iMac memory

Hello

My friend has a 27 inch iMac (2010)
It came with 4GB memory. She recently added another 4GB to it - so, now it has 8GB memory.

According to the Crucial scanning tool, it can take 16GB, so she is now thinking of putting 8GB memory into the remaining empty slot (it has 4 memory slots). This will max it out at 16GB.

My question is: Is this okay? Does it matter that the 16Gb is not made up of 4 x 4GB cards, but 2 x 2GB, 1 x 4GB, and 1 x 8GB?
I'm thinking it shouldn't make much difference - 16GB is 16GB regardless? Or is that wrong?

I'd be interested to hear the opinion of the experts.

Many thanks, CB

Oops! Just been on the Crucial website and realised that the 8GB on offer is a 2 x 4GB kit, not a single 8GB stick as I'd imagined.

So, a 4GB stick would make 12GB total, but still with a mix of sizes (2 x 2GB, 2 x 4GB)

My question about the mixed sizes of individual sticks still stands - but my friend isn't keen on spending so much money to max it up to 16GB, by buying 3 more 4GB sticks!

Thanks, CB

cowbrain said:

My friend has a 27 inch iMac (2010)

Click to expand...

Which 2010 27" iMac model is this? It makes a difference.

And yes...it does make a difference. If the actual max RAM for this iMac is 16gig...you CANNOT use 8gig sticks of RAM.

But please tell us what exact model it is.

- Nick

pigoo3 said:

Which 2010 27" iMac model is this? It makes a difference.

- Nick

Click to expand...

Hi Nick,

Ah. Not sure. I've just left her flat this morning and I won't see her again until the weekend.
I'll get in touch with her and ask for the specs - or I'll check it on the weekend, whichever happens first.

Thanks for reply, CB

The 2010 27" iMac's came with either an i3, i5, or i7 CPU.

- If this 2010 27" iMac has an "i3" CPU...then max RAM = 16gig.
- If this 2010 27" iMac has an "i5" or "i7" CPU...then max RAM = 32gig.

8gig sticks of RAM cannot be used with the "i3" model. But can be used with the "i5" and "i7" models.

To find this CPU info...just need to choose "About This Mac" under the Apple menu.

- Nick

I would run with 4x4GB of matched pairs.

Thanks, Nick.

Yes, it's an i3 model, so we're going for an extra 4GB stick to put into the empty slot, for the moment.
Thanks for your help, always appreciated.

Thanks harryb2448. I agree, that'd be the preferred option. But finances are so tight, just now, that it's just getting the extra 4GB.

Thanks again.
Best wishes, CB