iMac 2017, *must* the RAM be 2400MHz?

[Woodlandjustin]

For 27-inch 2017 iMac, the apple support page says

Use Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Modules (SO-DIMM) that meet all of these criteria:

• PC4-2400 (19200)
• Unbuffered
• Nonparity
• 260-pin
• 2400MHz DDR4 SDRAM

I see on a lot of RAM on Amazon, then give the choice of either 2400MHz or 2666MHz. I'm guessing the higher number is better, and so am wondering, is the 2017 model merely designed for the old 2400MHz, but can work better if the 2666MHz is used instead; or, is it simply a compatibility issue, that either the 2666MHz won't work, or that it will work but no better than the 2400MHz due to limitations and so is not worth paying extra for the 2666MHz RAM?

If the answer is that it's best to get 2666MHz, then I'm considering this:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Corsair-CMSX32GX4M2A2666C18-Vengeance-SODIMM-Laptop/dp/B01BGZEVHU/

Good choice?

Thanks!

 

[kazmac]

I went with the recommended 2400.

Bought the crucial 32gb set on Amazon and installed in my new 2017.

Cannot answer if the 2666 will work in the 2017. Maybe someone else will chime in.

 

[jwhazel]

it will work but no better than the 2400MHz

This one.

 

[nambuccaheadsau]

You got it right faster memory will work at the 2400 speed.

 

[rxs0]

I am using 2666MHz on my 2017 27-inch iMac.

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/2017-27-inch-retina-5k-imac-128gb-ram-upgrade.2181295/

 

[Woodlandjustin]

Thank you to everyone for replying, all input very helpful!

I am using 2666MHz on my 2017 27-inch iMac.

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/2017-27-inch-retina-5k-imac-128gb-ram-upgrade.2181295/

Hmm, on that thread you wrote:

"I'd rather buy the 2666MHz ram instead of the 2400MHz ram in case I upgrade to the 2019 27-inch iMac."​

I just got this computer, so I'm not planning to upgrade for like 6 years maybe? That's why I'm upgrading this to 40GB of RAM, a 1TB PCIe SSD and a 2GB SATA SSD - hopefully that will make it last at least 6 years. So by then, the 2666MHz will also likely be in need of upgrading for the next 6 years, right? After all, 4266MHz is already available, such as the Corsair Dominator Platinum.

So if this is true:

You got it right faster memory will work at the 2400 speed.

then I don't see the advantage of spending the extra money to get something which will not perform better and will be just as out of date in 6 years time. Or is there something I'm missing?
[doublepost=1559646445][/doublepost]Also, anyone have info on Crucial vs. Corsair?
The Corsair is actually a few pounds cheaper, and I seem to be reading very good things about it on the net. Here are the two I'm considering:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B019FRCV9G/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01BGZEVHU/

EDIT: sorry, that was the 2666MHz version of the Corsair. It's still cheaper than the Crucial 2400MHz, but I'm struggling to find the Corsair 2400MHz version. But if this 2666MHz Corsair is cheaper than the Crucial 2400MHz, maybe better choice anyway? Searching for the 2400MHz version.... ok so here it is:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01G26166W/

So that's:
Crucial 2400MHz - £149.57
Corsair 2666MHz - £146.47
Corsair 2400MHz - £142.47

​

I hope I made the right two choices but if I made a mistake or if there are better choices, I would really love to hear about it! Many thanks, hoping my choices will be right to see me through the coming years!

 

[Woodlandjustin]

I am using 2666MHz on my 2017 27-inch iMac.

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/2017-27-inch-retina-5k-imac-128gb-ram-upgrade.2181295/

Also one question about this - if I want to keep the 8GB of 2400MHz that came with it, if I use 32GB of 2666MHz will that be an issue, the two being different like that? I'm considering that if it's only £4 more for 2666MHz then if I sell them off in future there might be some slight advantage, and if their is no other disadvantage to using 2666MHz, perhaps I should. So it's important to know if it would cause issues with my 8GB of 2400MHz. If mixing is not good, then it would seem the 2400MHz would be the clear choice - 40GB of 2400MHz would be better than 32GB of 2666MHz.

Overall I'm sensing the Corsair 2400MHz - £142.47 may be the best option:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01G26166W/

 

[kazmac]

Also one question about this - if I want to keep the 8GB of 2400MHz that came with it, if I use 32GB of 2666MHz will that be an issue, the two being different like that? I'm considering that if it's only £4 more for 2666MHz then if I sell them off in future there might be some slight advantage, and if their is no other disadvantage to using 2666MHz, perhaps I should. So it's important to know if it would cause issues with my 8GB of 2400MHz. If mixing is not good, then it would seem the 2400MHz would be the clear choice - 40GB of 2400MHz would be better than 32GB of 2666MHz.

Overall I'm sensing the Corsair 2400MHz - £142.47 may be the best option:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01G26166W/

I think that will be an issue, but once again hopefully someone else will chime in.

FWTW, my stock 2017 with 2TB fusion drive and 40gb of 2444 ram is flying. Very fast.

 

[jwhazel]

Also one question about this - if I want to keep the 8GB of 2400MHz that came with it, if I use 32GB of 2666MHz will that be an issue, the two being different like that?

Not an issue Max speed on the 2017 is 2400. From there, computer will set ram speed to the slowest ones installed which in your case will be the stock 2400. If you throw a stick of 2100 in there, it will set everything to 2100 and so on.

 

[Kyousuke]

Just received my crucial (32GB kit) for my iMac 2017 today. Took 5 minutes to install. Booted up with no problems at all.
I now have 48GB ram total

 

[kwikdeth]

there's a small, very small chance they might not play nice together, but generally speaking you should be fine. it certainly wont break the computer; it just might not boot with both installed. it more has to do with how the modules are constructed than their speed.

 

[Kevbasscat]

No, the ram does not have to be 2400MT/s to run properly. It does need to have the efi update from 10.14.5 though. Your iMac should be running BootROM 172.0.0.0 if you have upgraded to Mojave 10.14.5. Don't be mislead by all the misleading advertising claiming 2666MHz, and then in small text says, "supports Intel's XMP2.0 profile." That's a bios update that overclocks 2400MT/s ram to 2666MT/s. Apple does not support that, thus all the confusion with 2018 iMac owners who are dumfounded because their mac only runs at 24000MT/s. Very misleading advertising.

Read @rxs0 article about his upgrade, He did it right afaik. Purchase only what he advises as it's a pain to return it thinking that some super cool label ram is better, it's not, it's bs and people are pi**ed about it after they find out they got ripped. I'm going to do this upgrade although w/o the i7 upgrade. Good luck.

 

[yurkennis]

if I want to keep the 8GB of 2400MHz that came with it, if I use 32GB of 2666MHz will that be an issue, the two being different like that?

@Woodlandjustin, have you managed to mix 32GB 2666MHz stick with pre-installed 2x4GB 2400MHz sticks? If so, are you happy with the performance and stability? Which CPU does your iMac have?

 

[Black Grape]

I'm in the process of getting a 2017 iMac and thread like this are goldmines of great info. Thanks!

 

[mreg376]

For 27-inch 2017 iMac, the apple support page says

Use Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Modules (SO-DIMM) that meet all of these criteria:​

• PC4-2400 (19200)
• Unbuffered
• Nonparity
• 260-pin
• 2400MHz DDR4 SDRAM

I see on a lot of RAM on Amazon, then give the choice of either 2400MHz or 2666MHz. I'm guessing the higher number is better, and so am wondering, is the 2017 model merely designed for the old 2400MHz, but can work better if the 2666MHz is used instead; or, is it simply a compatibility issue, that either the 2666MHz won't work, or that it will work but no better than the 2400MHz due to limitations and so is not worth paying extra for the 2666MHz RAM?

If the answer is that it's best to get 2666MHz, then I'm considering this:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Corsair-CMSX32GX4M2A2666C18-Vengeance-SODIMM-Laptop/dp/B01BGZEVHU/

Good choice?

Thanks!

I would stick with the recommended RAM, using all the same modules. Chances are even if the higher speed RAM will work, you wouldn't be able to tell any difference. And you may end up with an app down the line, after the RAM return period, that crashes your iMac and then you'll be pulling your hair out trying to figure out why.

 

[Black Grape]

So, I bought two used, 16GB RAM chips for only £48.

Specification is Samsung PC4-19200 PC4 2400T 16GB DDR4 2RX8 2400MHz 260pin.

Info taken from eBay listings page:
Manufacturer SAMSUNG
Part Number M471A2K43BB1-CRC
Capacity 2X16GB
Version 2Rx8 PC4 2400T
Configuration Single 16GB Stick
Format DDR4
Speed PC4 2400T
Bus Clock 2400MHz
Memory Timings CL11
Form Factor 260 pin SODIMM
Pin/Connector Material Gold
Error Correction None (Non ECC)
Buffering None (Unbuffered)
Voltage 1.2v
Memory Range Laptop / Notebook SODIMM

They weren’t specifically designated as Mac-specific.

Hope this helps.

 

[Black Grape]

Edited to add to the above post, the 16GB Samsung RAM chips work fine in my 2017 iMac. Attached is a Tech Tool Pro report on these chips, which I hope someone will find useful.