21" iMac 2020 - memory update

[ivanwi11iams]

Years ago, I owned a 27" iMac. I upgraded the memory myself, to 16GB.
With the 21" iMac, for 2020, can the consumer upgrade the memory, or has Apple soldered everything to the motherboard?

Thanks all

 

[Phil77354]

Only the 27" iMacs allow you to upgrade the memory yourself. The smaller monitor sizes have never offered that capability, as far as I know.

 

[mdgm]

With the 21" 2020 you practically have to pull apart the whole machine to upgrade the RAM. Take a look at video guides and/or iFixit guides to see whether this is something you think you can do.

Due to the complexity of the install most would probably want a professional to do it.

Although Apple only sells upgrades up to 32GB RAM (2x16GB) you can put 64GB RAM (2x32GB) in the 21" 2020.

The 2011 21" iMac has easily user upgradeable memory via a hatch on the rear. It was the last of the 21" iMacs to have this. It was also the last to have a built-in optical drive.

 

[Phil77354]

With the 21" 2020 you practically have to pull apart the whole machine to upgrade the RAM. Take a look at video guides and/or iFixit guides to see whether this is something you think you can do.

Due to the complexity of the install most would probably want a professional to do it.

Although Apple only sells upgrades up to 32GB RAM (2x16GB) you can put 64GB RAM (2x32GB) in the 21" 2020.

The 2011 21" iMac has easily user upgradeable memory via a hatch on the rear. It was the last of the 21" iMacs to have this. It was also the last to have a built-in optical drive.

I had forgotten that the older small monitor size iMacs did have that capability. My earlier iMac was a mid-2007 model, here is a handy reference for earlier models regarding RAM upgrading:

How to Upgrade iMac RAM (20" and 24" Aluminum): EveryMac.com

How to instructions and video to upgrade the RAM in 20-Inch and 24-Inch Mid-2007, Early 2008, Early 2009, and Mid-2009 Aluminum iMac models.

everymac.com

 

[Fishrrman]

For all practical purposes, the RAM in the 21" iMac isn't "user-upgradeable".
As mentioned above, you have to literally "take it apart into pieces" to do the job.

So...
Either buy "all the RAM you think you'll need" when you buy it new, or...
... Buy the 27" model instead.

 

[mdgm]

Indeed. It is nice to know though that if the memory does fail in the 21" 2020 iMac you can get the machine repaired and pay someone to put 64GB RAM in at that point, though hopefully that doesn't become necessary.

 

[alien3dx]

For all practical purposes, the RAM in the 21" iMac isn't "user-upgradeable".
As mentioned above, you have to literally "take it apart into pieces" to do the job.

So...
Either buy "all the RAM you think you'll need" when you buy it new, or...
... Buy the 27" model instead.

i ask shop to repair the power supply and upgrade the ram till 16 gb and ssd 256 gb.
** imac 2017 .
** canceling idea to buy mac mini arm . (not available yet and unsure when can ask customize )