does it matter which slot ram goes in imac

* Memory is not removable by users on iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2012), iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2013), iMacÂ (21.5-inch, Mid 2014),Â iMac (21.5-inch, 2017),Â iMac (Retina 4K, 21.5-inch, 2017) and iMac (Retina 4K, 21.5-inch, 2019). There should be a slight click when you seat the memory correctly: Tuck the tabs above the memory DIMMs, and reinstall the memory access door: Using a Philips screwdriver, remove the RAM access door in the bottom of the computer: Untuck the tab in the memory compartment. Extra memory, or Random Access Memory (RAM) can be inserted or installed into the memory slots of your iMac computer at any time. Max winnings from Cash Does It Matter Which Slot Ram Goes In Imac Spins is £300. If my guess is correct, your slot colors alternate (red-yellow-red-yellow, or vice versa). Akemi Iwaya has been part of the How-To Geek/LifeSavvy Media team since 2009. The actual maximum RAM of each iMac is listed below along with its compatible RAM type, default amount of RAM pre-installed, common identifiers suitable to identify a iMac in order to determine its RAM capacity, and more.. RAM Upgrades . RAM Slots on a PC. Min first dep of £20 required. Place a soft, clean towel or cloth on the desk or other flat surface to prevent scratching the display. After you've shut down your iMac and given it some time to cool down, follow these steps: Your iMac performs a memory initialisation procedure when you first turn it on after upgrading memory or rearranging DIMMs. Remove a DIMM by pulling the module straight up and out.Â Note the location of the notch on the bottom of the DIMM. Open the retainer clips holding the RAM in place. DIMMs with any of the following features aren'tÂ supported: After your iMac has cooled down, follow these steps: For best performance, fill both memory slots, installing an equal memory module in each slot. Upgrading RAM in an iMac is a simple task, even for novice Mac users. Memory is designed to be backward compatible within its generation, so generally speaking, you can safely add faster memory to a computer that was designed to run slower memory. Others claim that the original 8GB modules should be removed from slots 2 and 4 and then placed in slots 1 and 3. "Top" refers to the slots closest to the display; "bottom" refers to the slots closest to the stand.). When reinstalling DIMMs, the notch must be orientated correctly or the DIMM won't fully insert: Replace or install a DIMM by setting it down into the slot and pressing firmly until you feel the DIMM click into the slot. Most processors and motherboards support two or more channels of ram. Push the two levers outwards to release the memory cage: After the memory cage has been released, pull the memory cage levers towards you, allowing access to each DIMM slot. Â Use Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Modules (SO-DIMM) that meetÂ allÂ of these criteria: i5 and i7 Quad Core iMac computers come with both top memory slots populated. If the RAM is mismatched then you want to Place matching pairs together If all RAM is the same brand and size, then it does not matter. However, your system will operate at the speed of the slowest memory module installed. It all depends on the motherboard and the type of channel. In this case, it doesn’t matter which slot you put your RAM. Get memory specifications for the following iMac models, then learnÂ how to install memoryÂ in them: These iMac models feature Synchronous Dynamic Random-Access Memory (SDRAM) slots on the rear of the computer near the ventsÂ with these memory specifications: The internal components of your iMac can be warm. It will tell you which slots to insert ram. Server grade RAM does but usually (in fact 99% of the time) it will be RDRAM or some other variant which has totally different layout and WILL NOT WORK AT ALL in either a PC or Mac. If you have 2 4GB RAM cards and 1 8 GB Card then the two 4GB cards go in slots 0&1. Does using unequal amounts of RAM cause a decrease in performance or is it just a myth? I bought 2x8GB from OWC, and I am ready to add them to my new iMac 27 which just arrived today. A program that is accessing a large contiguous chunk of memory will find almost all of its access going to one stick and there will be no bandwidth combination. The basic machine has two 2GB modules installed in the upper slots. For every £10 deposited on first deposit, 10 Cash Does It Matter Which Slot Ram Goes In Imac Spins will be awarded. After you've inserted it, press the DIMM up into the slot. Todayâs Question & Answer session comes to us courtesy of SuperUserâa subdivision of Stack Exchange, a community-driven grouping of Q&A web sites. Pull the two levers on each side of the memory compartment to eject the memory module that's already installed: Remove the memory module from your iMac as shown below: Insert your RAM SO-DIMM into the top slot, noting the orientation of the keyed SO-DIMM: One tone, repeating every five seconds signals that no RAM is installed. * Memory is not removable by users on iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2012), iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2013), iMacÂ (21.5-inch, Mid 2014),Â iMac (21.5-inch, 2017),Â iMac (Retina 4K, 21.5-inch, 2017) and iMac (Retina 4K, 21.5-inch, 2019). When installing new 16GB RAM modules in the 27″ iMac (2017), does it make any difference which slots they are installed in ? If you're replacing a memory module, gently pull the tab to eject any installed memory module: Insert your new or replacement SO-DIMM into the empty slot, noting the orientation of the keyway of the SO-DIMM as shown below. Use Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Modules (SO-DIMM) that meet all of these criteria: She has previously written under the pen name "Asian Angel" and was a Lifehacker intern before joining How-To Geek/LifeSavvy Media. Since we launched in 2006, our articles have been read more than 1 billion times. Disconnect the power cord andÂ all other cablesÂ from your computer. These computers will not start up if only a single DIMM is installed in any bottom slot; these computers should operate normally with a single DIMM installed in any top slot. The maximum amount of random-access memory (RAM) you can install in each computer is: You can use a 1 GB or 2 GB RAM module in each slot for iMac (Mid 2007) and iMac (Early 2008). Using a Phillips screwdriver, remove the RAM access door on the bottom of the iMac and set it aside: Move the DIMM ejector clips to their fully open position: Insert your RAM SO-DIMM into the bottom slot, keeping in mind the orientation of the keyed SO-DIMM: After you've inserted it, press the DIMM up into the slot with your thumbs. Today’s SuperUser Q&A post has the answers to a curious reader’s questions. Please note the CL14 memory does pack a 32GB capacity as you can’t get 3200 CL14 4GB modules, but since World War Z doesn’t require more than 16GB of memory… Reconnect the power cord and all other cables to the computer, then start up the computer. If a specific model of a Mac has preference to installing RAM in certain slots before others, or gets a speed boost by matching pairs, the installation manual (and sometimes printed on the mac itself) will have a section explaining the order preference. I have an iMac Retina 5K (27-inch, Late 2014) with 8 GB of RAM (2 * 4 GB 1600 MHz DDR3 memory modules). For iMac (Mid 2010) and iMac (Mid 2011), use 2 GB or 4 GB RAM SO-DIMMs of 1333MHz DDR3 SDRAM in each slot. The general rule of thumb is that DDR and DDR2 DIMMs should be inserted in alternating slots. Hold the sides of the computer and slowly lay the computer face-down on the towel or cloth. If you're replacing a memory module, untuck the tab and pull it to eject any installed memory module: Insert your new or replacement RAM SO-DIMM into the empty slot, noting the orientation of the keyway of the SO-DIMM as shown above. There will be two, three, or four slots where you could install RAM. After you've inserted it, press the DIMM up into the slot. Apple placed either two or four memory slots in the base of early iMacs and in the memory bay on the back of later models. Check out the full discussion thread here, How to Check Your Cardio Fitness (VO2 Max) on an Apple Watch, How to Change Microsoft Office’s Default Save Location on Windows 10, How to Set Different Light and Dark Mode Wallpapers in WhatsApp, How to Automatically Enable Dark Mode at Sunset on Your iPhone, Â© 2020 LifeSavvy Media. For some reason, my iMac late 2013 3.4Ghz quad core i5 won't boot with new ram modules added. Core Duo iMac computers should operate normally with a single DIMM installed in any slot, top or bottom. Remove the compartment door and set it aside: AÂ diagram on the underside of the compartment door shows the memory cage levers and the orientation of the DIMM. Why is this the case? With uneven amounts, memory cannot be interleaved and has to be mapped first to one stick and then the other. With the same modules in different banks I get a memory bandwidth of 30 GB/s, with the modules in the same bank (but different DIMM slots) memory bandwidth drops to 16 GB/s. If your Mac continues to make the tone, contact Apple Support. Why is this the case? Non-Stacked IC's: Ramjet uses a Non-stacked module for the ... is the way to go. I just upgraded the memory in my 2017 iMac and tests with Geekbench show that the modules should indeed be paired by DIMM slot, not by bank. If your computer doesn't recognise the memory or doesn't start up correctly, confirm that the RAM you installed is compatible with your iMac and that it's installed correctly by reseating the memory.Â If you continue to have issues with the memory in your iMac,Â contact Apple Support. Memory in iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2015) and iMac (Retina 4K, 21.5-inch, Late 2015)Â is not upgradeable. If your DIMMs are mixed in capacity, minimise the capacity difference between Channel A (slots 1 and 2) and Channel B (slots 3 and 4) when possible. Unfortunately, with Apple ’s all-in-one iMac, installing an SSD is complicated and probably not the best choice for a DIY project; however RAM upgrades are easy. Same goes with just using the original ram. Like processors, RAM modules are extremely sensitive to static charges and should be handled very carefully.Never touch the metal conductors of a memory module, and only handle RAM modules by their edges. Does it matter which slots I put the new RAM in. With equal amounts of memory in both slots, memory can be interleaved so that successive chunks of memory alternate slots. *iMac (Late 2006) uses a maximum of 3GB of RAM. Find your model below for specific installation instructions and notch locations: iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2020) DIMMs have a notch on the bottom, slightly to the left of the centre. If you have a PC, you will find the RAM slots on your motherboard near the CPU. AppleÂ Retail Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider, Two 512 MB DIMMs; one in each of the memory slots, One DDR2 SDRAM installed into the top slot, Two 256 MB DIMMs; one in each of the memory slots. Get memory specifications for iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2019), then learnÂ how to install memoryÂ in this model. That way, memory access gets distributed to both slots almost perfectly evenly, allowing their bandwidth to combine. Neteller & Skrill deposits excluded. If there are four slots on the motherboard, the pairs will be color-coded to indicate which slots go … New ram is exact same specs as original that came with the iMac. You may want a different supported brand of RAM than what Apple puts in the iMac by default. Locate the two levers on the right and left sides of the memory cage. All Rights Reserved. If you're not sure which iMac you have, you canÂ identify your iMacÂ and then select it from the list below. Get memory specifications and learn how to install memory in iMac computers. Benchmarks suggests that it gives a 5-10 percent performance boost. Then choose Memory under the Hardware section in the left side of System Information. But the two slots are in dual channel configuration. This iMac model featuresÂ Synchronous Dynamic Random-Access Memory (SDRAM) slots on the rear of the computer near the ventsÂ with these memory specifications: For optimal memory performance, DIMMs should be the same capacity, speed and supplier. The likely technical explanation here is that your MacBook (motherboard) supports dual-channel architecture and thus requires two identical memory modules. It depends on the motherboard and processor you are using. How do I find the number 1 slot for an additional RAM module in a mid 2010 21.5" iMac. Join 350,000 subscribers and get a daily digest of news, geek trivia, and our feature articles. When two non-identical memory modules are used, the motherboard will run the memory modules at the speed of slowest module. SuperUser contributors David Schwartz and x have the answer for us. The above article may contain affiliate links, which help support How-To Geek. Other than the obvious decrease in available memory, why would it be worse to run with 6 GB (1*4 GB plus 1*2 GB) than with 8 GB (2*4 GB). Get memory specifications for iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2020), then learnÂ how to install memoryÂ in this model. *iMac (Late 2006) uses a maximum of 3GB of RAM. You can use a 1 GB or 2 GB RAM module in each slot for iMac (Mid 2007) and iMac (Early 2008). The 2020 27-inch iMac is a worthwhile upgrade to the previous version, Apple still has exorbitant prices on RAM. on that motherboard you must install it on the right slot, or it will not works. The 2 RAMs, or memory modules, are located on top of one another in the bottom-right corner below the cover. The 2020 27-inch iMac is built to be a top performer, with a processing boost, SSD storage, and updated graphics. Normally, you fill Bank 1 first and then bank 2. Also relevant: the Mac memory has a thermal sensor which PC RAM lacks unless you are incredibly lucky. Use 1 GB, 2 GB or 4 GB modules in each slot for the iMac (Early 2009). OK, ill just summarize from all the answer above, and correct view things. Open the memory compartment door by pressing the small grey button located just above the AC power port: The memory compartment door will open as the button is pushed in. All ram in one channel has to be treated the same way (same speeds for instance). You may not need more than 8GB of RAM to start but will want to upgrade to more a year from now. There should be a slight click when you seat the memory correctly. You don't need to press the compartment door release button when replacing the compartment door. Mac Specs > By Capability > Actual Maximum RAM > iMac Models. By submitting your email, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2019) DIMMs have a notch on the bottom, slightly to the left of the centre: iMac (27-inch, Late 2012) and iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2017) DIMMs haveÂ a notch on the bottom left: iMac (27-inch, Late 2013) and iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Late 2014, Mid 2015, and Late 2015) DIMMs have aÂ notch on the bottom right: After you've installed all of your DIMMs, push bothÂ memory cage levers back into the housing until they'veÂ locked into place: Replace the memory compartment door. If all the memory in the iMac has been replaced, it lists the new total of all installed RAM. At least for most Macs. I'm installing RAM on a 27-inch, late-2013 iMac, so for … I’ve seen some that maintain the new modules should go in slots 1 and 3. Each side of the RAM slot will have a retainer clip, both of which you can lift up and off the RAM using 2 fingers until the RAM is released from the slot. Additional Notes: For best performance, fill both memory slots, installing an equal memory module in each slot. I've done this with two 27-inch iMac computers. First up, David Schwartz: With equal amounts of memory in both slots, memory can be interleaved so that successive chunks of memory alternate slots. Use Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Modules (SO-DIMM) that meetÂ allÂ of these criteria: If you have mixed capacity DIMMs, see the install memory section for installation recommendations. Join 350,000 subscribers and get a daily digest of news, comics, trivia, reviews, and more. I know that it is better to add memory in matched sets, but I’m not sure which DIMMS are “matched”. With uneven amounts, memory cannot be interleaved and has to be mapped first to one stick and then the other. For iMac (Late 2009), you can use 2 GB or 4 GB RAM SO-DIMMs of 1066MHz DDR3 SDRAM in each slot. Nothing feels quite as bad as destroying a perfectly good stick of RAM.You can learn more about anti-static precautions here. If the memory in one of these computers needs repair service, contact anÂ. These iMac computers have two side-by-side Synchronous Dynamic Random-Access Memory (SDRAM) slots in the bottom of the computer. This process can take 30 seconds or more, and the display of your iMac remains dark until it's finished. If you number the slots from top to bottom, the pre-installed RAM is in slot 2 & 4. Want to read more answers from other tech-savvy Stack Exchange users? https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201191. If the memory in one of these computers needs repair service, contact anÂ AppleÂ Retail Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider.Â If youâd like to upgrade the memory in one of these models, an Apple Authorised Service Provider can help.Â Before you schedule an appointment, confirm that the specific Apple Authorised Service Provider offers memory upgrade services. Discussion Starter • #1 • May 1, 2016. How-To Geek is where you turn when you want experts to explain technology. Keep reading for more handy iMac … When you insert a DIMM, make sure you align the notch on the DIMM to the DIMM slot. which slot the go in definitely important if you talk about installing RAM on motherboard that accept 2 kinds of RAM, (yes there are several motherboard that designed to accept 2 kinds of RAM). There are 2 memory slots free/available, and I want to add RAM to these two slots. SuperUser reader LanceLafontaine wants to know if using unequal amounts of RAM really does decrease performance: This page describes the RAM specifications for many of the MacBook laptops. And the single 8GB card goes in slot 2. iMac models introduced before 2017 might make a warning sound when you start up after installing or replacing memory: If you hear these tones, confirm that the memory you installed is compatible with your iMac and that it's installed correctly by reseating the memory. Would Using Unequal Amounts of RAM in Each Slot Decrease Performance? Sound off in the comments. Three successive tones, then a five-second pause (repeating) signals that RAMÂ doesn't pass a data integrity check. In the section for my laptop (13″ Pro, Late 2011), it says: This is not the first time that I have heard of this phenomenon, and it is definitely not specific to Apple. Check out the full discussion thread here. This answer is not useful. The motherboard you listed has two slots for RAM. This iMac model features Synchronous Dynamic Random-Access Memory (SDRAM) slots on the rear of the computer near the ventsÂ with these memory specifications: Use Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Modules (SO-DIMM) that meetÂ allÂ of these criteria: Get memory specifications for iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2017), then learn how to install memory in this model. When you are adding RAM to a computer, does it really matter if the sticks have unequal amounts of memory or do you always need them to have equal amounts of memory? Regardless of the fact that the 27” version of the iMac does not solder the RAM down and you are able to replace it, if you do not install RAM approved by Apple you could still void the warranty on your iMac. ("Top" and "bottom" slots refer to the orientation of the slots in the pictures below. Make sure you let the memory initialisation complete. You're good to start with the lowest RAM and upgrade later when you're ready. If you've been using your iMac, wait ten minutes after shutting it down to let the internal components cool. Depending on which iMac you have, the RAM notch might need to be oriented on the left or right. Other than the obvious decrease in available memory, why would it be worse to run with 6 GB (1*4 GB plus 1*2 GB) than with 8 GB (2*4 GB)? For detailed information about the memory installed in your iMac, click System Report. Different physical ram slots will be assigned to different ram channels. However, in a full teardown of the iMac Pro, site sponsor OWC discovered that it has four memory slots with the default 32 GB of memory installed as four 288-pin 8 GB modules (4 x 8 GB). Have something to add to the explanation? For example, if your motherboard is dual channel and you use a single stick or put 2 sticks in the wrong slots, you will not get the performance benefit of dual channel. Using a Philips screwdriver, remove the RAM access door in the bottom of your computer: Untuck the tab in the memory compartment. After you've installed memory, you should confirm that your iMac recognises the new RAM by choosing Apple (ï£¿) menu > About This Mac. Copyright Â© 2020 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. I purchased a Dell Precision M7710 laptop with 8GB of RAM… Show activity on this post. Extra RAM for iMac computers is available in the form of Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Modules (SO-DIMM) cards, which you can insert into your computer's memory slots after removing the door to the memory compartment with a screwdriver. Use 1 GB, 2 GB or 4 GB modules in each slot for the iMac (Early 2009). I've tested the new ones on their own in the iMac, and the system boots up fine. Get memory specifications for iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Late 2015), then learnÂ how to install memoryÂ in this model. Place the computer in its upright position. 2,024 Posts . That way, memory access gets distributed to both slots almost perfectly evenly, allowing their bandwidth to combine. No wagering on Cash Does It Matter Which Slot Ram Goes In Imac Spins winnings. It has other features to take into consideration, but the emphasis is on speed. The DDR3-1066Mhz based iMac Intel has 2 slots with a memory maximum of 8GB. Last edited by Revelene ; Jan 26, 2016 @ 9:19pm But when I put all 4 together, the iMac doesn't boot up. All the newest iMacs that have empty slots put the memory in pairs matching … The difference is significant too. She has been quoted as an authoritative source by ZDNet Worldwide. The window that appears lists the total memory, including the amount of memory that originally came with the computer plus the newly added memory. Cash does it Matter which slot RAM Goes in iMac computers have two side-by-side Synchronous Dynamic Random-Access (... And thus requires two identical memory modules, are located on top of one another in the.. You number the slots from top to bottom, the pre-installed RAM is in slot 2 & 4 has prices... Mac continues to make the tone, contact anÂ canÂ identify your and! When replacing the compartment door bottom-right corner below the cover be awarded mid 2010 21.5 ''.. A year from now just a myth and correct view things is a task., you will find the RAM slots will be assigned to different RAM channels and Privacy Policy Matter which RAM! It gives a 5-10 percent performance boost lacks unless you are incredibly.. > Actual maximum RAM > iMac Models explanation here is that DDR and DIMMs. Note the location of the DIMM up into the slot, Geek trivia, reviews and... By ZDNet Worldwide have two side-by-side Synchronous Dynamic Random-Access memory ( SDRAM ) slots in the bottom the. The computer slots with a processing boost, SSD storage, and the system boots up fine you... Can use 2 GB or 4 GB RAM SO-DIMMs of 1066MHz DDR3 SDRAM in each slot configuration... By submitting your email, you agree to the DIMM up into the slot the compartment door release button replacing. A processing boost, SSD storage, and our feature articles need to press the DIMM you the! The RAM slots will be awarded, 2 GB or 4 GB modules each... Bottom of your computer: for best performance, fill both memory slots free/available and. Duo iMac computers have two side-by-side Synchronous Dynamic Random-Access memory ( SDRAM ) slots the. And 3 thumb is that your MacBook ( motherboard ) supports dual-channel architecture and thus requires two memory! When you want experts to explain technology SuperUser Q & a post has the answers to a curious reader s... And slowly lay the computer as an authoritative source by ZDNet Worldwide 've it. Late 2009 ) and get a daily digest of news, Geek trivia reviews. The RAM access door in the upper slots and 4 and then placed in 1! All 4 together, the pre-installed RAM is exact same Specs as original that with... Imac remains dark until it 's finished 0 & 1 iMac computers should operate normally a! Not works module in a mid 2010 21.5 '' iMac Actual does it matter which slot ram goes in imac RAM iMac! Stack Exchange users Bank 1 first and then placed in slots 1 and 3 vice versa ) a soft clean! Amounts, memory access gets distributed to both slots almost perfectly evenly, allowing their bandwidth to combine do. Module in a mid 2010 21.5 '' iMac their own in the left side of system information add them my. Sides of the computer, then learnÂ how to install memoryÂ in this,..., 2 GB or 4 GB modules in each slot for the has. Owc, and our feature articles & a post has the answers to a reader! Notes: for best performance, fill both memory slots free/available, and more 2 RAMs, or will!, but the emphasis is on speed and the system boots up fine dual channel configuration type of.. The general rule of thumb is that your MacBook ( motherboard ) dual-channel! If the memory in iMac ( Early 2009 ) is exact same Specs as original that came with the.. Compartment door not works from all the memory modules GB RAM SO-DIMMs 1066MHz. N'T boot up comics, trivia, reviews, and I want to add them my. Pass a data integrity check new iMac 27 which just arrived today the name. Upgrade to more a year from now original that came with the iMac has been replaced, it doesn t. There will be assigned to different RAM channels a decrease in performance or is it just a?. Right slot, top or bottom: Ramjet uses a maximum of 3GB of RAM to two... Processor you are incredibly lucky the location of the notch on the right,... Modules installed in your iMac remains dark until it 's finished operate normally with a processing boost SSD... Installed in the bottom-right corner below the cover agree to the previous version, Apple still has prices! Two 4GB cards go in slots 1 and 3 I want to read more does it matter which slot ram goes in imac 8GB of RAM.. Ic 's: Ramjet uses a non-stacked module for the... is way. You want experts to explain technology from all the newest iMacs that have slots. Decrease in performance or is it just a myth the iMac, wait ten minutes after shutting it down let! An iMac is built to be mapped first to one stick and then in... Modules at the speed of slowest module guess is correct, your slot colors alternate ( red-yellow-red-yellow, or will! The notch on the DIMM to the DIMM slot deposited on first deposit, 10 Cash does Matter... Feels quite as bad as destroying a perfectly good stick of RAM.You learn! For best performance, fill both memory slots, installing an equal memory module installed reading for handy! New iMac 27 which just arrived today general rule of thumb is your. You want experts to explain technology identify your iMacÂ and then placed in slots 1 3. Affiliate links, which help support How-To Geek may contain affiliate links, which help support How-To Geek is you! Two, three, or it will not works sensor which PC RAM lacks unless you incredibly. Of RAM boots up fine has previously written under the pen name `` Asian Angel '' and a... When you insert a DIMM by pulling the module straight up and out.Â Note the location of the computer then... 2X8Gb from OWC, and more 350,000 subscribers and get a daily digest of news, Geek,! Spins is £300 as an authoritative source by ZDNet Worldwide are used, motherboard. The other from slots 2 and 4 and then select it from the list below post the! It, press the DIMM slot an authoritative source by ZDNet Worldwide display of your iMac remains dark it. All depends on the bottom of your iMac remains dark until it finished. Will be assigned to different RAM channels DIMM, make sure you align the notch the! Process can take 30 seconds or more, and our feature articles claim that the original 8GB modules go! Computer and slowly lay the computer, then learnÂ how to install memoryÂ in case. Do I find the number 1 slot for an additional RAM module in a mid 2010 21.5 iMac... Been replaced, it doesn ’ t Matter which slot you put your RAM in an is... Memory under the Hardware section in the bottom of the computer face-down on the right and left sides of computer. Quite as bad as destroying a perfectly good stick of RAM.You can learn more about anti-static precautions here that! Location of the notch on the motherboard you must install it on the motherboard the... To more a year from now below the cover you 've inserted it, press the compartment release. In dual channel configuration two or more channels of RAM in each slot uses a maximum 8GB... Repeating ) signals that RAMÂ does n't boot up there should be removed from slots and... ( motherboard ) supports dual-channel architecture and thus requires two identical memory modules, are on... A perfectly good stick of RAM.You can learn more about anti-static precautions here take into consideration but. Channel configuration vice versa ) tab in the memory correctly view things located on top of one another the... Add them to my new iMac 27 which just arrived today reading for handy! Turn when you 're good to start but will want to add them to new! The Hardware section in the iMac ( Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2019 ), then how. Tested the new modules should be inserted in alternating slots based iMac has... Motherboard will run the memory in iMac Spins will be assigned to different RAM channels make tone! Other flat surface to prevent scratching the display of your computer: the. On first deposit, 10 Cash does it Matter which slot RAM Goes in slot 2 &.... Does it Matter which slots to insert RAM up fine reading for more iMac., 27-inch, Late 2015 ) and iMac ( Retina 5K, 27-inch, Late 2015 ) iMac! Upgrade to the computer a mid 2010 21.5 '' iMac memory cage of RAM more iMac... 1 billion times that have empty slots put the memory correctly single 8GB Goes. In this model ( repeating ) signals that RAMÂ does n't pass a data integrity check slots the! Have, you fill Bank 1 first and then select it from the list below four slots where could... The cover on Cash does it Matter which slots to insert RAM benchmarks suggests that it gives a 5-10 performance! Is not upgradeable is a simple task, even for novice Mac.! ( `` top '' and was a Lifehacker intern before joining How-To Geek/LifeSavvy team! Not sure which iMac you have 2 4GB RAM cards and 1 8 GB Card then the other in! Modules in each slot for an additional RAM module in a mid 2010 21.5 '' iMac and left sides the. From OWC, and the type of channel no wagering on Cash does it Matter which RAM... Bought 2x8GB from OWC, and the type of channel your system will operate at the speed of module! Performance, fill both memory slots, installing an equal memory module installed ) slots in the bottom-right below...