-SODIMM-260-Pin-CT2K8G4SFS824A/dp/B01BIWMWVS

Because you are outside the US and Amazon has an Australian store, Georiot may redirect you. You can copy and paste the URL.

Anyway, it looks like it will work just fine and there are comments in the reviews from others who have installed it in the 2017 iMac already. :)

Micron themselves state right in the Q&A that the RAM should work fine in the 2017 iMac but that they recommend the "for Apple" part because they haven't tested it yet. Meanwhile, lots of other users have and (I'll say it again) as long as you get good quality (Crucial, Hynix, Samsung, etc) RAM at the proper specs you should have no issues at all.
 
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This looks like it would fit and is a good deal (Unless Pacific Sun is really poor quality)

Anyone know if this will work?

http://www.frys.com/product/9040297?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

Screen Shot 2017-06-29 at 1.23.23 PM.png
 
I read in a comments section under an article that iMacs are particular and that you'll get worse performance by mixing RAM brands, and even manufacturing runs from the same brand/model! Does that make sense? I got the i7 iMac and was going to buy a 32-gig kit to add up to 40 for now, and then eventually buy another 32-gig kit and bring it up to 64. Is this a bad idea? I'm even reading suggestions to remove the stock RAM and leave it at 32 instead of 40 because mixing the brands/sizes hinders performance? I'm not a techie so I have no idea if those claims make any sense.

Also leaning towards Crucial since most here seem to say it's a good one (though sadly out of stock for the next 2-3 weeks), but I've seen both glowing things about Kingston HyperX and also remarks to stay away from Kingston. What is one to do with all this contradictory info? Haha. Thanks.
 
jigzaw said:
I read in a comments section under an article that iMacs are particular and that you'll get worse performance by mixing RAM brands, and even manufacturing runs from the same brand/model! Does that make sense? I got the i7 iMac and was going to buy a 32-gig kit to add up to 40 for now, and then eventually buy another 32-gig kit and bring it up to 64. Is this a bad idea? I'm even reading suggestions to remove the stock RAM and leave it at 32 instead of 40 because mixing the brands/sizes hinders performance? I'm not a techie so I have no idea if those claims make any sense.

Also leaning towards Crucial since most here seem to say it's a good one (though sadly out of stock for the next 2-3 weeks), but I've seen both glowing things about Kingston HyperX and also remarks to stay away from Kingston. What is one to do with all this contradictory info? Haha. Thanks.
Click to expand...
It can be hard to come up with any conclusion for yourself, outside of taking the usual routes of researching, getting feedback from people, reading reviews, etc. I do that but also weigh things against previous experience with the manufacturer. I've bought and used Crucial RAM in my desktop and laptop systems over the years, never had a problem, so I still buy them when I need RAM. Same goes with Kingston, I've used them before and never had issues. I personally would be comfortable with either. In this case it came down to what was available from what seller, how long I would have to wait, how much they cost, etc. In the most general terms, you can't go wrong with any of the major brands out there.
 
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jigzaw said:
I read in a comments section under an article that iMacs are particular and that you'll get worse performance by mixing RAM brands, and even manufacturing runs from the same brand/model! Does that make sense? I got the i7 iMac and was going to buy a 32-gig kit to add up to 40 for now, and then eventually buy another 32-gig kit and bring it up to 64. Is this a bad idea? I'm even reading suggestions to remove the stock RAM and leave it at 32 instead of 40 because mixing the brands/sizes hinders performance? I'm not a techie so I have no idea if those claims make any sense.

Also leaning towards Crucial since most here seem to say it's a good one (though sadly out of stock for the next 2-3 weeks), but I've seen both glowing things about Kingston HyperX and also remarks to stay away from Kingston. What is one to do with all this contradictory info? Haha. Thanks.
Click to expand...

I would include Kingston in the list of quality manufacturers along with Crucial, Hynix, Samsung, Corsair, etc.

However, Kingston HyperX is overclocked to run at 2400MHz. If users install it in their iMacs alongside the preinstalled stock Apple RAM, the system will clock all RAM back to 2133MHz. I would advise those users to go with a different option like the Crucial brands discussed in this thread. I wanted to add 32GB to the Apple RAM for a total 40GB so I went with Crucial Ballistix Sport and all 40GB is working fine at the rated speed.

If you are only going to be using the HyperX on its own then this is not as big of a concern.

Mixing (quality) brands of similarly spec'ed RAM is not a problem.
 
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SaSaSushi said:
However, Kingston HyperX is overclocked to run at 2400MHz. If users install it in their iMacs alongside the preinstalled stock Apple RAM, the system will clock all RAM back to 2133MHz
Click to expand...
So you have to run HyperX memory by itself (or with other HyperX memory) to keep it at 2400MHz?
 
Just upgraded mine using an 8GB pack from OWC on Amazon (I ordered it with 16GB of RAM). Almost when with Crucial's 16GB set, but honestly, 85% of the time I'm good with 16GB. There a few occasions when the iMac has been left on for a long time or when Im running multiple items at once with a VM that push up the memory pressure.


Let's be truthful: 16GB was really fine for me, but this made me happier! :D

Screen Shot 2017-06-29 at 7.53.50 PM.png
 
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Hey guys, what is the install order for larger ram? I got the default 8 gigs of ram and it's installed as 2 4gig sticks. I got two more 8 gig sticks from OWC, do I install it

8, 4, 8, 4

or

8, 8, 4, 4

I tried reading through this but wow it's a massive post haha thanks!!
 
randian said:
So you have to run HyperX memory by itself (or with other HyperX memory) to keep it at 2400MHz?
Click to expand...

Yes, from the reports I've read from users who purchased the HyperX they had to remove the Apple RAM to get it to run at 2400MHz and in some configurations the system wouldn't even boot with both installed.
 
I finally got the HyperX memory installed & did a before/after benchmark. In real world work, I got about a 3-6% improvement on encoding speeds (1-2 mins less on a 30 min encoding job). It should have a larger impact on gaming, but definitely no more than 10%.

This is the 27" 7700 CPU.

Img 1-2 is the stock ram coupled with OWC, 3-4 is the HyperX alone (coupling with Apples should result in a decreased performance).
 

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jigzaw said:
Also leaning towards Crucial since most here seem to say it's a good one (though sadly out of stock for the next 2-3 weeks)
Click to expand...

Where were you able to find out the "2-3 week" delay info? I've looked all over, and haven't seen that stated anywhere.
 
So the resume, the main question about Crucial RAM is:
What does 'lead free' and 'halogen free' means ?

Since it's the only difference behind the Mac one and the non-Mac one.
 
iemcj said:
Hey guys, what is the install order for larger ram? I got the default 8 gigs of ram and it's installed as 2 4gig sticks.
Click to expand...

How is the Apple-supplied RAM installed? I'll wait.

Now you know how to install the additional RAM.

Wasn't that easy? And you did it all by yourself.
 
posguy99 said:
How is the Apple-supplied RAM installed? I'll wait.

Now you know how to install the additional RAM.

Wasn't that easy? And you did it all by yourself.
Click to expand...
Wow, what a great way to be a dick to a complete stranger. That's not an answer considering I have to larger sticks to add in here with the stock 4 gig sticks. But thanks for acting like an adult bro.
 
sloth00 said:
So the resume, the main question about Crucial RAM is:
What does 'lead free' and 'halogen free' means ?

Since it's the only difference behind the Mac one and the non-Mac one.
Click to expand...

I'm not sure about halogen, but I believe lead-free means that the solder used doesn't contain lead. This is to comply with any regions where the use of lead is against regulations, such as RoHS (Restrictions of Hazardous Substances). Frankly, I prefer lead solder since I think it's more flexible and is less likely to fracture when a solder joint is subjected to lots of heating cycles.
 
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colodane said:
That's what shows up if you order it on Amazon.
Click to expand...

IMO, Amazon is the best site to 'Anticipate' Crucial being back in stock. I've had a 32g pair in my cart, and it went to ships July 13th today. A while back a Crucial rep told me mid to late July. If you go on their site they are currently out of all configurations. The Amazon Crucial part number for the 2017 is CT2K16G4S24AM. :apple:
 
SaSaSushi said:
This seems to be the same part as this one at Amazon.com: https://www.amazon.com/Crucial-PC4-19200-SODIMM-260-Pin-CT2K8G4SFS824A/dp/B01BIWMWVS

Because you are outside the US and Amazon has an Australian store, Georiot may redirect you. You can copy and paste the URL.

Anyway, it looks like it will work just fine and there are comments in the reviews from others who have installed it in the 2017 iMac already. :)

Micron themselves state right in the Q&A that the RAM should work fine in the 2017 iMac but that they recommend the "for Apple" part because they haven't tested it yet. Meanwhile, lots of other users have and (I'll say it again) as long as you get good quality (Crucial, Hynix, Samsung, etc) RAM at the proper specs you should have no issues at all.
Click to expand...
FWIW, I just got 16GB of Crucial CT2K8G4SFS824A from Microcenter in New Jersey, USA, and it works just fine (so far) in my brand new iMac 5k 2017.
 
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As far as I can tell, the best RAM deal in Europe at this time is a 64 GB kit (4x16) from Corsair Vengeance for 386€ at Amazon France.

https://www.amazon.fr/gp/product/B01BMQAIOI/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A1X6FK5RDHNB96

I bought this kit and I can confirm that it works fine on my base model 2017 iMac 27".

The price fluctuates quite a bit on the various european Amazon sites (I actually bought mine even cheaper on the german store, a few days ago), so do look at all the stores (.de, .fr, .it, .es and .co.uk) to find the best deal.

For less than 400€ I think it might be worth it to go for this 64 GB kit rather than spend almost the same amount of money on 32 GB kits from other manufacturers (or even from Corsair themselves).
 
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For those who are thinking of getting Kingston HyperX Ram;

I came across this comment on Amazon,

"Try looking into these other models of Kingston memory that have already been tested with your system:
KCP424SD8/16
KCP424SS8/4
KCP424SS8/8
You can find these on our website, contact us so we can help you out. http://hyperx.gg/supporthyperx"

I will be picking up one of those since they are tested by Kingston themselves.

Cheers,
 
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