Question about 3GB RAM limit on old iMacs

[Norkusa]

I currently have a 20" late-2006 iMac and plan on upgrading as soon as the new iMac's come out later this sping/summer. I have 2 GB of RAM installed (1GB x 2) but I'd like to have 3GB total because I need to use Lightroom 4 and have it running at bearable speeds.

Is it better to have an even amount of memory in each slot than an odd amount? Was planning on getting a single 2GB stick so I'll have 2GB + 1GB, but I read somewhere that it runs better when you have the same amount in each slot. Is that true?

 

[GGJstudios]

I currently have a 20" late-2006 iMac and plan on upgrading as soon as the new iMac's come out later this sping/summer. I have 2 GB of RAM installed (1GB x 2) but I'd like to have 3GB total because I need to use Lightroom 4 and have it running at bearable speeds.

Is it better to have an even amount of memory in each slot than an odd amount? Was planning on getting a single 2GB stick so I'll have 2GB + 1GB, but I read somewhere that it runs better when you have the same amount in each slot. Is that true?

Your iMac supports 4GB of RAM, with some limitations:

iMac "Core 2 Duo" 2.33 20-Inch Specs (Late 2006, BTO/CTO, iMac5,1, A1207, 2118) @ EveryMac.com

You can find specs on all Apple products, including maximum RAM:

• By visiting EveryMac.com: Actual Maximum RAM
• By selecting your model on the Crucial Memory Advisor™ Tool to find RAM information
• By using Mactracker
• By entering your serial number here to find specs for your model.
  (Be aware that some models can use more RAM than Apple shows. Check EveryMac to verify actual usable RAM.)

 

[Intell]

While you can install 4Gb, you'll only be able to use 3.3Gb of it. You'll have a slightly faster system if you install a matched pair of 2x2Gb sticks.