I have a 2011, 27in iMac w/ 16 GB of RAM. According to Apple this is the max RAM. According to OWC I can max out RAM @ 32 GB. Which one is correct? Would it be even worth it to me to upgrade to 24 or 32 GB? The biggest programs I use are iMovie and Aperture. Even with both open at the same time I still Have between 10-9 GB of RAM free. Is there any point for me to upgrade?
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
2011 iMac RAM Q
- Thread starter Apple Fan 21
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
You can find specs on all Apple products, including maximum RAM:
- By visiting EveryMac.com: Actual Maximum RAM
- By selecting your model on the Crucial Memory Advisor Tool to find RAM information
- By using Mactracker
- By entering your serial number here to find specs for your model. (Be aware that some models can use more RAM than Apple shows. Check EveryMac to verify actual usable RAM.)
I currently have 32Gb RAM running nicely in my 2011 27" iMac. Whether it's worth it or not is your decision. When using Aperture, do you commonly work on Raw Files? You should actually check the RAM usage when you're doing the work you do, not just opening the program.
I got the 32Gb just so I'll never have to upgrade my RAM at a future date if I find I need it. I used Crucial only because the price was better than OWC. Bot both companies RAM will work just fine.
I got the 32Gb just so I'll never have to upgrade my RAM at a future date if I find I need it. I used Crucial only because the price was better than OWC. Bot both companies RAM will work just fine.
Attachments
Last edited:
Depending on your regular workload, it's likely you'd never see any performance benefit by adding RAM.
Why is the price of RAM so high?
I had put off upgrading my late 2012 27" until I was ready (had a kid last year, and now finally getting some free time). I just checked CRUCIAL's website, and thought the prices were higher than when I last looked in Jan/2013. Confirmed with basic RAM price trends. Wondering why it is going up instead of down over the long term? Any insight?
16GB kit (8GBx2), 204-pin SODIMM, DDR3 PC3-12800 memory module
http://pcpartpicker.com/trends/memory/#ram.204sodimm.ddr3_1600.2x8192
I had put off upgrading my late 2012 27" until I was ready (had a kid last year, and now finally getting some free time). I just checked CRUCIAL's website, and thought the prices were higher than when I last looked in Jan/2013. Confirmed with basic RAM price trends. Wondering why it is going up instead of down over the long term? Any insight?
16GB kit (8GBx2), 204-pin SODIMM, DDR3 PC3-12800 memory module
http://pcpartpicker.com/trends/memory/#ram.204sodimm.ddr3_1600.2x8192