RAM upgrade question.

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3011?viewlocale=en_US&locale=en_US

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4621?viewlocale=en_US&locale=en_US

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3918

You MIGHT get better performance if you install pairs of equal-size modules. It varies from system to system, and a quick scan of the above URLs didn't reveal a definite answer to me.

Does Crucial offer any model-specific information about maximizing performance?

 

If you're usage is exceeding the amount of RAM you have no speed increase from pairing is going to help. Even if you have plenty the difference would most likely be indiscernible, and could be made up for by simply learning how to use programs more efficiently with keyboard shortcuts etc.

I would argue going with 2x 8GB sticks for 20GB would be the best option (this is what I'm planning to do myself) This not only gives you 4GB extra over the alternative but also easily allows you to replace the original 2x 2GB sticks with 8GBs later on for 32GB (and matched pairs).

 

For those still looking I just grabbed 32gig for $100 shipped.


16GB (2x8GB) G.Skill DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Laptop Memory (F3-1600C10D-16GSQ) $49.99 + Free ShippingProduct link.

DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800)
Cas Latency 10
1.5V
Dual Channel Kit



[newegg.com]
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...ction-_-cables-_-na-_-na&Item=N82E16820231582

 

If I remember correctly, the early 2012 Imac is only user upgradable to 16GB

 

Agreed, no need to spring for 32GB right now, since, realistically, you might not need >20GB for the time being. To determine if you do, open up Activity Monitor and keep an eye on the System Memory tab while you do your normal work on the computer. Look for two things:

1) How much free memory you have at any given time - if the "green" slice is consistently small even with 20GB, you can also try not having so many applications running...

2) Page outs - too high a number indicates the computer keeps running out of usable RAM and needs to write data out to the HDD. More RAM will definitely help relieve that.

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The Mid-2011 27-inch iMac unofficially supports up to 32GB (4x8GB). Apple specs say 16GB max (4x4GB), but don't believe everything you read on the interwebs