Recommended iMac 2011 RAM Upgrade

[Lionel Messi]

Hello,
My mom has the Mid-2011 21.5" iMac and she would like to upgrade her RAM as it is only 2x2GB (total 4GB). Max it can hold is 16GB, so I would like to know that since it has 4 slots, am I better off installing 4x4GB ($184) or 2x8GB ($160) from Crucial? Which would provide better performance?

Thanks!

 

[macthefork]

The 2011 iMac can actually use 32 GB RAM, although Apple specs say it will only take 16 GB. See OWC site for upgrade info.

Based on that, I would go for the 2 X 8GB from Crucial, then also use the original 2 X 2GB from Apple, giving you a total of 20GB.

I can verify that the 2011 iMac will indeed utilize 32 GB RAM since that is what I run in mine.

 

[Lionel Messi]

The 2011 iMac can actually use 32 GB RAM, although Apple specs say it will only take 16 GB. See OWC site for upgrade info.

Based on that, I would go for the 2 X 8GB from Crucial, then also use the original 2 X 2GB from Apple, giving you a total of 20GB.

I can verify that the 2011 iMac will indeed utilize 32 GB RAM since that is what I run in mine.

Thank you for your response. My mother doesn't need 16GB RAM but why not pay a little extra for future proof, but 32GB will be a waste simply because she does not use video/programming software and used the most basic apps. I'll simply go for the 2x8GB from Crucial as my 2010MBP runs wonderfully with a 2x4GB Crucial RAM and haven't had a single problem with it.

 

[toddzrx]

If you're interested in saving a lot more money, you might be able to find used RAM on Craigslist. I know it sounds fishy, but I put another 4GB (2x2GB sticks) in my 2010 iMac for only 20 bucks. It was just used RAM from other Mac computers (didn't ask how the guy got it; hope it wasn't stolen). Cheap upgrade; works like a champ.

 

[Lionel Messi]

If you're interested in saving a lot more money, you might be able to find used RAM on Craigslist. I know it sounds fishy, but I put another 4GB (2x2GB sticks) in my 2010 iMac for only 20 bucks. It was just used RAM from other Mac computers (didn't ask how the guy got it; hope it wasn't stolen). Cheap upgrade; works like a champ.

You got a point. I just found the exact RAM I want on Craigslist (and unused) for $90 but too bad I don't live in the US and stuff like this (selling used/unused RAM) is not readily available in my country. Gotta pay full-price unfortunately. Thanks for the suggestion though!