What RAM to buy to update new iMac launched today?

[yadmonkey]

So when he says that HyperX ram works - is that an absolute confirmation it's a safe option, or is there still potential for issues down the line - kernel panics or crashes? I suspect most ram will 'work', my concern is long term stability. I'm trying to figure why Crucial has a specific model 'for mac', or if generic models are truly just as good once we know the system will recognize it.

My take on Crucial is that they probably sell the same module as the 'for mac' option with a different part number for $20 less and if you check compatibility on that page it will say that it's not compatible.

My guess is that they do this because a) it makes them more money and b) it saves them the hassle of returns from people who didn't spec their own modules carefully enough.

Also, I get the long term stability worry. We all know that Macs can be picky about RAM and it makes sense to me that some issues that might arise would be cumulative and in time difficult to pin to the RAM. That's why I haven't ordered anything yet. I want to know what RAM Apple is using in a 8GBx2 configuration and either get the same module or something with the exact same specifications. Some might call me overly paranoid, but I've always been this way and always had super stable Macs.

 

[killermike2178]

Okay, thinking hypothetically here, I noticed that the HyperX Impact 2400 MHz DDR4 SO-DIMMS have a discrepancy between the 32 GB (2 x 16 GB modules) kit and the 64 GB (4 x 16 GB modules) kit. Amazon and Newegg have the 32 GB kit for $259.79/kit, and the 64 GB kit through one of their third-party sellers is $632.97, all before tax. That means I could theoretically buy 2 32 GB kits for $113.39 less than one 64 GB kit. Also, the CL rating on the 32 GB kit is 14, whereas the CL rating on the 64 GB kit is 15, and as we all know, the lower the CL value the better. Is there any kind of unspoken limitation to where anything higher than 32 GB must have a CL of 15 or higher? Again, just thinking hypothetically about getting a 27-inch iMac and maxing its memory out with the fastest modules possible for future-proofing purposes...

 

[assoemitro]

I bought a cheap (ValueRam) Kingston 2x16 locally (Hong Kong) in computer shop for HKD 850 (USD 110) each. The item # is KVR24S17D8/16 . I will get my Imac today and we will see if it works.

The specs:
16GB 2Rx8 2G x 64-Bit PC4-2400
CL17 260-Pin SODIMM



http://www.kingston.com/datasheets/KVR24S17D8_16.pdf
https://www.amazon.com/Kingston-Technology-ValueRAM-KVR24S17D8-16/dp/B01LW588R9

 

[ljeffs]

I want to know what RAM Apple is using in a 8GBx2 configuration

Well I can tell you the standard 2 x 4GB modules in my iMac are Micron (Crucial).

I just tried installing my 2 x 8GB Crucial modules purchased directly from their web site (guaranteed to be compatible) but I can't get my iMac to start with them installed. Either by themselves or in addition to the stock modules. I only get a blank screen which doesn't even get to the Apple logo. No beeps or anything.

By the way, this is my first Mac to also not have the start-up chime. It's times like this I wish it was still around to help me know what's going on.

Has anyone else had trouble with their newly purchased Crucial RAM?

 

[Mike4K]

Well I can tell you the standard 2 x 4GB modules in my iMac are Micron (Crucial).

I just tried installing my 2 x 8GB Crucial modules purchased directly from their web site (guaranteed to be compatible) but I can't get my iMac to start with them installed. Either by themselves or in addition to the stock modules. I only get a blank screen which doesn't even get to the Apple logo. No beeps or anything.

By the way, this is my first Mac to also not have the start-up chime. It's times like this I wish it was still around to help me know what's going on.

Has anyone else had trouble with their newly purchased Crucial RAM?

Could you give us a link to the product you bought from Crucial?

 

[ljeffs]

Never mind. After further swapping, changing and testing, they are now all working. Either the iMac was just being fussy or maybe I wasn't initially applying enough pressure to ensure they were seated properly.

 

[jmantn]

Well I can tell you the standard 2 x 4GB modules in my iMac are Micron (Crucial).

I just tried installing my 2 x 8GB Crucial modules purchased directly from their web site (guaranteed to be compatible) but I can't get my iMac to start with them installed. Either by themselves or in addition to the stock modules. I only get a blank screen which doesn't even get to the Apple logo. No beeps or anything.

By the way, this is my first Mac to also not have the start-up chime. It's times like this I wish it was still around to help me know what's going on.

Has anyone else had trouble with their newly purchased Crucial RAM?

Which crucial RAM did you get? Do you have the part number?

 

[ljeffs]

It is part number CT10559859. I'm starting to think it was just human error, as there were a few times the original RAM wasn't working either. So don't be afraid to give them a good push!
http://www.crucial.com/ProductDispl...anId=B83F1C0231D926C3&langId=-1&storeId=10151

 

[alanshearer]

I bought a cheap (ValueRam) Kingston 2x16 locally (Hong Kong) in computer shop for HKD 850 (USD 110) each. The item # is KVR24S17D8/16 . I will get my Imac today and we will see if it works.

The specs:
16GB 2Rx8 2G x 64-Bit PC4-2400
CL17 260-Pin SODIMM



http://www.kingston.com/datasheets/KVR24S17D8_16.pdf
https://www.amazon.com/Kingston-Technology-ValueRAM-KVR24S17D8-16/dp/B01LW588R9

Can this works? Will like to get it in hk as well

 

[albertdros]

Is it smarter to buy 4x8 or 2x16? I see people here buying 4x but i'd rather buy 2x16 if that is possible (so i can expand later) or is this no option?

 

[morphodone]

It is part number CT10559859. I'm starting to think it was just human error, as there were a few times the original RAM wasn't working either. So don't be afraid to give them a good push!
http://www.crucial.com/ProductDispl...anId=B83F1C0231D926C3&langId=-1&storeId=10151

You had me worried. That is the same one I bought.
I figure if I'm going to spend $2000 plus on an iMac I might as well pay an extra $10 for Mac certified memory.
Thanks for the info.

 

[posguy99]

Thoughts on this ram I'm thinking of buying? It's definitely one of the cheaper options: http://www.ebay.com/itm/382123944368?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

Don't buy RAM on eBay. 'Nuff said.

 

[3drteest]

This is the RAM that I ordered. $216 for 32GB, free shipping, and no tax.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1208371-REG/crucial_ct2k16g4sfd824a_32gb_ddr4_2400_mhz.html

Please report how well this works.

 

[assoemitro]

Can this works? Will like to get it in hk as well

It works......

[doublepost=1497363411][/doublepost]FYI the above picture, the black Ram is the original Apple ones... I bought 16GB one

 

[yadmonkey]

After probably overthinking the issue, I caved ordered the Crucial RAM today. Figured that since Crucial is owned by Micron - one of Apple's principle memory vendors - of anybody they should get it right.

That said I've absolutely never had an issue with OWC for memory upgrades and having performed hundreds of them, they might be the only RAM vendor I can say that for.

 

[Echophage]

Hey Folks, i confirm that the hyperX kit 32GB cl14 HX424S14IBK2/32 work like a charm. I installed two of the 32GB kits into my brand new iMac. See the attached fotos.

Did you guys know a good Programm to speed test, benchmark the ram?

 

[SaSaSushi]

Did you guys know a good Programm to speed test, benchmark the ram?

Memtest86 was sure to kernel panic the machine within the first pass when I was going through incompatible RAM for this Late 2013 iMac.

I'll be using it to test the Crucial Ballistix Sport once my new machine arrives, hopefully tomorrow.

 

[Falcon80]

Hey Folks, i confirm that the hyperX kit 32GB cl14 HX424S14IBK2/32 work like a charm. I installed two of the 32GB kits into my brand new iMac. See the attached fotos.

Did you guys know a good Programm to speed test, benchmark the ram?

Thanks for the confirmation .. Any idea if the RAM comes with international warranty?

 

[Azenha]

I just noticed that there are two entries for 2017 27 inch iMacs on Crucial site.
One is general and another one is specifically for the entry level 3.4 GHz i5.

http://www.crucial.com/usa/en/compa...-27-inch-3*4ghz-intel-core-i5,-2017)-imac18,3

http://www.crucial.com/usa/en/compatible-upgrade-for//imac-(retina-5k,-27-inch,-2017)-imac18,3

On the 3.4 GHz i5 webpage there are only two options (single 8GB DIMM and 2x8GB kit). This seems to mimic the fact that you can't order the entry level 3.4 GHz i5 with more than 32GB (4x8GB) from Apple.

You need to go to the mid-level iMac (3.5 GHz i5) to be able to order 64GB from Apple...

Does this mean that the entry level 3.4 GHz i5 iMac doesn't support 16GB DIMMs for some reason!? I thought that Apple not giving an option to order 64GB as a BTO option was a strategy to get us to go up to the mid-level iMac, but Crucial's webpage leaves me with some doubts... :|

Did anyone buy an entry level 3.4 GHz i5 iMac and tried to install 64GB of RAM on it?

 

[linkmon99]

Guys if I get this:
http://www.crucial.com/usa/en/imac-(retina-5k,-27-inch,-2017)-imac18,3/CT10559859

and stick it in the 2 empty slots next to the 2x4gb ram already in the new imac, will it work fine? Or do I have to change the order to something weird like 4,8,4,8 or it doesnt matter?

 

[killermike2178]

View attachment 703882 View attachment 703883 Hey Folks, i confirm that the hyperX kit 32GB cl14 HX424S14IBK2/32 work like a charm. I installed two of the 32GB kits into my brand new iMac. See the attached fotos.

Did you guys know a good Programm to speed test, benchmark the ram?

Thank you for answering my question for me, regarding whether 64 GB of CL 14 memory would work with this model! Big help!

 

[ljeffs]

and stick it in the 2 empty slots next to the 2x4gb ram already in the new imac, will it work fine?

Yes, that's what I did for a total of 24GB. The stock modules are in slots 1 & 3. You can either put the new ones in the empty 2 & 4 slots, or swap the stock modules for the new ones and put the stock in the previously empty slots.

So you can have them as 4, 8, 4, 8 or 8, 4, 8, 4, but I wouldn't have them 4, 4, 8, 8 or 8, 8, 4, 4, as this would go against the sequence that it came from with Apple.

 

[linkmon99]

Yes, that's what I did for a total of 24GB. The stock modules are in slots 1 & 3. You can either put the new ones in the empty 2 & 4 slots, or swap the stock modules for the new ones and put the stock in the previously empty slots.

So you can have them as 4, 8, 4, 8 or 8, 4, 8, 4, but I wouldn't have them 4, 4, 8, 8 or 8, 8, 4, 4, as this would go against the sequence that it came from with Apple.

Got it, thank you!

 

[Azenha]

I just noticed that there are two entries for 2017 27 inch iMacs on Crucial site.
One is general and another one is specifically for the entry level 3.4 GHz i5.

http://www.crucial.com/usa/en/compatible-upgrade-for/Apple/imac-(retina-5k,-27-inch-3*4ghz-intel-core-i5,-2017)-imac18,3

http://www.crucial.com/usa/en/compatible-upgrade-for//imac-(retina-5k,-27-inch,-2017)-imac18,3

On the 3.4 GHz i5 webpage there are only two options (single 8GB DIMM and 2x8GB kit). This seems to mimic the fact that you can't order the entry level 3.4 GHz i5 with more than 32GB (4x8GB) from Apple.

You need to go to the mid-level iMac (3.5 GHz i5) to be able to order 64GB from Apple...

Does this mean that the entry level 3.4 GHz i5 iMac doesn't support 16GB DIMMs for some reason!? I thought that Apple not giving an option to order 64GB as a BTO option was a strategy to get us to go up to the mid-level iMac, but Crucial's webpage leaves me with some doubts... :|

Did anyone buy an entry level 3.4 GHz i5 iMac and tried to install 64GB of RAM on it?

I'll reply to myself, I guess...

https://blog.macsales.com/41309-owc...-64gb-of-ram-in-all-apple-27-imac-2017-models

OWC has tested 64 GB on the entry level 3.4 GHz i5 and it worked fine so I guess it's settled... Maybe Crucial was just erring on the side of caution.

 

[Echophage]

Finishing the stress test, the modules hyperX kit 32GB cl14 HX424S14IBK2/32 working without any error, running memtest with 8 instances simultaneous.

Any suggestions which Programm use to check if the modules running with the right parameters and maybe checking transfer speed aka benchmark?