This article is about upgrading the memory on iMac 27″ and the same instructions will not work for an 21.5″ iMac
If you had recently updated the operating system on your iMac, you would have realized the fact that, OS X Mountain Lion is more of a memory hog when compared to its predecessors, Snow Leopard and Lion. Nonetheless, it is always good to have more memory in your computer. Upgrading the RAM on your iMac can considerably improve the performance of the machine.
There are two ways to upgrade the RAM in your iMac. You can either purchase additional RAM from Apple or if you are one of those smart ones, you can buy the memory on your own from somewhere and install it on your own. It is a well know fact that, Apple is pretty greedy. They indeed make some of the best computing and mobile devices in the world. However, the cost of RAM upgrade proposed by Apple is preposterous.
Why shouldn’t you buy the RAM from Apple?
Yeah, you guessed it right. Money! For instance, Apple will charge you somewhere around $600 for a 16GB memory upgrade on your 27-inch iMac. If you buy and install it on your own, it would only cost your $250 to $350 depending on the brand you opt for.
On a side note, upgrading the RAM on a 21.5-inch iMac is almost impossible for mortals. Luckily it is very easy to upgrade the memory on a 27inch iMac.
This tutorial will teach you how you can upgrade the RAM on your iMac 27-inch.
Step1:
If you have not bought the memory, make sure you buy the compatible DD3 RAM that is meant for your iMac. It is recommended to check on Apple’s support <a href=”http://support.apple.com/kb/ht3011/”>website</a> to find the necessary information like, what type of RAM your computer takes and how much it can take. Boomark (Ctrl+D) this page in your browser and comeback when you have the RAM. Got the RAM? Proceed to the step 2.
Step 2:
Turn off the computer and remove the power cable. Place your computer facedown on a soft surface like a towel or a piece of cloth so that the screen will be safe. Near the power socket on your computer there will a small button. You don’t need any tools like a screwdriver to open the RAM socket. Press the button near the power socket and you will be able to remove the socket door with your bare hands.
Step 3:
You will be able to see two RAM slots. There will be a safety arm that needs to be pulled to raise the RAM slot.
Step 4:
Now you can simply insert your DIMMs in the empty slot. If you want to replace, remove the old RAM and insert the new memory.
Step 5:
Press the small lever which secures the DIMMs. Make sure you have pushed the lever all the way and is properly secured. Now put the door back in the place. You will hear a small click sound if you have closed the door properly.
That’s it. Give yourself a pat on your back. You have successfully upgraded your iMac’s memory on your own.
Difficulty level: 3/10.