Apple Memory or 3rd Party Memory?

[Naked-Warrior]

Hi,

I have an iMac 2.5 ghz Intel Core i5 with 4GB 1333 Mhz DDR3 memory as follows;

Slot 1 - 2gb
Slot 2 - 2gb
Slot 3 - Empty
Slot 4 - Empty

Apple have advised the maximum recommended memory for my computer is 16GB in a 4 x 4 configuration.

The price from Apple 16GB 1333MHz DDR3 (PC3-10600) - 4x4GB is £320

3rd Party Alternative

I have found some alternative memory at a website called Crucial and the memory is a lot cheaper.

4 x 4GB DDR3 PC3-10600 • CL=9 • Unbuffered • NON-ECC • DDR3-1333 • 1.35V • 512Meg x 64 • lead free • halogen free • for Mac

The price for this is only £120

QUESTION

Am I taking any risks by purchasing the much cheaper 3rd party memory?

Should I stick to the Apple branded memory?

Thanks for any advice.

James

 

[Macman45]

Don't pay Apple's prices, but don't buy the really cheap memory either. I recommend Crucial, who have a tool on the site to correctly identify exactly what your Mac can take, and what it needs.


Upgrading is a very very simple process which you can do yourself.

 

[Bl0ckHe1d]

Second this! The only main difference between the two that you are paying Apple for administation and packaging for the exact same memory!

 

[Georgio]

Crucial is the way to go, excellent memory at a good price and delivery is usually next day. Used them for years on both Macs and PC's.

Btw this isn't for a new 21.5" iMac is it?
If so then you can't upgrade the memory yourself so you're stuck with Apple upgrades.

 

[A Hebrew]

Btw this isn't for a new 21.5" iMac is it?

The new 21" iMacs do not come with a 2.5ghz processor, lowest is 2.7 so it is going to be upgradeable.