iMac 21.5 2017 RAM and SSD Questions

[MonkeyChops]

Hi,

I've ordered the base 4k version (1TB 5400/8GB RAM/i5 7400) with the intention of upgrading the RAM and hard drive. I know it will void my warranty, but the price was good, so it's kind of worth it.

On the 21.5 2017 model, how many RAM slots does it have? It comes with 8GB installed, could anyone tell me if that is a single 8GB module? Do these iMacs require matched pairs, or could I drop a 16GB module along with the existing 8GB (assuming it's a single module?).

I was looking at the Samsung 850 Pro 512GB SSD, it seems to tick all the boxes, plenty of storage for me to go at, so really, I just need to know if this is a good choice for this iMac? Has anyone here used this drive in this iMac? Anything to know? I'm OK with the physical install, just unsure about compatibility/quirks etc.

Thanks, I appreciate any input!

 

[Samuelsan2001]

Upgrading RAM is possible it will have 2x 4gb, it is not for the faint hearted and will take a couple of hours its a complete disassembley. See this guide for details

https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/iMac+Intel+21.5-Inch+Retina+4K+Display+(2017)+RAM+Replacement/92288

matched pairs are all good for RAM but you could just add a 16gb stick for a total of 20gb.

I would go with the samsung EVO or the newly released crucial MX500 (great longevity) or a sandisk SSD for bang for buck, but that Samsung pro is a great drive, however you may get more like a terabyte with a cheaper drive for a similar price.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Samsung-in...5500581&sr=8-3&keywords=samsung+ssd+512gb+pro

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Samsung-in...515500622&sr=1-1&keywords=samsung+ssd+1tb+evo

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Crucial-CT...=1515500652&sr=1-1&keywords=crucial+mx500+1tb

 

[MonkeyChops]

Thanks for the info. I do a similar thing for my day job with PCs and other computer hardware, so I'm reasonably confident about the physical aspect of the install and will be ordering the pizza cutter kit with adhesive strips and all the other bits and pieces. I've had a look at a few vids and pictorials and it seems pretty straightforward, if a little fiddly! I couldn't tell from the vids that I'd watched, how many SODIMM slots there were, but I can see two in the one you linked to, so thanks for that!

Yes, I was also looking at the EVO, it's much cheaper, maybe £85 cheaper, so maybe that's a better option! The main reason that i was going for the Pro was that I'd seen someone mention on youtube that they had used it in a 27" version and it was working well.

Thanks again for the info, much appreciated!

 

[nambuccaheadsau]

Hook the Samsung externally in a caddy using USB3

As soon as you crack it you have toasted your warranty. Have said this before, a friend of m,ine is a large Mac Reseller in Sydney, Australia, and after his techs broke five screens at up to $500 a pop, he sends them across town to Apple HQ for any work to be done.