Help with DDR3 RAM

[DavisP]

Hello everyone!

I'm planning on buying new RAM for my iMac. I have been researching for the past few days on what RAM is and what it does because I am kind of a newbie in this subject. I understand the basic stuff but when it comes to phrases like "pins, CAS latency, if computer won't be able to support" and the price range for DDR3 rams differs a lot.
I'm looking at 8GB-12GB max 16GB RAMs for video editing, animation and that kind of stuff. I own a early 2009 iMac 20'' which has 2GB of RAM and it's a real pain in the ass for me. Can't even render clips normally.
If anyone could write their suggestions, tips or links it would be much appreciated.

P.S. I can post tech spechs. Just tell me which are needed, didn't want to spam the long list.

 

[simsaladimbamba]

The early 2009 iMac can only take 8 GB RAM at max: http://www.everymac.com/systems/app...o-2.66-20-inch-aluminum-early-2009-specs.html

Look at Newegg or Amazon or Crucial or Corsair for 204-pin DDR3 SO-DIMM PC8500 RAM, it should cost around 50 USD for two 4 GB modules.
Btw, rendering is more dependent on the CPU, unless you mean Preview Render in AE.

 

[DavisP]

The early 2009 iMac can only take 8 GB RAM at max: http://www.everymac.com/systems/app...o-2.66-20-inch-aluminum-early-2009-specs.html

Look at Newegg or Amazon or Crucial or Corsair for 204-pin DDR3 SO-DIMM PC8500 RAM, it should cost around 50 USD for two 4 GB modules.
Btw, rendering is more dependent on the CPU, unless you mean Preview Render in AE.

what's the difference between 2x4GB and a 8GB piece? If I understood correctly that 204-pin....2x4GB is the maximum that my Mac can handle and anything better would be just wasted, right?

 

[simsaladimbamba]

what's the difference between 2x4GB and a 8GB piece? If I understood correctly that 204-pin....2x4GB is the maximum that my Mac can handle and anything better would be just wasted, right?

Two 4 GB RAM sticks cost 50 USD, one 8 GB RAM stick costs 80 USD.
And as the article I linked to says, 8 GB is the maximum RAM. Thus just get the two 4 GB RAM modules and see, if that helps.

 

[DavisP]

Two 4 GB RAM sticks cost 50 USD, one 8 GB RAM stick costs 80 USD.
And as the article I linked to says, 8 GB is the maximum RAM. Thus just get the two 4 GB RAM modules and see, if that helps.

Thanks for your help!

 

[mmomega]

I always prefer dealing with OWC but that is personal preference.
If you decided to go that direction here is a link to their RAM for your iMac.
http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/memory/iMac/DDR3_2009

Enjoy,