How do you choose a RAM module for your Apple iMac?
Choose RAM for the Apple iMac
Before you choose RAM for your Apple iMac, it's important to ask yourself a couple of questions. To help you on your way, we'll list the most important ones for you:
- Which iMac model do you have?
- What's the build year of your iMac?
- Which RAM fits in your Apple iMac?
- How much RAM do you need?
Which iMac model do you have?
Before you choose new RAM for your iMac, it's important to know which iMac you have. Open the start menu by clicking the Apple logo at the top left and go to 'About this Mac'. You'll find the serial number here. Don't you have this option? Check the serial number at the bottom of the iMac. This serial number determines whether the RAM of your iMac is expandable or replaceable. This is the case for most iMac models, but there are a couple of exceptions:
- iMac 24 inches M1 (2021)
- iMac 21.5 inches Retina 4K (2017 & 2019)
- iMac 21.5 inches (2017)
- iMac 21.5 inches (Late 2015/Late 2015)
- iMac 21.5 inches (Mid 2014/Mid 2014)
- iMac 21.5 inches (Late 2013/Late 2013)
- iMac 21.5 inches (Late 2012/Late 2012)
What's the build year of your iMac?
Now that you know whether your iMac has an expandable or replaceable RAM, it's important to choose RAM memory with the same build year. RAM for iMac from 2019 doesn't work in an iMac from 2013. The build year largely depends on the motherboard in the iMac. This determines the type of DDR, the maximum gigabytes, and the clock speed of your RAM. That's why you should always choose the same RAM as the one you see in 'About this Mac'.
Which RAM fits in your Apple iMac?
An Apple iMac only works together with SODIMM RAM. Common brands like Crucial and Corsair have developed special Apple SODIMM RAM. That way, you'll be sure these RAM modules are suitable for your iMac. As said before, keep the build year of your iMac in mind so you won't make the wrong decision. The clock speed of a 27-inch iMac Retina 5K from 2017 is 2400MHz, while the one of a 2019 model is 2666MHz. Click the following link to get an overview of all the RAM in iMac up until 2006.
How much RAM do you need?
The amount of RAM that you need is being determined by the usage situation of your iMac and the build year. Most modern, 27-inch iMac models from build year 2012 up until 2017 have room for up to 32GB of RAM. The older models from before 2012 with a smaller size like 21 to 17 inches offer room for up to 4 to 8GB. The compatibility list by Apple also indicates the maximum RAM for your iMac.
