iMac Configuration questions? RAM RAM RAM

[Gabeascarl]

Hello!

I am looking to buy a 27' 5k iMac. I already plan to boost the processor to the 4.0 GHz i7 with 4.2GHz turbo speed.

I have done a little research and noticed that I can buy extra RAM for so much cheaper from a 3rd party. I work for a company with a small discount on apple, so prices may differ from what you see online.

For example:
Apple Default is 4GB x 2 ram sticks. Total of 8GB.
Apple Upgrade: 8GB x 2 ram sticks is $188. 16 total GB for $188.
Crucial or OWC: 4GB x 2 ram sticks is around $60. 16 total GB (Apple default + two 4GB sticks) for $60.

My questions:
1. Is it sketchy going through a 3rd party to buy RAM? If not, which do you suggest and why?
2. I want to run Photoshop, Xcode, youtube, and Spotify, while having a second monitor plugged in all at once. Is 8 or 16 GB enough RAM?

Thank you so much!

 

[pigoo3]

1. Is it sketchy going through a 3rd party to buy RAM? If not, which do you suggest and why?

If you purchase from a reliable 3rd party place...no problems. Well established business's...with lifetime warranty's. Two places are Crucial.com and OWC (macsales.com)...which you mentioned. If you purchase from someone on eBay or Amazon...you could have more variable results.

2. I want to run Photoshop, Xcode, youtube, and Spotify, while having a second monitor plugged in all at once. Is 8 or 16 GB enough RAM?

These days I would not purchase a new computer with less than 8gig of RAM (don't even think Apple offers a new computer with less than 8gig of RAM). As far as using apps like Photoshop (or other Adobe apps)...16gig would be my minimum.

If you're purchasing a top of the line iMac with the specs you mentioned...the cost of extra RAM is "small potatoes" compared to the purchase price of the iMac! If you purchase a new 27" iMac with 8gig of RAM (4 RAM slots)...two of them will be unoccupied. Thus you could purchase a 16gig of RAM (2 x 8gig) upgrade now (about $110 US dollars)...which would give you a total of 24gig of RAM (leave original RAM in the computer).

Then if you need more RAM later...you could purchase another 16gig RAM upgrade (or more)...giving you 32gig of RAM (or more if you purchase a bigger upgrade).

Spending this much money on a new top of the line iMac...the cost of extra RAM shouldn't even be a consideration...just get it! But not necessarily from Apple...if the 3rd party places I mentioned above are less expensive. RAM upgrades from Apple have always been more than 3rd party sources.

Of course with computers like new MacBook Pro's (where the RAM is soldered to the logic board)...we MUST get the RAM upgrade from Apple at the time of purchase.

- Nick

 

[harryb2448]

I don't purchase a new machine unless it has 16GB memory for doing newsletters and graphics. Strongly suggest avoiding 3rd part memory and buy RAM needs from OWC. Macs are extremely fussy about memory and precise specifications.

 

[Gabeascarl]

Strongly suggest avoiding 3rd part memory and buy RAM needs from OWC. Macs are extremely fussy about memory and precise specifications.

Do you mean, I should avoid buying RAM from any 3rd party, including OWV? Implying I should purchase the RAM through Apple at the time of my purchase? Or do you mean I should avoid all 3rd parties, EXCLUDING OWC?

Thanks!

 

[pigoo3]

OWC and Crucial...both places highly recommended.

- Nick

 

[Gabeascarl]

OWC and Crucial...both places highly recommended.

- Nick

Thank you very much

 

[LexS]

OWC are good suppliers.
first find out how to put it in !
the most efficient speed pusher is an SSD instead of a HDD

 

[Slydude]

I have a 27" late 2015 iMac originally purchased with 8 GB of ram. Back in the summer I purchased an additional 8 GB from OWC at a ridiculously low price because it was one of their specials. I have had no problems whatsoever. The videos explaining the installation process are very thorough.

 

[harryb2448]

By 3rd parties I meant suppliers not Mac specialists as are Crucial and OWC (macsales.com). PC shops, eBay vendors etc.

 

[Gabeascarl]

Thank you very much!