Upgrading Memory on my Late 201 iMac

[ravinder08]

I have a late 2012 iMac 27"with an 3.4 GHz Intel Core i7 processor, I've been getting message that I don't have enough memory and to force quit apps. The iMac has the standard 8GB fitted 2X4GB Modules. My question is should I get another 2X4GB modules or do I just add 1X8GB Module, not sure if it makes any difference 2X4GB Modules compared to 1 8GB

 

[nambuccaheadsau]

Go with another two 4GB modules.

 

[ravinder08]

Go with another two 4GB modules.

The reasoning?

 

[smirking]

The reasoning?

I don't know if it's true for iMacs, but for the MacPro's of that vintage, it was always advised that you buy your memory in matching sets to get the maximum performance out of your memory. It ran slower on non-matching pairs so if you already had one 8GB module, you'd want that single 8GB module to pair with your existing one. Since you have two 4GB modules, getting another 4GB pair would be best.

 

[MjWoNeR]

The memory on the 27” iMac is dual channel.
Adding just one 8GB stick will be both more expensive than 2x4GB and the memory will be used in single channel mode.

Just add 2x4GB RAM with the same specs.

 

[nambuccaheadsau]

Speed brother ravinder, speed.

 

[ravinder08]

Thanks for all the replies will be ordering 2X4GB modules

 

[T'hain Esh Kelch]

Unless you do specific heavy number crunching, you won't feel a difference in speed between 2x4 or 1x8. Just pick the cheapest.