Late 2013 21.5" 2.9GHz 14,3 RAM question

[zachiedoo]

Both the Corsair and OWC house-brand RAM specified as compatible note it as PC12800 DDR3L 1600MHz SO-DIMMs. Another seller offers DDR3 1600 MHz ( PC3-12800 / PC3-12800S ) | DDR3 SO-DIMM ( 204-Pin ) | Non-ECC Unbuffered | 2Rx8 - Dual Rank x8 for the same machine.

Which is correct?

 

[TheShortTimer]

Both the Corsair and OWC house-brand RAM specified as compatible note it as PC12800 DDR3L 1600MHz SO-DIMMs. Another seller offers DDR3 1600 MHz ( PC3-12800 / PC3-12800S ) | DDR3 SO-DIMM ( 204-Pin ) | Non-ECC Unbuffered | 2Rx8 - Dual Rank x8 for the same machine.

Which is correct?

They're both correct because DDR3L is compatible with computers that use DDR3.

SOLVED: Ram Upgrade: can I use DDR3L instead of DDR3? - MacBook Pro 13" Unibody Mid 2012

The guy you spoke too doesn't know what he's talking about. Basically you can use either. DDR3L is a dual voltage capable memory DIMM, which supports operation at both 1.5V and 1.35V. DDR3L is also pin-compatible with DDR3! DDR3 is a single voltage capable memory DIMM, which supports 1.5V... -...

www.ifixit.com

This is your Mac?

Apple iMac "Core i5" 2.9 21.5" (Late 2013) Specs​

RAM Type:

PC3-12800 DDR3*

Min. RAM Speed:

1600 MHz

Details:

*By default, this system has 8 GB of 1600 MHz DDR3 SDRAM. Apple does not intend for one to upgrade the RAM in this system. However, as first reported by site sponsor OWC, this system has two SO-DIMM slots (204-pin). Unfortunately, accessing these slots requires one to pry off the display that is glued to the case and remove the logic board.

Emphasis, mine.

Be warned that the process to upgrade the RAM is difficult and fraught with the danger of damaging the display and other components.

 

[zachiedoo]

They're both correct because DDR3L is compatible with computers that use DDR3.

SOLVED: Ram Upgrade: can I use DDR3L instead of DDR3? - MacBook Pro 13" Unibody Mid 2012

The guy you spoke too doesn't know what he's talking about. Basically you can use either. DDR3L is a dual voltage capable memory DIMM, which supports operation at both 1.5V and 1.35V. DDR3L is also pin-compatible with DDR3! DDR3 is a single voltage capable memory DIMM, which supports 1.5V... -...

www.ifixit.com

This is your Mac?

Apple iMac "Core i5" 2.9 21.5" (Late 2013) Specs​

RAM Type:

PC3-12800 DDR3*

Min. RAM Speed:

1600 MHz

Details:

*By default, this system has 8 GB of 1600 MHz DDR3 SDRAM. Apple does not intend for one to upgrade the RAM in this system. However, as first reported by site sponsor OWC, this system has two SO-DIMM slots (204-pin). Unfortunately, accessing these slots requires one to pry off the display that is glued to the case and remove the logic board.

Emphasis, mine.

Be warned that the process to upgrade the RAM is difficult and fraught with the danger of damaging the display and other components.

Yes, that is our iMac. I had watched the video a couple days ago. I am aware that it is challenging and requires a patient, delicate touch. I'm still pondering. If I proceed, I'll post about my experience. Thank you for the thoughtful input.

 

[TheShortTimer]

Yes, that is our iMac. I had watched the video a couple days ago. I am aware that it is challenging and requires a patient, delicate touch. I'm still pondering. If I proceed, I'll post about my experience. Thank you for the thoughtful input.

You're welcome - I just wanted to ensure that you went into it fully aware of what's involved.

Yes, please share your experience of the process if you go ahead with it. I for one, would love to read it.

 

[Nguyen Duc Hieu]

For iMac 2013 21.5". You don't need to completely remove the logicboard from the case to install/replace the RAM modules.
Of course it will be more difficult to install the RAM module when the logicboard is in its original position.
But it's cumbersome to remove the logicboard, unless you need to remove it for cleaning or upgrading the CPU also.