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iMac DDR3 RAM

S

sultanoflondon

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Dec 3, 2013
341
16
Hi all,

I was using my iMac on iMovie earlier and noticed some lagging. I opened up Activity Monitor and saw that iMovie was using over 1GB of RAM!

Started considering upgrading RAM. I thought that adding the same RAM that Apple ships the computer with would be advisable and wise, so I was wondering which brand Apple uses? Where could I get the same? I'm in the UK by the way.

Thanks a lot in advance.
 
B

Bear

macrumors G3
Jul 23, 2002
8,088
5
Sol III - Terra
Apple uses a couple of different brands of memory. The brand doesn't matter, using the same spec ram from a reputable third party is fine.
 
S

sultanoflondon

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Dec 3, 2013
341
16
Hi all.

Thanks a lot for all of your replies.

I have some info here and I would like to present it to all of you to see which one is recommended the most.

KINGSTON:

8GB Module - DDR3 1600MHz
Part Number: KTA-MB1600/8G
Specs: DDR3, 1600MHz, Non-ECC, CL11, 1.5V, Unbuffered, SODIMM, 204-pin
Buy

8GB Module - DDR3L 1600MHz
Part Number: KTA-MB1600L/8G
Specs: DDR3L, 1600MHz, Non-ECC, CL11, 1.35V, Unbuffered, SODIMM, 204-pin

For the Kingston, I don't know the difference between the DDR3 and the DDR3L RAM Modules, could someone please explain? Which one would be better for my iMac?


CRUCIAL:

16GB kit (8GBx2)
DDR3 PC3-12800 • CL=11 • Unbuffered • NON-ECC • DDR3-1600 • 1.35V • 1024Meg x 64 • lead free • halogen free • for Mac • Part #: CT3650255


CORSAIR:

Corsair Mac Memory — 16GB Dual Channel DDR3L SODIMM Memory Kit (CMSA16GX3M2A1600C11)

•Tested Latency: 11-11-11-30 •Memory Type: DDR3L •Speed Rating: PC3-12800 (1600MHz)

Corsair Mac Memory — 16GB Dual Channel DDR3 SODIMM Memory Kit (CMSA16GX3M2A1333C9)

•Tested Latency: 9-9-9-24 •Memory Type: DDR3 •Speed Rating: PC3-10600 (1333MHz)

One last thing, what are DIMMS and what is SoDIMM

Any advice given is much appreciated.

Thanks.
 
Twimfy

Twimfy

macrumors 6502a
Sep 11, 2011
888
246
UK
Just go to crucials website and use their downloadable ram checker app.

Buy what ever they recommend, doesn't have to be their stuff though, if you can find it elsewhere cheaper then it's win win.
 
Dreadnought

Dreadnought

macrumors 68020
Jul 22, 2002
2,060
15
Almere, The Netherlands
Please read some of the other threads about iMac's ram. There was a recent discussion about 1.5V and 1.35V DDR3 RAM. Some iMac's don't like the 1.5V modules and caused problems.

I recently upgraded my 2010 iMac (27", i7). It came standard with 2x 2GB RAM modules, I've added another 2x 2GB modules from ICIDU. It was the cheapest here in the Netherlands at a local retailer. Works fine for me and 8 GB is enough for me.

If you're going to do a lot of video editing, get more RAM. In that case, the more the better!
About the latency, lower = better. So having 9x9x9 is good and I believe Apple's RAM is the same, at least in my iMac. However, this could have increased to 11 as the speed of your RAM modules is higher.

SODIMMS are for laptops and are shorter than regular DIMMS. The iMac uses laptop (SODIMM) RAM. It also has less pins than regular RAM modules for full size computers.

BTW, I always like to have the same amount of RAM on each module. In some computers this can increase speed with a small margin. However, always put RAM in pairs of RAM in an iMac, so 2x the same module, the other pair can be of a different size.

In short, the Corsair and Crucial RAM both sound good. Kingston is also a very good brand, but is sometimes more expensive and in the past I had some weird experience with it as it gave strange errors or wasn't recognized by my previous Mac.
 
Last edited:
S

sultanoflondon

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Dec 3, 2013
341
16
Okay thanks for all the replies, I will check out the other threads and have a look!

Thanks once again!
 
Tumbleweed666

Tumbleweed666

macrumors 68000
Mar 20, 2009
1,761
141
Near London, UK.
I'm in the uk also, used crucials wizard on their website (no need to download anything) and bought their ram, as I understand it, it's best to put the memory in in pairs, eg if you want to put 4 more gb in, 2x 2gb rather than 1 4 gb module , 8gb = 2 x 4 gb modules, etc.
As you are in the uk, if you go to Crucial via the Quidco website (eg start there rather than at Crucial) , you can get a few pounds off by way of a rebate. You do need to sign up to it though.
 
S

sultanoflondon

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Dec 3, 2013
341
16
Tumbleweed666 said:
I'm in the uk also, used crucials wizard on their website (no need to download anything) and bought their ram, as I understand it, it's best to put the memory in in pairs, eg if you want to put 4 more gb in, 2x 2gb rather than 1 4 gb module , 8gb = 2 x 4 gb modules, etc.
As you are in the uk, if you go to Crucial via the Quidco website (eg start there rather than at Crucial) , you can get a few pounds off by way of a rebate. You do need to sign up to it though.
Click to expand...


Okay thanks for that, Sir. Will have a look.
 
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