New 2011 iMac RAM upgrade query

[whodareswins]

I am looking to buy a 2011 2.5ghz i5 iMac on the coming weeks. I would like to double the RAM on it to 8gb when I get it. From what I've read, it comes with 4 slots for RAM modules and comes with 2x2GB installed.

Now would it be better to buy an extra 2x2GB so overal it'll have 4x2GB installed. Or just install 2x4Gb? Would there be any difference in performance?

 

[mrfoof82]

No performance difference. Honestly, if you buy the 2x4GB, do so to upgrade to 12GB.

8GB of memory right now is $45 (after rebate, $55 otherwise) to $60. It's not going to get cheaper. The cheapest for 4GB is $32.

 

[KaPOWitsCHRIS]

I wanted to know this as well.

So if I bought 8GB of RAM (2x4GB) installed it and left the current 4GB of RAM in there (2x2GB) so it totals 12GB, would it be fine?

 

[whodareswins]

Ok, ye I know its pretty cheap nowadays. Is crucial the best place to get it from? So is it a good idea to buy 2x4gb and install it alongside the 2x2gb to make 12gb?

 

[mrfoof82]

Yes. If you install more memory, you get more. 8 + 4 will equal 12.

 

[whodareswins]

I was just curious wether or not it would be worth it or not. Or any compatibilty issues. I just thought because I'd be buying 8gb of RAM and I'd still have the 4gb of RAM in the iMac.

 

[emmab2006]

i rekkon its Worth it , ive just upgraded my Mid 2010 iMac to 12GB Ram .. got the Memory arriving this week , i dont think you can ever have to much ram ... and with the current cost of Memory Chips there's no better time to upgrade

 

[aliensporebomb]

Memory

Upgraded my Corei7 2.8 ghz model to 16 gigs of DDR3-1333 (PC3-10600) and
the machine is noticeably faster which is also bore out by the geekbench score.

NewEgg had a deal where if you bought each chip individually you could save $7 per chip (G.Skill brand) ($24 savings total) and I ended up getting 16 gigs with shipping and rush service for $102!

Pretty happy here.