Is It Worthy To Add More Memory To Imac 21.5 2011

Upgrading the RAM in your Mac can provide a pregnant heave to performance, as well as equipping the machine to run enervating software in the hereafter.

On older models this is really a very simple procedure, and if you utilise third-party RAM from companies such equally Crucial you lot'll find the cost quite affordable also. Mod Macs are a different story, and there are plenty of pitfalls you demand to avoid – which is why we've put together this guide.

For more general communication on adding to your system's capabilities, see How to upgrade a Mac.

Should I update my RAM?

Random Admission Memory (RAM) is a temporary storage medium used by your Mac's CPU. Essentially, it'due south a brusque-lived storage space where data for processes is kept whilst you're running them. Your CPU can admission the data stored in RAM far faster than it can data held on a hard drive for example. This makes it vital to the smooth operation of your Mac.

So, is it a skillful thought to upgrade your RAM? Well, in many instances – yes. Put simply, RAM upgrades are one of the cheapest and easiest ways to go new life out of an onetime Mac. And for many models, the only tool you'll need is a pocket-size screwdriver. We accept a separate article all about how to tell how much RAM is in your Mac and whether yous demand more than.

Still, if your Mac is a newer models there may be no mode to upgrade the RAM, or it might exist theoretically possible, but risky.

Before upgrading your RAM consider whether there are other ways to solve your memory trouble. You might want to run through these tips well-nigh how to free upwards retention on your Mac.

There are also a number of risks associated with updating the RAM in your Mac, which we outline below:

one. You lot could damage your Mac

In that location is the chance that if you don't take proper antistatic precautions (which we will comprehend later) yous could damage the sensitive electronic components within your Mac. If you work carefully and follow the instructions you should be fine, only you undertake this piece of work at your own risk, and Macworld does not accept responsibility if you short your motherboard or suffer similar problems.

2. A RAM upgrade may void your warranty

Every bit a general dominion, RAM is deemed as a 'user serviceable' office and, as such, you won't invalidate your warranty by upgrading it.

However, in the example of many modern Macs – particularly Mac laptops – Apple might specify that the retentivity (RAM) is not removable by users and bespeak that if the RAM is to be updated it should be done by an Apple Authorized Service Provider.

With that in mind, it may exist worth checking the manual of your Mac for the term "user-serviceable" to confirm this. Of course if your Mac is out of warranty and so yous take no reason to worry about invalidating annihilation.

3. The RAM might not be accessible

In some Mac models the RAM is soldered into place (due east.yard. 21.5in iMac 2015) so information technology is impossible to upgrade, and if you lot tried y'all would probable impairment your Mac.

Do I need more RAM?

In that location are 2 other factors to consider before we yous consider updating the RAM in your Mac: how much do yous have and how much of that is your Mac using. We'll explain how to find out the answers to both of those questions below.

How much RAM do I take?

Today's Macs send with no less than 8GB RAM, in many cases y'all'll find 16GB RAM as standard. Information technology's been a long fourth dimension since Apple sold Macs with anything less than that, although if you have a MacBook Air from 2015,  or a Mac mini from 2014, you may simply accept 4GB RAM. Even older Macs will ship with even less RAM than that. On the other hand, iMacs and MacBook Pro units have offered 8GB or more for much longer.

The first footstep volition be to find out how much RAM you have within your Mac. Information technology's easy to detect out.

1. Click on the Apple tree in menu at the top of your screen.
2. Click on Near This Mac.
3. Click on System Report.
4. In the Hardware overview look for the Memory section. It will tell you how much yous have.
5. For more information click on Memory in the column on the left.

How much RAM am I using?

The next stride information technology to detect out how much of this RAM your Mac is using at peak usage. This is the best way to find out if yous need more RAM.

1. Open up your Mac's Activeness Monitor past pressing Command+Infinite and typing Action.
2. Select the Memory tab.
3. Look in the section at the lesser for Retentivity Used.

As you can see from the screenshot above, we accept 8GB RAM and are using 6.5GB, just we're non doing anything particularly taxing right now. If we started video editing or something equally power hungry nosotros might see a different story.

Tin I add RAM to my Mac?

Having estabilished that some extra RAM may help your Mac the side by side large question to answer is whether you will actually be able to add together RAM to your Mac. In some cases the RAM in a Mac is user upgradable, in other cases it is possible to go it upgraded by a service eye, and in some cases (unfortunately) it is not possible to update the RAM at all.

The biggest trouble is that on some models, especially MacBooks, the RAM is soldered on – making removal near impossible and chancy to your computer. It may be possible to upgrade the RAM on these models, but it's a risky business.

We'll become into more item virtually how to add RAM to diverse Mac models below. But in summary, you tin add RAM to the post-obit Macs:

• MacBook: Merely the 2008 to 2011 models.
• MacBook Pro: 2009-2012 13in, 2008-2012 15in, and whatsoever 17in model can be updated. If you MacBook Pro has a Retina display the RAM can't be updated.
• MacBook Air: You can't update the RAM in any MacBook Air models.
• iMac: The RAM can be updated in the majority of iMacs, with a couple of exceptions: the 21.5in models from Mid-2014 and Late 2015 had their RAM soldered into identify.
• Mac mini: 2010 – 2012 models tin be updated, as can the 2018 Mac mini.
• Mac Pro: You can add RAM to any model.
• iMac Pro: RAM isn't user-accessible. If the retention in your iMac Pro needs to be replaced, Apple tree suggests you contact an Apple Shop or Apple tree Authorized Service Provider.

How much RAM do I need?

Hopefully you accept institute out that the RAM in your Mac is upgradable. In that case you might exist wondering how much to get.

As a rule of thumb, 16GB is probably the almost that anyone who's not into video editing or running multiple virtual machines will need. But this is for today – a ameliorate question, perhaps, would be how much will yous demand years from at present?

The basic principle behind Mac future-proofing is making your current hardware powerful enough to bargain with the inevitable increase of software demands over the next few years. And it's always better have a lilliputian more than yous need rather than less.

Our advice would be to e'er bear this in mind when y'all are ownership a new Mac. In that location are diverse build-to-order options when y'all purchase a new Mac from Apple, and you should become as much RAM every bit yous can afford.

What RAM is uniform with your Mac?

This is the side by side challenge. Non all RAM is the same. Before you upgrade, you need to find out what kind of RAM is compatible with your Mac.

Not-upgradeable soldered RAM

As nosotros said higher up, some Macs, particularly MacBooks, have RAM that is soldered on, which means it is incommunicable to remove it and if you try you could impairment your figurer. In these models yous really want to purchase every bit much equally possible at the point of buy to 'hereafter proof' yourself.

Theoretically it's possible to upgrade soldered RAM, but it is an extremely hard process that tin can very likely result in the irreversible destruction of your Mac – and we certainly wouldn't recommend it. You can see REWA Technology upgrade the RAM in a 2015 MacBook Air in this video.

Types of RAM

Now, assuming your Mac's RAM is upgradable, at that place are a number of technical figures used in the description of RAM, two master pieces of information you demand are the 'double data rate' multifariousness (i.e. DDR3), and the frequency (i.e.1600 MHz). It tin also aid to know your Mac'due south Model Identifier (i.e. 'MacPro6,i')

If in uncertainty, ask: If you're even a little unsure before purchasing, ask your potential RAM vendor to confirm that the components in question are compatible with your Mac. That way you're covered.

The first and probably simplest method is to use 'About This Mac'.

1. Click the Apple logo at the top left corner, and choose 'About This Mac'
2. Look at the effigy given for memory in the 'Overview' tab (eastward.g. 1866 MHz DDR3). This volition tell you the kind of RAM you need
3. Then click on System Rport.
4. At present click on 'Memory' in the lefthand column. It will tell y'all how many retentiveness slots you accept bachelor, and how they are existence used.
5. You'll also be able to see if the memory is upgradable – in the instance of the MacBook Pro above it'southward not.

An alternative method of identifying the correct type of RAM is to use Crucial's complimentary scanner. You will demand to download the tool and and so become to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > General > Click on Open Anyway to open up the tool.

The Crucial tool volition and so browse your estimator and let y'all know whether your Mac is upgradable, and if it isn't. If the RAM is upgradable it will straight y'all to RAM you lot could purchase.

Where to buy RAM

In addition to Crucial in that location are lots of ways to purchase RAM. Continue in heed the general rule: cheaper = riskier.

Method ane: Direct from Apple (most expensive)

You lot can buy your RAM directly from Apple. It is unremarkably the most expensive option by far and, because that there are compatible aftermarket versions that work simply also, and are cheaper – it is not our recommended option.

Apple hasn't currently got a RAM department in its store, so your all-time bet may be to become to Apple UK or Apple United states and run a search for 16GB RAM or 32GB RAM, depending on how much you want to buy.

At time of writing the visitor sells the following RAM modules:

• 16GB DDR4 2400MHz SO-DIMM (2x8GB) – £360 (UK store) or $400 (United states store). This is uniform with the 27in iMac (mid 2017)
• 16GB DDR4 2666MHz And then-DIMM (2x8GB) – £360 (UK shop) or $400 (US store). This is compatible with the Mac mini (2018)
• 32GB DDR4 2666MHz SO-DIMM (2x16GB) – £720 (UK shop) or $800 (US store). This is uniform with the Mac mini (2018)
• 64GB 64GB DDR4 2666MHz And then-DIMMS (2x32GB) –  £one,080 (Britain shop) or $ane,200 (Us store). This is uniform with the Mac mini (2018)

If you read the description of each production, you'll notice that the company doesn't always tell you which Macs the RAM in question is compatible with (usually it does this only if information technology's for a current Mac). So be very conscientious about ensuring it'due south the right kind of RAM earlier buying.

As we said above, y'all are all-time off buying your RAM at the point that you buy your Mac, as information technology volition be built-to-order with the RAM you require installed.

Method 2: Reputable aftermarket supplier (less expensive)

This is our recommended arroyo: buying your RAM through a reputable aftermarket supplier. There are plenty of places to buy RAM online, but, as with most things, established and reputable companies with warranties and return policies are your best bet.

In the world of aftermarket Apple tree hardware, a few names accept stood the test of fourth dimension. MacUpgrades, Crucial and OWC (via Megamac) are three of our favourites.

Method 3: Certified refurbished (cheaper nevertheless, simply shorter warranty)

RAM refurbished past Apple tree or another (presumably Apple tree canonical) company is often referred to equally 'certified'. Refurbished RAM is much less mutual than, say, refurbished Macs, just it does be. Certified refurbished is often backed with a warranty, though this is often shorter than Apple's warranty.

Method 4: Secondhand (least expensive past far, but riskiest)

We don't recommend this. Done right, this is unremarkably the cheapest method. It's likewise the one about fraught with adventure, as there is often no warranty – and no returns. You lot could salvage hundreds, or you could cease up wasting money on something that doesn't work. Caveat emptor.

At that place are enough of places to purchase secondhand – but when it comes to choice, eBay is probably the undisputed champion. Yous could besides try AliExpress (which too has a lot of choice), eBid or Gumtree.

What to do before replacing your RAM

Although RAM upgrades are simple (equally far as upgrades get) at that place are still some basic precautions that you should take when handling sensitive electronics and accessing the within of your Mac.

The aim hither is to foreclose whatever damage caused by static electricity. This can occur when you touch an object which conducts electricity at a different electrical charge to you (yes, you deport electricity likewise).

• First, shut downwards your Mac and await at least 10 minutes for the internal components to cool.
• Make sure that you continue your RAM in its antistatic packaging right upwardly until you need it. When you're ready to starting time, bear upon an unpainted metal surface in your reckoner to discharge any static in your body. Try to ensure that your workplace is every bit static gratuitous equally possible, remove whatsoever plastic bags or other objects that tin can cause static build upwards.
• Keep your Mac plugged in, merely turned off. This can help ensure that the case is grounded – which reduces the gamble of any discharge. The particularly hardcore may consider using an antistatic wrist or heel strap to really minimise charge build upwardly – simply this isn't essential.
• When mounting your RAM, ensure that the small notch cut into the front end facing gold contacts matches up with the protrusion in the receiving bay. Mounted correctly, it will slot in, jigsaw-like – if mounted the wrong way, the protrusion volition forestall the RAM from fully connecting.

How to upgrade MacBook Pro RAM

After the inflow of the Retina display, upgrading your Mac laptop, be information technology MacBook, MacBook Air or MacBook Pro became nearly impossible. If that's the Mac you own then the upgrade volition be tricky or, more likely, impossible.

Even so, if your MacBook Pro was originally purchased prior to 2012 then you should be able to update the RAM.

A more all-encompassing listing of upgradable MacBooks would exist:

• MacBook: Only the 2008 to 2011 models.
• MacBook Pro: 2009-2012 13in, 2008-2012 15in, and any 17in model can be updated.

Models produced prior to 2012 are relatively straightforward to update, though there are some obvious structural differences in the design of the Air, Pro and original MacBook.

MacBook Pro RAM update

If your MacBook Pro is from 2009 to 2012 the following guide should apply to yous:

1. Shut down your Mac, unplug it and look a while to make certain all the components are cool.
2. Remove the bottom part of the case while keeping track of all the screws (there are 10 screws of unlike lengths, so it's worth sticking them to an A4 sheet of newspaper in the correct locations).

3. Before moving on yous should bear on something metallic to discharge any static electricity yous have picked up.

4. You should be able to see the existing RAM. Remove this by pushing the levers on either side. Earlier lifting out the retentiveness locate the notches – if you tin't discover them press out the levers again. Elevator out the memory (hold information technology by the sides and be conscientious non to touch the gold connectors).
5. To insert the new RAM alligh the notch on the module with the notch in the memory slot – yous need to have the gilt side upwardly. Push the retentivity in.
6. Push down on the memory to click it into identify.
7. Now supervene upon the bottom of the case using your carefully labled screws (y'all did go along track of them right!)

Looking for instructions for a different model? Take a look at our Mac upgrade guide.

How to upgrade Mac mini RA1000

Upwardly until late 2014 the Mac mini was a very easy device to upgrade yourself. Only unscrew the plastic base and at that place were 2 pop-up RAM slots into which yous could place new chips. If yous take one of these models then it'southward probably fitted with 4GB of RAM, as that was the standard Apple issue.

Sadly the 2014 Mac mini removed the transmission upgrade feature of its predecessore. Information technology was merely possible to upgrade at point of sale, otherwise it came with 4GB fitted, which tin be increased to either 8GB for £xc/$100 or 16GB for £270/$300. The 2 higher models both come with 8GB of RAM, which over again tin can be increased to 16GB.

In the years that followed the Mac mini was not 'RAM upgrade friendly' with quite a lot of variation in the internal layout of the various models, which meant that some require more disassembly than others. At that place is sometimes the need to unplug components on the logic lath, which can end badly if you're not careful.

Thankfully, when Apple updated the Mac mini in 2018 changes were made that made it more upgradable – although Apple indicates that the upgrade should be washed past ab Authorised Service Provider (that won't stop savvy upgraders though). That machine tin accomodate up to 64GB RAM.

Here's a list of upgradable Mac minis:

• 2018 Mac mini – not officially user-upgradable, simply you lot can get the memory updated by an Authorised Service Provider.
• 2010-2012 Mac mini – user upgradable.

Today on memory chip retailer Crucial'south website you can buy an 8GB kit for £59.99 or 16GB kit for £91.19, (both for the 2012 genertion Mac mini) or a 16GB kit for £92.39 and a 32GB kit for £179.99 (for the 2018 Mac mini).

Depending on the model yous're working with, it's likely that you'll need some kind of apartment implement to go the top cover off (blunt, not sharp). Don't let that stop yous, though – our colleagues in the U.s. managed to do information technology in a mere half-dozen minutes, just it was a very old Mac mini model.

Mac mini RAM update

If you have a model from 2010 to 2012 the following steps should utilise to you:

1. Kickoff by turning off the Mac mini and disconnect information technology from power.
2. Lay your Mac mini upside down so yous can see the bottom embrace. Rotate the cover anticlockwise to unlock information technology.
3. Pressing the cover should crusade information technology to pop out.
4. Remove the existing memory – you'll need to push out the clips at either terminate of the retention before you can pull the memory out.
5. You tin can now install the new memory.
6. Replace the embrace – you need to match upwardly the dots before you lot can spiral it back into the locked position.

Trying to upgrade the RAM on a dissimilar model to this? We may have you covered in our Mac upgrade guide.

How to upgrade iMac RAM

Upgrading an iMac's RAM is, at least in the case of the 27in model, easier than upgrading its other components – every bit information technology doesn't more often than not involve removing the screen.

Information technology is a lot easier to upgrade the RAM in a 27in iMac than in the 21.5in iMac because the 27in model has a convenient memory access door, located centre below the screen – where RAM tin can be accessed (as per our image below). In that instance updating the RAM is uncomplicated, yous just need to brand sure you purchase the correct RAM and y'all are all prepare.

All the same, the RAM in the 21.5in iMac can exist a piddling more than tricky to update, and in some generations (namely the Mid-2014 and  Belatedly 2015 models) it's impossible to update due to beingness soldered into place.

Thankfully, Apple's stopped soldering RAM in place in recent years. At present even 21.5in iMacs can be upgraded, but it'southward a challenge best left to an Apple Authorized Service Provider.

Here's our list of upgradable iMacs:

• 27in iMac: The RAM can be updated.
• 21.5in iMac: The RAM can be updated in the majority of 21.5in iMacs, with a couple of exceptions: the Mid-2014 and Tardily 2015 21.5in models had their RAM soldered into place.
• iMac Pro: RAM isn't user-accessible. If the memory in your iMac Pro needs to be replaced, Apple tree suggests yous contact an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider.

27in iMac RAM update

In this instance we update the RAM in a 27in iMac. It's a pretty easy procedure.

1. Place the iMac flatscreen downwards on something soft (such as a towel or blanket) to protect the screen.
2. Press the pocket-sized push at the meridian of the ability socket, and pick out the memory hatch door higher up it. This is quite possible to exercise using just your fingers.
3. Try to avoid using something to help lever the door open as yous might scratch your Mac. Get someone with longer, strong fingernails if that helps. You actually don't need much pressure to open this door.

   

4. You'll now encounter the two 4GB retentivity DIMMs that Apple ships equally standard with its iMacs. The company illustrates how the RAM should be fitted on the back of the retentiveness hatch door.

   

5. At present pull out the little artillery to heighten the iMac RAM slots.
6. Add your two new DIMMs in the empty slots. There's no need to remove the existing memory chips, unless you lot're adding four new 8GB DIMMs for the maximum 32GB memory installation.

   

7. Press back the minor levers so that the DIMMs are back flat.

   

8. Put the door back on so that it clicks back into place. You don't need long fingernails for this!

Looking for instructions for a different model? Take a look at our Mac upgrade guide.

21.5in iMac RAM update

In this example we update the RAM in the mid 21.5in iMac from 2010. As we mentioned above, the RAM in the 21.5in iMac between Mid-2014 and Late 2015 wasn't upgradable.

Every bit long as you aren't updating a 2014/2015 model, the process should be like to that outlined below.

1. Lay your iMac face downward on a clean, soft surface. We recommend that you place a towel below your Mac and your work surface – you don't want to scratch your screen.
2. Discover the RAM access door at the bottom of your Mac. Loosen the three screws that secure it, they should remain inside the access door, so remove the door.

   

3. Advisedly slide the black RAM pull tab out of the slot.
4. Firmly push this tab to squirt the module on this side of the RAM bay.
5. Slide the RAM module out of its slot in the bay, and set aside. Repeat this procedure to remove RAM modules from other bays.
6. Ensure that replacement RAM modules are correctly oriented, and and so gently slide them into the iMac. Make sure they're mounted by using your thumb.

How to upgrade iMac Pro RAM

Information technology might look similar the same exterior design in most respects, but the iMac Pro hasn't got the same user-accessible hatch every bit the iMac, so you can't upgrade its RAM yourself.

The good news is that you lot can get the RAM upgraded, you simply need to become to a service eye and ask them to upgrade information technology for yous. Rene Ritchie says this doesn't need to exist an Apple Shop – it can be an contained outlet.

Yes. Whatever service middle, Apple or indie, tin upgrade the RAM on iMac Pro post-purchase. https://t.co/4JIRCSsu5H

— Rene Ritchie (@reneritchie) December 14, 2017

How to upgrade Mac Pro RAM

The Mac Pro used to be is Apple's near 'upgrade-friendly' product. Even the 2013 Mac Pro had a retentiveness bay, although it is somewhat fiddly to access.

The RAM inside Apple tree's new Mac Pro that launched at the stop of 2019 is also user upgradable.

Mac Pro (2013) RAM update

It's worth begetting in mind that the memory latches are not very sturdy and prone to bending if y'all're not conscientious. OWC provides a 'nylon pry tool' (AKA "Spudger") for only this, just it'due south not entirely necessary – a little gentleness and a little patience go a long way.

Apple provides an illustrated guide for memory upgrades: only click Apple tree > About this Mac, and and so click the Memory tab and and so the Memory Upgrade Instructions link.

1. Slide the lock switch right, to the unlocked position, and so slide the outer instance upwards and off the Mac Pro.
2. Push the RAM release tab up (in the management of the white arrow). This volition cause the RAM slots to release outwards, and let you admission to the modules.

   

3. Gently, just firmly, grasp the top and bottom of the RAM module and pull it out of the slot.
4. To install the new module(south) ensure that it is oriented correctly, and then push the ram into the slot, brand certain that yous apply pressure to the top and the bottom of the fleck, to ensure that it is fully mounted.

   

5. Push the tray back into the body of the Mac Pro and and then replace and lock the case.

Mac Pro Tower (pre 2012) RAM update

1. Lift the locking lever on the dorsum of the example to unlock the side console, and then remove the side panel.
2. Locate the RAM tray at the bottom corner of the Mac Pro.

   

3. Simultaneously push downwardly on the ejectors on each side of the RAM stick; this should cause the RAM to release. So advisedly lift the stick out.

   

4. Ensure that the new stick is properly oriented, and so carefully push the stick down into the bay with both easily, ensuring that you put some pressure on both ends of the stick. You should hear a click as the ejectors lock the stick in. Make sure both ejectors are secured.

What to do after replacing your RAM

Once you lot've completed your upgrade, it'southward a rubber bet to run a memory test on your new modules – to ensure that everything really works.

Why? Often it'south non obvious if a piece of RAM is not up to par. Occasionally a defective chip volition make its fashion through the manufacturer's quality tests – and a retentiveness test tin can aid you lot foreclose problems earlier you showtime to experience crashes and similar calamities.

Recommended: Memtest

Ane of the well-nigh popular pieces of software for this is Memtest, which is available free from here.

It'south easy to use. First, download the project folder as a zip.

Then unzip it, and run the Memtest unix executable.

The software will run on a test sequence in a last window. Close as many applications every bit possible before running the exam – this gives Memtest every bit much RAM as possible to work with.

Voila.

Some alternatives

If for some reason Memtest is non for you lot, there are a number of alternatives in the App Store – search for 'Retention Test' software, but cheque the reviews first. We've not tested whatever of them and tin only vouch for Memtest.

You tin also utilize your Mac'due south inbuilt memory tests. Restart or kicking up your Mac, and concur D whilst information technology boots – this should take you to the diagnostics screen. What actually comes up at this point volition depend upon your Os, just somewhere in the options should be a department called 'Hardware Tests' – in which you'll find the pick to test your memory.

Is It Worthy To Add More Memory To Imac 21.5 2011,

Source: https://www.macworld.com/article/670836/how-to-upgrade-ram-in-a-mac.html

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