Upgrade memory in 2019 iMac...what size and kind?

[Chele]

Hi there. I have a 2019 27" iMac that I would like to upgrade the memory in. I'm very much a newbie to installing my own memory and I'm pretty clueless about this whole process. I've found instructions on how to do it and it seems relatively easy. However, I go to websites like Crucial and Amazon and just get super confused about what size GB and what kind of memory that I should order. Right now, it's just the standard 8gb and I'm thinking of adding a 32gb set and leaving the 8gb. I did read that Apple stock RAM and third party RAM doesn't seem to be playing nice in the 2020 iMac but I think that the 2019 doesn't have this problem? If it does, please let me know. I'll just take out the 8gb. Also, would 32gb be okay for me? I don't do anything heavy duty on my computer. Just word, email, website, zoom....that kind of thing. No big programs or even games.

Anyway...if someone could recommend the exact 32gb RAM that I need to buy from a reputable website (I'm in the US), then I'll gladly buy it and throw it in the computer.

Thanks so much!

 

[Cookie18]

For what you described 16GB should be more than sufficient. I’d recommend buying two 8GB modules and then if you ever did need to up it to 32GB you could do. You’d also be able to use 24GB total with the 8GB already in there. Again though, with what you described it’s very unlikely that you will need more than 16GB.

These work in your iMac: https://www.amazon.com/Crucial-PC4-21300-SODIMM-260-Pin-Memory/dp/B08C56KXQJ

I have used these in a bunch of Macs and they’re always great. Buy two for the 16GB I mentioned.

 

[wilberforce]

For 32GB (2x16GB) I suggest this:

Timetec 32GB KIT(2x16GB) Compatible for Apple DDR4 2666MHz / 2667MHz for Mid 2020 iMac (20,1/20,2) / Mid 2019 iMac (19,1) 27-inch w/Retina 5K, Late 2018 Mac Mini (8,1) PC4-21333 /PC4-21300 MAC RAM

Timetec – Memory of a lifetime Compatible with (But not Limited to): *Please click image for more compatible systems model Need to know if this part is compatible? Contact us with manufacturer and model information of your motherboard

www.amazon.com

or this:

Crucial 32GB Kit (16GBx2) DDR4 2666 MT/s (PC4-21300) CL19 DR x8 SODIMM 260-Pin for Mac - CT2K16G4S266M

CT2K16G4S266M is a 32GB Kit consisting of (2) 16GB Dual Ranked DDR4 SODIMM modules that operates at speeds up to 2666 MT/s and has a CL19 latency. It is an Unbuffered SODIMM. It conforms to the industry standard DDR4 SODIMM layout of 260 pins and is compatible with systems that take DDR4 2666MT/s...

www.amazon.com

I confirmed both work well.
16GB (2x8GB) combined with your 8GB (2x4GB) for total 24GB would also work well, I used this for many years with no issues.

Way better than only 8GB

 

[Chele]

Thank you both so much! This makes it so much easier. I'll probably order some this weekend. Hopefully the install goes smoothly.