My First Mac - iMac 27, Upgrade Question

threeputt · threeputt #1 (**permalink**)

11-14-2010, 08:02 PM

After my visit to the Apple Store today I have decided I am moving to the Mac platform. I am going to purchase the 27 inch i7 with the standard 4 Gig of memory but want to upgrade. My question is if I purchase another 2 X 4 Gig upgrade sticks to install myself will there be any issues with mixing the RAM? This option would be about the same price as having Apple install just an addition 4 Gig of memory.

Buzzard2010 · Buzzard2010 #2 (**permalink**)

11-14-2010, 08:17 PM

You should always try and keep matching Ram sticks, so if you were to buy a pair of matching 4gb sticks then there shouldn't be a problem

- Simon

threeputt · threeputt #3 (**permalink**)

11-14-2010, 08:21 PM

Simon,

Thank you, my plan would be to buy 2 X 4 Gig sticks from OWC/Mac Sales and just install them when I receive the iMac. Just to be clear, what I want to do is leave the original 2 X 2 Gig sticks in the machine and add the new 2 X 4 Gig sticks, is this doable??

This would give me 12 Gigs instead of the standard 4.

chas_m · chas_m #4 (**permalink**)

11-15-2010, 03:00 AM

As this helpful video shows, you can certainly do that as long as all the RAM is of the same type.

trademark · trademark #5 (**permalink**)

11-15-2010, 08:41 AM

You can mix and match the brands, cas latency and clock speed of the modules, but as long as you have matching total amounts of memory in either bank, you will still get dual channel memory. If you don't, it will still work, but you won't get dual channel bandwidth.

The memory controller will do all the downscaling of the clock speed itself.

Now as to why you would want dual channel bandwidth, it's just an unnecessary quality to have. In reality you won't notice any difference in everyday workflow, but you might as well do it.

tgolden82 · tgolden82 #6 (**permalink**)

11-15-2010, 10:33 PM

I would say either upgrade to 8gb or go all the way and get 16gb. Pretty cheap on OWC. I opted to just get 2x2gb as 16gb for me would be overkill.

threeputt · threeputt #7 (**permalink**)

11-16-2010, 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tgolden82

I would say either upgrade to 8gb or go all the way and get 16gb. Pretty cheap on OWC. I opted to just get 2x2gb as 16gb for me would be overkill.

I may do that but just wanted to give the 12 Gig version a try first to see how it performed. I talked with a tech rep at OWC last night and his comments were as on the board, they see no issue in doing what I am suggesting.

tgolden82 · tgolden82 #8 (**permalink**)

11-16-2010, 10:42 AM

Regardless you will love the 2.93 i7 (If you have not already bought one). I got one last week and it is so quick. Enjoy!

Buzzard2010 #2 (permalink)
Member Since: Oct 22, 2010 Location: Bakewell, UK Posts: 2,532 Mac Specs: iMac G3 800MHz :D \| PowerMac G4 \| MacBook Pro 15" 2.8GHz C2D 500GB HDD 4GB 9600M / 9600M GT 10.7.1	11-14-2010, 08:17 PM You should always try and keep matching Ram sticks, so if you were to buy a pair of matching 4gb sticks then there shouldn't be a problem - Simon Rest In Peace Steven Paul Jobs February 24, 1955 - October 5, 2011 [aged 56] If you have been helped, don't forget to use the Reputation system just above the post to the right. May 2011 Nominated: March 2011 & April 2011
	QUOTE Thanks

chas_m #4 (permalink)
Member Since: Jan 22, 2010 Location: Victoria, BC Posts: 13,696 Mac Specs: 2009 MacBook Pro, Black speakers, Black Benq second monitor, black iPhone 4, Black 2012 iPad, etc.	11-15-2010, 03:00 AM As this helpful video shows, you can certainly do that as long as all the RAM is of the same type. Cheers, chas_m -- My essay for switchers and newbies
	QUOTE Thanks

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threeputt #1 (permalink)
Member Since: Nov 07, 2010 Posts: 4	11-14-2010, 08:02 PM After my visit to the Apple Store today I have decided I am moving to the Mac platform. I am going to purchase the 27 inch i7 with the standard 4 Gig of memory but want to upgrade. My question is if I purchase another 2 X 4 Gig upgrade sticks to install myself will there be any issues with mixing the RAM? This option would be about the same price as having Apple install just an addition 4 Gig of memory.
	QUOTE Thanks

trademark #5 (permalink)
Member Since: Apr 17, 2007 Posts: 207 Mac Specs: i7 iMac; 8gb DDR3 ram; ati mobility 4850; 1tb seagate harddrive @7200rpm	11-15-2010, 08:41 AM You can mix and match the brands, cas latency and clock speed of the modules, but as long as you have matching total amounts of memory in either bank, you will still get dual channel memory. If you don't, it will still work, but you won't get dual channel bandwidth. The memory controller will do all the downscaling of the clock speed itself. Now as to why you would want dual channel bandwidth, it's just an unnecessary quality to have. In reality you won't notice any difference in everyday workflow, but you might as well do it.
	QUOTE Thanks

tgolden82 #6 (permalink)
Member Since: Oct 02, 2007 Posts: 9 Mac Specs: 2.93 i7 iMac 1TB HD 8GB RAM, Macbook, iPad 64gb Wifi+3G	11-15-2010, 10:33 PM I would say either upgrade to 8gb or go all the way and get 16gb. Pretty cheap on OWC. I opted to just get 2x2gb as 16gb for me would be overkill.
	QUOTE Thanks

tgolden82 #8 (permalink)
Member Since: Oct 02, 2007 Posts: 9 Mac Specs: 2.93 i7 iMac 1TB HD 8GB RAM, Macbook, iPad 64gb Wifi+3G	11-16-2010, 10:42 AM Regardless you will love the 2.93 i7 (If you have not already bought one). I got one last week and it is so quick. Enjoy!
	QUOTE Thanks

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