Retina iMac 32GB Ram Upgrade

I just got a 5k iMac with the standard 8gb and bought this exact 16GB upgrade from Amazon. It took all of about 2 minutes to install and works perfectly.

I've been using Crucial for many years and never had a problem. This is also a very good price. Go ahead, buy it and don't worry. If you want to upgrade, this is the way to do it.

I agree with @hologram
And try crucial.com : it's often cheaper, and the service is outstanding.
I have 24GB (original 8BG + 16GB Crucial), it's perfect and so far enough for me (10 days uptime, 2 opened sessions, Photoshop, Bridge, Firefox with 20 tabs, Safari, Mail...)

I replaced my 8gb RAM with 32gb Crucial RAM before ever turning on the machine. Works like a charm and very easy to do. Just make sure you're clicking the button behind the power plug all the way down with some deep plastic tool, the back plate should easily come out by itself.

Whoops ... My bad, I used those chips in the 2012 Mini ... ignore this post.

I bought what is probably the same thing from Crucial as they were on sale and cheaper from there. The Amazon ones I put in the Mini.

odedia said:

I replaced my 8gb RAM with 32gb Crucial RAM before ever turning on the machine. Works like a charm and very easy to do. Just make sure you're clicking the button behind the power plug all the way down with some deep plastic tool, the back plate should easily come out by itself.

Click to expand...

The 5K iMac, for whatever reason, has a really - REALLY - stiff back plate for some people (myself included). I had to dig my fingernail under the back of it and pull, since my usual plastic tool wasn't enough to pop it off like it was on my 2012 iMac. A friend of mine had a similar experience. So just bear that in mind when upgrading the RAM.

WilliamG said:

The 5K iMac, for whatever reason, has a really - REALLY - stiff back plate for some people (myself included). I had to dig my fingernail under the back of it and pull, since my usual plastic tool wasn't enough to pop it off like it was on my 2012 iMac. A friend of mine had a similar experience. So just bear that in mind when upgrading the RAM.

Click to expand...

You just need to push the button all the way down, use a pen or something to push it and the cover will pop out

carlob said:

You just need to push the button all the way down, use a pen or something to push it and the cover will pop out

Click to expand...

Yep, did that. I've upgraded quite a few iMacs from 2012. For whatever reason, I've found the new iMacs to be the tightest fit.

here

WilliamG said:

Yep, did that. I've upgraded quite a few iMacs from 2012. For whatever reason, I've found the new iMacs to be the tightest fit.

Click to expand...

yeah if you push just a little bit it will not come out, you need to put some pressure

edit: To remove personally identifying info not relevant to the conversation.

carlob said:

yeah if you push just a little bit it will not come out, you need to put some pressure

Click to expand...

Yes, yes. I repeat, I know! It did come out, but only a teeny-weeny bit. I heard the little pop when it released, but I still had to yank the thing out. I've had this issue on all retina iMacs I've dealt with, but none of the 2012/2013 models, so I've done it MANY times.

dyt1983 said:

Mine was pretty tight, I had to pull it out, and I just upgraded using the Crucial RAM listed in the OP based on the threads here at MR. Thanks to everyone for the tips.

Click to expand...

Grats!

edit: To remove personally identifying info not relevant to the conversation.

WilliamG said:

Yes, yes. I repeat, I know! It did come out, but only a teeny-weeny bit. I heard the little pop when it released, but I still had to yank the thing out. I've had this issue on all retina iMacs I've dealt with, but none of the 2012/2013 models, so I've done it MANY times.



Grats!

Click to expand...

My way of doing this was to use plastic knives and push the button in, and slide the plastic knife in, parallel to the back of the Mac, to keep the panel from popping back in.

Then, I repeated the procedure for the other side (I did the two short sides), and then gently pried it out.

I may try with a suction cup (a la older iMac window removal) when I go from 24GB to 32GB.

I have just ordered the late 2013 model with 8GB of ram. I have another 16GB laying here beside me, waiting to get plugged in (when I receive the machine next week).

Does it matter in which slots I put the ram?

Like:

* 4GB
* 16GB
* 4GB
* 16GB

I seem to remember something about the ram needs to be in pairs, but there is a chance I misunderstood completely

hjalte said:

I have just ordered the late 2013 model with 8GB of ram. I have another 16GB laying here beside me, waiting to get plugged in (when I receive the machine next week).

Does it matter in which slots I put the ram?

Like:

* 4GB
* 16GB
* 4GB
* 16GB

I seem to remember something about the ram needs to be in pairs, but there is a chance I misunderstood completely

Click to expand...

My advice: just put the new RAM in the available slots
And yes, it will be:
* 4GB
* 16GB
* 4GB
* 16GB