Question about upgrading memory for new iMac

[dstripling]

Hi guys,

I just got a new 27" iMac and purchased an additional 8G of RAM. I bought the RAM at a local (and reputable) computer parts shop, but they deal mostly in PCs. I wanted to get a second opinion on the RAM before I installed it. The RAM is G Skill DDR3 4GBx2 PC3-12800. I read where the iMac takes laptop memory, but I don't think the RAM I purchased is for a laptop. Does this matter?

TIA for any info!

Dawn

 

[simsaladimbamba]

An iMac needs C3-10600 DDR3 1333MHz SO-DIMM 204 Pin Memory, which looks like this:

This is DESKTOP RAM, this is LAPTOP/NOTEBOOK RAM.

 

[dstripling]

Thank you! I think I need to return the memory that I purchased. So what happens if you use the wrong memory? Will it just not be recognized, or will it cause damage?

 

[rWally]

Thank you! I think I need to return the memory that I purchased. So what happens if you use the wrong memory? Will it just not be recognized, or will it cause damage?

If you didn't purchase laptop sized memory it's likely that it won't even fit in your iMac. Don't try forcing it in otherwise you may damage it.

 

[simsaladimbamba]

Thank you! I think I need to return the memory that I purchased. So what happens if you use the wrong memory? Will it just not be recognized, or will it cause damage?

Just get the correct RAM I bolded.
If you get the wrong notebook RAM it will probably not be recognised. Be sure to get 204 pin RAM if you don't know what to get.
The correct RAM is:

10600 DDR3 1333MHz SO-DIMM 204 Pin Memory​