iMac 4k has soldered RAM.

[Aspekt]

according to MacRumor's post

"OWC has torn down the new 21.5-inch 4K Retina iMac and has learned that the memory is soldered in, which means it can't be upgraded. Customers purchasing a 21.5-inch Retina iMac should get the maximum amount of memory they can afford at the time of purchase as there will be no third-party upgrade options. The maximum amount of RAM for the 21.5-inch iMac models is 16GB."

 

[The Doctor11]

Also confirmed here

 

[BMWguy206]

That sucks for the guys getting the 21in 4k models. They're probably not going to sell well and those that did order will probably cancel. Please tell me the 27in 5k Retina's memory is not soldered in as well.

 

[redheeler]

That sucks for the guys getting the 21in 4k models. They're probably not going to sell well and those that did order will probably cancel. Please tell me the 27in 5k Retina's memory is not soldered in as well.

It was only a matter of time the 21.5" went to soldered. The RAM is not considered user-accessible, and even on the late 2012/late 2013 is much more difficult to upgrade compared to the 27" or earlier 21.5" models.

Luckily, RAM on the new 27" 5K is still fully accessible/upgradeable.

 

[Meister]

Soldered Ram?

You won't even notice enjoying that sweet spinning disk ....

 

[garirry]

I'm telling you, one day the Mac Pro will have soldered RAM!

Hopefully I didn't jinx it.

 

[tokyodan]

Hahahahahahaha!

 

[Samuelsan2001]

according to MacRumor's post

"OWC has torn down the new 21.5-inch 4K Retina iMac and has learned that the memory is soldered in, which means it can't be upgraded. Customers purchasing a 21.5-inch Retina iMac should get the maximum amount of memory they can afford at the time of purchase as there will be no third-party upgrade options. The maximum amount of RAM for the 21.5-inch iMac models is 16GB."

Well as you had to rip the machine apart to get to the RAM in the last 2 incarnations of the iMac it really makes very little difference if it's soldered or not.

 

[garirry]

Well as you had to rip the machine apart to get to the RAM in the last 2 incarnations of the iMac it really makes very little difference if it's soldered or not.

It does, when you are an enthusiast or a tech repairer, RAM that is at least somewhat upgradable is important. Even if it means tearing the machine completely apart. Soldered RAM is a big **** you to tech repairers.

 

[Jimmdean]

The 8GB of soldered RAM is hardly the 21-incher's biggest issue. It pales in comparison to the fact it has a GPU that ultimately cannot effectively handle its native resolution...

 

[JustMartin]

soldered ram is not a surprise. The late 2012 21.5 models also have non-upgradeable memory. Can't comment on the abilities of the GPU because I haven't seen any benchmarks yet.